photo: Deutsche Bahn AG / Dominic Dupont/The first direct ICE train from Berlin to Paris at Berlin main station
Berlin and Paris are now connected by a direct ICE service, enhancing European rail travel with speed, sustainability, and comfort.
Berlin and Paris are now directly connected by high-speed rail for the first time, according to a press release from Deutsche Bahn. Officials from both nations, including Deutsche Bahn CEO Richard Lutz and French Ambassador François Delattre, gathered at Berlin Hauptbahnhof to inaugurate the first ICE train to the French capital. The journey takes around eight hours, linking the two city centers with stops in Frankfurt, Karlsruhe, and Strasbourg.
ICE Connection as a Symbol of Franco-German Collaboration
"The strong Franco-German cooperation is the backbone of a united Europe. The new ICE direct connection between Berlin and Paris is a symbol of that," said Richard Lutz. He pointed the growing demand for international rail travel as passengers increasingly turn to eco-friendly transport options. "This sector is booming: more and more people are choosing rail for their travels across Europe thanks to attractive offers. This strengthens our profitability in line with the S3 renovation program," he added.
François Delattre, France’s ambassador to Germany, called the route a "symbol of friendship and collaboration." He said that the growing rail traffic between the two nations reflects Europe’s commitment to green mobility, further solidifying the alliance between Berlin and Paris.
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Travel Times, Prices and Passenger Experience
According to Deutsche Bahn, the ICE departs Berlin at 12:02 PM, reaching Paris at 7:55 PM, with the return train leaving Paris at 9:55 AM and arriving in Berlin at 6:03 PM. Along the way, passengers can enjoy stops at major hubs like Frankfurt Süd, Karlsruhe, and Strasbourg.
Passengers will travel aboard the state-of-the-art ICE 3 (BR 407), which has 444 seats, including 111 in first class, and reaches top speeds of 320 km/h on France’s LGV Est high-speed line. Onboard amenities include multilingual staff in German, French, and English, ensuring a comfortable journey.
Tickets are competitively priced, starting at EUR 59.99 in second class and EUR 69.99 in first class, with seat reservations included. Early bookings indicate strong demand, with nearly 75% of reservations covering the full route between Berlin and Paris, which proves the popularity of rail travel as a sustainable and convenient option for both business and leisure travelers.
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DB and SNCF's Commitment to Sustainability
The new service comes as part of broader efforts by DB and SNCF to promote green transportation across Europe. By replacing flights with rail journeys, the Berlin-Paris ICE will contribute to reducing CO2 emissions and advancing climate goals. Jean-Baptiste Guenot, SNCF’s head of European markets, noted: "The high-speed connection between Paris and Berlin is a milestone in the 17-year-long cooperation between DB and SNCF. It contributes to a shared goal of our two countries: more CO₂-free mobility. We are very pleased to offer our joint customers this new, high-quality service."
Volker Wissing, Germany’s Minister for Digital and Transport, also stressed the importance of rail in connecting nations: "A direct connection between Berlin and Paris is not just a new, additional rail offering. It’s about much more. It’s about encounters, exchange, growing together, and mutual understanding. It’s about living friendship. As a new study from my ministry shows, there’s still significant potential to attract as many people as possible to rail for longer journeys within Europe with attractive offers and to live this friendship. People want to travel by train—across borders, during the day, or even by night train."
Expanding Cross-Border Rail Services
Since 2007, DB and SNCF have collaborated to offer high-speed services between Germany and France. Over 33 million passengers have used routes like Frankfurt–Paris and Stuttgart–Marseille. The addition of the Berlin-Paris ICE brings the total number of daily cross-border connections to 26, adding 320,000 seats annually and cementing the partnership between the two rail giants.
The new Berlin-Paris service represents a united vision for Europe, where rail plays a central role in addressing climate change and enhancing connectivity. Kai Wegner, Berlin’s mayor, called the service a “symbol of modern mobility and environmental responsibility,” urging more travelers to choose trains over planes.
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Source: Deutsche Bahn