European Sleeper’s New Paris-Berlin Line: What We Know So Far

Here’s what we know about the new Paris-Berlin night train service being launched by European Sleeper. The first train is set to run on March 26, 2026, and will operate three times a week. Departures from Paris Gare du Nord will be on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, with return journeys from Berlin (Hauptbahnhof and Ostbahnhof) on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. This new service is replacing the ÖBB Nightjet, which is being cancelled in December.
The new service will be a high-capacity operation, with 12 to 14 coaches dedicated to the Berlin route. This will allow for 600-700 passengers per trip, a significant increase from the split Nightjet service. Co-founder Chris Engelsman believes this will help “extend the ridership” and capture the existing market.
A major change will be the route. The train is planned to travel via Brussels, a new path that differs from the Nightjet’s route through Strasbourg and Frankfurt. This strategic move, which is pending final confirmation with infrastructure managers, will create a new major overnight link between the French, Belgian, and German capitals.
The onboard experience will be “no-frills nostalgia.” The rolling stock will consist of German-rented coaches from the 1990s, which are described as having a similar comfort level to the Nightjet. This is an upgrade from some of the 1950s-era coaches the company uses on its Prague service.
However, there’s a catch for foodies: there will be no dining car at launch. Engelsman confirmed that while the company would “love” to have one, the high rental and staff costs make it “difficult to break even” on food and drink sales. This pragmatic decision is being made to ensure the overall profitability and sustainability of the route.