The Prague-bound Knudelexpress journey experiences partial preservation
Czech Railways (České dráhy - CD) is set to modernize its services with the introduction of Comfort-Jet trains, starting from July 26. The new trains will replace the existing carriages and offer several improvements, including faster speeds and increased passenger capacity.
The Comfort-Jet trains can reach speeds of up to 230 km/h, making them faster than the current trains' maximum 200 km/h. They can accommodate around 100 more passengers than the current trains, providing more room for travellers. Additionally, more bicycles can be taken on board the Comfort-Jet trains, making it easier for cyclists to travel.
While the focus is on modernization, some traditional services will continue to be offered. The original dining cars will continue to operate on select train pairs on the Prague-Berlin route. These train pairs include EC 378, EC 170, and EC 258, departing from Prague Main Station at 10:28, 16:28, and 20:28 respectively, and EC 171, EC 379, and EC 259 in the opposite direction from Berlin to Prague. The original dining cars will also continue to offer service for departures from Berlin at 12:15, 18:15, and 22:15, and for arrivals in Prague at 16:33, 22:33, and 04:33.
The Euro-City connection EC 172 / 173 Hungaria, composed of Hungarian carriages, will also continue to operate. The train will depart from Prague at 18:15 and arrive in Budapest at 22:30, and in the opposite direction it will depart from Budapest at 06:30 and arrive in Prague at 10:30. The original dining cars will continue to offer service on this Prague-Budapest route for these departures and arrivals.
However, the nostalgic Czech dining cars, where dishes like schnitzel were prepared on board, won't be part of the modern Nightjets. The Knödel Express, a popular train connecting Prague and Berlin, is set to end as part of the modernization.
For those seeking precise and updated information about the operation of the traditional dining cars, such as specific segments or stations on the Prague-Berlin train route, it would be advisable to consult the official railway or Knödel Express service websites, or recent announcements from the train operators managing the Prague-Berlin route.
The modernization of Czech Railways includes not only improvements in transportation but also advances in the finance industry, as the Comfort-Jet trains require significant investment. The business sector may also benefit from this upgrade, as increased train capacity could attract more passengers and boost tourism in the industry.
