By train from Berlin to Paris: High-speed train or night train
✓ Starting from December '23, there will be a Nightjet night train connection from Berlin to Paris three times a week.
✓ The train departs from Berlin Hauptbahnhof on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 8:18 PM.
✓ Tickets are available starting from 34.90 EUR for a seat, 49.90 EUR for a berth, and 79.90 EUR for a sleeping car.
✓ During the daytime, you can reach Paris in just over 8 hours by ICE, Thalys, or TGV from Hamburg and Berlin.
✓ On other days, you can take a night train to Paris with a transfer in Offenburg.
✓ You can find all the information about travel and booking in the article.
✓ Since I've had the opportunity to visit Paris many times, both as a tourist and a tour guide, you'll also find my recommendations for hotels and activities here.
By taking the train, you can save 156 kg of CO2 per person for a one-way trip compared to flying, and 312 kg of CO2 for a round trip - enough to save nearly 1 square meter of Arctic ice.
Hey, I'm Matthias.
Travel and sustainability are my favorite topics - as an innovation manager in public transportation, as a tour guide, and through my website Pinguin-Ecotrips.de.
Last year, I traveled almost 17,000 km on long-distance trains - and I'm here to assist you in planning sustainable train travel across Europe.
Do you have suggestions or questions? You can reach me via Instagram Instagram and at matthias@pinguin-ecotrips.de
The links marked with an asterisk (*) are so-called affiliate links. If you click on such an affiliate link and make a booking or purchase via this link, I will receive a small commission from the provider concerned. The price does not change for you.
Übersicht:
During the day, with a change of trains from Hamburg or Berlin to Paris: ICE, TGV, or Eurostar
From Hamburg and Berlin, you have several daily transfer connections to Paris, including about 7 connections with just one transfer in Cologne, Frankfurt, or Karlsruhe, with a travel time of approximately 8 hours.
For example, you can take the ICE at 07:54 AM from Hamburg Hbf to Cologne and then continue with the Thalys to Paris, arriving at Gare du Nord at 4:05 PM.
From Berlin, you can start as early as 05:26 AM at the main station and take the ICE to Karlsruhe. From there, continue to Paris, arriving at Gare de L'Est at 2:05 PM.
You can book your tickets directly via raileurope.com (*) or trainline.com (*).
Comfort and Travel Classes on Board
On most routes between Germany and France, you can take the ICE or the TGV.
In the French SNCF TGV, there are two travel classes, much like the German ICE: second class and first class. Second class has 4 seats in each row, while first class has 3 seats per row (2 on one side of the aisle and 1 on the other side).
While second-class seats are slightly more compact than those on the German ICE, first class offers more space, adjustable backrests, and a quieter atmosphere, often for just a €10 or €20 surcharge per journey. Most TGVs are now double-decker trains, and you can choose whether you want to sit upstairs for a better view or downstairs for a quieter experience, as the walkways between carriages are upstairs.
The TGV also has a café car where you can purchase drinks and snacks, though it's more like a standing café and less like a traditional dining car compared to German TGVs.
**Eurostar operates on routes from Cologne to Paris - The company was until recently branded as Thalys and then merged with Eurostar - but so far the product and experience has stayed similar to the Thalys product
It offers three travel classes: Standard, Comfort, and Premium.
Standard is similar to second class, with regular seating, 4 seats per row. Standard passengers have access to services like the Thalys Bar, Wi-Fi, and power outlets.
Comfort is equivalent to the first class in other trains, with larger and more comfortable seats, 3 seats per row. This class generally offers a quieter environment due to fewer passengers.
The highest class is Premium, which has seats similar to those in Comfort but includes additional services such as complimentary meals and beverages, including wine and beer, as well as faster Wi-Fi and access to lounges in Brussels and Paris.
To get a good impression of Eurostar (then still called Thalys) and its travel classes, you can watch a video by The Man in Seat 61:
Booking and prices
With the Sparpreis (Saver Fare), you can book tickets for as low as €39.90 for a one-way trip in second class from Germany to Paris. Realistically, when booking two months in advance, you're more likely to find prices between €60 and €70.
In general, the rule is that the earlier you book, the cheaper the tickets will be. However, during peak travel times, such as summer vacations, prices tend to be higher. Tickets for this route are typically available for purchase up to 6 months before departure.
