European Sleeper has announced a significant development for train enthusiasts and travelers alike: a new night train service connecting Paris and Berlin. This announcement comes on November 12, highlighting an exciting transition as a Belgian-Dutch railway company takes the reins from SNCF, which is set to discontinue its services.
### Reviving the Paris – Berlin Night Train Connection
Against the backdrop of previous announcements that the night train service between Paris and Berlin was on the chopping block, European Sleeper’s intervention is nothing short of a relief. The company has committed to reviving this historic connection by launching a service by March 2026. Their press release stated, “European Sleeper will revive the historic Paris – Berlin night train connection by the end of March 2026,” in light of SNCF, Deutsche Bahn, and ÖBB’s earlier decision to discontinue Nightjet services by December 15, 2025.
### Schedule and Frequency
European Sleeper is set to operate the Paris – Berlin service three times a week. The first train will depart Paris on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Departures from Paris will be on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings, arriving in Berlin the following morning. Conversely, return trips will occur on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings. This consistent schedule aims to enhance connectivity between the two bustling capitals, making overnight travel easier and more accessible.
### A Unique Business Model
Founded in 2021, European Sleeper’s operation is notable not just for its routes but also for its community-driven approach. The company runs a “Good Night Train” service across several European cities, including Brussels, Amsterdam, and Prague, and maintains a co-ownership model with over 6,000 co-owners. This community-centered structure underscores a new era in rail travel, where investment and operation are not solely in the hands of traditional governments or affluent corporations.
The company has successfully raised €5.5 million through crowdfunding efforts and plans to raise an additional €2.3 million to secure rolling stock and cover initial costs during the service’s startup phase.
### Ticket Sales and Affordability
Anticipation grows over the ticket sales, which are expected to commence on December 16. European Sleeper plans to offer various travel classes similar to those on the existing Nightjet service. Initial pricing is competitive, with tickets projected to start from €59 or €69, making it an attractive option for travelers.
### The Bigger Picture
The reinstatement of the Paris – Berlin night train comes at a crucial time. The discontinuation of services by SNCF and its partners follows the French government’s recent withdrawal of a vital €10 million subsidy, deemed essential for maintaining these routes. French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot has expressed his support for new initiatives like European Sleeper, emphasizing the importance of offering more travel options without relying on taxpayer funding.
As the travel landscape in Europe continues to evolve, the resurrection of night trains represents a growing trend toward sustainable travel and enhanced connectivity between major cities. With European Sleeper at the helm of the Paris – Berlin night train, travelers can soon expect a revival of the charm and convenience of overnight rail travel.