SNCF and DB launch a new high-speed train between Paris and Berlin

Written by Tolt

Published on September 23, 2024, modified on May 15, 2025

SNCF and DB launch a new high-speed train between Paris and Berlin

SNCF Voyageurs and Deutsche Bahn (DB) have officially announced the new high-speed direct connection between Paris and Berlin. Until now, you had to take the ÖBB night train or plan a journey with transfers, but that’s all set to change starting December 16, 2024. Frequency, duration, price... here’s everything you need to know about this new train between France and Germany.

How long does the trip take?

Starting December 16, this new high-speed route will connect the French capital to the German capital in approximately 8 hours. On this daily service, operated in cooperation by SNCF Voyageurs and DB, you won’t be boarding a TGV, as the two operators have chosen to run ICE trains, the German equivalent of the TGV. However, it won’t feel unfamiliar, as the ICE 3, series 407, already runs between France and Germany. This model offers 444 seats, including 111 in first class, and can reach speeds of 320 km/h on the French high-speed line.

Photo : ©Alexis Calvignac

Timetables, frequencies, and cities served

Each day, the train will depart from Paris Gare de l’Est at 9:55 a.m., arriving at Berlin Hbf at 6:03 p.m. Along the way, it will stop at Strasbourg, Karlsruhe, and Frankfurt Süd. In the opposite direction, the train will leave Berlin Hbf at 11:54 a.m., arriving in Paris at 7:55 p.m.

How much do the tickets cost?

Tickets will be available for purchase starting October 16, 2024, on the SNCF Connect website, with prices starting at €59 for second class and €69 for first class.

How to book tickets?

Reservations can be made online:

Through the SNCF Connect website or app
Through the DB website or app
Via authorized resellers’ websites (although this may incur additional fees, so it’s not highly recommended)

You can also book:

At SNCF stations and shops
By calling 3635 (7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
At authorized travel agencies

Inauguration de la nouvelle ligne Paris-Berlin SNCF Voyageurs x DB

Photo : ©Alexis Calvignac - Inauguration du 16 décembre 2024

When to book for the best prices?

To get the best prices, you likely know the number one rule: book as early as possible! If you want to be one of the first to board this new train, note that reservations will open on October 16. In general, tickets are available 6 to 4 months in advance.

A SNCF-DB partnership since 2007

This line marks a new milestone in the partnership between SNCF Voyageurs and Deutsche Bahn (DB), which began in 2007. Since then, more than 32 million international travelers have used the joint DB-SNCF services on routes like Paris-Stuttgart/Munich, Paris-Frankfurt, and Frankfurt-Marseille. In 2023, a summer seasonal line was also launched, connecting Frankfurt to Bordeaux every Saturday.

With the new Paris-Berlin route, the number of daily trips between Germany and France will increase from 24 to 26, adding more than 320,000 additional seats per year.