WHY DO PEOPLE PREFER FLIXBUS? Train from Prague to Berlin with a gate crash by Orient Express

I'm sure passengers on the 31 daily Flixbus services between Prague and Berlin don't get the scenery when travelling by train. This train follows the River Elbe for roughly half of it's journey. The day started with a surprise visit from my favourite train - the Venice Simplon Orient Express.
Filmed October 2022 | Prague, Czechia.
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*** TIMESTAMPS:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:28 Trains around Prague
00:01:23 Venice Simplon Orient Express
00:03:41 The 'Berliner' from Prague to Berlin
00:04:55 Departure from Prague
00:05:51 River Elbe
00:06:16 Decin
00:06:53 Dresden
00:07:05 Berlin

[@oeckel10]

There is definitely more than one train per day going from Prague to Berlin, most of them just don't terminate there and continue on to Hamburg or even further

[@joannharrington2279]

The Orient Express was beautiful and I noticed they had clean windows. What a train! It looked sexy standing still.

[@mikeschumacher]

There's five or six daily trains that run Berlin-Prague, but they may have different final destinations. Northbound I think at least one or two ran to Hamburg. Going south, one was an Austrian Railjet to Vienna, one was a Czech Railjet to Graz, and one is the Hungaria that runs to Budapest. I know they've had to recently adjust or start at Prague Holesovice due to track work.

[@chrisstratton320]

The Hungaria has an awful reputation for punctuality and general reliability, so where possible is best avoided. The rolling stock is 90s era that has been 'refreshed' but has a record of maintenance failures. A while back it arrived in Prague from Budapest with so many wagon faults, the CD staff refused to operate it so it terminated. The staff weren't impressed with kaputt air con at the height of summer amongst other things.

[@SuperDoetinchem]

There is also a Kiel one, and Flensburg one. Also a two railjets that do not stop at the main station.

[@david.janovsky]

There are 7 daily trains between Praha and Berlin. You can find them here (just Czech section of the route): www.spravazeleznic.cz/documents/50004227/142515241/k090_od_2022-09-01.pdf

[@j.d.joiner5479]

Yes, the best way is to board at Holesovice and those trains you get the new railjet sets 90% of the time which are far more comfortable

[@regularyugoslav8188]

The railjets to Berlin sadly terminate at Praha Holesovice now and dont continue on to Berlin with the new plan as of December. There are construction works that cause a shortened timeframe for the amount of trains that can use the track, and as a result the RJ got kicked out.

[@AshtonArcher]

Compartments are the best way to train travel!

[@Pidalin]

only when you are alone there

[@Aligartornator13]

@@Pidalin The chance of having an annoying person in the compartment is the highest if the whole car is one compartment though.

[@Pidalin]

@@Aligartornator13 in these days with Ukrainians everywhere, you will get annoying yelling persons in all types of trains, it's even worse, they totaly don't understand what is seat reservation and first class 😀

[@steve-marsh]

C'mon Scott, I'm sure you could've blagged you way onto the Orient Express. The scenery out the window and the freedom to wander is always what makes the train better than the coach, and no exception on this journey. Hope you got some time in one of your favourite cities! That bee was definitely a subscriber by the way.

[@MHG1023]

Going by coach should always be the last resort ...

[@davidlittle7182]

Crowdfunder in 1, 2...

[@SuperDoetinchem]

There is actually a train every 2 hours, and they are slowly replacing all the compartments. It's definitely better then Flixbus. If you take bus take regiojet

[@carthtc3429]

Interesting, I prefer the compartments BECAUSE of the privacy in comparison with open air configuration... :))) Fun fact - when you were filming the Czech town of Hrensko, you were already in Germany, the river is the border in that section. :)

[@Aligartornator13]

Yes, compartments are awesome! In every train without, there is this one person who's shouting on the phone the entire time!

[@carthtc3429]

@@Aligartornator13 exactly, an annoying person (incl. a screaming child or a barking dog) bothers only a single compartment instead of the whole car. :)

[@David_Cri]

I do enjoy your videos but crave just a wee bit more info in them. The duration of the journey and the only sometimes mentioned cost of the ticket would be useful. Keep up the good work.

