A direct daytime train from Paris to Berlin at lower cost? Originally scheduled for 2023, the launch of this direct TGV has been postponed until mid-December 2024. Until now, journeys between Paris and Berlin have involved connections, making the journey longer. From now on, this service will link the two capitals directly, departing Paris at 9:55 a .m. and arriving Berlin at 6:03 p.m., or vice versa, departing Berlin at 11:54 a.m. and arriving Paris at 7:55 p.m. Passengers will be able to board from €59 in 2nd class and €69 in 1ʳᵉ class, with tickets available from October 16, 2024 on SNCF Connect and the Deutsche Bahn website.
Called ICE 3, this train has 444 seats, including 111 in 1st class. Powered at a speed of 320km/h, it's a faster connection than ever before. Departure from Paris is at 9.55 a.m., with arrival in Frankfurt at 2.04 p.m. and Berlin at 6.03 p.m. The return journey is at 11:54 a.m., arriving in Paris at 7:55 p.m.
The train will stop in strategic cities such as Strasbourg, Karlsruhe and Frankfurt-South, facilitating travel between Europe's major metropolises.
This project is part of a Franco-German cooperation framework dating back to 2007, with the aim of strengthening high-speed rail connections between the two countries. In addition to its positive impact on reducing carbon emissions, the new line aims to promote long-distance rail transport as an environmentally-friendly alternative to air travel.
The heads of the two companies, Alain Krakovitch of SNCF and Michael Peterson of DB, hailed this new initiative as proof of the Franco-German commitment to a more connected and greener Europe. With this new offer, Paris and Berlin are getting even closer, both for occasional travelers and for professionals looking for speed and comfort.
The Paris-Berlin daytime TGV completes a night-time link between the two capitals, operated by Austrian railroads ÖBB in partnership with SNCF and Deutsche Bahn. However, this night train has been suspended since August 12 due to essential regeneration work on the French and German networks, requiring night-time intervention. Services are scheduled to resume on October 28.
Daytime services, on the other hand, will not be affected by the work, according to Deutsche Bahn. So how about a trip to Berlin over Christmas?
