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european Sleeper to Launch Direct Berlin-Paris Night Train in 2026
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A new direct night train connection between Berlin adn Paris is set to launch on March 26, 2026, offering travelers a convenient and lasting alternative to air travel. Tickets for the service, operated by European Sleeper, will become available on December 16, 2025.
the new route represents a notable expansion for European Sleeper,a Dutch-Belgian company founded in 2021 by elmer van Buuren and Chris Engelsman. The company is structured as a cooperative, funded in part by numerous small investors, demonstrating a growing demand for alternative rail travel options. This initiative underscores a broader trend toward revitalizing long-distance rail connections across Europe.
Filling a Void in European Rail Travel
The Berlin-Paris route is particularly noteworthy as it will fill a gap left by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). ÖBB’s existing Nightjet service between Berlin or Vienna and Paris will be discontinued in December 2025. This decision stems from the French government’s cancellation of approximately ten million euros in annual funding for night train operations. According to the ÖBB, this subsidy was crucial for the route’s economic viability.
“Without these subsidies, the operation of the route would not be economically viable,” a company release stated.
European Sleeper aims to position itself as a complement to existing night train offerings, wiht a strategy of gradually opening new lines each year. The company currently operates “The Good Night Train” connecting Brussels, Amsterdam, Berlin, dresden, and Prague, offering couchette, sleeping, and seated car options several times a week.
Expanding the Night Train Network
European Sleeper plans to release further details regarding the specific route and timetable for the Berlin-Paris connection in the coming weeks. This expansion aligns with a growing interest in overnight rail travel,driven by concerns about the environmental impact of air travel and a desire for more comfortable and scenic transportation options.
The company’s success hinges on its ability to deliver a competitive and reliable service. The launch of this new route signals a promising future for overnight rail travel in Europe, offering passengers a sustainable and convenient way to connect two of the continent’s most vibrant cities.
Why is this route being launched? The Berlin-Paris night train route is being launched to fill a void created by the Austrian Federal railways (ÖBB) discontinuing their Nightjet service between Berlin/Vienna and Paris in December 2025. This discontinuation is due to the French government withdrawing approximately ten million euros in annual funding, making the route economically unviable for ÖBB.
Who is behind this initiative? European Sleeper,a Dutch-Belgian cooperative founded in 2021 by Elmer van Buuren and Chris Engelsman,is operating the new route.The company is funded by numerous small investors, reflecting a growing demand for alternative rail travel.
What will the service offer? The new service will provide a direct night train connection between berlin and Paris,launching on March 26,2026,with tickets available from December 16,2025. European Sleeper currently offers