[@sevendaughters]

took this route the opposite direction in 38 degree weather with broken air con and people dumping suitcases on the compartment floor and then complaining that my feet were brushing against them. Fun!

[@Granuaile1]

I managed a day trip on the Orient Express a number of years ago - from Venice to Rome. It was included in the cost of a two centre package holiday otherwise I could never have afforded it. It was gorgeous! I've also done the Berlin-Prague journey (another two centre package holiday). The scenery along the Elbe was lovely.

[@Gerrie_de_B.]

Just simple one of the best connections between Prague and Berlin. Not expensive, relatively fast, great scenery and you can get drinks and food in the bar.

[@ianpaynetravel]

I’ve taken this train twice recently, it’s really got to be 1st class, still a decent price, they serve some great schnitzel! This would be my first choice of travel between Berlin and Prague.

[@bluelucky2865]

Took this train this summer from Berlin to Prague while travelling with an interrail pass. It was quite the adventure. The plan was to take the morning train to Dresden, spend 4 hours in Dresden, then hop on the same train four hours later to Prague. First train had a initial delay, then spent further 60 minutes at the outskirts of Berlin, because it was overbooked. Police was called, because people without a seat reservation refused to leave the train. After arriving an hour late in Dresden, we spent four hours there anyway, as the next train was delayed for an hour for the same reason. Turns out, not only was the train overbooked again, but no! Our carriage, where we had our seat reservation was also vandalized and removed from the consist. Luckily we were able to find some free seats on the second train, as the DB personnel went on to throw out everyone at the German-Czech border, who did not have a seat on that train. Honestly. I love train travel, but I'd like to avoid train travel in Germany for the foreseeable future. Being a Swiss, we are spoilt when it comes to train travel, but I also had a good time on trains in Austria and Czechia. German rail travel could be soooo damn good, but it's just so frustrating most of the time.

[@dominikhavel8102]

You are absolutely right. I also bought an Interrail Pass for this summer. I was in Germany or rode through Germany couple of times and if I count all my rides that had someting to do with Germany, 5 of 7 rides over 250 km ended up differently to my plans - I missed my connection, went anywhere else due to the delay, had to change trains at 2:30 AM... Long distance trains are terribly delayed but if I as a passenger please the conductor to let the connection wait for 10 minutes, the dispatcher denies it even if it's a night train and we were more than 10 people who wanted to change... It's so frustrating if you're on an international train that's on time and behind the German border (no matter where you go from - Czechia, Austria, the Netherlands...) it slows down, goes from signal to signal, stays in the middle of nowhere for minutes multiple times... I live in Czechia. People complain about trains here. Yes, this year is one of the worst ones because of the huge reconstruction works but, overall, it's not bad. According to the latest numbers, German trains are more often delayed than the trains in Czechia. On the main lines, passenger numbers are growing and the lines around big cities are at the edge of capacity. However, the most important is that if you need to catch the last train they always do the best and the train waits. This is what I'm missing in Germany.

[@user-ib9pz6id5b]

As a Czech person I must say Czech trains are also often (if not always) late. You don't need a Seat reservation to take the train though if you don't mind sitting on the ground in the corridor

[@ianhjan]

There is a pub in Winsford Cheshire called the Brighton Belle. For Many years it had a Brighton Belle coach connected to it. It was called "Mona". In 1998 it was sold to the VSOE. They refurbished it and it is in regular use to this day.

[@brianbell4937]

Whilst in Berlin make sure to get the S-bahn to Rhansdorf for the fantastic Woltersdorf tramway. Hopefully still using old 1950s 4 wheelers, although brand new trams are due to enter service.

[@viewersme796]

I was living in Berlin 7 years ago many beautiful places

[@Cunwad]

At 5:55 this is not the Elbe, but the Moldova (Vltava), I think at the long curve near Řež. The train only follows the Elbe between Dolní Beřkovice and Coswig (b Dresden). At 6:02 it's near Roudnice nad Labem nearby the river Elbe.

[@mordor62]

not the best,,,but the best REVIEW of how we mere mortals travel,,,am glad of you videos,keep em coming (deliberate english)

[@jimwright1148]

You should try Amsterdam to Prague overnight,left Amsterdam around 20-30pm arrived about 10am,used to get both border guards on leaving Germany in to then Czech Republic,shining torches in the cabins checking passports!each coach had a guard who opened the little cabin to sell beer and snacks,was a right good party train 20 odd years ago!

