British holidaymakers looking to travel around Europe more sustainably will gain a new direct rail link from May 2026, when Prague, Copenhagen and Berlin become connected by a single service.
The route will be operated jointly by Deutsche Bahn (DB), Danish railways (DSB) and Czech railways (ČD).
Services will begin on May 1, 2026, following the completion of major infrastructure work on the Berlin-Hamburg line.
The service will operate two daily connections in each direction throughout the year, with journey times of seven hours between Copenhagen and Berlin and eleven hours between Copenhagen and Prague. Additional stops will include Dresden and Hamburg in Germany.
GETTY | New routes will go to CopenhagenA seasonal overnight service will also run, extending the existing summer night train between Hamburg and Copenhagen to Prague via Berlin and Dresden.
The route will use ČD's ComfortJet trains, capable of speeds up to 230 kilometres per hour and accommodating 555 passengers.
The trains feature 99 first-class seats, an onboard restaurant, Wi-Fi, radio frequency-transparent windows, a children's cinema and adjustable seating. Twelve bicycle spaces and wheelchair lifts ensure accessibility for all travellers.
DB board member for long distance passenger transport, Michael Peterson, said: "Rail is bringing Europe closer and closer together. Journey times of over four hours are popular with our passengers in international long-distance transport, and we are offering additional attractive services to meet the growing demand. Our strategy of growth in international long-distance transport is truly working."
The European commissioner for sustainable transport and tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, said: "Improving high-speed rail, especially across borders, is our top priority. This new line, connecting the Czech Republic, Germany, and Denmark, is a strong example of progress.
"I am especially proud that it is the first of the ten pilot projects supported by the European Commission to promote new cross-border rail connections."
The Prague-Copenhagen route represents the first of 10 pilot projects selected by the European Commission to enhance cross-border rail connections and develop sustainable mobility across Europe.
Another recently announced project will connect Munich, Milan and Rome, whilst DB and French operator SNCF launched direct Berlin-Paris services last December.
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GETTY | The new direct connection will link three capital cities, including Berlin
Kai Wegner, the Governing Mayor of Berlin, said: "Deutsche Bahn's new direct connection links three European capitals: Prague, Berlin and Copenhagen. This will strengthen Berlin as a hub in Europe.
"The new direct rail connection is also an important component in decarbonising the transport sector, since it will offer more green options for people travelling to and from Berlin."
This comes as one company has announced new routes between European holiday spots. In more train news, a new night train will offer affordable fares on over 35 European routes.