Czech electric trains manufactured by Škoda arrived in Estonia more than a year ago. Since then, they have been spotted several times during test runs, but their official debut did not take place until Saturday, November 29, 2025, during a ceremonial journey from Tallinn to Kloogaranna.

Rail passenger transport in Estonia is operated by the company Elron, which purchased the Czech trains through a public tender. An interesting detail is that, in informal conversations among locals and expats, the Czech trains have been nicknamed “carrot.” This designation originated from their bright orange color.

A total of 16 modern trainsets will serve the Tallinn metropolitan area and newly electrified railway lines in the country. Of these, 11 units are intended for long-distance services and 5 for suburban transport. The new trains cost €146.8 million, funded by the state budget and the European Union's Modernization Fund.

The trains will be introduced into service gradually, depending on the availability of infrastructure. The first train began regular operation on December 15 on routes heading west from Tallinn to Pääsküla, Keila, Turba, Paldiski, and Kloogaranna.

The trains are mainly meant for the Tallinn–Tartu route, but according to Elron, they cannot yet be put into service because the necessary infrastructure is not in place.

Source: Elron, news.err.ee

Compiled by the team of CzechTrade Baltics