Until 15 December 2025, a night train already operated on the nighttrain Paris to Berlin route, but French operator SNCF and Austrian operator ÖBB have decided not to continue this connection. To fill this gap, the Dutch-Belgian night train operator European Sleeper is reintroducing the nighttrain Paris to Berlin from March 2026.

The first train from Paris will depart on Thursday 26 March 2026. The connection will run three times per week, with departures from Paris on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and arrival in Berlin the following morning. In the opposite direction, trains will depart Berlin on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings.

Extention of the European train network

European Sleeper plans to route the service via Brussels. Combined with the existing connection between Brussels, Berlin and Prague, this will create a six-times-weekly night train service between Brussels and Berlin. According to the company, this improves economic viability and strengthens existing night train connections.

The exact timetable is still being finalised with the relevant authorities in the countries involved and is expected to be published soon. Ticket sales will start on 16 December 2025.

The train will offer different travel classes, similar to current Nightjet services on the nighttrain Paris to Berlin route, with pricing intended to remain accessible to both budget travellers and passengers seeking more comfort.

Growing demand for international rail travel

Since its founding in 2023, European Sleeper says it has carried more than 230,000 passengers on over 750 night trains. The company is one of the few independent international train operators in Europe.

According to co-founder Chris Engelsman, the new connection shows that entrepreneurship can contribute to more sustainable international transport. The company says it is open to cooperating with ÖBB and SNCF to ensure a smooth transition from the current Nightjet services.

Plans for further expansion

In addition to the nighttrain Paris to Berlin connection, European Sleeper is working on new routes, including possible night trains from Amsterdam or Brussels to Switzerland or Milan, and a night train to Barcelona. The company expects to confirm one of these plans soon.

European Sleeper was founded by Elmer van Buuren and Chris Engelsman, and focuses on connecting European cities via night trains.