The first direct high-speed rail service connecting Berlin and Paris commenced on Monday, offering passengers a seamless journey between the two major European capitals.
The German ICE train departed Paris’ Gare de l’Est station at 9:55 a.m. (0855 GMT) and is scheduled to arrive at Berlin Hauptbahnhof at 6:03 p.m. The new once-daily service covers a 1,100-kilometer route, passing through Frankfurt South, Karlsruhe, and Strasbourg.
This collaboration between Germany’s Deutsche Bahn (DB) and France’s SNCF comes in response to growing demand for expanded rail travel options in Europe.
The introduction of the high-speed rail link is seen as a significant step towards enhancing connectivity between Germany and France, the European Union’s two largest economies. Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner praised the new route as a symbol of German-French friendship.
The launch also coincides with Deutsche Bahn’s efforts to improve its reliability. Despite recent challenges, with only 60% of long-distance trains arriving on time as of November, DB aims to boost punctuality to over 75% by 2027.
German Transport Minister Volker Wissing expressed confidence that the planned improvements will be realized.
Ticket prices for the 8-hour journey range from €24.99 ($26.23) to €99 ($104) depending on class and demand, making the new service an affordable and efficient travel option between the two cities.
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