State-owned rail operators in Germany, Denmark and the Czech Republic have joined forces to introduce a new direct rail connection between Prague and Copenhagen via Berlin.

Services on the cross-border rail link, powered by Germany¡¯s Deutsche Bahn, Denmark¡¯s Danske Statsbaner (DSB) and the Czech Republic¡¯s ?esk¨¦ dr¨¢hy (?D) will start on 1 May 2026, when works on the line between Berlin and Hamburg is complete, according to a Deutsche Bahn statement.

The new route will be served by ?D's ComfortJet trains, which can travel at a top speed of 230 kilometres per hour and seat 555 passengers, including 99 in first class. The trains are also equipped with an on-board restaurant, wifi and wheelchair lifts.

Two outward and return services will run year-round, while a seasonal night service will also be offered.

The first leg of the journey, between Copenhagen and Berlin, lasts seven hours, with plans to add stops in Dresden and Hamburg, according to DB. Total journey time between Copenhagen and Prague will be 11 hours.

The new connection is the first of ten pilot projects supported by the European Commission to promote cross-border rail connections in the region.

Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the EU¡¯s commissioner for sustainable transport and tourism, 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. And 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."