The future of overnight rail travel in Europe looks brighter once again. European Sleeper, the Belgian Dutch cooperative behind several successful cross-border night routes, has confirmed that it will relaunch the emblematic Paris to Berlin sleeper train from March 2026. The move restores a connection that had been at risk after the recent withdrawal of Nightjet services from France. This development follows months of concern for passengers after Austrian operator ÖBB announced that it would discontinue its Paris to Vienna and Paris to Berlin routes in December. As reported by Travel Tomorrow, the decision was linked to the end of state subsidies from the French Ministry of Transport, leaving a major gap in the European night train map.
A new start for a much loved route
European Sleeper has confirmed that its first Paris to Berlin service will depart on Thursday, 26 March 2026. Trains will operate three times per week with expected departures on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings from Paris. Return services will leave Berlin on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. A final timetable will be published once the company completes coordination with infrastructure managers in France, Belgium and Germany. Unlike the current Nightjet route through Strasbourg and Frankfurt, the new service will run via Brussels. This strategic choice enables European Sleeper to offer a combined six times weekly Brussels to Berlin connection when paired with its existing Brussels, Amsterdam, Berlin and Prague line. It also provides a convenient link for travellers arriving in Brussels by Eurostar from the United Kingdom. Ticket sales for the revived route will open on 16 December 2025, with fares starting at €59.99 for a one-way journey in a shared compartment. Two travel classes will be available.
Higher capacity and a fresh approach
European Sleeper co-founder Chris Engelsman said the cooperative expects significant interest from passengers who previously used the Nightjet service. He added that the company will offer greater capacity than ÖBB, which currently runs 12 coaches that are later divided between Vienna and Berlin. The new European Sleeper train will operate with 12 to 14 carriages exclusively dedicated to Berlin, providing space for 600 to 700 passengers. The company plans to use coaches rented in Germany that were built in the 1990s. Engelsman explained that these offer a comfort level similar to the current Nightjet equipment, while noting that the oldest carriages on the company’s Prague service, dating back to the 1950s, will not be used for the Paris to Berlin route.
Dining car plans remain uncertain
One of the most frequent questions among passengers is whether the new Paris to Berlin service will include a dining car. Engelsman acknowledged that the cooperative hopes to introduce one in the future but confirmed that it will not be available at launch. High rental and staffing costs make it difficult for operators to break even through onboard meal and drink sales alone. For now, European Sleeper’s priority is to restore a crucial international rail link, providing an attractive and low-carbon alternative to short-haul flights.
As European governments seek to reduce emissions from aviation and encourage greener travel options, the revival of the Paris to Berlin night train marks an important step.
