Germany and France have launched the first direct high-speed train connecting Berlin and Paris, marking the beginning of a new era for rail travel between the two capitals. The historic service, which commenced operations on December 11, 2023, symbolizes strong Franco-German relations and aims to promote sustainable travel options across Europe.
The service is operated collaboratively by Deutsche Bahn (DB) and SNCF, the national railway companies of Germany and France, respectively. Attending the launch were notable figures such as German Transport Minister Volker Wissing and Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner, who celebrated this momentous addition to Europe’s rail network.
The new train covers the approximately 1,100-kilometer (684-mile) distance between the two cities, making stops at key locations including Frankfurt, Karlsruhe, and Strasbourg. The entire trip takes about eight hours, with the train departing Paris at 9:55 AM and arriving at Berlin Hauptbahnhof by 6:03 PM. The direct service provides travelers with significantly greater convenience compared to previous travel options, which often required multiple connections and could take upwards of ten hours.
Richard Lutz, CEO of Deutsche Bahn, emphasized the service's symbolic importance. "Good Franco-German cooperation is the backbone of a united Europe. The new direct [Intercity-Express] connection between Berlin and Paris is a symbol of this," he remarked, highlighting the collaborative spirit behind the project.
This initiative is part of broader efforts to reinvigorate rail travel within Europe and tackle the challenges posed by air travel emissions. Alain Krakovitch, CEO of SNCF, stated, "This creation of a link is part of our two countries' common objective: to promote carbon-free mobility." The environmental advantages of train travel cannot be overstated; the new route only generates two kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions per passenger, compared to about 200 kilograms for the equivalent distance by plane.
Despite Germany’s longstanding issues with train punctuality—only 60% of its long-distance trains arrived on time as of last month—DB is striving to improve its services. The operator aims to boost punctuality levels to over 75% by 2027, which adds another layer of significance to the launch of this line, as it could improve public perception of rail travel.
Volker Wissing echoed sentiments about the importance of this new service, noting it is not only about transportation but also about building relationships. "It's about encounters, exchange, growing together and mutual misunderstanding. It's about friendship in action," he stated.
For daily commuters and travelers alike, ticket prices for the Berlin-Paris route are accessible, with one-way fares starting as low as €24.99 ($26.23) and reaching upwards of €99 ($104) depending on class and demand. This pricing strategy signals the operators' intent to attract passengers who might have otherwise chosen air travel.
Previously, the only direct link between the two capitals was via night train services, taking around 14 hours and often limited by operational constraints. The Paris-Berlin daytime route complements these existing options, allowing for more flexible travel schedules and city-center accessibility.
This newly established direct connection is expected to inspire increased rail travel across Europe, as more travelers look for greener options for their journeys. According to Richard Lutz of Deutsche Bahn, "More and more people are choosing to travel across Europe by rail thanks to attractive offers. This not only enhances connectivity but also aligns with the EU’s aspirations for sustainable transportation."
With the launch of this high-speed train service, the number of daily high-speed journeys between Germany and France has increased from 24 to 26, representing more than 320,000 additional seats available each year. This surge reinforces the growing appetite for rail travel within Europe and demonstrates the commitment of both nations to improving their rail infrastructure.
The launch has been timed perfectly for the Christmas travel season, as families and individuals flock to celebrate the holidays across borders. Operators hope to see significant demand and are optimistic about the future growth of this service.
While challenges remain—including DB’s issues with train delays—this new service heralds a hopeful future for rail travel between the capitals of the continent's most populous nations. The collaborative efforts of Deutsche Bahn and SNCF serve as both a practical transport solution and a demonstration of the enduring friendship between France and Germany, reinforcing the potential of high-speed rail as a key player in Europe's travel ecosystem.
