Remnants of 'Knödelexpress' found in Prague
The much-loved Knödel Express, a popular train connection between Prague and Berlin, is set to make way for more modern Comfort-Jet trains as part of a modernization project. According to Czech Railways (České dráhy), the switch to the new trains will occur on July 26.
The Comfort-Jet trains, which are already operating on the majority of the trains on the Prague-Berlin route, boast several improvements. They can reach speeds of up to 230 km/h, compared to the old trains' maximum of 200 km/h. Additionally, they will have room for around 100 more passengers.
However, not all is change. The traditional dining cars, a signature feature of the Knödel Express, will not be a part of the modern Nightjets. Instead, they will find a new home on Czech domestic connections, particularly routes with high demand for enhanced passenger services and dining experiences. The exact Czech domestic connections for these traditional dining cars have not been specified yet.
The Eurocity trains EC 378, EC 170, and EC 258, as well as the EC 172 / 173 Hungaria, will continue to operate with the original dining cars. These trains depart from Prague Main Station at 10:28, 16:28, and 20:28 respectively, and arrive in Berlin at 14:43, 20:43, and 00:57. In the opposite direction, the Eurocity trains EC 171 depart from Berlin Main Station at 07:15, EC 379 at 11:16 from Berlin Main Station, and EC 259 at Berlin Gesundbrunnen at 00:16. They arrive in Prague at 11:27, EC 379 at 15:23, and EC 259 at 05:23.
The press release, primarily intended to praise the qualities of the new trains, also hinted at the continuation of the familiar service in part of the trains. The original dining cars will not be scrapped but will be used on Czech domestic connections in the future.
Moreover, the Comfort-Jet trains will allow more bicycles to be taken along compared to the old ones. The Euro-City connection EC 172 / 173 Hungaria, composed of Hungarian carriages, will continue to operate.
As the modernization project progresses, official releases from České dráhy or the Knödel Express operator will provide the latest updates on train composition and services. For those looking forward to the nostalgic Czech dining cars, where dishes like schnitzel were prepared on board, they will not find a place in the modern Nightjets.
The Comfort-Jet trains, replacing the Knödel Express, will provide increased speed, carrying up to 100 more passengers at a maximum speed of 230 km/h. In contrast, the traditional dining cars, a signature feature of the Knödel Express, will be repurposed for Czech domestic connections, particularly those offering enhanced services and dining experiences. The Eurocity trains EC 378, EC 170, and EC 258, as well as the EC 172 / 173 Hungaria, will continue to operate with the original dining cars.
