➤ ALLRAIL welcomes the upcoming launch of a new long-distance Open Access passenger rail service by the independent operator Leo Express, delivering a direct cross-border connection between Poland, the Czech Republic and Germany – and sending a strong signal for European rail in 2026.

➤ At a length of over 1.300 km, the new service links Przemyśl on the Polish–Ukrainian border with Kraków, Prague, Dresden and Frankfurt Airport – a proper trans-European connection. Starting on 25 June 2026, tickets are already on sale.

Crucially, this is a commercial Open Access service, launched without taxpayer subsidy and driven by passenger demand – exactly as envisaged by EU rail market opening legislation.
“This is EU rail policy working in practice,” said Nick Brooks, Secretary General of ALLRAIL. “Cross-border rail connections that are commercially viable. This is precisely what Open Access is meant to deliver.”

As Europe enters 2026, enabling many more commercially viable long-distance Open Access services is the most effective way to grow international rail without relying on ever-greater public spending.

This new connection shows the direction of travel – and the policy choices Europe must now make