Introducing the New Berlin Paris Direct Train
SNCF and Deutsche Bahn, two of Europe’s leading national railway operators, have announced plans to launch a new direct daytime train service connecting Paris and Berlin. This innovative move, set to commence before the end of the year, aims to cater to the growing demand for sustainable, high-speed travel between these iconic European capitals.
Environmentally Minded Travel
The introduction of this new service comes at a time when global travel habits are shifting towards more environmentally friendly options. As short-haul flights face increasing scrutiny for their carbon footprint, rail travel is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. The Paris-Berlin route is expected to be a game-changer, offering a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to air travel.
The new route is expected to take approximately 8 hours, which may seem slow considering that the TGV trip between Paris and Marseille (775km) takes just 3 hours! However, it’s important to note that the Paris-Berlin route is significantly longer and passes through various cities, making it a more leisurely journey.
Key Features of the New Berlin Paris Direct Train Service:
- Direct daytime connection: No need for transfers or overnight stops.
- Schedule: The train will operate daily, departing Paris at 9:55 AM and arriving in Berlin just after 6 PM. The return trip will leave Berlin at 11:54 AM and arrive in Paris before 8 PM.
- Start: December 2024
- Capacity: There are about 530 seats on each train.
- Time: Just over 8 hours (from Berlin)
- Distance: 878km
- Stops in major cities: The train will pass through Strasbourg, Karlsruhe, and Frankfurt Sud. (No more transferring 2 or 3 times!)
- Competitive fares: Estimated starting prices for one-way second-class tickets are around €60, first-class €70–slightly more expensive than the cheapest flights between the two capitals. (Ticket prices will fluctuate based on demand.)
A Century of Rail Connections: Paris-Berlin Direct Daytime Train History
The journey between Paris and Berlin has a rich history of rail travel dating back to 1896. The Nordexpress, a prestigious train service of the time, connected the French capital to St. Petersburg via Berlin. Unfortunately, this connection was disrupted during both World Wars.
Following the Second World War, Deutsche Bahn (DB) operated a night train service between Berlin and Paris until 2014. When DB discontinued this service, the Austrian Nightjet took over the route.
The launch of this new direct daytime train service marks a significant milestone in rail travel between these two European capitals, offering travelers a convenient and sustainable alternative to air travel.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, initiatives like this are essential for creating a more sustainable future for transportation. The Paris-Berlin direct daytime train service is a clear demonstration of the potential for rail travel to play a vital role in meeting this global challenge.
The introduction of this new route marks a significant step towards a more integrated European transport network. It also aligns with the growing trend of sustainable travel and the increasing emphasis on reducing reliance on air travel for shorter distances.
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