Czech Trains Getting Faster
January 5, 2010 - Although only a few sections of track in the Czech Republic allow speeds of 160 km/h and tracks capable of tolerating travel at 200 km/h are still in the planning stage, Czech train service has been speeding up. The fastest train in the country is now officially the tilt-technology Pendolino, whose average speed between Praha and Ostrava is 120 km/h, meaning that it travels between the capital and the country’s third-largest city (a distance of 356 km) in just under three hours.
The Pendolino in front of Prague's main station (photo: Wikimedia Commons)
The Pendolino was introduced into regular service between Prague and Ostrava in December 2005; a year later, it began service to the Austrian capital, Vienna, as well. Although the trains have a top speed of 230 km/h, without upgrades the Czech Republic’s tracks limit the Pendolino to 160 km/h. Although the average speed for the overall trip to Ostrava is 120 km/h, the train travels an average of 132 km/h between Olomouc and Ostrava (a mere 46 minutes) and zips through the stretch between Choceň and Pardubice in just fifteen minutes at an average speed of 145 km/h.
But even "regular" trains are reaching new speeds on upgraded tracks. For instance, the international EuroCity trains reach an average speed of 91 km/h on the modernized stretch of track between Prague and Děčín, 100 km/h between Ostrava and Břeclav, 96 km/h between Prague and Ostrava, and 95 km/h between Prague and Břeclavi. Not exactly TGV or ICE speeds (those trains travel on new straight-as-an-arrow right-of-ways), but pretty good for “older” tracks.
In order for EC trains to reach such high average speeds (which include deceleration, acceleration, and speed limits in certain sections) even with a relatively high number of stops, they need to increase their top speeds between stops. The fastest speeds are achieved between Kolín and Pardubice (126 km/h on average) and Hodonín – Otrokovice (120 km/h). Even non-EC trains reach relatively high speeds on these tracks – for instance, regular express trains hit a maximum speed of 140 km/h between Pardubice and Choceň.
It will still be several years before high-speed rail comes to the Czech Republic. The European Agreement on Main International Railway Lines defines five potential corridors: Dresden-Prague-České Budějovice-Linz, Dresden-Prague-Brno-Bratislava, Poland-Ostrava-Prague, and Nuremberg-Prague-Ostrava-Slovakia. The first section to be built will probably be Prague-Pilsen, which will include a 25-kilometer tunnel between Prague and Beroun. Construction of the tunnel is set to begin in 2013 and should be completed by 2018.
In addition to upgrading tracks and trains, Czech Railways has also been working to modernize its train stations and has been improving its online and telephone-based sale of tickets. At Idos, you can look up connections and calculate the price of domestic tickets, and at Czech Railways' e-shop or by calling 840 112 113, you can book all domestic and selected international tickets. In order to take advantage of any of the numerous discounts (including discounts for more than two people travelling together, discounts on return tickets, weekend specials, and special offers when booking for a specific train), the best is to go directly to the ticket counter and the staff will be able to offer you the best fare.
