Planning for the construction of a new high-speed rail line Dresden-Prague completed - Dresden-Prague high-speed rail nears reality after key planning milestone
A new high-speed rail line between Dresden and Prague could slash travel times from two and a half hours to just one. The project has now cleared a key stage, with preliminary planning officially completed. If approved, the line would also connect Berlin to Prague in two and a half hours, transforming cross-border travel in the region.
Over the past five years, Germany and Czechia have strengthened ties through joint infrastructure projects. Initiatives like the VGV Tschechien working group have pushed forward rail upgrades, backed by EU funding and bilateral deals. These efforts have focused on electrification, increased capacity, and faster connections—including the Dresden-Prague route.
The latest milestone involves a 30-kilometre tunnel through the Ore Mountains on the German side. This ambitious feature forms part of the wider plan to modernise the corridor. Meanwhile, construction is already underway on the border section near Schirnding, driven by collaboration between industry groups and transport authorities.
The German Federal Ministry of Transport will now submit the preliminary findings to the Bundestag for approval. Without this green light, the project cannot move forward. Earlier progress includes the 2024 completion of planning for the Nuremberg-Prague high-speed route, showing steady momentum in cross-border rail development.
The next steps hinge on political backing from the Bundestag. If approved, the line would mark one of the fastest rail links between Germany and Czechia. The reduced travel times could also boost regional trade, tourism, and daily commuting across the border.
