ComfortJet Rail: Prague-Vienna Expansion & Onboard Amenities

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Introduction

České dráhy (ČD) and Austrian operator ÖBB have introduced the ComfortJet trainsets on the Vindobona services, connecting Prague, Vienna, and Graz. The new trains began regular operation on October 20, running daily on services rj 73 and rj 370, and will expand to include Klagenfurt and Villach in the December timetable.

Service Deployment

The first ComfortJet-operated train to Austria departed Prague Main Station at 6:42 a.m. as service rj 73 Vindobona. The return service, rj 370 Vindobona, departs Graz at 14:26, Vienna at 17:10, and arrives back in Prague at 21:15.

Operational Impact and Expansion

Michal Krapinec, Chairman of the Board and CEO of České dráhy, noted that the rail connection between the Czech and Austrian capitals is a key international route. Since the introduction of Railjet trains in 2014, passenger numbers between Vienna and Prague have increased by 40 percent. The ComfortJet trains offer over a hundred additional seats and improved onboard services. České dráhy plans to make ComfortJet the core of its long-distance international services. These trains are currently operating to Berlin and will soon serve Bratislava and Budapest. A new direct service between Prague and Copenhagen is scheduled to begin in May 2026.

Trainset Specifications

České dráhy 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 trainset is 237 meters long and provides 555 seats, including 99 in first class and 18 in the restaurant car, with a design speed of up to 230 km/h.

Onboard Amenities

The ComfortJet features amenities for modern rail travel, including air-conditioned interiors, a restaurant car, areas for wheelchair users and families, and spaces for prams, bicycles, and large luggage. Onboard features include Wi-Fi, special windows for mobile signal transmission, 230 V sockets, and USB charging ports.

Conclusion

The ComfortJet trains, operating in cooperation with ÖBB, are now running on the Vindobona services between Prague, Vienna, and Graz, with plans to extend to other cities and routes in the coming years. The trains offer increased seating capacity and various onboard amenities.

Company Summary

České dráhy (ČD): The national railway operator of the Czech Republic.

ÖBB: The Austrian Federal Railways.

Siemens–Škoda consortium: A partnership between Siemens and Škoda, involved in the manufacturing of the ComfortJet trainsets.

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