Deutsche Bahn (DB), Danish Railways (DSB) and Czech Railways (ČD) are teaming up to offer a new direct international train service linking Copenhagen, Berlin and Prague, which is set to begin on Friday, marking the first direct rail connection between the three capitals in a decade.
The overnight route is being launched as part of a wider push to strengthen cross-border rail travel in Europe. The service is expected to give passengers a direct option between Denmark, Germany and the Czech Republic without the need to change trains.
The return of the link comes as demand grows for lower-carbon travel and as rail operators try to win more passengers on routes traditionally served by flights and long-distance coaches. It also restores a connection that had been absent for 10 years.
The train is due to depart on Friday, with the route designed to serve both leisure and business travellers. It will connect three major European capitals with one of the region’s longer overnight services.
Rail links across Europe have gained renewed attention in recent years as governments and operators face pressure to reduce aviation emissions and improve international connectivity. Services such as this one are often seen as a practical alternative for travellers who prefer to avoid airports and make better use of overnight hours.
The new route is also likely to appeal to tourists planning city breaks across central and northern Europe. Direct services can make multi-country itineraries simpler, while also reducing the time and uncertainty involved in changing trains at busy hubs.
For Copenhagen, Berlin and Prague, the service restores a direct rail corridor that had long been missed by travellers. It adds another option to a growing network of long-distance European trains that are increasingly marketed as part of the continent’s wider travel revival.
Operators across Europe have spent the past few years investing in cross-border services, new rolling stock and simpler booking systems. The aim is to make international rail more competitive and more convenient for passengers who want to travel between major cities without flying.
The launch also reflects a broader shift in the travel market, where overnight trains are attracting renewed interest from passengers looking for a different kind of journey. For many travellers, these services offer the chance to save on hotel costs while covering long distances during sleep.
Although rail journeys of this kind remain slower than flights, they can offer a more relaxed and flexible experience. That combination of convenience and sustainability has helped drive a small but noticeable comeback for overnight travel in Europe.
