Czech railways see continued growth in passenger numbers

More and more people in the Czech Republic are choosing to travel by train, bus and plane. Rail travel in particular is experiencing strong passenger growth, with operators continuing to expand their services.

Rail travel in the Czech Republic is becoming increasingly popular. More than 47 million passengers travelled by train during the first quarter of this year – over 2.5 million more than during the same period last year, according to the news channel ČT24. In response to rising demand, rail operators are increasing capacity on their busiest routes and expect further growth in the coming months.

To attract additional passengers, transport operators are offering special promotions, affordable fares and greater comfort on board. České dráhy, for example, is once again offering its Summer Ticket (Jízdenka na léto), valid for seven or 14 days during July and August and available at various price levels. RegioJet is promoting its affordable on-board services and high service standards, while Leo Express promises compensation of up to 150 per cent of the ticket price if the air conditioning fails.

Foto: Leo Express

The cross-operator One Ticket is also continuing to grow in popularity. It allows passengers to travel on trains operated by different railway companies using a single distance-based fare. Around 300,000 tickets were sold in both May and June – a record figure and approximately 50,000 more than during the same period last year. The ticket is available online, at railway stations and directly on board trains.

Foto: RegioJet

A similar trend can also be seen in public transport. Passenger numbers increased by almost 12 million compared with the previous year. Buses recorded the strongest growth, carrying nearly three million more passengers than a year earlier. Trams and the metro also saw rising passenger numbers. In contrast, trolleybuses experienced a decline in ridership.

Air travel is also on the rise. Compared with the first quarter of 2025, passenger numbers increased by around 374,000, or 11.5 per cent.

Foto: Letiště Václava Havla Praha

Air passengers may also benefit from further improvements in the near future. The European Parliament recently approved new rules designed to simplify compensation for delays and flight cancellations. Airlines would also be required to offer parents seats directly next to their children automatically. However, the new rules must still be approved by the EU Member States before they can enter into force.