[@mrpeel3239]

How about a future vid on stowing aboard the Orient Express?!

[@jkardez4794]

Lovely train movements at Prague going to different destinations but the Orient Express was no doubt the star. We expect you to take us on this luxury bourgeois train one day or the other , no excuses Scott.

[@maaikevd3773]

Just seeing your face near the Orient express made watching this video worth it! We did the Berlin-Prague route earlier this year and I absolutely loved the views!

[@kevinmcanulty2593]

thanks for inviting us along

[@gregorylenton8200]

NICE TRIP

[@you-know-who9023]

Great video. I first came across your video about in my country Ireland. I am looking forward to enjoying videos past, present and future. 😊🙋

[@jamesdoyle8442]

Love your video Scott 👍👍👍

[@janetmackinnon3411]

We've got to get you on the Orient Express! Start Start a fund...

[@robertofraser101]

Your next video orient express scott 😀 thanks enjoyed as always

[@chrisneppiras9408]

been privileged enough to walk through her ( or rather the British Simplon trainset ) not as a passenger but a BR employee, a lot do not really know but there are actually two of them one here the other across the channel. our one was used to haul QE2 passengers from Bournemouth up to Southampton docks a lot, i aint never seen so much gold in a humble crapper Scott, yes well out of my pay grade to unfortunately, the orient express is Antique luxury on wheels and ive been privileged to walk her whole length before her passengers arrived to ferry them up to the QE2. more gold and silver than Samuels.

[@duffajfka]

I am a Czech student in Germany and I ride this train at least once a month. First of all because the connection is much cheaper than anything else (other than hitchhiking) if booked early. What I enjoy about it is if I get a compartment just for myself (on some early morning trains), then I can adjust the seats and sleep inside. Another upside is the restaurant car, it's great to get a nice soup, schnitzel or svíčková with draught beer. If you order it on the Czech side it is far cheaper. Unfortunately with travel recovering after corona the trains get more and more occupied. From this month the last train from Prague to Berlin (6:30pm ish) is getting canceled, replaced by the EN Canopus from Prague to Switzerland via Dresden and Frankfurt.

[@Gerrie_de_B.]

My experience was that the drinks and meals have no different prices on the International trains. Only the CD trains which stay in CZ have cheaper food.

[@duffajfka]

@@Gerrie_de_B. Idk when you have made this experience but at least the trains to Austria and Germany have a much cheaper price if you order on the Czech territory (they call it Happy Hours)

[@peterbrown6224]

@@duffajfka Thank you for this valuable tip - I'll make use of it.

[@anderson357]

Enjoyed video

[@AAeolian]

took this train back in June from Dresden to Prague, and the views were incredible along the River. compartments were a little awkward but the views more than made up for it

[@sjonnies6768]

Hmmm nowadays you can book your seat online on choose. This train has both compartments and non compartments carriages. There is also a restaurant on board(you did not film that). So when filming is your number one priority on a train(which is not for 99% of the passengers) you need to better prepare yourself i assume. And online you could also found out that there are 5 to 7 trains driving to Berlin.

[@mikestephens5622]

Great selection of different engine types, but doesn't the Simplon Express deserve a steam train? Agree that privacy encourages innovation and better photography.

[@varyar77]

Great video, as always. (I'm really curious what was going on with the guys running around in the background in the last 30 seconds or so.)

[@brianbrown826]

It’s much better now than 20 years ago when there was old trains and the track was being upgraded. Isn’t a Berliner a doughnut??

[@kristofferkassel6998]

Best thing about Pragues railway station is the beautiful park just outside of the doors! Lovely welcome when you arrive.

