Two of Europe’s most popular sleeper train routes are being cancelled this December, marking a major setback for eco-conscious travel across the continent.
End of the Line for Vienna–Paris and Berlin–Paris Services
Austrian national rail operator ÖBB has confirmed it will end its Nightjet services between Vienna and Paris and Berlin and Paris.
The decision will take effect from December 14, bringing an end to both lines after just a few years in service.
Reason for the Cancellation
According to the Nightjet website, the move was forced by the French government’s decision to cancel subsidies for night train operations from 2026.
The subsidies had previously helped offset high operational costs, making the long-haul routes viable.
Final Journeys Announced
Passengers still have time for one last trip before the services disappear.
Tickets remain available online, with prices starting at €79.90 (£69.58) for a standard seat on the Vienna–Paris route and €99.90 (£87.00) for a couchette bed.
Travel Times and Experience
The Vienna-to-Paris service currently takes around 15 hours and 25 minutes, departing Wien Hauptbahnhof at 6.13 pm and arriving in Paris at 9.38 am.
The train passes through Salzburg, Munich, and Mannheim, offering travelers scenic sunset and sunrise views on the way.
Berlin–Paris Route Also Ending
The Berlin to Paris connection, which takes 14 hours and 30 minutes, is also being discontinued.
It departs Berlin Hauptbahnhof at 7.08 pm and arrives in Paris Est at 9.38 am, providing overnight comfort for travelers seeking a greener alternative to flying.
Ticket Prices for Berlin–Paris
Tickets for the Berlin–Paris line start at €44.90 (£39.10) for a regular seat and rise to €249.90 (£217.64) for a private sleeper cabin.
The top-tier option includes an à la carte breakfast, private bathroom facilities, and fully made-up beds with blankets and pillows.
Vienna–Brussels Route Unaffected
ÖBB confirmed that its Vienna–Brussels Nightjet service remains unaffected.
That line will continue to run three times per week, offering passengers continued access to overnight European rail travel.
Impact on Sustainable Travel
The cancellations come as a blow to Europe’s rail renaissance, as sleeper trains had been making a strong comeback as a low-carbon alternative to short-haul flights.
Environmental campaigners fear the loss of these lines will reduce cross-border train travel options.
Cultural Highlights Along the Route
Passengers taking the soon-to-end routes pass through some of Europe’s most beloved cultural hubs.
From Vienna’s imperial landmarks to Berlin’s electric nightlife and Paris’s romantic boulevards, the routes offered a perfect blend of adventure and comfort.
Things to Do in Berlin
Berlin remains a top destination for travelers seeking nightlife and culture.
Famous spots include Berghain, KitKat Club, and Sisyphos, alongside the Schwules Museum, which documents LGBTQ+ history.
Berlin’s Culinary Scene
Food lovers can head to Konnopke’s Imbiss, home of Berlin’s first currywurst, or Burgermeister, known for its legendary chilli-cheeseburgers.
Vienna’s Street Food and Culture
Vienna’s sausage stands, beloved by both locals and celebrities, were recently recognize as part of Austria’s national heritage.
Visitors can also admire Belvedere Palace, home to 800 years of art history.
Cinematic Vienna
Film buffs will recognise chili cheeseburgers.Vienna as the setting of Before Sunrise, which showcased iconic sites like the Wiener Riesenrad, Votive Church, and Maria-Theresien-Platz.
Paris: The City of Light
In Paris, travellers can explore the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvretrecognizedhe Louvrethe Louvrethe Louvre Museum, and the charming streets of the Latin Quarter.
It remains one of Europe’s top destinations for art, cuisine, and romance.
Parisian Culinary Highlights
Among the city’s standout restaurants are Chez Janou, famous for its chocolate mousse, and Polidor, known for its classic boeuf bourguignon.
For pastries, locals recommend The French Bastards, a bakery celebrated for its pain aux raisins.
Caledonian Sleeper Expands Service
In other train news, the UK’s Caledonian Sleeper will soon expand its network.
The service, which links London and Scotland, will add a stop at Birmingham International on the Highlander route from January 15, 2026.
Luxury Onboard Experience
The Caledonian Sleeper offers private ensuite cabins and serves around 300,000 passengers annually.
The addition marks the service’s biggest timetable change in 30 years, aiming to attract business and leisure travelers alike.
New Route: London to Berlin
Travelerstravelerstravelers will soon also be able to travel directly from London to Berlin by train, thanks to a new project announced earlier this year.
The service is expected to launch in 2026, connecting two major capitals without the need for flights.
The Broader Picture for Night Trains
Despite setbacks, demand for overnight rail travel continues to grow across Europe.
Operators in France, Germany, and Austria are investing in modern rolling stock and more comfortable sleeper cabins.
Greener Future for European Rail
The European Union has prioritizedTravelers cross-border connectivity as part of its Green Deal, with plans to double high-speed and night train traffic by 2030.
However, the latest cancellations highlight the need for coordinated funding and long-term government support.
Reaction from Passengers
Frequent travelers expressed disappointment on social media, calling the decision a “massive step backward” for sustainable tourism.
Some vowed to take the final journeys before the lines close in December.
ÖBB’s Future Plans
ÖBB insists it remains committed to expanding its Nightjet network, with plans to launch new routes linking Rome, Brussels, and Zurich by 2026.
The company said it would “continue to champion night travel as an essential part of Europe’s climate-friendly mobility strategy.”