The sleeper train Paris-Berlin is back!

Written by Tolt

Published on December 15, 2023, modified on February 23, 2025

We were able to test, in preview, the return of the night train between Paris and Berlin.

A few days ago, Thibault Constant and Tolt were invited to board the inaugural Berlin-Paris trip, marking the grand return of the direct night train between the French and German capitals. In this article, we summarize everything you need to know about this route, which is making its comeback after several years of absence. You can also find more details in this video:

History

First, it's important to know that this route already existed a few years ago, with the CityNightLine 451, before it was discontinued in 2014. And with the Trans-European Express, which connected Paris and Moscow, making a stop in the German capital, but it was also suspended during COVID. Unfortunately, its return seems unlikely due to the current geopolitical situation.

Why is it back?

The reason behind this comeback: the Austrian national railway company. In the 2010s, at a time when all other rail companies were abandoning their remaining night services, ÖBB decided to invest in night trains, notably by acquiring carriages and train paths from Deutsche Bahn. It was a visionary decision at a time when Greta Thunberg was not as popular as she is today, and when environmental issues were not as widely covered in the media.

Today, with the “flygskam” (Flight shame),the night train is regaining its popularity and is emerging as a real alternative to air travel for long distances. Unfortunately, many countries, including France, are currently lacking the equipment to truly revive sleeper trains and are now realizing the poor choices they made. So, a big thanks to ÖBB, because without them, the offer of international night trains in Europe would be even more limited.

Timetables, frequency, and cities served

The Paris-Berlin night train departs from Gare de l'Est at 7:12pm, with three departures per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. It arrives at Berlin Central Station (Berlin Hauptbahnhof) at 8:26am the following day. In the opposite direction, trains leave Berlin on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8:18pm, arriving in Strasbourg at 5:44am and Paris Gare de l'Est at 10:24am. It should be noted that with the arrival of the new Nightjets on the Vienna-Innsbruck and Vienna-Hamburg routes, ÖBB should be able to send the replaced trainsets on the Paris-Vienna and Paris-Berlin routes, potentially increasing the frequency to daily departures by September or October 2024.

Timetable for the Paris-Berlin night train, which runs 3 times a week in both directions before moving to daily frequency in autumn 2024

Ticket prices

As with the Paris-Vienna, tthe journey is made using Nightjet trains, operated by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). The new service offers fares starting at €29.90, with a premium service including a private sleeper cabin with a shower and a meal at your seat for maximum comfort.

The train consists of 6 cars between Paris and Berlin, offering 312 seats across 3 comfort classes:

• 2 seat cars (132 seats), with tickets starting at €29.90
• 2 couchette compartment - 4 to 6 people (108 seats), from €59.90
• 2 sleeping cars - 1 to 3 people (72 seats), from €94.90

How to book tickets?

Reservations can be made online:

• Via the SNCF Connect website or app
• Via the Nightjet ÖBB website dedicated to night trains
• Via ÖBB's own website
• Via authorized distributor websites (though we don't always recommend these as they may charge additional fees)

And also:

• At SNCF stations and boutiques
• By calling 3635 (available 7 days a week from 7 am to 10 pm)
• At authorized travel agencies

When to book for the best prices?

To get the best rates, you probably know the number one rule: book as early as possible. Ticket sales usually start 180 days before departure. However, travel dates after the annual schedule change in mid-December may be subject to shorter booking periods.

What are the different comfort classes?

Seat car

Seat car, night train Paris-Berlin

This is the cheapest option on board, as the compartment consists of 6 seats facing each other. So, if the compartment is full, you might not get much sleep. However, if you're traveling with 3 people, privatizing the compartment could be a good option, as reclining 2 seats facing each other can create an "almost-bed".

Breakfast is not included, but drinks and snacks from the menu  can be purchased from the on-board staff in the sleeping and couchette cars.

Couchette compartment

Couchette compartment on the Paris-Berlin night train

These compartments, which accommodate 4 or 6 people, offer a higher level of comfort with:

• The possibility to lie down
• Clean blankets, sheets, and pillows for each bunk
• The ability to lock the compartment from the inside
• Option for a female-only compartment
• A small breakfast included (coffee/tea, mineral water, 2 bread rolls, butter, jam)

Sleeping car

Sleeping car on the Paris-Berlin night train

This is the most comfortable travel option on the ÖBB Nightjet, with compartments for one, two, or three people:

• Shower and private WC available as an option
• A travel kit including towels and toiletries (e.g., soap, slippers, earplugs)
• Bed prepared with blanket, sheets, and pillow
• Compartments that can be locked from the inside, mostly also from the outside
• Ability to contact the onboard staff directly from the compartment
• Wake-up service at the requested time
• À la carte breakfast with hot drinks included