[@Pidalin]

You mean Sherwood? Why would anyone call it a beautiful park? They will steal your wallet there. 😀

[@kristofferkassel6998]

@@Pidalin It is much better than huge roads and crazy traffic that are outside most other railways stations in big cities. I like much more to be confronted with silence and greenery than noise and traffic chaos. But we are all different! :)

[@Pidalin]

@@kristofferkassel6998 there actually is highway next to prague main station when you leave it up from historical building, communists destroyed it there, park is down there under road where later communist building is

[@clivepenning9294]

Train roar on orient express amazing

[@itmkoeln]

Maybe the 20 mins delay was a sample check by either German police. That happens quite alot with EuroCitys and almost always in the first stop in Germany (either Bad Schandau or Dresden)

[@chrisstratton320]

It's always possible, but rare. They don't switch locomotive in Dresden anymore so that wouldn't cause a delay. I had police walking through the train between Bad Schandau and Dresden a few weeks ago for the first time in a very long time. It was common occurrence during 2015/16 with the refugee arrivals but not so in recent times. Unless somebody takes their interest for a reason the police don't usually bother anyone.

[@itmkoeln]

@@chrisstratton320 Yeah CD hauls their locos (after all the Vectron Multisystem is basically free to operate on DB Netz) all the way to their destination... The ECs/Nightjets by ÖBB and the Swiss EC from Hamburg to Zurich are hauled on DB class 101 (usually) and for the ÖBB trains they change to a ÖBB Taurus (ES64U4) near the Austrian boarder.

[@croberts709]

I hate compartments too! We were in one from Munich to Venice. First and last time doing that, from then on we only booked first class.

[@dirkschwartz1689]

With Ceske Drahy you can make rather cheap seat reservations in advance and if I am not mistaken in 2nd class there are open and compartment seats on this service.

[@debbieoconnor7054]

Good video Scott. Have you visited Dresden and do you have any videos of your visit?

[@jamaha]

Nice trip, the scenery is amazing! I recommend you stop by in the dining car for a while, at least for a fresh draught beer! By the way, there is one open space coach - the first class. :D

[@ninyaninjabrifsanovichthes45]

I did this trip last July

[@luckhurstrobert]

Just checking the app, there should be connection to Berlin every 2 hours or so, though some continue up to Hamburg. Flixbus (and Regiojet) are popular as it's about half the price for the same travel time. The trip up the Labe / Elbe is lovely though.

[@chrisgironde6669]

What do you mean “oh no compartments” ? I prefer them if I can get them

[@chrisstratton320]

By coincidence I caught the same service to Dresden a few weeks ago. No Orient Express when I departed Prague Sadly. I too dislike compartments. Ceske Drăhy usually have a couple of open saloons at either end of the train. I use the train from Dresden to Berlin often and don't ever recall the entire train being compartments only. Re the bus. Due to rocketing prices, for anyone with a Bahncard, the cost saving by bus is now minimal if anything at all over the train. Pre Covid that wasn't the case. Of the two bus companies, Regiojet over Flixbus all the time. Better onboard experience plus always a few euro cheaper. Flixbus do have a more intensive service, especially into evening and night when train and Regiojet aren't an option. Between Prague and Dresden the bus is actually quicker by around 30 min than the train, but as you say, the autobahn is duller compared to the train which follows the Elbe. After Dresden the train is much faster to Berlin so if travelling from Prague, you'll still arrive quicker in Berlin than the bus.

[@HerMajestyLada]

I feel you, I also hate compartments. But this train exactly has the best solution. Almost every Berliner has a dining car and these especially are the best! Just a little advice for next time on this way. :-)

[@markhamilton6324]

Great video. Can you tell me how much this journey was and did u need to take your passport with you to travel from A to B ? Thanks

[@rhodrage]

So weird seeing foreign trains in Arriva livery

[@MHG1023]

I´ve had horrible train rides but they are always preferred over any coach ride ... and since I do not film videos train compartments are usually my preferred seating option - unless I´d be confronted with a fully booked 8-seat compartment ...

[@likklej8]

What class is that Czech Republic Locomotive. I saw a blue and white liveried one in Budapest Central station back in 2018

[@Pidalin]

Was it really THAT orient express? In Prague? That's sick. 🙂

[@dlittlester]

Bill Bryson would agree with you on compartments.

[@taboulefattouch4744]

I spent four days in Berlin and six days in the Lake district outside Rome in November 2022. All the trains I took in Italy arrived and departed on time (including four trains to and from the airport. The only 'delay' I had in Italy was three or four minutes on one train (the other trains left exactly on time and arrived on time or at.most two minutes later). In start contrast the trains (also metro) in Berlin were all late by at least 10 minutes (some even 18 - 30 minutes). Sign of the times?

