'Partial preservation of 'Knödelexpress' en route to Prague'
The Berlin-Prague rail route, renowned for its nostalgic dining cars, is set to undergo a significant transformation as Czech Railways (České dráhy) modernizes its services. From July 26, the popular Eurocity trains EC 378, EC 170, and EC 258, as well as EC 171, EC 379, and EC 259, will switch to Comfort-Jet trains. However, the traditional dining cars will not be entirely phased out.
The Eurocity train EC 172/173 Hungaria, a connection made up of Hungarian wagons, will continue to offer the classic dining car experience on the Prague-Berlin route. Similarly, the "Knödel Express" between the two cities is being modernized but will maintain some of its original dining cars.
In a move to modernize international services, the existing cars will be replaced with Comfort-Jet trains. The modern Nightjets, capable of reaching speeds of up to 230 km/h, can accommodate around 100 more passengers than the old trains and can carry more bicycles. However, the modern Nightjets no longer have room for the Czech dining cars that prepared dishes like schnitzel on board.
The reassignment of these dining cars reflects České dráhy's plan to modernize international services while retaining and reallocating existing traditional dining cars for key domestic long-distance routes within the Czech Republic. After the switch, the dining cars will be reassigned to Czech domestic connections on the Ex1 line, specifically the Prague–Ostrava–Bohumín route.
The press release from České dráhy provides details on the three train pairs that will continue to use the original dining cars, including the Euro-City connection EC 172/173 Hungaria. The other trains on the Prague-Berlin route will already be operated by Comfort-Jets.
Despite this change, the train connection between Berlin and Prague remains popular, offering passengers a unique travel experience. The original dining cars will not be scrapped but will be used on Czech domestic connections in the future, ensuring that the tradition lives on.
The immediate update on the Prague-Berlin train route includes a few changes, such as the Eurocity train EC 172/173 Hungaria retaining its classic dining car experience. Even as the Knödel Express modernizes, it will keep some of its original dining cars. Remarkably, the reassignment of dining cars by České dráhy signifies a move to modernize international services, while simultaneously preserving traditional dining cars for key domestic long-distance routes within the Czech Republic, particularly on the Prague–Ostrava–Bohumín route.
