There’s a new high-speed train connecting 2 major European capitals
As of Dec. 16, 2024, Paris and Berlin are linked by a direct high-speed train for the first time. Though the new eight-hour rail service isn't exactly speedy, the launch is part of a push within Europe to reduce short-haul flights in favor of more eco-friendly train options.
Related: 28 best European routes where you should take a train instead of a plane
The route and schedule
The Deutsche Bahn Intercity Express trains are operated by the German national rail operator and its French counterpart SNCF. After leaving Berlin Hauptbahnhof, the train stops in Frankfurt and Karlsruhe, Germany, as well as Strasbourg, France, before reaching its destination at Paris Gare de l'Est.
With daily departures in each direction, the westbound train leaves Berlin at 11:54 a.m. and arrives in Paris at 7:55 p.m. The eastbound service departs Paris at 9:55 a.m. and arrives in Berlin at 6:03 p.m. One-way tickets start at 59 euros (about $61) for second class and 69 euros (about $71) for first class. Tickets can be purchased in advance via Deutsche Bahn or the SNCF website.
Until now, the only direct service between the two capitals has been the OBB Nightjet overnight train, which takes about 13 hours and only has three weekly departures. The former daytime service included a connection and took between nine and 10 1/2 hours.
Related: Europe's newest night train now connects 4 capitals — including Brussels and Prague
Environmental benefits
Of course, the flight between the two cities is the fastest mode of transit, at just one hour and 45 minutes. (And budget airline fares are often as low as $40.) But the train is part of a push to offer more eco-friendly alternatives to short-haul flights within Europe.
"This creation of a connection contributes to a common objective of our two countries: to promote carbon-free mobility," managing director of TGV-Intercites Alain Krakovitch posted on X in September following the announcement of the new service.
According to the SNCF train group, 2 kilograms of carbon dioxide is emitted by train between Paris and Berlin per passenger versus 200 kilograms by air per passenger.
Bottom line
Though the new Paris-Berlin direct high-speed train takes about six hours longer than flying between the two European cities and can cost about the same, this train route may be for you if you want to reduce your carbon emissions in 2025.
Once you factor in the roughly hourlong commute between the city center and the airport on each end (plus getting to the airport early to get through security), you're still only saving a few hours by flying.
When you add the scenic views of the vineyards of France's Champagne region and the Rhine Valley in western Germany, the slow journey looks even more appealing.
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