The overnight train service from Berlin to Paris has been saved, with a new operator and a new route via Brussels. The Dutch cooperative European Sleeper will take over the line from March 2026, following the withdrawal of ÖBB’s Nightjet service in December. The Nightjet’s cancellation, blamed on the end of French subsidies, had sparked protests from rail advocates, who are now celebrating this “partial victory.”
The new service will operate three times weekly, with departures from Berlin’s Hauptbahnhof and Ostbahnhof stations on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings. The return journeys from Paris Gare du Nord will depart on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday evenings. This schedule provides a convenient and reliable option for travelers.
European Sleeper is also planning a significant upgrade in capacity. Co-founder Chris Engelsman explained that their train will consist of 12 to 14 coaches, all dedicated to the Berlin-Paris route, allowing for 600-700 passengers. This is a notable increase from the Nightjet, which split its 12-coach train from Paris between Berlin and Vienna.
The new route via Brussels is a key strategic change, pending final confirmation with infrastructure managers. This is a departure from the Nightjet’s path through Frankfurt and Strasbourg. This new routing will create a new major sleeper connection between the German and Belgian capitals and Paris.
While the new service is a victory for activists, the onboard experience will be pragmatic. European Sleeper will use 1990s-era German-rented coaches, which are newer than some of their other stock. However, the company has confirmed there will be no dining car at the start, as the high operational and staff costs make it “difficult to break even” on food and drink sales.
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