Three months after its cancellation, the night train service between Paris and Berlin returns this Thursday, March 26. Departure is scheduled for early evening from the Gare du Nord, marking the resumption of a strategic rail link between the two European capitals.
However, this relaunch is not being carried out by SNCF. The Belgian-Dutch company European Sleeper is taking over operations, in a context where the French operator had abandoned plans to continue the line at the end of 2025 due to a lack of public subsidies.
A still fragile economic model
The initial discontinuation of the service drew criticism, especially since occupancy rates were considered satisfactory. However, the business model for night trains remains complex, due to high operating costs and limited capacity compared to conventional trains.
Despite these constraints, the return of this route is part of a broader trend towards developing alternatives to air travel in Europe. Some operators are focusing on more diversified offerings, particularly with premium services, to achieve economic viability and meet the growing demand for more environmentally friendly transportation.
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