New Leo Express Talgo trains enhance business travel across Central Europe

29 Apr

New Talgo trainsets will begin operating on Leo Express routes between Prague, Olomouc, Bratislava, Ostrava and Prešov from 30 April, introducing enhanced comfort, accessibility and onboard services across Central Europe.

This development is particularly relevant for UK-based business travellers, as improved rail connectivity and onboard productivity features across key Central European cities make rail an increasingly viable alternative to short-haul flights for business travel, supporting more efficient, comfortable and sustainable journeys.

Ahead of the launch, Leo Express unveiled the new Talgo train interiors and services at a series of showcase events across cities including Prague, Pardubice and Bratislava, offering passengers an early look at what to expect. Tickets for the new services are already on sale, starting from EUR 4 for both domestic and international routes, making the service competitively priced for both leisure and business travel.

Peter Köhler, CEO of Leo Express, said

“Leo Express is bringing innovation to the Czech and Slovak railway market. Low-floor accessibility and exceptionally comfortable seating space, combined with passive tilting based on independently rotating wheels, are unique in Central Europe and offered only by Leo Express, which worked intensively on modernizing and adapting the Talgo S6 trainsets in cooperation with its strategic partner Renfe for the Central European market. The route via Southeastern Moravia to Bratislava and the large residential district of Petržalka is currently not served by any carrier. These phenomenal trainsets will also operate on the Prague – Ostrava – Žilina – Prešov line. The trains are equipped with a modern bistro carriage, and passengers will enjoy services in both Business and Economy classes, as they are used to from our existing long-distance connections.”

The Talgo trainsets, presented in Leo Express’ white and orange livery, are modern thirteen-carriage units with capacity for 350 passengers. Their articulated bogie system, known as “rodales”, allows for smoother travel, even on curved tracks, thanks to independently rotating wheels and a passive tilting system. With a low centre of gravity and speeds of up to 200 km/h, the trains are designed to deliver a stable, comfortable ride suited to both short and long-distance business travel.

Mr Álvaro Fernández Heredia, President and CEO of Renfe Group, said

“Renfe is very satisfied with this new collaboration with Leo Express, which allows us to add two new strategic routes to our network and strengthen our presence in Central Europe, thereby improving our offer and service in favor of passengers”.

The refurbished interiors feature a modern open-plan layout with generous seating space, including seat pitch of up to one metre in Economy class, which is comparable to first class on some other operators. Passengers can choose between Economy, with 308 seats, and Business class, with 40 seats, both offering quiet zones designed for working, reading or relaxing without disruption, making them particularly suited to business travel.

Onboard services have been enhanced to support comfort and productivity. Passengers can order refreshments delivered directly to their seat or visit a dedicated bistro carriage available on every trainset. Additional amenities include air conditioning, Wi-Fi connectivity, a mobile minibar and, in some cases, vending machines and self-service coffee facilities in Business class. These features enable business travellers to remain connected and productive throughout their journey.

The trains also prioritise accessibility and inclusivity, with low-floor, barrier-free access throughout. Additional features include a family-friendly kids’ zone with space for strollers and facilities such as changing tables, reflecting a broader focus on passenger comfort across different traveller needs.

Leo Express, a private international transport operator established in 2012, continues to expand its network across Central Europe, connecting the Czech Republic with Slovakia, Poland and beyond. In 2026, the company is launching several new international routes, including Prague – Olomouc – Bratislava and Frankfurt – Prague – Kraków – Przemyśl, strengthening cross-border connectivity for both leisure and business travel.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, said

“Enhanced rail connectivity across Central Europe is a significant step forward for UK-based business travellers, offering a reliable, comfortable and lower-carbon alternative to flying. With features such as quiet zones, onboard Wi-Fi and spacious seating, services like these make rail a highly practical option for productive business travel across the region.”

For UK-based organisations with employees travelling across Europe, these developments highlight the growing importance of rail within managed business travel programmes, particularly as companies look to balance efficiency, cost and sustainability.

For more information about how these new services could support your business travel plans, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.