České dráhy (ČD), in cooperation with Austrian operator ÖBB, has begun deploying its newest long-distance trainsets, ComfortJet, on the Vindobona services between Prague, Vienna, and Graz. The modern trains entered regular operation on 20 October, operating daily on services rj 73 and rj 370, and will later extend to Klagenfurt and Villach under the new December timetable.
The first ComfortJet-operated train to Austria departed Prague Main Station at 6:42 a.m. as service rj 73 Vindobona, with the return train rj 370 Vindobona leaving Graz at 14:26, Vienna at 17:10, and arriving back in Prague at 21:15.
Michal Krapinec, Chairman of the Board and CEO of České dráhy, said:
“The rail connection between the Czech and Austrian capitals represents one of our main international lines and is extremely popular among passengers. Since the introduction of the comfortable Railjet trains in 2014, the number of passengers between Vienna and Prague has increased by 40 per cent.
Today we are launching the next stage of this connection. The new ComfortJet trains offer over a hundred additional seats as well as unrivalled onboard comfort and services for all travellers.”
Expanding the ComfortJet Network
České dráhy plans to make ComfortJet the backbone of its long-distance international services in the coming years. In addition to Austria, the trains are already operating to Berlin, and will soon serve Bratislava and Budapest. From May 2026, they are also scheduled to operate a new direct service between Prague and Copenhagen.
The national operator has ordered 20 non-powered ComfortJet trainsets from the Siemens–Škoda consortium. By the end of this year, 15 nine-car units will be in service, with the remaining five due for delivery in spring 2026. Each full trainset is 237 metres long, offers 555 seats—including 99 in first class and 18 in the restaurant car—and is designed for speeds of up to 230 km/h.
Modern Comfort for 21st-Century Travel
The ComfortJet represents the most advanced passenger train in the Czech Republic, equipped with a wide range of amenities for modern rail travel. Passengers benefit from air-conditioned interiors, a restaurant car, dedicated areas for wheelchair users and families, and spaces for prams, bicycles, and large luggage.
Onboard features include Wi-Fi, special windows allowing mobile signal transmission, 230 V sockets, USB charging ports, and other passenger-friendly innovations. Together, these upgrades deliver a new standard of comfort and connectivity on Central Europe’s key international rail corridors.
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