Paris to Berlin Night Train Returns in 2026: European Sleeper Fills the Gap with Vintage Charm

Published on November 30, 2025

For rail enthusiasts and eco-conscious travelers, late 2025 delivered a blow: the announcement that the beloved ÖBB Nightjet service connecting Paris and Berlin would cease operations in mid-December due to funding cuts. It felt like the end of a brief, romantic era of connectivity between two of Europe’s most vibrant capitals.

But as one door closes, a vintage carriage door opens. In a move that has reignited excitement for slow travel, the Dutch-Belgian cooperative European Sleeper has announced it will step in to fill the void. Starting March 26, 2026, the “Good Night Train” will launch a dedicated overnight service connecting the City of Light to the German capital, ensuring that the dream of falling asleep in France and waking up in Germany remains a reality.

This isn’t just a replacement service; it is a reimagining of the journey. While high-speed ICE and TGV trains can rocket you between the cities in eight hours, this new service invites you to slow down, disconnect, and turn the 540-mile journey into an experience rather than just a commute.

The Route: A Detour Through Brussels

Unlike the direct trajectory of the high-speed daytime trains, the new European Sleeper service will take a slightly more scenic logistical path. The route will run from Paris Gare du Nord to Berlin Hauptbahnhof, with a strategic stop in Brussels.

This routing is significant. By connecting through Brussels, the service creates a vital “night bridge” that links London-bound Eurostar passengers with the heart of Central Europe. A traveler could leave London in the afternoon, grab a waffle in Brussels, board the sleeper, and be sipping coffee in Berlin the next morning.

The Schedule:

• Departing Paris: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
• Departing Berlin: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

This frequency is designed to cater to long-weekend tourists and flexible business travelers alike, offering a reliable alternative to early morning flights.

Onboard: Vintage Charm Meets Digital Detox

If you are expecting the sleek, sterile plastic of a modern commuter train, think again. European Sleeper utilizes refurbished rolling stock that exudes a certain nostalgic charm. It’s “retro” in the best way—solid, comfortable, and distinctly mechanical.

The experience is marketed as a “digital detox.” There is no Wi-Fi on board. Instead of doom-scrolling, passengers are encouraged to read a book, chat with cellmates, or simply watch the European countryside fade into darkness.

Accommodation Tiers:

• Budget (Seats): For the hardy traveler or student backpacker. Prices are expected to start around €59.
• Classic (Couchettes): The classic 4-6 berth compartments perfect for families or groups. Prices start from approximately €79.
• Comfort (Sleepers): Private compartments with proper beds, washbasins, and plush duvets. Expect to pay upwards of €129 for this hotel-on-wheels experience.

While there is no full dining car planned for the launch, stewards will roam the corridors offering snacks and drinks. Crucially for the morning grogginess, breakfast is included for sleeper and couchette passengers—a small but civilized touch that airlines long ago abandoned.

Why the Switch? The Funding Drama

The backdrop to this launch is a tale of modern European economics. The previous operator, Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB), was forced to axe its Paris-Berlin Nightjet route after the French government withdrew essential subsidies. Operating night trains is notoriously expensive—track access fees are high, and trains sit idle during the day.

European Sleeper operates differently. As a cooperative, it is partly owned by the travelers themselves (you can buy shares in the company). This community-driven model allows them to be more agile and perhaps more attuned to what the niche “slow traveler” actually wants: connection, sustainability, and an experience that feels like an adventure.

The Sustainable Choice

The revival of this route is a massive win for the environment. A flight between Paris and Berlin generates approximately 200 kg of CO2 per passenger. The train journey? A mere 2 kg.

For the traveler of 2026, the choice is becoming clearer. You can suffer the indignity of airport security and a cramped middle seat to save a few hours, or you can stretch out in a bunk, watch the moon rise over the French countryside, and arrive in Berlin rested, fed, and guilt-free.

Ticket sales are set to open on December 16, 2025. Given the cult following of European night trains, early booking is highly recommended. The rails are calling, and this time, they’re asking you to stay the night.