České dráhy is planning to acquire up to ten additional modern ComfortJet trains. Three trains have been firmly ordered, while seven more are available as options to expand cross-border long-distance services.
The positive feedback from passengers and international partners regarding the operation of the modern ComfortJet trains has prompted České dráhy to launch a tender for the delivery of up to ten additional ComfortJet units for long-distance services.
“Even in the current operating phase of the ComfortJets, we consistently receive positive feedback from our passengers and partners. It is clear that deploying modern trains and locomotives offers significant potential for the further development of cross-border services, as well as for connecting the Czech Republic with its neighbouring countries. That is why we have decided to issue a tender for the delivery of ten more nine-car trains. Three trains are firmly planned, while seven additional units are options, which we will purchase as soon as further deployment opportunities arise,” explained Jiří Ješeta, Board Member and Deputy General Director for Passenger Transport.
The tender covers ten units with a total of 90 carriages and a seating capacity of around 550, including approximately 100 first-class seats. The units must be certified for speeds of up to 230 km/h and authorised to operate in the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Slovakia, Hungary, and Poland.
A week ago, České dráhy, together with ÖBB, unveiled the new ComfortJet at Vienna Central Station. From mid-December, it will operate the direct connection between Prague, Vienna, Graz, and Carinthia. By expanding the service, ČD is responding to the sharply increased demand for international rail travel. Since the introduction of Railjet services in 2014, passenger numbers between Vienna and Prague have risen by around 40 per cent. Passengers heading to Berlin have already been able to enjoy the new ComfortJet units of the Czech railway for some time. From May 2026, after the reopening of the Berlin–Hamburg route, services will once again extend to the Hanseatic city on the North Sea.
