Leo Express Set to Launch a New Prague–Munich Rail Service in December 2026 Connecting Major Cities Across the Czech Republic and Germany

Published on
March 29, 2026

Image generated with Ai

Leo Express is preparing to transform cross-border travel in Central Europe with the launch of its new Prague–Munich rail service in December 2026. By connecting major cities across the Czech Republic and Germany, the service aims to provide a faster, more convenient, and environmentally friendly alternative to road and air travel. With frequent departures and coordinated operations on both sides of the border, the route is designed to meet growing demand for seamless international connections, strengthen business and tourism links, and make train travel a practical choice for commuters and leisure travelers alike.

The service will operate under the EX36 contract, awarded by the Czech Ministry of Transport, which will remain in place until 2031. Covering the 439-kilometer Prague–Pilsen–Munich corridor, the new line is expected to meet growing demand for international rail travel, connecting major economic, cultural, and tourism centers along the way.

Once the service begins, passengers can expect eight daily departures, running at roughly two-hour intervals. This frequency is designed to provide flexibility for both business commuters and leisure travelers, ensuring that there are plenty of options for same-day trips or weekend getaways. Leo Express secured the contract with a bid of 427 million CZK, the lowest among competing offers, reflecting both competitive pricing and confidence in the company’s ability to manage the service efficiently.

Operational responsibilities will be divided between the Czech Republic and Germany. Leo Express will oversee the domestic portion of the route, while operations within Bavaria will be coordinated with a local operator under a contract with German authorities. This collaborative approach is intended to guarantee seamless service across the border, maintaining consistent standards and reliability throughout the journey.

The new Prague–Munich line represents an important step in the region’s broader efforts to improve sustainable and integrated transport. Rail travel offers a lower-carbon alternative to flights and long car trips, while also connecting city centers directly without the need for additional transfers. By providing frequent and reliable service, Leo Express aims to make train travel a practical and attractive choice for travelers in Central Europe.

In addition to the Prague–Munich launch, Leo Express is expanding its international network further. A new route starting in June will link Prague with several key cities in Poland and Germany, including Kraków, Dresden, Leipzig, Erfurt, and Frankfurt Airport. This expansion will enhance regional mobility, allowing passengers to travel across borders with greater ease while connecting major business and tourism hubs.

The introduction of these services reflects a broader trend in European rail development, focusing on interconnected networks that span multiple countries. Coordinated cross-border operations not only reduce travel times and improve convenience, but they also support efforts to encourage more sustainable modes of transport by making trains a viable alternative to short-haul flights.

For travelers, the benefits of the Prague–Munich route will be immediate. Higher frequency, reliable service, and smooth cross-border coordination will make it easier to plan trips for work or leisure. Tourists, in particular, will gain easier access to both regions’ cultural and historic sites without the need for long drives or multiple flights.

As the launch date approaches, preparations are underway to ensure everything runs smoothly. Infrastructure readiness, timetabling, and operational coordination between Czech and Bavarian partners will be crucial to providing a consistent, high-quality travel experience. Leo Express aims to deliver a service that meets modern expectations for comfort, efficiency, and convenience.

Leo Express will launch a new Prague–Munich rail service in December 2026, connecting major cities across the Czech Republic and Germany with frequent, convenient, and eco-friendly cross-border travel.

Overall, the Prague–Munich route positions Leo Express as a growing force in Central Europe’s rail market. By combining frequent service, cross-border cooperation, and integration with other international routes, the company is helping to reshape regional travel while supporting broader goals of sustainability and connectivity. With these developments, the operator is set to become a key player in providing seamless rail links across major European cities, meeting the needs of both daily commuters and international travelers alike.