Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Where do Pendolino trains go to?
High-speed 680 series trains, called Pendolinos, are used for trains in the SuperCity category on two lines – the northern line (SC Pendolino connection) between Prague and Ostrava and on the southern line (SC connection) between Prague and Bratislava or Vienna.
What kind of fare do I need for a Pendolino SC train?
Passengers taking SuperCity trains need any type of ČD fare accompanied by a mandatory SC reservation. A basic SC reservation costs CZK 200; holders of the Rail Plus discount and passengers with a CityStar fare can buy an SC reservation for only CZK 86. The Rail Plus discount is automatically available to all In-karta/Rail Plus card holders regardless of their discount plan (In-zákazník, In-junior, In-senior, In-gold).
For SuperCity trains going to Vienna, a special Wien SCspezial discount is available, as an alternative to standard international fares. For trips to Slovakia a special fare scheme applies; you can also use a CityStar fare accompanied by an SC reservation.
Can I use the KMB pre-paid pass for SuperCity trains?
SuperCity trains accept all types of fare (such as return tickets, network passes, ČD's KMB pre-paid passes, international fares etc) as well as free-travel cards. In addition to these fares or cards, every passenger must buy an SC reservation for a specific service for CZK 200. Passengers with a Rail Plus discount or with a CityStar fare only pay CZK 86 for an SC reservation. The Rail Plus discount is automatically available to all In-karta/Rail Plus card holders with any discount plan.
Are there any discounts for SuperCity trains?
SuperCity trains accept all ČD discount fares and free-travel cards, but every passenger must buy a SC reservation for a specific service for CZK 200. Passengers with a Rail Plus discount (available for example to In-karta/Rail Plus card holders) or with a CityStar fare only pay CZK 86 for an SC reservation.
Can I travel on a SuperCity train on an eLiška ticket?
Yes. With the advantageous inter-regional eLiška ticket you can also travel on SuperCity trains. But you must buy a discounted SC seat reservation for CZK 86. Travelling with an eLiška ticket between any two regional capitals in the Czech Republic in using SuperCity connections would cost you CZK 226 (for example between Brno and Prague).
Can I ride SuperCity trains on an employees’ at-cost pass?
Yes, employee travel benefits can be used on SuperCity trains. However, you must always buy an SC seat reservation for the selected connection for CZK 200, or for CZK 86 for holders of the Rail Plus discount.
Can I take a bicycle on the Pendolino?
Yes, on the train a total of 3 places for transporting bicycles are offered. But when buying tickets for SuperCity trains you must reserve a place for the bicycle. You pay the same regular fare for transporting a bicycle as you do for luggage, which is CZK 25 for one train or CZK 50 for one day. The bicycle reservation price is included in the price of an SC seat reservation.
Where can I put my luggage?
A shelf above the seats is intended for passengers’ hand luggage. Larger luggage can be placed on the shelves at the entrance to the passenger compartment. Strollers for child travellers can be transported in the expanded entrance spaces on certain carriages. You can transport hand luggage and children’s strollers for travelling children for free under the same terms and conditions as for other passenger trains. There are also 3 spaces offered for transporting bicycles. But you must reserve a place for the bicycle when you buy your tickets.
What is the difference between 1st and 2nd class on SuperCity trains?
At first glance, the two classes have different seat colours – in 1st class the seats are red and in 2nd class the seats are blue. In 1st class there are also 230V electric power plugs for connecting devices such as notebooks. In addition, an audio system control panel is located on every seat, which lets you listen to one of three music programmes on your journey. 1st class on SuperCity trains is also differentiated by the range of services provided. Passengers in 1st class have a simple refreshment and daily paper brought to their seat, which is included in the price of their ticket. At the same time, the ČD Lounge waiting rooms are intended exclusively for 1st class passengers.
How is it with wheelchair passengers and their companions?
Two places are reserved in the 2nd class Number 4 carriage for passengers in wheelchairs. There is also a WC in the carriage that has been adapted for wheelchair users. The entire train is barrier-free, so passengers in wheelchairs can move about the train without problems and maybe visit the bistro in the neighbouring carriage. Entering the train is carried out with the assistance of a lift platform that is placed at all stations where the SuperCity stops. For problem-free boarding, it is best to inform the departure and destination stations about the intended travel. In the reservation system there are also two seats next to the wheelchair spaces for companions who may also be travelling.
Do I have to buy a reservation for Pendolino SC trains?
All passengers taking SuperCity trains must buy a reservation as reservations are mandatory for these trains. An SC reservation costs CZK 200. Passengers with a Rail Plus discount or with a CityStar fare only pay CZK 86 for an SC reservation.
Does every fare come with this CZK 200 surcharge?
This is not a surcharge, but a mandatory SC reservation for CZK 200, or CZK 86 (for passengers with a Rail Plus discount or with a CityStar fare).
Will Pendolino trains go to foreign destinations?
Yes, already in the current timetable SuperCity trains go once per day to Bratislava (the SC Slovenská strela) and twice per day to Vienna (SC Smetana and SC Johann Gregor Mendel).
What all is included in the price of a 1st class SuperCity ticket?
Included in the price of their ticket, passengers in 1st class in SuperCity trains have a simple snack served to them immediately after boarding the train and one copy of a daily paper brought right to their seat. At the same time, the ČD Lounge waiting rooms are intended exclusively for 1st class passengers. First-class carriages also have 230 V power outlets for plugging in such devices as notebooks. In addition, an audio system control panel is located on every seat, which lets you listen to one of three music programmes on your journey.
How can I buy a ticket over the internet?
Tickets with seat reservation on SuperCity trains can be bought directly over the internet through the Czech Railways eShop internet store. There you can choose your train, enter information about the requested fare and carry out the transaction using a payment card. You can even print out the ticket directly from your printer. You can find the internet store at www.eshop.cd.cz (on czech languagge only).
Who can use ČD Lounge waiting areas?
ČD Lounge waiting areas are intended exclusively for 1st class passengers. The ČD Lounge lets you wait for the train in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. Here you’ll find not only places for quiet resting, but also what you need to get work done on your notebook computer.
Which fares are valid for the Airport Express bus to the airport?
The fare for the Airport Express bus connection from Praha-Holešovice to Prague’s Ruzyně airport (the stop is called ‘ČD Praha letiště NAD’) is already included in the SC Net fare price. When buying your ticket, you must announce the Prague airport (NAD) as your destination station. On the Airport Express bus line, all one-way ČD tickets for one passenger with Praha letiště (NAD) as the destination station are valid. The tariff distance between the Praha-Holešovice and Praha letiště (NAD) stations is set at 16km. You can also purchase a ticket according to the Prague Integrated Transport tariff for CZK 45 or discounted for children between ages 6 and 15 for CZK 25.
How fast does the Pendolino go?
Pendolino trains have a construction speed of 230 km/h. Currently they have a maximum speed set at 200 km/h, while on tracks in the Czech Republic they can go a maximum of 160 km/h. The parameters of our rail tracks thus far do not enable higher speeds. The highest speed a Pendolino has reached in test rides is 237 km/h.