You can book your tickets directly via raileurope.com (*) or trainline.com (*).
Starting from December 11th with the Nightjet night train directly from Berlin to Paris
Starting from December 11th, 2023, there will be a direct connection with the Nightjet, the ÖBB night train, from Berlin to Paris.
The train will run three times a week, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from Berlin to Paris. Departure is at 8:18 PM from Berlin Hauptbahnhof, and arrival at Gare de l'Est in Paris is at 10:24 AM the following morning.
Tickets are sold on nightjet.com., raileurope.com (*) or trainline.com (*).
The Nightjet offers three different categories.
The most economical option is typically the seat car, with tickets available from €34.90 for a one-way trip. Up to 6 people can sit in one compartment, but groups of 3 or more can book a private compartment for an extra fee.
The couchette car is more suitable for sleeping and is available from €49.90. In this category, up to 4 or 6 people (depending on the tariff) share a compartment with 4-6 berths (2-3 berths on top of each other). Compartments are lockable, and blankets, sheets, and pillows are provided. Each car has toilets and washrooms. A simple breakfast is included in the price and is served in the compartment. For an additional fee, 1-3 people can also book a private compartment.
The most comfortable option is the sleeping car, starting from €79.90. In this category, 1-3 people travel in a private compartment with real beds and their own washbasin. Deluxe compartments with a private bathroom, including a toilet and shower, are also available at an extra cost. The sleeping car includes a welcome bag, towels, and toiletries, and breakfast is served à la carte at the desired time.
Tickets are sold on nightjet.com., raileurope.com (*) or trainline.com (*).
To get a good impression of the Nightjet and its categories, you can watch a video by The Man in Seat 61 (*).
Daily with the Nightjet from Hamburg and Berlin via Offenburg to Paris
If you are traveling from Hamburg or on a day when the direct night train from Berlin is not running, you can take the Nightjet from Hamburg and Berlin to Offenburg and then transfer comfortably to the TGV in the morning. This will have you in Paris in the morning.
From Hamburg:
You depart in the evening at 10:07 PM with the Nightjet NJ 471 from Hamburg Hbf and arrive in Offenburg at 6:37 AM.
At 7:18 AM, you continue with the TGV to Paris and arrive at Gare de L'Est at 9:35 AM.
From Berlin:
You start at 8:51 PM with the Nightjet NJ 408 from Berlin Hbf and arrive in Offenburg at 5:45 AM.
At 7:18 AM, you continue with the TGV to Paris and reach Gare de L'Est at 9:35 AM.
Tickets for this connection can be booked on raileurope.com (*) or trainline.com (*).
With a stopover in Strasbourg
Strasbourg is conveniently located on the route from Berlin and Hamburg to Paris. Why not spend a few days in this European capital with its historic architecture, cosmopolitan atmosphere, and unique cuisine?
Step 1 - From Berlin or Hamburg to Strasbourg:
Traveling from Berlin or Hamburg to Strasbourg by train takes approximately 6 hours with a transfer in Offenburg:
For example, you can depart from Berlin Hauptbahnhof (main station) at 06:30 AM, take an ICE train to Offenburg, and then continue with a regional train to Strasbourg, where you'll arrive at 13:06.
If you're starting from Hamburg, the easiest route is to catch an ICE train at 05:54 AM to Karlsruhe, and then switch to another ICE train to Strasbourg, where you'll arrive at 12:12 PM.
You can book these connections directly on raileurope.com (*) and trainline.com (*)
Hotel recommendation in Strasbourg
The Hotel Tandem (*) is conveniently located right next to the train station in Strasbourg. It places a strong emphasis on sustainability and offers guests the option to rent bicycles for exploring the city. You can book a room at the Hotel Tandem starting from 79 EUR on booking.com (*). This eco-conscious hotel is a great choice for travelers looking to enjoy both comfort and environmentally-friendly amenities during their stay in Strasbourg. Rooms from 79 EUR at booking.com (*)
Step 2 - From Strasbourg to Paris:
From Strasbourg, there are TGV (high-speed train) connections to Paris departing approximately every 30 minutes. These TGV trains allow you to reach Paris in just under 2 hours without any transfers. Tickets for this convenient journey can be booked for as low as 19 EUR through raileurope.com (*) or trainline.com (*).
