All platforms/tracks in Berlin's main station have lift access

How to take a train journey from Paris to Berlin

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Paris to Berlin by train

There is now a choice when travelling from Paris to Berlin by train:

  • travelling direct on an overnight train, though it will only be initially available when departing Paris on Tues, Thurs and Sat.
  • travelling during the day on a combination of high speed trains.

What may not be obvious when looking up the daytime train journey from Paris to Berlin on the ticket booking websites is that the options follow two routes:

1: Taking Thalys train services from the Gare Du Nord in Paris to Koln hbf and then connecting there for an ICE train on to Berlin

2: Taking A DB-SNCF train service from the Gare de l'Est in Paris to one of several stations in central Germany; from where connections by ICE train are available on to Berlin.
When travelling from Gare de l'Est the connections between trains can be available at different stations - including Frankfurt (Main) hbf, Mannheim hbf or Karlsruhe hbf.
The ticket agents will offer a combination of connections which provide for the fastest end-to-end journey time.
However, it's easier to make the transfer between trains at Frankfurt (Main) hbf, because at that station all the platforms/tracks are on the same level, so making the connection there simply involves walking from one train to the other.

Routes you can take to go from Paris to Berlin

When travelling between most cities by train there is only one logical option, though on other journeys there is a choice between different trains or alternative routes. If different options are available you can use the info to decide which is best for you.

Choose one of the following options:

Route Information

Option 1 - taking the direct night train
Travel Time (approx)

from 13hr 15min (approx)

Frequency

Three nights per week

Travel Info

Departs on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday


Is the journey from Paris to Berlin direct?
Yes, there is no need to make a connection when taking this journey option.


What other tourist locations are along the route from Paris to Berlin?
This train takes a route which passes through Strasbourg and Erfurt


When is the USUAL approximate earliest arrival at Berlin from Paris - Est on this journey option?
Around 09:15
Source = European Rail Timetable


How easy is it to travel on from the station in Berlin?
Berlin Hbf is linked to other areas of the city by frequent local (S-Bahn) trains, trams and the metro line, U5 - See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay in its neighbourhood.


When is the USUAL l approximate latest departure from Paris Est to Berlin on this journey option
Before 19:15
Source = European Rail Timetable


How easy is it to get to the station in Paris?
The Gare de l'Est is served by three Metro lines including line 4 which provides a direct link from Gare Montparnasse and line 5 which is direct from Gare Austerlitz.
See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay in the neighbourhood.


Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for the Paris to Berlin trains?
Yes, and they can be purchased from a choice of booking agents - see below.
Click on the 'Good to know info' to access a guide to how rail tickets are managed in France, plus step-by-step guides on how to make a booking.


How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for the Paris to Berlin trains?
Typically up to 6 months ahead; see the Ticket Information


What are the child ticket terms for this Paris to Berlin trains?
Up to one child aged 5 and under travels free of charge, but they must travel in the booked seat, couchette or bed of the accompanying adult.
Separate sleeping areas and seats for children aged 4 can be booked as the "Child" ticket, which are low priced tickets available for children aged 6 to 14.
Source: Nightjet


Does the ticket for the Paris to Berlin train include assigned seats / sleeping places?
Yes - See the Train Guide in the Journey Information for the details of the types of accommodation.


Do rail pass users need to book reservations for the Paris to Berlin train?
Yes; see the rail pass reservation guide for the options on how to book.
The rail pass reservation fees per person for the sleeping cabins are exceptionally expensive.


Is catering available on the Paris to Berlin train on this journey option?
Yes, but the level of on-board service varies according to the type of accommodation booked - Find out more on the Train Guides which can be found within the Journey Information.
These trains do not convey bar/bistros or restaurant cars.


What else is good to know about French rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in France.


What else is good to know about German rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Germany.

Route Information

Via stations: Köln/Cologne Hbf

Option 2: Depart from the Gare Du Nord and connect in Köln
Travel Time (approx)

8hr 8min - 8hr 14min

Frequency

Daily

Travel Info

3 x optimum connections per day


Is this journey from Paris to Berlin direct?
No, a connection is required in Köln Hbf


What other tourist locations are along this route from Paris to Berlin?
Bruxelles and Köln /Cologne and Hannover


How easy is it to travel on from the station in Berlin?
Berlin Hbf is linked to other areas of the city by frequent local (S-Bahn) trains, trams and the metro line, U5 - See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay in its neighbourhood.


How easy is it to get to the station in Paris?
The Gare Du Nord is served by two Metro lines - line 4 serves also serves Gare Montparnasse and line 5 also serves Paris Austerlitz.
The station also has direct rail links from the Gare de Lyon and CDG Airport.
See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay by the Gare De Nord.


Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for this journey?
Yes, and they can be purchased from a choice of booking agents - see below.
Click on the 'Good to know info' buttons to access additional info including guides to ticketing policies on routes which involve connections between trains.


How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale?
Typically up to 6 months ahead; see the Ticket Information


What are the child ticket terms for this journey option?

  • For the part of the journey by Eurostar train = Children under the age of 12 travel at a flat rate price of €15 in Standard, €20 in Comfort and €30 in Premium Class: Source = Eurostar
  • For the part of the journey by ICE train = An adult a person aged 15 and over) can take up to four children aged 6 - 14 with them at no additional charge.

Does the ticket on this journey option include assigned seats?

