Czech Railways has made history: for the first time, regular passenger services in the Czech Republic are reaching 200 km/h. On the Prague – České Budějovice route, the Pendolino cuts journey times significantly, setting a new benchmark for rail travel in the Czech Republic.
Czech railways (ČD) has set a new record, surpassing the previous speed limit of 160 km/h in regular passenger service. Since Sunday, Pendolino high-speed units have been accelerating to 200 km/h on the Prague – České Budějovice line. The journey to the South Bohemian capital now takes just 95 minutes – and only 90 minutes in the opposite direction.
This new top speed is made possible by the trains’ tilting technology, which is now being used on two modernised sections of the southern corridor – between Votice and Sudoměřice, and between Soběslav and Doubí.
The first southbound Pendolino left Prague on Sunday at 20:27 as IC 591, arriving in České Budějovice at 22:02. In the morning, the return service IC 590 departed České Budějovice at 05:59 and reached Prague at 07:29.
Transport Minister Martin Kupka described the development as “a significant step for Czech rail”. The modernisation of the line has not only reduced travel times but also increased comfort. “This lays the foundation for future high-speed lines, where trains will reach up to 320 km/h,” the minister added.
Michal Krapinec, CEO of České dráhy (ČD), also expressed his satisfaction: “I am proud that a Czech Railways train is the first to operate at 200 km/h in regular service. Our fleet is ready for further acceleration – the new ComfortJet with Vectron locomotives is capable of 230 km/h.” He also highlighted the new travel options created by extending Pendolino services to České Budějovice: the evening train connects directly with the SC 500 from Ostrava, offering a continuous service from North Moravia via Prague to South Bohemia.
Pendolino Technology and Features
Czech Railways operates six Pendolino units, built by Alstom. Each trainset is 185 metres long, made up of seven coaches, and offers 327 seats, including 52 in First Class. Thanks to active tilting technology, the trains can take curves at higher speeds without compromising passenger comfort.
In addition to the new South Bohemia service, Pendolino units mainly run on the main Prague – Ostrava – Bohumín corridor, with extensions to Plzeň and Cheb.
