Short answer: From 14 June 2026, a direct train from Prague to Copenhagen runs up to three times a day in each direction, operated jointly by České dráhy (ČD), Deutsche Bahn (DB) and Danish State Railways (DSB) with brand-new ComfortJet trainsets. The trip via Berlin and Hamburg takes about 11 hours 45 minutes, with fares starting around 425 CZK (≈ €17) to Berlin and 1,500 CZK (≈ €60) to Copenhagen, seat reservation included.
It is the kind of route the European rail map has been missing for over a decade. The last direct train from Prague to Copenhagen disappeared with the 2014 timetable; since then, every journey to Denmark has meant changing trains in Hamburg. That changes this week: on Sunday 14 June 2026, the renovated Berlin–Hamburg main line reopens and the new Prague–Berlin–Hamburg–Copenhagen service switches to full regular operation, after running on a diversion route since 1 May.
A direct train across three countries on one ticket
The new line is operated in cooperation by three national carriers — ČD, DB and DSB — but the trains themselves are Czech: the entire route is covered by ČD's flagship ComfortJet trainsets, capable of 230 km/h on the upgraded Berlin–Hamburg section, making them the fastest regular trains České dráhy has ever run.
The roughly 850 km route serves Prague, Ústí nad Labem, Děčín, Dresden, Berlin, Hamburg, Odense and Copenhagen. More than 15 million people live in the metropolitan areas along the way, and the connection is the first of ten pilot projects selected by the European Commission to support new cross-border rail services in Europe.
Timetables, journey times and fares
From 14 June 2026 there are three direct trains per day in each direction during the summer season (two pairs run year-round). Departures from Prague are at roughly 6:30, 10:30 and — in summer — 16:30.
Indicative journey times from Prague:
- Berlin: just under 4 hours
- Hamburg: under 6 hours
- Copenhagen: about 11 hours 45 minutes
Tickets include a seat reservation and start at around 425 CZK (≈ €17) to Berlin, 650 CZK (≈ €26) to Hamburg and 1,500 CZK (≈ €60) to Copenhagen. As always on European rail, the cheapest fares go to those who book early — and it is worth checking alternatives too: you can compare train, bus, carpool and flight options on Gopaxo for the same city pair on a single screen.
On board the ComfortJet
The ComfortJet is the most modern long-distance train in the Czech fleet, and the operators are clearly betting on comfort to make an 11-hour daytime trip attractive. Each trainset carries 555 passengers — 99 in first class, 456 in second — and includes:
- a dining car with 18 seats, a real kitchen, a coffee machine and even a beer tap
- a children's cinema and family zones
- free Wi-Fi, 230 V sockets and USB ports at every seat
- storage for 12 bicycles plus large-luggage racks
- full wheelchair accessibility, with three dedicated spaces and lifting platforms
First class offers leather 2+1 seating with wireless phone chargers. The whole trainset is pressure-sealed, which keeps the ride quiet at speed and through tunnels.
What the new route changes for European travel
The Prague–Copenhagen service fits a clear pattern: long daytime and overnight trains are returning to Europe's rails. Sleeper services have been multiplying — see our piece on the comeback of night trains — and just this month a new Brussels–Milan night train entered service. Direct daytime links like this one add the missing layer for travellers who prefer to watch the scenery rather than sleep through it.
There is also a longer-term promise. When the 17.6 km Fehmarn Belt tunnel between Germany and Denmark opens in the coming years, trains will no longer detour through Jutland and the Prague–Copenhagen journey time is expected to drop significantly. Upgrades between Dresden and Berlin should shave off more minutes still. In other words: 11 hours 45 minutes is the starting point, not the destination.
For now, the new connection puts four major capitals and cultural hubs — Prague, Berlin, Hamburg (and, via Odense, Copenhagen) — on a single ticket, with one seat, no platform sprints and a dining car.
Frequently asked questions
When does the direct Prague–Copenhagen train start?
Direct trains began running on 1 May 2026 via a diversion route. Full regular service on the normal route starts on 14 June 2026, when the renovated Berlin–Hamburg line reopens, with up to three direct trains per day each way.
How long does the train from Prague to Copenhagen take?
About 11 hours 45 minutes end to end. Prague–Berlin takes just under 4 hours and Prague–Hamburg under 6 hours. Journey times should fall once the Fehmarn Belt tunnel opens.
How much does a ticket cost?
Fares include a seat reservation and start at roughly 425 CZK (≈ €17) to Berlin, 650 CZK (≈ €26) to Hamburg and 1,500 CZK (≈ €60) to Copenhagen. Book early for the lowest prices.
Who operates the new train?
Three national railways cooperate on the line — České dráhy, Deutsche Bahn and DSB — using Czech ComfortJet trainsets for the whole Prague–Ústí nad Labem–Děčín–Dresden–Berlin–Hamburg–Odense–Copenhagen route.
In summary
- From 14 June 2026, up to 3 direct trains a day link Prague and Copenhagen via Dresden, Berlin and Hamburg.
- Operated jointly by ČD, DB and DSB with modern ComfortJet trainsets running up to 230 km/h.
- About 11 h 45 min Prague–Copenhagen; under 4 h to Berlin, under 6 h to Hamburg.
- Fares from ≈ €17 (Berlin), ≈ €26 (Hamburg), ≈ €60 (Copenhagen), seat reservation included.
- On board: dining car, children's cinema, Wi-Fi, sockets, 12 bike spaces, full accessibility.
- First direct Prague–Copenhagen train since 2014, and the first of ten EU pilot projects for cross-border rail.
