This is good news for travelers and the planet. For the first time,Paris and Berlin will be connected on Monday in eight hours by a direct high-speed rail link. A bet towards a Europe of trains,faced with competition from air transport. At the moment there is no direct train between Paris and Berlin: it takes more than eight hours to reach the two capitals with at least one change.
This new connection, with one train per day in each direction, is inaugurated this Monday with the departure of a first train from Gare de l’Est, in Paris, at 9.55am. Estimated arrival at 6.03pm. This launch will take place in the presence of the general director of SNCF, Jean-Pierre Farandou, and the production director of Deutsche Bahn (DB), Anja Shöllman. However, there will be no minister, the resigning team that will deal with current affairs awaiting the appointment of François Bayrou’s new government.
In the opposite direction, an inaugural train will depart from Berlin on Monday at 11.54am, again in the presence of the executives of the two railway companies.He will arrive in Paris eight hours later, at 7.54pm. “For the first time in the railway history between the two countries”, the two capitals “will be connected directly from city center to city center, at high speed”, underlines the SNCF.
The connection will be provided by ICE, the German high-speed trains, and not by French TGVs. They will also serve Strasbourg and,in Germany,the stations of Karlsruhe and Frankfurt.
Ecological topic
SNCF Voyageurs and Deutsche Bahn announced this new direct connection in May 2022, initially promising it for the end of 2023. In September 2024, the inauguration date was finally set for December 16, with an entry price of 59.99 euros in second class and 69.99 euros in first class.
Prices will in fact be subject to “yield management”, a pricing system that modulates the amounts based on the occupancy rate of the trains. The two rail operators highlight the ecological argument, pointing out that a Paris-Berlin train journey emits 2kg of CO2 per passenger, compared to 200kg for a plane journey.
They’re also betting that the eight-hour journey won’t scare off travelers, amid enthusiasm for the train. “There are more and more people for whom this is not a problem, so much the better! », Launched Jean-Pierre Farandou when the project was announced in May 2022.
With this high-speed line the number of daily connections between France and Germany will increase from 24 to 26.
Double rail traffic in the EU by 2030
The European Union aims to double international high-speed rail traffic on the continent by 2030 and triple it by 2050, to meet its climate commitments.
This means adding “20,000 km of high-speed lines” by 2050 to the continent, which today has 11,300, noted Deutsche Bahn’s head of long-distance lines, Michael Peterson, in September.
To do this, however, the continent has big projects ahead of it, starting with the extension of a standardized signaling system.
What are the environmental benefits of high-speed rail compared to air travel?
Interview: Connecting Cities and the Future of Sustainable Travel
Time.news Editor: Good morning and welcome to Time.news. Today,we have a special guest,Dr. Elena Schmidt, a transportation expert and advocate for sustainable travel. Dr. Schmidt, thank you for joining us!
dr. Elena Schmidt: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this new advancement.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. There’s a lot of buzz about the new high-speed rail link connecting Paris and Berlin. Can you tell us why this is such a important milestone for Europe?
Dr. Schmidt: absolutely! This is a landmark moment for sustainable transport in Europe. For the first time, travelers will have a direct high-speed option that connects two major capitals in just eight hours. Historically, traveling between Paris and Berlin required at least one transfer and took over eight hours. This new service emphasizes the shift towards rail travel, which is far more environmentally friendly than flying.
Editor: It sounds like this could be a game-changer in terms of travel efficiency and convenience. Do you think this will influence more travelers to choose trains over planes?
Dr. Schmidt: Without a doubt! The new direct train service not only saves time but enhances the overall travel experience. It offers a chance to enjoy the lovely scenery of Europe without the stress of airport security and delays associated with air travel. As awareness of the environmental impact of flying grows, more travelers are likely to opt for this greener mode of transport.
Editor: That’s encouraging news for both travelers and the planet. What do you think are the broader implications of this high-speed rail connection for Europe’s transportation landscape?
Dr. Schmidt: This connection is a strong signal of Europe’s commitment to creating a cohesive rail network that competes with air transport. By investing in high-speed rail, not only are we promoting more sustainable travel options, but we are also enhancing economic ties between countries, fostering tourism, and reducing carbon emissions.This trend could led to an even greater expansion of high-speed rail systems throughout Europe.
Editor: We often hear about the competition between air travel and high-speed rail. How could this connection affect that dynamic?
dr. Schmidt: The success of this route could set a precedent for other cities and regions to invest in direct rail services. High-speed trains can often outperform planes for medium-distance travel—especially when you consider time spent getting to and from airports. If more people see the advantages of rail travel over flying, it could shift the competitive landscape significantly.
Editor: interesting insights! What advice do you have for travelers who might be considering this new service?
Dr. Schmidt: I would encourage them to embrace this new train service. It’s not just a means of getting from point A to point B—it’s an experience. Travelers will have the chance to relax, mingle with fellow passengers, and take in the stunning landscapes between the two cities. Plus, it’s a pro-environmental choice, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Editor: Thank you so much, Dr. Schmidt, for yoru valuable insights into this exciting development. It truly seems that the high-speed rail connection between Paris and Berlin could not only transform travel but also play a crucial role in the effort toward sustainable transportation in Europe.
Dr. Schmidt: Thank you! I’m looking forward to seeing how this develops and hope it inspires more similar projects in the future.
Editor: And to our audience, stay tuned for more updates on transportation developments and their impact on our lives. Thank you for joining us!