Spain‘s state-owned operator Renfe has introduced its Talgo VI rolling stock in Central Europe, enabling its subsidiary Leo Express to launch new international services between Czechia and Slovakia.
The trains, which have now received authorisation to operate on both national rail networks, will enter commercial service on 30 April 2026. Their deployment marks a significant step in strengthening cross-border rail connectivity and consolidating Renfe’s presence in the region.
The announcement was made during an inaugural journey between Prague and Slovakia. From the end of April, the Talgo VI sets, leased from Renfe, will allow Leo Express to introduce a new direct route between Prague and Bratislava, while also restoring services linking Prague with Prešov. Operations to Staré Město, previously suspended due to infrastructure electrification changes, will also resume.
Senior figures from Renfe attended the launch, including president Álvaro Fernández Heredia and Leo Express chair Inmaculada Gutiérrez Carrizo, underlining the strategic importance of the project.
Complex international rollout
The introduction of the Talgo VI trains concludes more than two years of technical and regulatory work involving multiple divisions of Renfe and Leo Express. The project required full homologation to secure European certification for operation across both Czech and Slovak networks.
Under the agreement, Renfe Alquiler de Material Ferroviario has supplied three trainsets, each composed of 13 coaches with a capacity of 354 passengers.
Maintenance responsibilities will be shared: Leo Express will act as the entity in charge of maintenance, while Tarvia, working alongside Renfe Ingeniería y Mantenimiento, will handle complex repairs and strategic components.
Expansion in Central Europe
Founded in 2014 and headquartered in the Czech Republic, Leo Express has grown into a key player in Central Europe’s liberalised rail market. Since Renfe acquired a 50% stake in 2021, the company has reported steady growth in passenger numbers and operational performance.
The operator is currently expanding its network into Slovakia, Poland and Germany, positioning itself as a major regional rail provider. It expects to exceed six million passengers annually by 2026, reflecting increasing demand for cross-border rail travel in Central Europe.
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