New Night Train Service Bridges Paris and Berlin Gap
BERLIN, March 26 – A new night train service has commenced operations between Paris and Berlin, marking a significant development for rail travel between the two European capitals. The inaugural journey of the Dutch-Belgian railway company European Sleeper departed from Paris’s Gare du Nord on Thursday at 6:03 PM (18:03 Uhr), bound for Berlin.
This new service steps in to fill a void left by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB), which, in collaboration with French SNCF and German DB, had operated a similar route. The ÖBB connection was unfortunately discontinued in mid-December due to the cessation of state subsidies from France.
Protests Followed ÖBB’s Withdrawal
The decision to discontinue the ÖBB service, which had only been reintroduced two years prior, was met with considerable public protest, according to the German Press Agency (dpa). In response to this outcry, European Sleeper stepped forward to re-establish the vital rail link between Paris and Berlin.
European Sleeper is not new to the night train market, already operating a successful connection between Brussels and Prague via Berlin. The journey time for the new Paris-Berlin route is approximately 16 hours, offering travelers a comfortable and environmentally friendly alternative to air travel.
High Demand for Night Trains, But Profitability Challenges Remain
Despite the evident demand for night trains, with an increasing number of people opting for long-distance rail travel, state-owned railway companies often report that these connections are not profitable. A key factor contributing to this challenge is that night trains typically remain idle during the day. In contrast, an Intercity-Express (ICE) train, for example, can complete multiple trips on a route daily, making it a more economically viable operation.
The ÖBB Nightjet service from Vienna to Paris also faced a similar fate, being discontinued last December due to the withdrawal of state subsidies from France.
European Sleeper’s Cooperative Model
European Sleeper operates under a cooperative ownership model, as stated by the company. Project supporters acquire shares, thereby providing the necessary funding for these rail connections. This innovative approach allows for the continuation of services that might otherwise be deemed unprofitable by traditional state-funded railway operators.
Future of Night Train Travel
The re-establishment of the Paris-Berlin night train by European Sleeper highlights the ongoing efforts to revitalize night train travel across Europe. While challenges in profitability persist for state-backed operators, the cooperative model adopted by companies like European Sleeper offers a potential pathway for sustainable growth in this sector, meeting the growing demand for greener and more scenic travel options.
