Paris-Berlin night train returns after three-month hiatus with new route

The first night train between Paris and Berlin since 2024 arrived in the German capital on March 29. Operated by European Sleeper, the service marks the return of overnight rail travel on this route after a three-month break. The Dutch-Belgian company, founded in 2021, is now reviving connections abandoned due to financial cuts.

The original Paris-Berlin night train stopped running in December 2024 when public subsidies ended. European Sleeper stepped in, choosing a new route via Brussels instead of Strasbourg to improve profitability. The company, backed by over 6,000 investors with shares starting at €160, already operates a three-times-weekly service linking Brussels, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Berlin, Dresden, and Prague.

Fares for the Paris-Berlin route begin at €39.99 for a seat and €59.99 for a couchette in low season. Among the first passengers was Victor Falzon, a 25-year-old French student travelling to Berlin for environmental reasons. European Sleeper has further expansion plans. A Brussels-Barcelona route is in development, with stops in Avignon, Montpellier, and Perpignan. Another line to Milan—via Brussels, Aachen, Cologne, Zurich, Lugano, and Como—was originally set for late 2025 but has been delayed until September 9, 2026, due to infrastructure work. The company aims to break even by the end of 2026.

The revived Paris-Berlin night train offers a low-cost, eco-friendly alternative to flying. With new routes planned, European Sleeper is gradually expanding its network across Europe. The company's success will depend on passenger demand and operational efficiency in the coming years.