Paris-Berlin Night Train 2.0: European Sleeper Promises More Seats, New Route

The Paris-Berlin night train is getting a 2.0 version in 2026, with new operator European Sleeper promising more seats and a new route. This new service, launching on March 26, 2026, will replace the departing ÖBB Nightjet, which is being cancelled in December. The Dutch cooperative is betting on a high-capacity model, with 12-14 dedicated coaches offering 600-700 spots, a significant increase from the split Nightjet service.
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.