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Travel On Train EC Metropolitan (Germany <> Czechia <> Hungary)
Exterior of Czech train at Dresden on a Praha - Hamburg journey

EC Metropolitan (Germany <> Czechia <> Hungary)

Welcome to the summary of what's most worth knowing about taking these trains between Czechia and both Germany and Hungary.

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At a Glance

Travel Pass Supplement

Rail Pass Reservation Fees
Reservations

Available
Time of Day

Day
Catering

Food services available

Restaurant
Bar (sandwiches, snacks, salads)
Accessibility

Accessing the train

Wheelchair Spaces
Bikes Allowed
Train Specification

Attributes of the train

Has a Conductor
Country

Which country these trains operate in.

Czechia
Germany
Hungary
Travel Passes
Eurail
InterRail

On Board

First Class

Perks
WiFi

A complimentary WiFi portal is available throughout this train.

Power Socket

The power sockets on this train are compatible with standard E.U. two point plugs.

Second Class

Perks
WiFi

A complimentary WiFi portal is available throughout this train.

Power Socket

The power sockets on this train are compatible with standard E.U. two point plugs.

Czech (CD) coaches are also used on the Praha - Budapest services Czech (CD) coaches are also used on the Praha - Budapest services

EC (Metropolitan) travel guide:

On this EuroCity (EC) route;

(Budapest - Vic - Brastislava - Breclav - Brno - Parduvbice) - Praha/Prague - Decin - Bad Schandau - Dresden - Berlin - Hamburg

most of the trains, those that originate or terminate in Prague/Praha, are formed of recently refurbished Czech InterCity coaches.

So they may look a tad old-fashioned from the outside, but internally they’re a great mix of old and new.

Meaning that have a sense of spaciousness that more modern trains can lack, plus they have all the amenities of brand new trains – Wi-Fi, electronic info displays and smart(ish) toilets etc.

The Hungarian trains

Hungarian coaches are used on 1 x daily train in each direction Hungarian coaches are used on 1 x daily train in each direction

1 x train per day is direct between Hamburg and Budapest and this train is formed of Hungarian coaches, provided by its national rail operator MAV
In line with the Czech (CD) coaches, MAV has also modernised the carriages it uses for this service.

Seat reservations:

However, the fact that these Czech trains are amongst the most comfortable in Europe, will be irrelevant if you haven’t got a seat – and these trains can be overcrowded, particularly in the summer, as this is a popular route for rail pass users.

So making reservations (€4) is highly recommended, particularly if you will be travelling 2nd class.

Seats won’t automatically be assigned when booking tickets for these trains online - UNLESS you book 1st class tickets with DB Bahn for journeys to/from Germany.

The restaurant:

Restaurant car of train using Czech coaches Restaurant car of train using Czech coaches

The restaurant cars on these trains, Czech or Hungarian are good value, particularly if you can pay in Czech or Hungarian currency.

The food is a little better on the Czech trains, but the wonderful views of The Elbe river valley add a touch of magic to any meal.

However, the availability of the restaurant car won’t be announced, so you can either ask the conductor if it is open when your ticket is checked, or just go to the restaurant car and take a seat.

Bicycles:

These trains have spaces for non-folding bicycles, but you must book a space for your bike prior to boarding.
You will need to arrange these at the station, because these bike tickets for international journeys cannot be booked online.
Though they can be booked online for journeys solely within Czechia and Germany; see the guide below for more info.

hand-money

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This is one of more than 100 train travel guides available on ShowMeTheJourney, which will make it easier to take the train journeys you want or need to make. As always, all images were captured on trips taken by ShowMeTheJourney.