[@publicminx]

Germany as biggest guy in the center of Europe is also the biggest transit country (on road, on train, post, internet hub etc.) which also means that you have since the 21. century an exploding raise of traffic (in and through Germany) from all directions which is also one reason why especially Germany (due a lower degree also Netherlands, Belgium etc.) under much higher pressure than relatively isolated countries like Italy or relatively manageable bidirectional small 'pass through' countries like Switzerland ...

[@vivianhughes9347]

Another great video, thanks Scott. I really liked how you featured all the different types of traction on the trains at the start of the video. Also, I agree with you - the sound of electric locos pulling away is fantastic! With the blower motors roaring! PS I never knew the VSOE stock was built in Birmingham. Cheers. Vivian

[@elfacisco]

I love compartments in trains, open air coach isn't not for me. Best sitting place is near the door. If you are lucky, whole compartment is for you. 😁🚂🚃

[@HSTHoward]

Compartment stock is the best stock!

[@garethsmith2250]

1347 looks like a pacer

[@schwarzalben88]

I think most of the trains between Praha and Berlin don't call at Hlavni Nadrazhi but Holsovice as they are though trains from Bratislava and points East. When malate partner and I did that journey many years ago now we had to join the train at Holsovice ( which was more convenient than Hlavni Nadrazhi as our Hotel was out in that direction.

[@dominikhavel8102]

There are lots of reconstruction works on the railway lines in Czechia this year and the situation that you describe is a result of it. The trains that go through Prague to Budapest or Vienna use between Prague and Brno a slower line and that is why these trains stop only at Holešovice - they just don't have enough time to go via Prague main staion. From June 2023, all trains to Berlin will stop at both Holesovice and the main station as before.

[@rudolffabrie3233]

Flixbus is much cheaper and doesn't strike every couple of months. People have enough of all those railway strikes.

[@chrisstratton320]

Not anymore it isn't. Post covid Flixbus prices have rocketed and the difference between the train isn't big. Train punctuality can't be promised but the chance of any Flixbus running on time is sketchy if it has started its drive a long distance away.

[@Pidalin]

Not only strikes, trains are terribly delayed, I like trains, but if I have to be somewhere on time, I will probably use a bus, train is very risky, you can be on time or you can get 3 hours delay. But I really hate buses, if it's more than 2 hours ride, I would always prefer train if it was possible.

[@jamesdoyle8442]

👍👍

[@rogerkretzschmar8280]

If all us subscribers chip in £1 each would that be enough for you to do the Orient Express train for us all 😃

[@Hispandinavian]

The church of Saint Cyril. He is the originator of the Cyrillic alphabet, for the Slavic languages especially Russian.

[@kevinellis8869]

Another good video Scott, totally agree though - compartments are fine, so long as you've got them to yourself!

[@stephenskorupa8983]

That Locomotive was an odd shape!!

[@Lner1922]

Think it is a shunter bringing carriages from the sidings

[@Coconut_Head]

I just did this trip with my family and totally disagree about the compartments. Both there and coming back we had great conversations with random people there. Czech's are quite reserved so this one of the only places to make random connections and can be a beautiful thing. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aH7EYZVmgs6Sepo.

[@michaeldyas769]

How disappointing no steam locomotive on the VS

[@fidgetspinner343]

Are those awful compartment trains more prevalent in certain countries or routes? I have a first class Interrail for next year and would rather stand than sit in awkward ambience in one of them?!

[@chrisstratton320]

On Czech trains they are. Rare on DB.

[@Coconut_Head]

Awkward ambiance is fun 😅

[@A_Canadian_In_Poland]

PKP in Poland is still ordering brand new compartment railcars.

[@dazzlingdaz187]

Never mind Scott, if we like and subscribe enough you might get on the Orient Express one day 😉

[@CheonMinsu]

Thanks to your great video from EU!

[@oida10000]

4:50 Hey compartments are a plus, not a frowny face.

[@stanibg75]

czehia have only old train from germany

[@cyrildhy8993]

Agree, I don't like compartment. I travel by train for the views. Also, when I was a volunteer guard on a heritage line they are slower to check tickets.

