Community-owned Dutch operator European Sleeper has announced plans to restore the historic Paris–Berlin night train connection by the end of March 2026, filling the gap left by ÖBB and SNCF, who will discontinue all Nightjet services to and from Paris on 15 December 2025.
The new service will run three times per week, with the first departure from Paris scheduled for Thursday, 26 March 2026.
A new era for the Paris–Berlin route?
Since its launch in 2023, European Sleeper has become one of Europe’s few independent international night train operators. Its Good Night Train currently links Brussels, Amsterdam, Berlin, Dresden, and Prague three times per week and has already carried over 230,000 passengers on more than 750 trains.
Building on this success, the Paris–Berlin route will provide a direct night service between two of Europe’s most important capitals, offering a sustainable and convenient alternative to air travel.
Chris Engelsman, Co-founder of European Sleeper, said:
“We are proud to start operations on this vital European night train route, proving that an entrepreneurial approach can strengthen international train travel while helping Europe move towards more sustainable mobility. We’re ready to work with ÖBB and SNCF Voyageurs to ensure a smooth transition from their current Nightjet trains to the new Paris–Berlin European Sleeper service.”
Timetable and route details
Departures from Paris are planned for Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings, arriving in Berlin the following morning. The return service will operate from Berlin on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights.
European Sleeper is currently finalising the timetable with infrastructure managers in each country and expects confirmation in the coming weeks.
The company aims to operate the new route via Brussels, creating a six-times-weekly Brussels–Berlin service when combined with its existing connection between Brussels, Berlin, and Prague. This alignment will make the route more economically sustainable and strengthen the operator’s growing night train network.
For travellers from the United Kingdom, the new service will offer additional travel options to Berlin, with improved overall journey times thanks to easy Eurostar connections in Brussels.
Accessible travel and ticketing
Ticket sales for the Paris–Berlin service are expected to open on 16 December 2025. The trains will feature the same travel classes currently available on European Sleeper’s existing routes, with fares comparable to Nightjet services, offering options for both budget travellers and those seeking greater comfort.
Each train will include sleeper compartments, couchettes, and seated coaches, reflecting the company’s focus on making night train travel accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of passengers.
Cooperative ownership model
European Sleeper’s community-based structure allows individuals and organisations to invest directly in its mission to expand sustainable night train travel across Europe.
The company has launched a new funding campaign, offering shares starting from EUR 280. The goal is to raise EUR 1.3 million in the current round, followed by an additional EUR 1 million from early December. Proceeds will fund preparations for the Paris–Berlin service, including rolling stock procurement and initial operational costs during the start-up phase.
European Sleeper’s cooperative model has been central to its identity since its founding, enabling rail enthusiasts and investors to participate in Europe’s night train revival.
Expansion plans
Alongside the Paris–Berlin project, European Sleeper is preparing to launch additional international routes. Two new connections are currently under development — one linking Amsterdam/Brussels with Switzerland and Milan, and another connecting Amsterdam/Brussels with Barcelona.
The operator expects to confirm the next route within the coming weeks as part of a broader strategy to expand its European network and respond to the growing demand for overnight rail services.
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