These fantastic European capitals have always been popular with visiting Brits, heading to each to soak up the culture, history, fantastic food, amazing local beers and buzzing nightlife.

Now for the first time next Spring a brand new direct train line will be connecting three brilliant capital cities of Europe, all known for being some of the coolest cities on the planet.

The joint project between three rail companies from three different countries has been supported by the European Commission which is keen to encourage cross-border rail travel among tourists and residents alike.

The trains themselves will be ČD’s ComfortJet trains, which can travel up to 230km per hour (140mph) and seat 555 people amd a seasonal night train will be added to make use of the new route.

The new route connecting these three exciting capital cities opens on May 1 2026 in time for a full summer season of British visitors.

The brand-new direct train will be connecting the brilliant capital cities of Prague, Berlin and Copenhagen. The project is a joint effort between Czech Railways (ČD), Deutsche Bahn (DB), and Danish State Railways (DSB).

It also comes after the completion of renovations on the Berlin to Hamburg line, and according to Railway News, a stop there and in Dresden will be featured, too.  

So, what do we know so far about the service? Well according to Time Out,  it will likely run twice daily, taking seven hours between Berlin and Copenhagen, and 11 between the Danish capital and Prague. A seasonal night train between Hamburg and Copenhagen will be extended to make use of the new route. 

The trains themselves wil seat 555 people, with 99 of those in first-class. Onboard, passengers will have access to a dining car, cinema area, and even adjustable seating. 

2026 prices have not been released yet but the journey from Copenhagen to Berlin costs around £43 and the shorter joourney between Berlin and Prague coats from as little as £13.87 making a total of £57.44.

The three cities are almost directly in line with each other with Prague being the southern-most, up to Berlin then onto Copenhagen in Scandanavia. All three have a reputation for being cool destinations.

Prague is widely considered a “cool” city” to visit due to its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. It offers a magical atmosphere with fairy-tale vistas, medieval castles and bridges, and a mix of classical and modern scenes, from grand palaces to provocative street art. Many Brits appreciate the affordable prices, particularly the cheap beer, efficient public transport, and lively nightlife alongside its historical and architectural beauty. 

Berlin too is known for its dynamic energy, diverse population, and striking contrasts, from historic landmarks to modern architecture. Berlin is world-renowned for its nightlife, from famous clubs to diverse late-night spots, making it a major hub for clubbing.

The city has a thriving art scene, and a large portion of the  Berlin Wall is covered in graffiti art, a must-see landmark of the city’s war-torn past.

Finally there is Copenhagen. Its blend of old-world charm and modern Scandinavian design, vibrant food scene, commitment to sustainability, and high quality of life make it a must go destination for 2026.  Known for its clean, swimmable canals, extensive cycling culture, innovative architecture, and emphasis on creativity and community, it is a perfect end to a cool three city break taking in a few of Europe’s finest capital cities in one swoop.

The new service set to launch on May 1 will allow passengers to travel between the three capitals without changing trains anymore, with additional stops planned in key cities including Dresden and Hamburg too.

The connection will offer two daily return services. Journey times are expected to be approximately seven hours between Berlin and Copenhagen, and around eleven hours between Prague and Copenhagen according to Railway News.

Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin said: “Deutsche Bahn’s new direct connection connects three European capitals – Prague, Berlin, and Copenhagen. This strengthens Berlin as a hub in Europe. At the same time, the new direct rail connection is an important contribution to a sustainable transport transition; even more people can now travel to and from Berlin in an environmentally and climate-friendly way.”

Postolos Tzitzikostas, EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism added: “The expansion of high-speed rail, especially cross-border rail, is our top priority. This new connection between the Czech Republic, Germany, and Denmark is a strong example of progress on this path. And I am particularly proud that it is the first of ten European Commission pilot projects to support the realisation of new cross-border rail connections.”