New partnership expands seamless rail booking access across the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and Germany as demand for cross-border rail travel accelerates
Rail Europe has expanded its European rail distribution network through the integration of Leo Express, one of Central Europe’s leading private rail operators. The partnership provides international travellers with direct access to key rail routes across the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and Germany through a single booking platform, reinforcing Rail Europe’s strategy to simplify cross-border rail travel and support the growing demand for sustainable transportation across Europe.
Rail Europe Expands Network Across Central Europe
Rail Europe, one of the world’s leading rail booking platforms, has announced the integration of Czech private rail operator Leo Express into its distribution network, further strengthening connectivity across Central Europe and broadening travel options for international passengers.
The latest partnership allows travellers using Rail Europe’s platform to book Leo Express services alongside other European rail operators through a single, unified booking system. The move significantly enhances accessibility to major Central European destinations while simplifying itinerary planning for both leisure and business travellers.
The integration represents Rail Europe’s third major network expansion in 2026, following the addition of the BritRail Pass network and European Sleeper services earlier this year, underscoring the company’s commitment to making European rail travel more accessible and interconnected.
Greater Access to Key Central European Destinations
Founded in 2010, Leo Express has established itself as an important private rail operator serving routes across the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and Germany. Its network connects several major economic, cultural and tourism centres that attract millions of domestic and international visitors annually.
Through the new partnership, Rail Europe customers can now seamlessly access Leo Express routes linking major cities including Prague, Krakow, Warsaw, Ostrava and Olomouc, providing greater flexibility for travellers exploring Central Europe.
The integration is expected to particularly benefit international visitors seeking multi-country rail itineraries, allowing them to combine services from multiple rail operators through a single booking process.
As rail travel continues to gain popularity as a sustainable alternative to short-haul flights, improved access to regional rail networks is becoming increasingly important for both travellers and tourism stakeholders.
Simplifying Europe’s Fragmented Rail Landscape
One of the long-standing challenges facing European rail travel has been the fragmentation of national rail systems, which often requires travellers to navigate multiple booking platforms, ticketing systems and operators when planning cross-border journeys.
Rail Europe believes partnerships such as the Leo Express integration are helping address these barriers by creating a more streamlined and user-friendly experience for international passengers.
“European rail is still too fragmented and too complex to access across borders. Our job at Rail Europe is to make it easier,” said Björn Bender, Chief Executive Officer of Rail Europe.
“Every new integration expands access and removes friction for travellers and partners. Leo Express is another important step in connecting more of Europe through rail.”
The integration aligns with broader European Union objectives aimed at promoting sustainable mobility, reducing transport emissions and encouraging greater use of rail services for both domestic and international travel.
Growing Demand for Alternative European Travel Routes
Industry observers note that travellers are increasingly exploring destinations beyond Western Europe’s traditional tourism hotspots, creating new opportunities for Central and Eastern European destinations.
Rail Europe says the addition of Leo Express services comes at an important time, as demand grows for alternative travel experiences and less congested tourism corridors.
The enhanced connectivity provides easier access to some of Central Europe’s most attractive cultural, historical and business destinations, helping disperse visitor flows while supporting regional tourism development.
“With summer travel demand growing, this partnership opens direct access to key Central European routes and cities such as Prague, Krakow, Warsaw and Ostrava through one platform,” Bender added.
The development is also expected to support tourism boards, destination management organisations and local economies by improving accessibility for international visitors seeking multi-destination European itineraries.
Strengthening Rail Europe’s Market Position
The integration further consolidates Rail Europe’s position as one of Europe’s largest rail distribution platforms. The company currently works with more than 250 rail operators and transportation providers across the continent, offering travellers access to an extensive network of domestic and international rail services.
As Europe continues to prioritise sustainable tourism and low-carbon mobility solutions, rail transport is playing an increasingly significant role in the region’s travel ecosystem.
By expanding partnerships with regional operators such as Leo Express, Rail Europe is helping bridge gaps between national rail systems while creating a more connected and accessible European travel network.
The latest expansion also reflects the growing importance of digital distribution platforms in simplifying rail travel, improving customer experience and supporting the continued growth of Europe’s rail tourism sector.
With the peak summer travel season approaching, the integration positions Rail Europe to capture growing demand for cross-border rail journeys while offering travellers greater flexibility, convenience and destination choice throughout Central Europe.
