New Paris-Berlin Night Train Set for Launch

Two of Europe's most exciting destinations just got better connected.

A sleeper train service connecting Paris and Berlin will launch this December, nearly a decade after the last night train traveled between the cities, it was recently announced by Austrian Railways (OBB).

As reported by Euronews, the new OBB Nightjet service is set to start rolling on December 11, with trains also scheduled to make stops at Strasbourg, Mannheim, Erfurt and Halle. 

The site also reported that the OBB Nightjet trains are expected to leave Paris at 7:12 PM and arrive in Berlin at 8:26 AM, while the trains from Berlin to Paris are expected to depart at 8.18 PM and arrive at 10:24 AM. 

Bernhard Rieder, an OBB spokesperson, said in a press release "These connections will initially run three times a week, then daily beginning in the fall of 2024."

This means that soon, you'll be able to drift off to sleep and dream of the day you just spent in the City of Light before waking up in the buzzing heart of the German capital. Or vice-versa. 

Paris and Berlin are not currently connected by any direct daytime trains either, but that looks set to change as well. OBB has announced that a daytime high-speed connection between the cities should be operational by the end of 2024. 

Our Take

The European night train resurgence shows no sign of slowing down and inevitably, more and more American travelers will be riding them on their upcoming trips to Europe. 

OBB's stated goal of doubling its Nightjet passenger numbers by 2030 continues to look more and more possible as the ambitious Austrian rail company continues to add night trains around Europe.

Don't overlook the fact that these trains make a stop in Erfurt, as this charming city is one of Germany's true hidden gems, and its tourism numbers should only receive a boost from this news.

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