Trains in Czech Republic

🗺️ Traveling by Train in the Czech Republic

🎟️ Rail Pass Rules & Requirements

📱New Mobile Pass Activation & Check-in Rules

24-Hour Online Check-In: All mobile Interrail pass holders must connect to the internet every 24 hours (previously 72 hours) to keep their mobile pass active. This update is strictly enforced for security and fraud prevention.

Paperless App Requirement: Physical paper passes have transitioned entirely to mobile formats. Travelers receive a 6-character pass number via email which must be uploaded into the official Rail Planner App.

🚆 Train Operators & Pass Coverage

Not all trains in the Czech Republic accept standard rail passes. Refer to the table below to see where your pass is accepted:

Operator	Train Colors / Types	Is Rail Pass Valid?
České dráhy (ČD)	Blue/White (National Rail Network)	YES (Full Coverage)
RegioJet	Yellow Trains	YES (Major Express Routes)
Leo Express	Black & Gold Trains	YES (Prague–Košice/Kraków)
Arriva	Green Trains	❌ NO (Must buy separate ticket)
GW Train Regio	Orange/Green Trains	❌ NO (Applies to local Český Krumlov routes)

📅 Train Types & Seat Reservations

Do I need a reservation?

Most local and regional trains (Os, Sp) do not require seat reservations. However, long-distance express trains have different booking requirements:

Optional but Recommended: InterCity (IC), EuroCity (EC), and Regular Express (Ex) trains. Booking a seat is highly recommended on busy routes like Prague to Brno or Ostrava.

Mandatory Reservations: SuperCity (SC Pendolino) high-speed trains and overnight EuroNight (EN) sleeper cabins require a supplemental seat booking before boarding.

Tip: You can book cheap point-to-point tickets or add optional seat reservations directly through the official České dráhy Ticket Portal.

☀️ Seasonal Special: The Summer Rail Pass

If you are planning to travel extensively during July and August, the Czech National Railway offers a localized "Ticket for Summer" (Jízdenka na léto):