Polish Pendolino Trains to Operate in Czech Republic for Testing and Approval
From March 9, 2026, Polish state railway operator PKP Intercity will deploy its ED250 Pendolino trainset on a limited service between Bohumín and Prague, Czech Republic. This move is part of a testing and approval process required for the units to operate regularly within the Czech Republic. The operation is scheduled to continue until June 17, 2026.
Testing and Approval Process
The deployment of the Pendolino trainset is a necessary step for obtaining approval from Czech authorities. The train will operate on connections SC 516, departing Bohumín at 4:58 AM, and SC 511, departing Prague at 3:31 PM. During this period, the train will accumulate the required passenger-kilometers needed for official certification.
Operational Details
While PKP Intercity provides the trainset, České dráhy (Czech Railways) will supply the engineers and train conductors. Catering services will be managed by the Polish side. This collaboration allows for a streamlined testing process while leveraging the expertise of both railway operators.
Pendolino Trainset Specifications
The ED250 Pendolino trainsets, manufactured by Alstom, are a modern fleet introduced by PKP Intercity in 2011. The contract for the supply of 20 trains, capable of speeds up to 250 km/h, was valued at 665 million euros and included the construction of technical facilities in Warsaw and 17 years of maintenance. Each seven-car unit offers over 400 seats. While often referred to as “pendolino,” the Polish version does not feature tilting technology, unlike some other Pendolino variants.
Seating Capacity Comparison
The Polish Pendolino offers a different seating arrangement compared to Czech Pendolino trains. The Polish units feature a 2+2 seating configuration in second class, while Czech trains utilize a 2+1 arrangement. This results in a slightly lower seating capacity in second class for the Polish units.
Broader Context: International Rail Connections
This testing phase is part of a broader effort to enhance rail connections between Poland and the Czech Republic. Eurocity trains connecting the two countries are operated jointly by PKP Intercity and České dráhy. These services provide connections to major cities like Warsaw, Krakow, Prague, and Vienna. Trenopedia notes that ticket prices vary depending on the train and how far in advance tickets are purchased, with cheaper options often available out of season.
Future Connections to Croatia
In June 2025, PKP Intercity will extend some of its EC 108/109 Sobieski international connections from Vienna to Rijeka, Croatia, offering a direct rail link from the Czech Republic to the Adriatic coast. České dráhy will operate the Sobieski connections within the Czech Republic, providing Czech travelers with convenient access to Croatian holiday destinations.