Leo Express achieved revenues of over EUR 40 million in 2024 and carried more than twice as many passengers

Prague, June 9, 2025 - Leo Express achieved consolidated sales of EUR 40,4 million for 2024 based on the audited results and thus exceeded 2023 by more than EUR 16 million. It also carried 3.8 million passengers, an increase of more than two million year-on-year. The carrier's trains covered 4.6 million train kilometres. In terms of punctuality, Leo Express achieved the best results among the larger carriers in the Czech Republic, with an average delay of approximately 0.03 minutes per train-kilometer. 

Consolidated EBITDAR (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortisation and rent) for 2024 exceeded EUR 13,1 million and net profit amounted to EUR 1,7 million. In the previous year it was EUR 165,000 with EBITDAR of EUR 5,7 million. At the same time, Leo Express invested significantly in further improving its services. 

"2024 was a record year for Leo Express – we exceeded the EUR 40 million mark in revenue and carried almost four million passengers. This is the result of the long-term efforts of the Leo Express team, systematic investments in quality and innovation, as well as the trust of our customers. On our commercial lines, both in Orlicko and the Slovakian Danube region, we are seeing growing interest from passengers who appreciate Leo Express services and our comfortable low-floor trains, where WiFi or air conditioning is a matter of course, and top-quality refreshments, which we are also introducing on regional lines. Last year we continued our excellent safety, hygiene and punctuality record, with the best results in the Czech Republic among the larger carriers. At the same time, we will continue to guarantee the functioning of the air conditioning, otherwise we will refund 100% of the ticket price to passengers," says Leo Express CEO Peter Köhler.  

Record results and investments 

During 2024, Leo Express invested heavily in its development, yet did not take out any bank loans. All trains on the Prague – Ostrava line and onwards to Poland and Slovakia have been equipped with the ETCS safety system at a total cost of EUR 5 million, and staff have also been trained. As a result, operations with ETCS started on time. The carrier has also refurbished a total of 865 seats, of which 20 are designed for wheelchair users or people with reduced mobility. New, higher quality and longer-lasting materials have been used on the seats, which are finished in matt, elegant leather. The seats meet all the latest safety standards and fire-resistant certificates. The refurbishment included replacement of the seat cushion, backrests and a total reupholstery in an elegant design.  

In addition to the seat refurbishment, the carrier increased its internet coverage during the journey from 60% to almost 100% thanks to an investment in 5G WiFi of approximately EUR 51,000. Further improvement of the WiFi network will follow the planned installation of 5G repeaters at a cost of EUR 1 million, for which Leo Express has received a subsidy. In terms of digitalisation, Leo Express is also planning to introduce an online ordering system directly to the train seat, while retaining the option of ordering from a steward. In the area of corporate process management, the company is introducing the digitalisation of internal tools using artificial intelligence, with the aim of increasing efficiency and automating processes, for example in customer service. 

Thanks to another planned investment in the amount of EUR 16 million and the so-called dualisation, Leo Express commercial trains will be able to operate on both alternating current and direct current. Leo Express received a subsidy from the Ministry of Transport for the modification of the trains under the Operational Programme Transport 2021-2027 (OPD3). The project is co-financed by the European Union. Stadler won the tender for the implementation of dualization. 

News and green travel 

Last year, Leo Express began testing a coffee corner on regional trains in the Orlicko and Danube regions, where passengers can enjoy free high-quality coffee and tea. Leo Express will continue its operation and also plans to start selling refreshments from the vending machine on board. A test operation of a ticket machine at the main station in Prague will also be launched, where passengers will be able to easily purchase tickets, and which Leo Express plans to place at other stations on the Prague–Ostrava line. 

Travelling by train is the most environmentally friendly form of public transport. Leo Express passengers can easily offset their carbon footprint. From 2020, the carrier is allowing them to voluntarily offset their CO₂ emissions through a tree planting contribution. In total, Leo Express has planted more than 200 trees during this time thanks to customers who have already offset more than 830 tonnes of CO₂ with their contributions. At the same time, compared to car transport, passengers have reduced their carbon footprint by around 123,500 tonnes of CO₂ by travelling with Leo Express in 2024.