The revival of the Paris–Berlin night train
31 March 2026
The Paris–Berlin night train is running again. Just a few months ago, that wasn’t the case. In December 2025, the previous service stopped operating. Not because travellers had lost interest, quite the opposite, but because the conditions around it changed.The route had only launched in December 2023 and quickly showed there is real demand for overnight connections between major European cities. Still, without continued financial support, the service couldn’t continue in its original form.
For us at European Sleeper, this was a moment to continue what already worked. The Paris–Berlin route had proven its value and deserved to keep running. On 26 March 2026, the connection returned under European Sleeper.
The launch in Paris brought together partners, policymakers and people working across the rail sector, all involved in shaping what international rail in Europe can become. It was not just about marking a departure, but about recognising what it takes to make these connections possible.
As Chris Engelsman, co-founder of European Sleeper, said at the launch, “Building a network doesn’t happen overnight. But step by step, we are proving that night train connections between major cities can work, for travellers and as a sustainable business.”
Running an international train across several countries remains complex. Access to infrastructure, coordination between network managers, and regulatory differences all play a role. There is growing political support for international rail, especially as a lower-carbon alternative to flying, but there is also a shared understanding that practical barriers still exist.
Belgian Federal Minister for Mobility, Climate and Ecological Transition Jean-Luc Crucke reflected on this broader impact: “Not only does it help bring European citizens closer together, it also offers a meaningful and sustainable alternative in favour of low-carbon tourism. For its part, the Belgian government has committed to supporting these initiatives and to removing any technical and regulatory obstacles to the development of these trains.”
The programme in Paris moved naturally from the launch event at the 25hours Hotel, just across from Gare du Nord, towards the platform itself. At 17:24, the train arrived and guests stepped onboard to explore the compartments and get a feel for the journey ahead. Shortly after, at 18:03, the train departed Paris, on time.
From there, the focus shifted from event to journey.
The route runs north through France into Belgium, stopping at Aulnoye-Aymeries, Mons, Brussels and Liège before continuing overnight towards Berlin. At Aulnoye-Aymeries, there was an unexpected and beautiful moment. People from the town had gathered on the platform, holding French and German flags, welcoming the train as it arrived. Travellers leaned out of the windows and waved back. A small exchange, but one that stayed with many onboard.
Beyond that, the journey settled into its usual rhythm. Passengers found their compartments, stored their luggage, read, played games, met fellow travellers, or simply prepared to sleep.
As the train moved through Mons, Brussels and Liège, more passengers joined. By the time it left Belgium, night had set in and most passengers had settled in for the night, continuing the journey towards morning arrival.
The train arrived in Berlin on time the next day.
Guests were welcomed by partners including the Belgian Ambassador to Germany and visitBerlin, reflecting the international nature of the connection and the shared interest in strengthening travel between these cities.
Piet Heirbaut, Belgian Ambassador to Germany, noted: “Today, the European Sleeper shows us Belgians that Europe is coming closer together. It connects the metropolises of Berlin and Paris with the Belgian capital, which more than any other stands for the European Union.”
This is not the final version of the route. From July, the service will continue beyond Berlin to Hamburg, extending the connection further north and opening up new travel possibilities.
What this journey shows is where night trains in Europe stand today. The demand is there, the routes can work, and the network is slowly taking shape again!
