A new era for the Paris-Berlin night train is set to begin in 2026, with a new operator, a new route, and a 700-seat capacity. The Dutch cooperative European Sleeper will launch its service on March 26, 2026, replacing the departing ÖBB Nightjet. The company is focusing on a high-capacity model, with 12-14 dedicated coaches, to “extend the ridership” and capture the market abandoned by the subsidized Nightjet.
This new service is a direct response to the market gap created by ÖBB’s withdrawal, which was blamed on the end of French subsidies. The cancellation had sparked protests, including a “pyjama party” by the ‘Oui au train de nuit!’ group. This new service is being hailed as a “partial victory” for the 91,000 people who signed their petition.
The train will also forge a new path. European Sleeper intends to route the service via Brussels, a change from the Nightjet’s journey through eastern France and central Germany. This new route, which is currently being finalized with national rail authorities, will create a new major sleeper corridor in Western Europe.
The service is scheduled to run three times per week. Departures from Paris Gare du Nord are planned for Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday evenings. The return journeys from Berlin (Hauptbahnhof and Ostbahnhof) will depart on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings, offering a convenient and sustainable travel option.
While the capacity is high, the amenities will be focused on the essentials. The company will use 1990s-era German-rented coaches, described as similar in comfort to the Nightjet. But one cherished amenity will be missing: the dining car. Co-founder Chris Engelsman confirmed that the “challenge” of profitability means this feature will not be available at launch.