International Night Train Linking Przemyśl and Frankfurt am Main
Spanish rail operator Renfe will launch a new overnight international train connecting Przemyśl, Poland, with Frankfurt am Main, Germany, starting August 1, 2023. This development follows a memorandum of cooperation signed between Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia) and Renfe, aimed at providing seamless connections for passengers traveling from Ukraine. The service is a significant addition to European rail networks, offering an alternative route for those heading to Germany and the Czech Republic.
Route Highlights and Benefits
The train will call at several cities along its journey, including:
- Bad Schandau
- Weissenfels
- Naumburg (Saale)
- Apolda
- Gotha
- Eisenach
- Hanau
- Offenbach
- Prague
- Ostrava
Passengers from Ukraine can transfer at Przemyśl from five domestic trains operated by Ukrzaliznytsia:
- No. 51/52 Kyiv – Przemyśl
- No. 31/32 Zaporizhzhia/Dnipro – Przemyśl
- No. 69/70 Kremenchuk – Przemyśl
- No. 35/36 Odesa – Przemyśl
- No. 89/90 Kyiv – Przemyśl
The train features Economy Sleeper Class compartments with 1 to 4 berths, equipped with air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, electric sockets, and breakfast. Ticket prices for sleepers start from €37.50 (over 1,900 UAH). For those preferring seated travel, first and second class options are available from €15 (over 760 UAH).
According to the schedule, the train departs Przemyśl daily at 12:04, stopping in Krakow at 15:03, Prague at 18:14, and Dresden at 22:32 before arriving in Frankfurt at 07:22. The return trip leaves Frankfurt at 15:03, calls at Prague at 01:17, and reaches Przemyśl at 11:25.
“Spanish railway company Renfe, with which Ukrzaliznytsia recently signed a cooperation memorandum, is launching a new international overnight train on the Przemyśl–Frankfurt am Main route,” states the Ukrzaliznytsia press office.
In related developments, a daily train connecting Warsaw West Station, Dorohusk (border), and Kyiv Passenger Station was requested by PKP Intercity on July 11. Additionally, since June 28, the Bessarabia train running between Kyiv and Chișinău has shifted to a daily schedule. The new Przemyśl–Frankfurt service enables travelers from Ukraine to easily reach Germany and the Czech Republic via Przemyśl.
This international rail launch marks a key milestone in strengthening connectivity between Ukraine and Europe. It not only simplifies journeys for Ukrainian passengers but also fosters tourism and business exchanges among nations. The availability of comfortable overnight options is expected to boost traveler flows from Ukraine to Germany and the Czech Republic.
In addition to Renfe's new overnight service, the expansion of international train connections continues with the upcoming launch of a daily train route between Warsaw and Kyiv set for 2026. This initiative aims to enhance travel options across Europe, further facilitating seamless journeys for passengers looking to explore the region.