Travel the 545 miles between Berlin and Paris will soon be even faster and easier. A new broadband form line directly connecting the two major cities should be deployed next year.
The new service is part of an agreement between German national rail company Deutsche Bahn and French rail operator SNCF. It would allow travelers to speed from one metropolis to another in just seven hours, according to a joint statement shared last week. Until now, the trip between Berlin and Paris included a connection and took more than eight hours.
Initially, German Intercity Express (ICE) trains will only make one round trip between cities per day. It is possible to increase the service to two round trips per day, however, using French TGV trains (pictured above).
One of the German ICE trains in Berlin.
Wikimedia Commons
SNCF and Deutsche Bahn have been operating ultra-fast TGV and ICE trains between France and Germany since the first section of the Paris-Strasbourg high-speed line opened in 2007. Indeed, the two rail giants currently offer 12 direct rail connections. daily between countries and have transported some 25 million people to date. The fastest cross-country route from Stuttgart to Paris takes around 3 hours and 10 minutes.
“Our two companies have been working together for 15 years in a unique partnership in which we combine our know-how to make the most of German and French high speed,” said Jean-Pierre Farandou, president of SNCF. the statement. “Faced with the climate crisis, rail is the mode of transport par excellence and offers the best alternative for business and leisure travel between our two countries.
It’s worth noting that you won’t get all the comforts of a luxury sleeper train, like, let’s say Orient-Express. However, you will have access to free WiFi, power outlets and a bistro or restaurant car. Upgrade to first class and you’ll get a little extra space and a server to bring food and drinks straight to your seat. You will also have access to the first class lounges at the respective stations which offer free refreshments.
The new through train is expected to launch by the end of 2023.
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