Since 16 September 2025, a new freight corridor connects the Slovak industrial town of Žilina with Halle (Saale) in Saxony-Anhalt. This was announced by DB Cargo. The Slovakia-Shuttle train, introduced under that name, runs daily and covers the route in about one day.
New options for intermodal transport
The connection runs via Ostrava in the Czech Republic to Halle. According to DB Cargo, there is a direct connection there to the company's wagon-load
network, which covers large parts of Germany. In Žilina, the Slovak ZSSK Cargo links regional industrial enterprises.
Via Ostrava, there are also transfers to the Polish network. Further connections exist to Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Ukraine. In the Czech Republic, Pardubice serves as an additional hub to connect further industrial enterprises. This creates an option for freight forwarders to combine rail shipments and thus make international supply chains more robust.
Cargo and technology
The new shuttle is designed for different goods. According to the company, metal products, pulp, consumer goods, and palletized goods can be transported. Conventional freight wagons are used; on request, intermodal loading units are also available. Technically, DB Cargo relies on a new locomotive of the type EffiShunter 744.191. It is equipped with a mobile ETCS module designed to facilitate on-site use.
Practical significance for road freight transport
The daily connection is particularly
interesting for road freight companies as a supplement. With fixed transit times of around one day between Žilina and Halle, freight forwarders can plan international routes more reliably, without having to rely entirely on road transport. The decisive factor is the connection to the regional industrial hubs, which enable flexible pre- and post-haul by truck. According to DB Cargo, the offer is aimed mainly at customers who want to combine reliable transport with
