České dráhy (ČD)
České dráhy (ČD) is the Czech Republic’s state-owned passenger rail operator, running most domestic services and many cross-border services across Central Europe.
ČD runs regional and long-distance passenger trains across the Czech Republic and sells tickets through digital and station channels. The Czech rail system separates infrastructure management and train operations: since 1 January 2003, infrastructure has been managed by a dedicated infrastructure body (then SŽDC, renamed Správa železnic from 1 January 2020), while operators such as ČD run passenger services on the network.
Passenger services in the Czech Republic
ČD runs everything from local stopping services to long-distance routes linking Prague with the country’s main cities. It is the dominant operator on many corridors, while competing operators run services on selected long-distance routes.
Long-distance services may require or recommend seat reservations, depending on route and train category.
Cross-border services
ČD runs cross-border passenger services into neighbouring countries, typically in cooperation with partner operators. Conditions can differ by route and destination, particularly for ticket types and reservations.
Seat reservations may be required on some long-distance services, especially on busier cross-border routes.
History
České dráhy was created in 1993 as the successor to the former Czechoslovak State Railways following the dissolution of Czechoslovakia. A later restructuring of the sector took effect on 1 January 2003, when the infrastructure function was separated into SŽDC (renamed Správa železnic from 1 January 2020).
In the 2010s and 2020s, competition increased on selected passenger routes, while ČD remained the largest nationwide operator through contracted regional services and a large share of long-distance operations.
Tickets, fares and reservations
ČD offers domestic tickets and a range of international tickets, with fares varying by product and train category. Some longer-distance services use mandatory or recommended seat reservations. Rules for bicycles, luggage and upgrades vary by service and route.
Rolling stock and fleet modernisation
ČD has modernised its fleet in phases across regional and long-distance services. For passengers, the impact is most visible in accessibility, capacity and onboard facilities, which can differ between corridors depending on the rolling stock in use.
Fleet renewal is also linked to infrastructure upgrades on major routes.
Safety systems and ETCS deployment
ETCS (European Train Control System) is being deployed on Czech main lines as part of corridor modernisation. As ETCS-only operation expands, more rolling stock must be equipped and authorised for operation on upgraded routes. This affects which trains can be used on upgraded lines and when new or retrofitted units can enter service.
ČD Group and related companies
ČD also refers to the wider corporate group. The best-known related company is ČD Cargo, the Czech state freight operator, which is organisationally separate from passenger operations.