The Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic and Leo Express have signed a contract for the operation of line Ex36

Prague, 21 May 2026

Following its successful win of a Government tender, Leo Express has now signed a public service contract with the Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic for the operation of line Ex36. The operator’s trains will therefore begin service on 13 December 2026 on the route Prague, Plzeň, Holýšov, Domažlice, and further towards Germany. Leo Express will continue its efforts to cooperate with the operator on the Bavarian side in order to ensure that the connection is maintained along the entire Prague – Munich route, as is currently the case. Modernised international RIC express coaches will be deployed, equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, an audiovisual system, and onboard refreshments. The coaches intended for this line were purchased as operational vehicles; however, further modernisation is currently taking place in workshops, as well as detailed inspections of individual systems in service. 

“On the Prague – Plzeň – Regensburg – Munich route, we will bring a new level of service. The deployed modern trains, capable of speeds of up to 200 km/h, are equipped with Wi-Fi, air conditioning, power sockets, spaces for passengers with reduced mobility, as well as areas for bicycles and prams. They will be pulled by modern multi-system Vectron locomotives. Of course, onboard catering will also be available, including cold and hot drinks and meals at least on the Czech section. Through the expansion of our network, we will also offer passengers in Prague the possibility of transferring to other Leo Express connections to Warsaw, Kraków, Prešov, or Bratislava,” explains Peter Köhler, CEO of Leo Express. 

On the 439-kilometre Prague – Munich route, Leo Express will operate a total of 7 daily services from December 2026, running on a two-hour interval, plus one Prague – Plzeň – Prague service. Leo Express submitted the lowest bid in the tender, amounting to CZK 427 million for five years, excluding infrastructure costs. The connection, which continues beyond the border to Munich, is operated in cooperation with a German carrier contracted with the state of Bavaria. “We aim to further develop cooperation with German partners in order to improve the product not only in domestic transport relations but also towards Regensburg and Munich,” adds Peter Köhler. 

Wide range of accepted tickets 

In addition to the Leo Express fare system, the Czech Ministry’s SJT/One Ticket tariff will also be valid on the line. Leo Express will seek to ensure continued ticket sales for these services through the České dráhy (Czech Railways) distribution network and is prepared to cooperate with ČD to ensure the smoothest possible transition for customers to the new operator’sservices. Integrated tariffs of the Pilsen Region as well as InterRail, Eurail, and international CIV tickets will also be accepted on board. 

Leo Express train, visualization

© Leo Express

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