In a surprising development for European rail travel, Austrian Railways (ÖBB) has confirmed the discontinuation of its cherished Nightjet sleeper service connecting Paris with Berlin and Vienna. The overnight route, which has become a favourite among travellers seeking sustainable alternatives to short-haul flights, will cease operations earlier than anticipated.
The End of an Era for Continental Travel
The decision marks a significant shift in Europe's night train landscape, particularly affecting the popular Paris to Berlin corridor. The service, known for its comfortable sleeping compartments and direct city-centre connections, had gained popularity among both business and leisure travellers looking to reduce their carbon footprint while maximising productive travel time.
Operational Challenges and Changing Travel Patterns
Industry sources suggest several factors contributed to the premature termination. Infrastructure limitations and rolling stock shortages have plagued European night train services in recent years, despite growing passenger demand for sustainable travel options. The complex cross-border coordination required for such services presents additional operational hurdles that have proven difficult to overcome.
Broader Implications for Sustainable Transport
This cancellation comes at a particularly sensitive time for European transport policy. With the European Union actively promoting rail travel as part of its climate neutrality goals, the loss of key night train connections represents a setback for green mobility advocates. Many environmental campaigners had pointed to the Paris-Berlin night service as a model for how continental travel could evolve away from air transport.
What This Means for Travellers
Passengers with existing bookings are being contacted directly by Austrian Railways with alternative arrangements or refund options. Regular users of the service now face limited alternatives for direct overnight travel between these major European capitals, potentially forcing many back to air travel or less convenient daytime rail connections with multiple changes.
The decision underscores the ongoing challenges facing night train services across Europe, even as public appetite for comfortable, environmentally-friendly travel options continues to grow.
