New night train between Paris and Berlin to launch in March via Brussels

Thursday 13 November 2025 - 08:00

By: Sahili Aya

New night train between Paris and Berlin to launch in March via Brussels

A new night train will soon connect two of Europe’s most iconic capitals. The Dutch-Belgian cooperative European Sleeper announced the launch of a Paris–Berlin night service, scheduled to begin operations in late March 2025. The route will include a stop in Brussels, offering travelers a comfortable and eco-friendly alternative to flying.

Departures from Paris are planned for Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings, arriving in Berlin the following mornings. Return trips will operate on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights. Ticket sales are expected to start on December 16.

This new connection partially fills the gap left by the upcoming suspension of the SNCF, Deutsche Bahn, and ÖBB night trains between Paris, Berlin, and Vienna, which will end service in mid-December due to the discontinuation of French government subsidies.

Founded in 2021, European Sleeper already operates its “Good Night Train” between several major European cities — including Brussels, Amsterdam, Berlin, Dresden, and Prague. With this new Paris–Berlin route, the company aims to double its Brussels–Berlin frequency to six trains per week.

European Sleeper’s co-founder Chris Engelsman said the company intends to depart from Paris between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m., stop in Brussels around 10:30 p.m., and arrive in Berlin between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. the next morning. Prices will start at €59 for a berth in a shared compartment.

While the route will not pass through Strasbourg, a city campaigning to restore its former night train connections, Engelsman expressed support for local advocacy efforts promoting sustainable rail travel. “We welcome such initiatives — they help keep pressure on governments,” he said.

The cooperative, supported by over 6,000 co-owners, is also launching a €2.3 million crowdfunding campaign to cover startup costs and potential early losses. Since 2021, the company has raised more than €7 million through previous funding rounds.

Environmental groups such as Réseau Action Climat (RAC) have called the announcement “very encouraging,” while urging European governments to maintain public support for night trains. French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot praised the initiative, noting that it expands travel options “without taxpayer money.”

European Sleeper expects to record a small loss in 2025 but hopes to reach profitability by the end of 2026, relying in part on strong demand for overnight travel between Paris and Berlin.