Two major developments in European rail underline how international long-distance services are expanding both through new open-access routes and major infrastructure upgrades. Private operator Leo Express from Czechia is preparing its first move into the German passenger market with a trans-European service from Frankfurt to the Polish–Ukrainian border, while Austria’s ÖBB has launched a dramatically…
Tag: Renfe
Leo Express and Arenaways plan direct train between Prague and Venice
The Czech railway company Leo Express, in cooperation with the Italian carrier Arenaways, is planning a new direct rail connection between Prague in Czechia and Venice in Italy.
Travellers in Europe increasingly open to choosing trains over planes for short-haul journeys
A study published in May 2025 suggests that many travellers across Europe are increasingly open to choosing trains over planes for short-haul journeys, particularly when high-speed rail alternatives are available. A study commissioned by Hitachi Rail, based on responses from over 11,000 people in Europe and North America, found that around two-thirds of Europeans support…
Spain’s Renfe sends Talgo VI rolling stock to Leo Express in Czechia and Slovakia
Private rail operator Leo Express in Czechia is advancing its ambitious expansion plans, combining the recent transfer of retired Talgo VI trains from Spain with exploratory filings for new international night services.
Leo Express: Bratislava – Ostend night train not a firm commitment
At the end of June 2025, Czech private rail operator Leo Express has submitted a filing for a potential night train service between Slovakia and Belgium, but the company has clarified that this does not represent a firm commitment. In a statement to RailTech, Leo Express spokesperson Emil Sedlařík said the filing should be seen…
Leo Express wants night train service from Slovakia to Ostend, Belgium
Leo Express, a Czech railway operator, intends to introduce a night train service between Ostend in Belgium and Bratislava in Slovakia via Germany and Czechia from mid-December 2026; Thibault Lapers reports on his Mobilithib Substack. Leo Express notified the Czech Office for the Protection of Economic Competition (Úřad pro ochranu hospodářské soutěže) of its intentions.
London St. Pancras Highspeed pledges financial support for cross-Channel rail services
London St. Pancras Highspeed, the operator of the high-speed railway line in the United Kingdom has pledged financial support for train companies running services between mainland Europe and London. The support scheme is expected to launch by the end of May 2025.
Spanish CAF to provide trains for NMBS / SNCB AM30
Train manufacturer Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) from Spain is said to have won a major contract to build hundreds of new AM30 / MR30 electric multiple units (EMU) for Belgian railway company NMBS / SNCB. The CAF Civity Duo then could be a base for the AM30.
London St Pancras Highspeed and Getlink aspire to to triple train services to France, Belgium and the Netherlands and add services to Germany and Switzerland
High-speed rail travel from London in the United Kingdom to mainland Europe is poised for a major expansion, with plans to introduce direct routes to Germany, Switzerland, and beyond. London St Pancras Highspeed (LSPH), the company overseeing St Pancras International and the high-speed rail link to Folkestone, has partnered with Getlink, the French operator of…
Madrid – Lisbon night train set to return in 2025 ahead of AVE
The governments of Spain and Portugal are advancing negotiations to reactivate the Lusitânia night train, which will reconnect capitals Madrid and Lisbon before the long-awaited AVE high-speed rail.
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