Train operator Leo Express is giving away free beer on its long-distance train routes in Czechia, Slovakia, and Poland, sparking both attention and criticism.

While the campaign is meant to encourage train travel over car use, some experts argue the promotion sends the wrong message about alcohol consumption.

The “Free Beer” campaign offers adult passengers (aged 18 and up) a complimentary beer with their ticket — available until supplies last, likely for 10 to 14 days, according to company spokesperson Emil Sedlařík. The drinks are 0.33-liter bottles distributed during the journey.

Leo Express claims the offer isn’t simply about drinking but about promoting responsible travel. The company argues that train passengers have the luxury of enjoying alcohol without the risks associated with driving. “One of the advantages of traveling by train is that you don’t have to drive, so you can enjoy a chilled beer without worries,” the company states.

Similar marketing angles have been used in the past by Czech Railways, which once promoted car trains to Slovakia, and by RegioJet, which ran campaigns for its now-defunct routes to Croatia.

On Facebook, Leo Express reinforced this message: “There are things that don’t belong behind the wheel, but you can enjoy them on the train without any regrets. During the journey, you can read, work, or simply relax. And yes — you can also enjoy a free beer without worries.”

But not everyone is convinced.

Petr Freimann, a representative of Dry February — an initiative aimed at raising awareness about alcohol risks — criticized the campaign. He called it “cheap beer marketing” unworthy of a carrier that brands itself as a symbol of modern travel in Central Europe.

“The values of a modern society are built elsewhere,” he adds. He pointed out that previous Leo Express initiatives, such as offering free mineral water, aligned better with public health goals and were more socially responsible.

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