PARIS: French and German rail operators introduced the first direct high-speed rail service between Paris and Berlin on Monday, catering to increasing demand for train travel across Europe.
The maiden journey, operated by a German ICE train, departed Paris’s Gare de l’Est at 9:55 AM, arriving at Berlin Hauptbahnhof at 6:03 PM. Although the new route trims only a few minutes off the fastest existing one-stop connection, it offers convenience and seamless travel.
Trains reach speeds of up to 320 km/h in France but slow to a maximum of 250 km/h in Germany, just qualifying as high-speed rail. The 1,100-kilometer trip starts at 99 euros ($104) one-way, with prices rising significantly during peak periods.
While budget airlines like easyJet offer tickets at nearly half the price for a 1 hour 45-minute flight, French operator SNCF reports strong demand, with occupancy rates surpassing 80%. SNCF’s CEO Jean-Pierre Farandou noted that many travelers prefer the comfort of train journeys over dealing with the complexities of air travel.
Lea Bader, a passenger on the inaugural service, explained that she opted for the train because flying would have required purchasing an extra ticket for her cello. She also praised the train’s comfort and the convenience of avoiding connections, which she described as stressful due to frequent delays or issues.
Germany’s rail network faces regular disruptions, with a third of its high-speed trains experiencing delays in 2023, often caused by repairs and maintenance work. Despite this, the new direct connection highlights growing enthusiasm for rail travel as a more sustainable and comfortable option.
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