This June we head to Slovakia for a unique weekend of enthusiast activity based in the historic city of Košice. The main event takes place on Saturday and Sunday, with two full days of mainline running behind classic Slovak diesel and electric locomotives. An optional Friday add‑on is also available on the charming Detská železnica Košice narrow‑gauge railway.
We are delighted to be working with our Slovak operating partners, Detská železnica Košice, to deliver this special weekend. Their support allows us to access locomotives and routes not normally available for passenger use, and they will also provide catering on the mainline trains.
Friday – Narrow Gauge visit
Our private charter train is planned to operate with all four serviceable T211 diesel locomotives. These were formerly standard gauge Class 701 shunting locomotives.
Saturday & Sunday – Mainline Charter Trains
Our train will be hauled by a selection of classic Slovak traction from Železničná spoločnosť Cargo Slovakia (ZSSK Cargo):
None of these locomotives are regularly used on passenger trains today, and we are working closely with our train providers to source locomotives without silencers, as well as examples that have not previously worked charter trains.
All locomotives (across the three-day event) are subject to operational requirements and locomotive availability.
Friday 26 June 2026
The event will start at Čermeľ station at 1400 hours. All available diesel locomotives will haul the train, which will cover the entire railway for at least one round trip, with the second round trip operating as far as Vpred.
The event is expected to finish at 1700 hours.
The railway buffet will be open serving draught beer and light refreshments. The ticket office will also be open allowing the purchase of souvenirs.
Saturday 27 June 2026
Our special train is expected to depart from Košice at 0800 hours and operate with the following locomotives over the following routes:
Class 770: Košice – Prešov – Kapušany pri Prešove
Class 751 or 752 #1: Kapušany pri Prešove – Bardejov (reverse) – Kapušany pri Prešove
Class 770: Kapušany pri Prešove – Vranov nad Topl’ou – Sečovce – Trebišov – Stanča – Michaľany
Class 751 or 752 #1: Michaľany – Kuzmice – Košice
We expect to arrive at Košice at 1630 hours.
Sunday 28 June 2026
Our special train is expected to depart from Košice at 0800 hours, operating as follows:
Class 751 or 752 #2: Košice – Prešov – Plaveč
Class 751 or 752 #3: Plaveč – Čirč
Class 751 or 752 #2: Čirč – Stará Ľubovňa – Studený Potok
Class 751 or 752 #3: Studený Potok – Tatranská Lomnica
Class 751 or 752 #2: Tatranská Lomnica – Poprad-Tatry
Class 183: Poprad-Tatry – Margecany – Košice
We expect to arrive at Košice at 1630 hours.
Confirmed timings
Confirmed timings for all three days will be shared, once known, which is expected to be approximately four weeks in advance.
The mainline trains will be formed of traditional compartment coaches. We have asked that all coaches will have opening windows. Seating will be allocated, with a maximum of six per compartment.
For the narrow gauge visit on Friday, seating will not be allocated.
The mainline trains will also include a restaurant coach, serving:
This will be provided by Detská železnica Košice.
Where operationally possible, we’ll include photo stops at interesting or unusual locations—giving you the chance to capture the train and its surroundings.
We gratefully acknowledge Stewart Wells for his work in developing the concept, facilitating the partnership that underpins this weekend and working with our partners to ensure that we deliver a weekend to remember.
All photos on this page are courtesy of Stewart.
Tickets will be on sale soon.
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