Launch of the first direct Paris-Berlin high-speed train
As of December 16, 2024, Paris and Berlin will be directly connected by high-speed train for the first time. While the new eight-hour rail service isn’t exactly quick, the launch is part of a push in Europe to reduce short-haul flights in favor of more environmentally friendly train options .
Related: 28 best European routes you should take by train instead of by plane
Route and schedule
Deutsche Bahn Intercity Express trains are operated by the German national railway operator and its French partner SNCF. After leaving Berlin Hauptbahnhof, the train stops in Frankfurt and Karlsruhe, Germany, as well as Strasbourg, France, before reaching its destination at Paris Gare de l’Est.
With daily departures in each direction, the westbound train leaves Berlin at 11:54 a.m. and arrives in Paris at 7:55 p.m. The eastbound service departs Paris at 9:55 a.m. and arrives in Berlin at 6:03 p.m. One-way tickets start at 59 euros (about $61) for second class and 69 euros (about $71) for first class. Tickets can be purchased in advance Deutsche Bahn or SNCF website.
Until now, the only direct route between the two capitals was OBB Nightjet night trainit takes about 13 hours and there are only three weekly departures. The previous daytime service included connections and took nine to 10 and a half hours.
Related: Europe’s newest night train now connects four capitals – including Brussels and Prague
Environmental benefits
Of course, the flight between the two cities is the fastest mode of transport, taking just 1 hour and 45 minutes. (And low-cost airline fares are often as low as $40.) But trains are part of an effort to provide greener alternatives to short-haul flights in Europe.
“Creating this connection contributes to the common goal of our two countries: promoting carbon-free mobility,” said TGV-Intercites CEO Alain Krakovitch. posted on X in September after announcing the new service.
According to SNCF ship group2 kg of carbon dioxide is emitted by trains between Paris and Berlin per passenger compared to 200 kg by air per passenger.
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Bottom line
Although the new direct Paris-Berlin high-speed train takes about six hours longer than flying between the two European cities and can cost about the same, this train route could be for you if you wants to reduce carbon emissions by 2025.
When you factor in the roughly hour-long commute between downtown and the airport at each end (plus arriving early to get through security), you’re still only saving a few hours by take a plane.
When you add the stunning views of vineyards in France’s Champagne region and the Rhine Valley in western Germany, the slow journey looks even more appealing.
