Poland’s flagship high-speed train, the ED250 Pendolino operated by PKP Intercity, will enter regular passenger service in the Czech Republic for the first time. From 9 March to 17 June 2026, the unit will operate selected SuperCity (SC) services between Prague and Bohumín as part of its approval process for operation on Czech infrastructure.
The deployment follows earlier test runs conducted in the Czech Republic in October 2025. During the three-month trial phase with passengers on board, the train is expected to cover approximately 60,000 kilometres on Czech tracks. Services will primarily run between Prague, Pardubice, Olomouc, Ostrava and Bohumín.
“For eleven years, Pendolino trains in Poland have covered millions of kilometres. We are pleased that additional kilometres will now be added on Czech Railways services. Our passengers will have the opportunity to experience the best of Polish railways, while we support our Polish colleagues in the approval process. It is another step in strengthening cooperation between Czech Railways and PKP Intercity,” said Michal Krapinec, CEO and Chairman of the Board of České dráhy.
Adam Wawrzyniak, Member of the Management Board of PKP Intercity, added that the Pendolino has become a symbol of modern rail travel in Poland. He expressed confidence that Czech passengers would enjoy the experience, including onboard catering provided by the Polish operator WARS.
During the trial operation, standard SuperCity conditions will apply, including compulsory seat reservations between Prague and Bohumín. Czech onboard staff will operate the trains, while catering services will be provided by WARS, offering Czech passengers a taste of Polish railway gastronomy.
PKP Intercity acquired 20 ED250 Pendolino units from Alstom between 2011 and 2014. The seven-car sets have a capacity of 402 seats and a maximum design speed of 250 km/h. In Poland, they operate at speeds of up to 200 km/h. Equipped with ETCS and capable of running under both 25 kV AC and 3 kV DC systems, the trains are authorised for speeds of up to 160 km/h in the Czech Republic.
The temporary deployment marks a visible sign of deepening cross-border cooperation between the Czech and Polish national operators, while also showcasing interoperability and technical alignment within the Central European rail market.
