French and German national railway operators, SNCF and Deutsche Bahn, have announced a new direct daytime train service connecting Paris and Berlin, set to commence before the end of the year. This service follows the successful launch of a nighttime train last year, responding to growing public demand for environmentally friendly alternatives to short-haul flights.
The new train service will provide a direct connection between the two cities, taking just over eight hours and stopping at key locations including Strasbourg, Karlsruhe, and Frankfurt Sud. Although the travel time is slightly longer than initially planned, it offers a smoother journey compared to the existing daytime service, which requires multiple changes and takes an additional hour.
The announcement was made at InnoTrans 24, a prominent transport technology trade fair in Berlin. A board member from Deutsche Bahn described the connection as “the first daytime direct connection between the capitals of Germany and France,” highlighting its significance for European unity. The Managing Director of SNCF noted the service's role in promoting CO2-free mobility across Europe.
Reservations for the new service will open on 16 October 2024. The ticket pricing will adopt a dynamic model, with estimated one-way second-class fares starting at around €59. The introduction of this train service aligns with a broader movement in Europe towards sustainable transportation, catering to the preferences of travelers, particularly younger generations prioritising eco-conscious travel options.
Additionally, Deutsche Bahn is planning future expansions, including routes from Munich to Milan and Rome by 2026, indicating a continuing commitment to enhancing rail connectivity across Europe.