Test run of the European Sleeper service to Praha

On 11/12 March 2024 a test run took place as part of the preparations of the Dutch company European Sleeper for the launch of the night train between Brussels and Praha. The five-car rake, which arrived in Praha around midday on 12 March, was hauled the entire route by the 186 291 Lineas/Railpool. This was a non-public journey with only the employees of the participating companies, train staff and journalists present. The return journey is scheduled for Thursday 14 March.

The direct haulage with the hired TRAXX2 MS should be practiced in regular operation. On the Czech territory, the trains will be operated under the licence of ČD, but led by drivers from the Czech branch of Die Länderbahn due to a lack of in-house ČD staff. In order to train Czech drivers, the locomotive will be subsequently deployed on ČD regular trains between Praha and Děčín. The originally intended cooperation with RegioJet in the operation of this train was eventually abandoned, and the two parties differed somewhat in their statements about the reasons for the termination of cooperation.

The first arrival and departure of the regular service in Praha is scheduled for 26 March 2024. The three-times-weekly train is an extension of the service to Berlin, which European Sleeper has been operating since last May. Subcontracted by European Sleeper, the Dutch company Train Charter Services (TCS) acts as traction provider for the whole route and subcontracting carrier in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, therefore the train runs in these countries under licence of TCS, which also provides driver and guard. TCS has also previously provided occasional tourist trains to Praha for the Dutch travel agency Flywise Travel.