[@kmak5345]

Have never understood that seating system, even 10 min journey can be nightmare , packets crisps come out legs get in way , then have the business travel person unloads half the office then speaks loudly whole trip through Bluetooth headphones 😡😡

[@Pidalin]

it can be a nightmare when you get wrong people, but bus style seats mostly don't have enough space for your baggage so it can be nightmare too when you have more things than one small back pack

[@christophernoble6810]

I see now why you hate compartments, but they are all too rare these days. They have the advantage over open coaches in being an oasis of calm. Not something we have in U.K. now. Excellent video, though.

[@BengtHansves]

I can recommend going to Tanvald! And thereafter up to Harrachow and over the border to Szklarska Poreba in Poland ! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYqqf5xjj62ceLc

[@Coconut_Head]

You are right! Beautiful through the mountains

[@garymcgregor7048]

More please scott

[@janpf0624]

Complaining about Berliners ? Come on, man. Actually, the best Siemens made open seating 1st class Ampz 10-91 coaches were drawn out from the EC Metropolitans and added to Berliners replacing the comparment 2nd class coaches, which underwent/undergo refurbishment for open seating coaches. The ČD them operated as 2nd class. The Berliners also have functional wifi. The mentioned Metropolitans have the open seating 1st class replaced by older comparment 1st class Aee140 coaches, but for the same price / fare of ticket, as Berliners, without working PA and wifi. Other Metropolitans / Hungaria, operated by Hungarian or Slovak coaches always have open seating 1st class and at least 3 coaches of 2nd class in open seating configuration + one service guard with combi seating, either comparments or open seating area. The Westbound trains are always the preferred ones,0 the Eastbound trains are discriminated - I repeat myself, for the same price. The Vienna-bound trains always must be "railjets", no matter what.

[@xsc1000]

"The Vienna-bound trains always must be "railjets", no matter what." Yes, they have to be because they are operated half by half with OBBs Railjets.

[@simonpilk]

You really have not done justice on this. Was the entire train formed of compartment stock? Also you failed to comment or try the excellent on board restaurant car which really makes this route. Tell the folk on Flixbus if such a facility exists in a bus? Draught Czech beer? No I thought that.

[@skinniestfatman5641]

Normally itll have mixed carriages, i know the CD train i caught to and from Trebon it had both compartments and normal seating, the compartments, i think, is a bit more expensive

[@therickychannel6292]

Bee or wasp. Probably attacked by a wasp

[@kriskruz3792]

He would still find something to moan about even on the Orient Express 😂

[@Aktivist1000]

I hate open space cars.

[@davidwebb4904]

Praha Main is cool. You can walk right across the tracks. Look both ways first, thats optional.

[@torspedia]

Amusing that the train should be named after a donught! 😂

[@HampsteadOwl]

Ich bin ein Berliner

[@davidwebb4904]

Advantage of train. You don’t get pulled at the border for document check. That happens with buses.

[@DateTwoRelate]

Better to be attacked by a bee than to ride a Regiojet train!

[@skinniestfatman5641]

I rode 1 back from Brno, tbh i thought it was great even like their bus service

[@AC-db4ek]

I hate compartments too unless, they are empty. LOL. Is ridiculous because you have to phase strangers faces all the time and you can't strecht your legs at all. I wonder who had the awful idea of making compartments.

[@itzsamplayz6046]

First

[@DavidPeacock1972]

Second

[@Stan-at-KangarooIslandTV]

That was a wasp not a bee. One of my pet peeves is people confusing them, that along with people calling Africa a country.

[@Dixiebrit1865]

Please make an effort to pronounce place names properly or even in the local language ... its called respect i cringe when i hear you pronounce Prague, Praha, Praga....

[@anandagunasekera2006]

So you explain why Flexibus is preffered. Very basic & poor video. Even 10 yrs old would do better.

[@michaeljackson2838]

Mate seriously?? You are making a video for viewing by thousands, and 5 sets of eyes being judgemental is an issue? Come on, go with the flow, I would rather be in a compartment than Flixbus any day, and I would love there to be actual passenger trains here in Australia with something resembling a service. i would kill for a compartment and not worry about others.