Night train travel between two of Europe's great capitals is set for a revival, but passengers will need to pack their own supper. Dutch operator European Sleeper has officially confirmed it will launch a new sleeper service connecting Paris and Berlin in the spring of 2026.
A New Dawn for a Discontinued Route
The first trains on this highly anticipated route are scheduled to depart on 26 March 2026. This development comes as a direct response to the recent setback in Europe's sleeper network, when Austria's state railway, OBB, announced it would cease its popular Nightjet services from Paris to both Vienna and Berlin in December of this year. OBB attributed the cuts to the withdrawal of French government subsidies.
European Sleeper, a cooperative based in the Netherlands, is stepping in to fill the void. The new service will operate three times per week. Departures from Paris Gare du Nord are scheduled for Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday evenings. The return journey from Berlin will utilise both the Hauptbahnhof and Ostbahnhof stations on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
More Capacity, Different Route, Fewer Frills
There are key differences between the old and new services. Unlike the OBB Nightjet, which travelled via Strasbourg and Frankfurt, the European Sleeper route will go through Brussels, though precise timings are still to be finalised.
Chris Engelsman, co-founder of European Sleeper, stated the company aims to offer greater capacity. He explained, 'OBB operates 12 coaches from Paris but it splits to Vienna and then Berlin. On the other hand, we have 12 to 14 coaches that will run entirely to Berlin, with a capacity of 600-700 passengers.'
However, one beloved feature of classic night train travel will be conspicuously absent: the dining car. Engelsman noted the significant challenge of operating a restaurant car profitably at this stage, making it financially unviable for the launch. Passengers will therefore need to bring their own food or purchase snacks beforehand.
Ticket Details and Industry Reaction
For travellers willing to forgo a formal meal for the romance of the rails, tickets will go on sale from 16 December 2025. Fares will start from an accessible €59 (approximately £52) for a seat, rising to €69 (around £60) for a berth in a couchette compartment.
The company will use refurbished coaches originally built in Germany during the 1990s, promising comfort levels akin to the previous Nightjet service. European Sleeper already operates services linking Brussels, Berlin, Dresden, and Prague, having carried over 230,000 passengers since its launch in 2023.
The announcement has been welcomed by campaigners. Nicolas Forien, a spokesperson for the French group Oui au train de nuit!, which campaigns to protect night trains, called it a 'partial victory' for the 91,000 people who signed their petition against the OBB cuts. The group had previously staged a 'pyjama party' protest in Paris following the announcement of the Nightjet's discontinuation.