  • Yes on the train from Paris to Koln / Cologne
  • On the train from Koln / Cologne to Berlin, reservations are included when booking the more expensive types of ticket, but have to be added at an additional cost when booking the cheaper types of ticket.

Do rail pass users need to book reservations for this journey option?

  • Yes on the train from Paris
  • On the train from Koln / Cologne to Berlin, reservations are required for travel in June to September, but are optional at other times of year
    See the rail pass reservation guide for the options on how to book.

Is catering available on this journey option?
A bar / bistro service will be available on all trains.
Find out more on the Train Guides which can be found within the Journey Information.


What else is good to know about French rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in France.


What else is good to know about German rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Germany.

Route Information

Via stations: Karlsruhe Hbf

Option 3: Depart from Gare de l'Est, connecting in Karlsruhe
Travel Time (approx)

8hr 33min

Frequency

Daily

Travel Info

1 x optimum connection per day


Is this journey from Paris to Berlin direct?
No, a connection is required in Karlsruhe


What other tourist locations are along this route from Paris to Berlin?
Strasbourg and Erfurt


How easy is it to travel on from the station in Berlin?
Berlin Hbf is linked to other areas of the city by frequent local (S-Bahn) trains, trams and the metro line, U5 - See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay in its neighbourhood.


How easy is it to get to the station in Paris?
The Gare de l'Est is served by three Metro lines including line 4 which provides a direct link from Gare Montparnasse and line 5 which is direct from Gare Austerlitz.
See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay in the neighbourhood.


Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for the this ?
Yes, and they can be purchased from a choice of booking agents - see below.
Click on the 'Good to know info' buttons to access additional info including guides to ticketing policies on routes which involve connections between trains.


How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale?
Typically up to 6 months ahead; see the Ticket Information


What are the child ticket terms for this journey option?

  • The child ticket policy for the part of the journey in France = the adult rate is charged for all travellers aged 12 and over; children aged 4-11 pay half fares
  • The child ticket policy for the part of the journey in Germany = An adult a person aged 15 and over) can take up to four children aged 6 - 14 with them at no additional charge.

Does the ticket this journey option include assigned seats?

  • Yes on the train from Paris to Karlsruhe
  • On the train from Karlsruhe to Berlin, reservations are included when booking the more expensive types of ticket, but have to be added at an additional cost when booking the cheaper types of ticket.

Do rail pass users need to book reservations for this journey option?

  • Yes on the train from Paris
  • On the train from Frankfurt to Berlin, reservations are required for travel in June to September, but are optional at other times of year
    See the rail pass reservation guide for the options on how to book.

Is catering available on the trains on this journey option?
A bar / bistro service will be available on all trains.

  • On the train from Paris, this bistro menu is available as an at seat catering service in Premiere Class.
  • On the train from Karlsruhe a restaurant and a bar/bistro car will be available, with an at seat catering service in 1st class.
    Find out more on the Train Guides which can be found within the Journey Information.

What else is good to know about French rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in France.


What else is good to know about German rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Germany.

Route Information

Via stations: Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

Option 4: depart from Gare de l'Est, connecting in Frankfurt (Main)
Travel Time (approx)

8hr 8min - 8hr 22min)

Frequency

Daily

Travel Info

4 x connections per day


Is this journey from Paris to Berlin direct?
No, a connection is required in Frankfurt (Main) Hbf


What other tourist locations are along this route from Paris to Berlin?
Strasbourg and Erfurt


How easy is it to travel on from the station in Berlin?
Berlin Hbf is linked to other areas of the city by frequent local (S-Bahn) trains, trams and the metro line, U5 - See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay in its neighbourhood.


How easy is it to get to the station in Paris?
The Gare de l'Est is served by three Metro lines including line 4 which provides a direct link from Gare Montparnasse and line 5 which is direct from Gare Austerlitz.
See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay in the neighbourhood.


Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for the this ?
Yes, and they can be purchased from a choice of booking agents - see below.
Click on the 'Good to know info' buttons to access additional info including guides to ticketing policies on routes which involve connections between trains.


How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale?
Typically up to 6 months ahead; see the Ticket Information


What are the child ticket terms for this journey option?

  • The child ticket policy for the part of the journey in France = the adult rate is charged for all travellers aged 12 and over; children aged 4-11 pay half fares
  • The child ticket policy for the part of the journey in Germany = An adult a person aged 15 and over) can take up to four children aged 6 - 14 with them at no additional charge.

Does the ticket this journey option include assigned seats?

  • Yes on the train from Paris to Frankfurt
  • On the train from Frankfurt to Berlin, reservations are included when booking the more expensive types of ticket, but have to be added at an additional cost when booking the cheaper types of ticket.

Do rail pass users need to book reservations for this journey option?

  • Yes on the train from Paris
  • On the train from Frankfurt to Berlin, reservations are required for travel in June to September, but are optional at other times of year
    See the rail pass reservation guide for the options on how to book.

Is catering available on the trains on this journey option?
A bar / bistro service will be available on all trains.

  • On the train from Paris, the on board service depends on the type of train used for a specific departure.
  • On the train from Frankfurt a restaurant and a bar/bistro car will be available, with an at seat catering service in 1st class.
    Find out more on the Train Guides which can be found within the Journey Information.

What else is good to know about French rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in France.


What else is good to know about German rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Germany.

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