This summer, the European railway map will be expanded with a new route that will significantly simplify logistics for passengers traveling from Ukraine to Western Europe. Czech private carrier Leo Express is launching direct service connecting the Polish city of Przemyśl with one of Germany's largest transport hubs — Frankfurt am Main Airport.
Record length and daily service
The first run of the new train is scheduled for June 25. The route, with a total length exceeding 1,300 kilometers, will become one of the longest direct railway services in Europe. The train will operate daily in both directions, linking the eastern and western regions of the continent.
The journey begins in Przemyśl, located in close proximity to the Ukrainian border. This city is already a key transit hub for Ukrainian passengers. The train then proceeds through Kraków, Ostrava, and Prague, crossing the Czech Republic and Germany via Dresden and Leipzig before reaching Erfurt. The final destinations of the route will be Frankfurt am Main and its international airport.
Schedule and comfort
The timetable has been drawn up taking into account the convenience of transfers and connections. The westbound service departs from Przemyśl at 13:31 and arrives at Frankfurt Airport the next day at 07:53. The return journey begins at Frankfurt Airport at 08:27, with arrival in Przemyśl scheduled for 02:23 the following day.
At Leo Express, they emphasize that the journey will be comfortable. Passengers will have access to:
- Free Wi-Fi;
- Power outlets for charging gadgets at every seat;
- Air conditioning;
- Refreshments for sale.
Ticket prices for individual sections of the route start from 10 euros, making rail transport an attractive alternative to air travel or bus services.
Strategic importance of the route
Leo Express CEO Peter Keller called the launch of the train an important step in the integration of transport systems. According to him, the new route is designed to "lift the Iron Curtain" between Western and Eastern Europe, connecting key centers and ensuring unimpeded access to Ukraine via Przemyśl.
Ukrzaliznytsia's reaction
The launch of international service coincides with the Ukrainian railway company's preparations for the summer season. "Ukrzaliznytsia" is also increasing the number of seats on popular routes, adapting the schedule to demand. The company is switching a number of trains to daily operation, restoring the "Sumy — Rahov" route, and scheduling an additional "Kyiv — Chernivtsi" train. Carriages are being redistributed dynamically to ensure the maximum number of seats on the most in-demand routes.