Germany’s Deutsche Bahn is set to launch a new high-speed train service linking Paris and Berlin on December 16. The new route will be the first to directly connect the city centres of the two bustling capital cities. Currently, the travel time between Paris and Berlin involves a connection and takes around nine to 10.5 hours. The ÖBB Nightjet overnight train, which runs three times a week, takes approximately 13 hours and 15 minutes. The new direct daytime train service will run daily and cut the travel time to around eight hours, departing from Paris Gare de l’Est at 9.55am and arriving at Berlin Hauptbahnhof at 6.03pm.
The new Paris-Berlin high-speed train service will make stops in Strasbourg, Karlsruhe, and Frankfurt along the way. Tickets for the service are currently on sale starting at €59 one way. The introduction of this new connection aims to promote carbon-free mobility, with only one hundredth of the CO2 emissions being generated on the train journey compared to travelling by plane. The launch of this new service was announced in September by Alain Krakovitch, the managing director of TGV-Intercités, who highlighted its environmental benefits and contribution to the common objective of France and Germany.
Germany has been experiencing challenges with train punctuality, with over a third of long-distance trains being delayed in 2022 and 2023. The delays have been attributed to short-term construction works, rail repairs, staff strikes, and extreme weather conditions. Deutsche Bahn plans to address these issues by adding more long-distance services with fewer stops and allowing passengers to pre-book tickets up to 12 months in advance. As infrastructure improvements continue, the operator hopes to gradually reduce delays over the next two years.
The inaugural journey of the new Paris-Berlin high-speed train service is set to depart from Berlin Hauptbahnhof on December 16, with dignitaries such as the French ambassador to Germany and the governing mayor of Berlin in attendance. The train will depart from Berlin at 12.02pm and will arrive in Paris at 7.55pm on the same day. With the introduction of this direct train service, passengers can look forward to faster, more convenient, and daily journeys between the two capital cities, enhancing travel connectivity and accessibility for both locals and tourists.
The new high-speed train service between Paris and Berlin complements the existing ÖBB Nightjet overnight train, which was temporarily suspended due to major works on the rail network and resumed service in early November. With the new daytime service offering a faster travel time and daily departures, passengers will have more options to choose from when travelling between the two capitals. The launch of this direct connection from city centre to city centre marks an important milestone in enhancing rail connectivity between Paris and Berlin and promoting sustainable transportation alternatives to air travel.
Deutsche Bahn’s commitment to improving train services and reducing delays reflects its ongoing efforts to enhance the overall travel experience for passengers. By implementing measures such as adding more long-distance services, minimizing stops, and extending the pre-booking window, the operator aims to address the challenges that have affected train punctuality in recent years. As infrastructure improvements continue and reliability is prioritized, Deutsche Bahn aims to create a more efficient and dependable rail network that meets the needs of passengers travelling between Paris and Berlin and other destinations in Germany.
