To the Baltic Sea: New Baltic Express through the Czech Republic and Poland
An express with the speed of a local train takes travelers from Prague through the Czech Republic and Poland to the Baltic Sea coast. Along the way, it stops at famous hotspots and lesser-known places awaiting discovery.
In the Czech Republic and Poland, there's a new international train service that brings travelers through both countries to the Baltic Sea coast. The Czech railway company České dráhy (ČD) and the Polish railway company PKP Intercity have joined forces to introduce the Ex32 train connection.
The so-called Baltic Express departs four times a day from Prague's main station. The train brings travelers to hotspots like Warsaw, Poznan, and Gdansk, as well as to less touristy places.
From Prague to the Baltic Sea in Nine Hours
From Prague, the train travels via Kolín on the Elbe, Pardubice, Ústí nad Orlicí, Letohrad in the Žamberk highlands, Jablonné nad Orlicí, and the municipality of Lichkov across the Czech border into Poland.
There, the express stops at places including Kladsko, Wrocław, Poznań, Bydgoszcz, Gdańsk, and the Baltic seaside towns of Sopot and Gdynia.
The total route of around 500 miles is covered by the train in about nine hours - hence the term 'Express' is somewhat ambitiously chosen. However, travelers can relax and enjoy the scenery.
For the Czech Republic and Poland, the new connection holds special significance: 'It opens up new opportunities to strengthen tourism and economic relations between the Czech Republic and Poland,' quotes Czech Minister of Transport Martin Kupka as reported by the online magazine 'Railmarket'.
The Baltic Express starts with four cars in the Czech Republic. One of them is dedicated to first class. In Wrocław, a dining car from the PKP-Intercity fleet and additional cars with seats are added. On board, WiFi is available, and there are power outlets for charging electronic devices. There is also space for wheelchairs and bicycles.
Those who wish to use the train connection for a multi-day journey through the Czech Republic and Poland can either purchase individual tickets from the two providers ČD and PKP or use an Interrail Pass.
The entire second-class route from Prague to Gdynia, for example, costs between 48 and 72 Euros (depending on the day and time of booking). Seat reservations cost an additional 3 Euros.
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Travel Reporter