My Honest Review of the New Night Train from Paris to Berlin: Is It Worth the Hype?

The Return of the Night Train

After years of budget airlines and high-speed rail, the night train is making a comeback in Europe. The latest addition is the new sleeper service between Paris and Berlin, launched by SNCF and Deutsche Bahn in early June 2026. I’ve always loved the idea of falling asleep in one capital and waking up in another, so I booked a ticket for last Wednesday. The journey takes about 12 hours—departing Paris at 7 PM and arriving in Berlin at 7 AM. I’ve done this route by plane (2 hours) and by high-speed train (8 hours), but the night train promised an adventure. Here’s how it went, and whether you should book it.

Booking and Boarding

Booking was surprisingly easy via the DB app. There are three classes: a seat (€49), a couchette (€79, shared compartment with 6 bunks), and a sleeper cabin (€129, private room with two beds). I splurged on a sleeper cabin. The train departed from Paris Gare de l’Est, and boarding was smooth. The staff were friendly and spoke both French and German. The train itself is modern—clean, well-lit, with USB ports and reading lights in each cabin.

The Cabin Experience

The sleeper cabin is compact but cozy. It has two fold-out beds, a small sink, and a table that folds down. The beds are comfortable enough—not luxury hotel quality, but better than I expected. The linens were fresh, and there was a pillow and blanket. The cabin has a door that locks, which gave me peace of mind. My only complaint is the lack of storage—my luggage barely fit under the lower berth. The toilet and shower are down the hall, shared with the carriage. They were clean but basic.

Dinner and Social Vibes

The train has a dining car that serves a limited menu: sandwiches, salads, and drinks. I had a vegan curry wurst (€12) and a glass of wine (€8). The food was decent, not spectacular. The dining car was the highlight for me—it had a cozy, retro feel with wood paneling and soft lights. I met a couple from London who were doing a slow travel trip across Europe. We chatted for an hour about travel and politics. It felt like a step back in time, in a good way.

The Sleeping Experience

I fell asleep around 10 PM, helped by the gentle rocking of the train. But I woke up several times—once when the train stopped at a station (it makes a few stops along the way), and once because the cabin got stuffy. The air conditioning is adjustable but not very powerful. I also noticed some noise from the corridor—people talking, doors closing. It’s not ideal for light sleepers. I’d recommend bringing earplugs and an eye mask. I managed about 6 hours of broken sleep, which was enough for a functional day.

Arrival in Berlin

The train arrived at Berlin Hauptbahnhof at 7:15 AM, only 15 minutes late. That’s impressive for a night train. I had a quick breakfast in the station—fresh pretzel and coffee—and felt surprisingly refreshed. The best part is saving a night of accommodation. A hotel in Berlin costs at least €100, so the sleeper cabin effectively pays for itself if you’re on a budget. Plus, you avoid airport security and travel time to and from airports.

Is It Worth It?

For slow travel enthusiasts, absolutely. The night train is more romantic and relaxing than flying. You see the countryside at sunset and sunrise, you meet interesting people, and you arrive feeling like you’ve had an adventure. But it’s not for everyone. If you’re a light sleeper or on a tight schedule, the plane is faster and sometimes cheaper. The night train is also not great for families with young kids—the cabins are small and the shared facilities can be tricky. I’d recommend it for solo travelers, couples, or friends who want a unique experience. I’m already planning my next night train journey—maybe Vienna to Rome. It’s a reminder that travel is about the journey, not just the destination.