Prague’s planned rail connection to Václav Havel Airport reached an important milestone, with the key Bubny–Výstaviště segment set to open on August 1, after two years of intensive construction costing CZK 5.6 billion. The new stretch between Prague 7’s Bubny and Výstaviště stations is essential to the future line connecting Prague city center with Kladno and the airport. Final preparations, including track laying, shelter installation, and pedestrian improvements, are nearly complete.
The Bubny station will offer modern amenities, improved pedestrian access, and direct connections to Prague’s metro line C at Vltavská and the renovated Negrelli Viaduct. Výstaviště station improvements also include new footbridges enhancing access to Stromovka Park, expected by June.
The airport rail project consists of 11 segments, with notable completed components like the Negrelli Viaduct. The route will include stops at Jeneč, Pavolv, Velké Přítočno, and a new station at Prague-Liboc. Increased speeds, up to 80 km/h, will significantly reduce travel times. When complete in 2030, journeys from the airport to central Prague should take around 25 minutes.
However, the ambitious project faces ongoing challenges, notably local opposition in the Veleslavín–Ruzyně section regarding noise barriers. The Railway Administration, represented by Daniel Dlubal, aims for compromises like green walls rather than costly redesigns that could delay the project significantly.
The Veleslavín–Ruzyně segment is part of a larger PPP package slated for construction from 2027, with a targeted completion in 2030. Coordination with airport expansion plans has complicated the design phase, particularly at the planned Dlouhá Míle station, which will feature significant parking and infrastructure enhancements.
The airport station preparation is almost complete but awaits final permits. It will integrate closely with ongoing expansions of airport Terminal 2, involving complicated coordination due to future airport developments. The roundabout rail link underneath the airport toward Hostivice, initially planned separately, has now been integrated into the PPP project, further complicating the coordination.
Progress continues on the branch line toward Kladno despite delays related to integrating ETCS safety systems. Construction on this critical 14-15 km section should begin in 2024 and finish by 2028, with limited train operations maintained throughout construction.
Further east, the Dejvice–Veleslavín tunnel section is awaiting environmental permits before final design and contractor selection via a Design & Build scheme. Adjustments have been made to the tunnel route to avoid disrupting critical infrastructure like the Central Military Hospital.
The Dejvice–Výstaviště tunnel segment, also planned for Design & Build construction, faces detailed coordination due to complex geography and future urban developments in Dejvice. This segment, including underground stations, is slated for operation by 2030.
Despite construction progressing well, challenges remain, including regulatory complexities from new construction laws, causing procedural delays. The full airport rail link aims for completion by 2030, contingent upon successful tunneling and project coordination.