Leo Express to Launch Prague–Munich Rail Connection in December

Leo Express will take over the connection between Prague and Munich, having won the tender for the Ex36 line. From December 2026, the route is to be operated at two-hour intervals.

The private rail operator Leo Express has secured the tender for the international Ex36 line between Prague and Munich. From 13 December 2026, the company plans to operate the approximately 439-kilometre route at two-hour intervals, offering a direct connection via Pilsen, Domažlice and Regensburg to the Bavarian capital.

According to the company, ticket prices for international journeys are expected to start at 219 crowns. A total of eight daily services are planned. In the tender process, Leo Express prevailed with the most competitive offer for a period of five years.

Foto: Leo Express

Modernised Intercity carriages will be deployed, provided as part of a partnership with Spanish operator Renfe. The trains are expected to reach speeds of up to 200 km/h and will be equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, power sockets and an audiovisual system. Facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, as well as space for bicycles and pushchairs, will also be available.

Foto: Leo Express

In addition to Leo Express’s own fare system, the state SJT/One Ticket will also be accepted on the route. The company also plans to continue offering tickets via the sales channels of České dráhy (ČD) and to work closely with the state operator during the transition. Integrated fares from the Pilsen region, as well as international tickets such as InterRail, Eurail and CIV, will also be recognised.

On-board services will include snacks as well as hot and cold drinks, including beer. Cross-border operations will be carried out in cooperation with a German partner company and in coordination with the Bavarian transport authority BEG.

Foto: Leo Express

With the new connection, Leo Express is further expanding its international network. From June 2026, Leo Express will launch a new service from Rzeszów in Poland via Prague, Dresden and Leipzig to Frankfurt. In addition, a new connection between Kraków and Warsaw was introduced in early March 2026, operating twice daily. At the same time, services between Prague and Kraków have been expanded to up to four daily connections in each direction.

Further expansion is already planned: from the end of April 2026, Leo Express intends to launch a new line to Bratislava and at the same time resume services to the Slovácko region. This positions the company increasingly as an international player in European rail transport.