ČD resumes direct connection between Opava and Prague from March

From March, the direct train connection between Opava and Prague will return to the rails. The trains will operate on Friday afternoons from the capital to Silesia and on Sundays in the opposite direction. The railway company is operating the service at its own commercial risk while also examining a possible expansion of the offer.

The Czech Railways (České dráhy | ČD) will resume direct train services between Opava and Prague in March. The connection will be offered once a week: on Fridays during the afternoon peak from Prague to Opava (ENG) and on Sunday afternoons back to the capital. The rail operator is running the trains at its own commercial risk and is at the same time holding talks with the city of Opava about a possible expansion of the service.

Train SC 513 “Opavan” will depart for the first time on Friday, 6 March, from Prague to Opava. In the opposite direction, the first SC 502 “Opavan” will run on Sunday, 8 March. The selected departure times reflect the traditionally high demand between Prague, Moravia and Silesia. Seat reservations are compulsory on this service. The SC Opavan trains had been discontinued in mid-December last year.

Foto: Opava | Opavské Slezsko

According to Jiří Ješeta, Deputy Director General for Passenger Transport at České dráhy, the company is responding to passenger demand with the reinstatement. The operating concept has been adjusted to ensure the service is as efficient as possible while also enabling comfortable travel during peak times. A Pendolino trainset will be deployed, offering a fast direct connection without the need to change.

Both the Friday and Sunday services will operate as commercial trains without public service commissioning. At the same time, talks are under way with the city of Opava regarding a possible extension of the direct connections. According to the company, concrete proposals have already been submitted to the city, and negotiations are set to continue in the coming days.

Opava’s Mayor, Tomáš Navrátil, said that since December intensive efforts have been made to find a realistic solution. He welcomed the factual nature of the talks with the railway company and its willingness to reach a compromise. The Opava region and its surrounding area deserved a direct, fast and high-quality rail service to the capital.