The links marked with an asterisk (*) are so-called affiliate links. If you click on such an affiliate link and make a booking or purchase via this link, I will receive a small commission from the provider concerned. The price does not change for you.
Recommended Accommodations in Paris:
MY PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION: Personal, good value for money, with its own charm and centrally located: Hotel de Roubaix (*)
I was lucky enough to stay in this small beautiful hotel in 2018: the hotel is perfectly located for exploring the city in the beautiful and lively Le Marais district, and there is a great selection of restaurants, cafes bars and shops in the surrounding area.
The hotel is small with an intimate atmosphere - and both the rooms and the public areas are nicely and individually designed and decorated on themes of comics, music and art.
In the morning there is a small, but by parisian standards quite diverse breakfast buffet.
Stylish Hotel next to the train station: Hotel les deux Gares (*)
This 4-star hotel is perfectly located for those arriving by train: right next to the two train stations Gare de l'Est and Gare du Nord, where all trains from Germany, London and Brussels arrive.
The hotel is tastefully decorated in a retro style with bold colors and offers a sauna (a rarity in Paris) to relax after a long day of sightseeing.
You can book this hotel from approx. EUR 180 per night via >>here<< via booking.com (*) - or via booking.com/hotellook (*):
With it's own solar panels and free bycicles: Hotel Solar (*)
This small two-star hotel in the university district pays particular attention to sustainability: the facade is equipped with solar cells, great attention is paid to saving energy and bicycles are available to guests free of charge. Breakfast with organic products is already included in the room price from 88 euros per double room.
Sustainable and in the heart of Paris: Hotel Gavarni (*)
This 3-star hotel is located west of downtown, very close to the Seine, the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Elysées. Sustainability is particularly important here: The hotel has been awarded the European Ecolabel, is 100% CO2-neutral, draws its electricity exclusively from renewable energies and only uses cleaning agents with the Ecolabel. Fair trade and organic products await you at breakfast.
Rooms are available from 130 EUR per night via booking.com(*)
You'll find more accommodations close to the train stations Gare de l'Est and Gare du Nord on this map(*) :
Discover Paris
If you are in Paris for the first time, you probably want to explore the classic sights first, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Elysées or the Louvre.
It pays to do a little planning in advance - Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world for a reason.
One of the best ways to see the beauty of the city from the water is to take a Seine River cruise (*). My personal favorite among the vendors is "Vedettes de Paris (*)" as they offer smaller boats that create a relaxed atmosphere. Instead of impersonal tape announcements as with other providers, local guides provide exciting explanations along the route. Boats depart every 30 to 45 minutes, allowing for flexibility in planning your itinerary.
An absolute must on your trip is of course the Eiffel Tower, the unmistakable symbol of Paris. I recommend taking the elevator to the second floor where you can enjoy amazing views. And for the descent, the stairs are ideal for enjoying the experience to the full. Note, however, that the waiting times at the Eiffel Tower are often very long. To save time and avoid disappointment, be sure to book tickets in advance.
Of course, the Louvre (*) is at the top of the list for many Paris visitors. As the largest museum in the world, it offers an amazing collection of works of art. In order for you to fully enjoy this cultural experience, I recommend you allow enough time or even plan in advance what you want to see and where you want to go. Again, book your tickets in advance(*) to avoid long waits and get the most out of your visit.
Another impressive museum - and perhaps my personal favorite - is the Musée d'Orsay (*), which specializes in works from the 19th and early 20th centuries and is housed in a former train station. The Art Nouveau architecture gives this place a unique atmosphere. As with the Louvre, it is advisable to book tickets in advance (*) to avoid long waiting times and immerse yourself in the world of art undisturbed
For me personally, no visit to Paris would be complete without experiencing the stunning Sainte Chapelle(*) church, which is undoubtedly one of the most impressive religious buildings in the city. The beauty of this Gothic masterpiece, known for its stunning stained glass windows that tell biblical stories, never ceases to amaze me. In order to avoid long waiting times and to admire the magnificent stained glass windows and fascinating architecture of the Sainte Chapelle in peace, it is advisable to book tickets in advance(*).
A highlight in Paris for me is a visit to the Opéra Garnier (*). Here you dive into one of the most magnificent theaters in the world and walk in the footsteps of Arsène Lupin and the Phantom of the Opera. The opera can be visited daily. You can book tickets in advance - you should definitely take an audio guide on site.
Walks through Paris:
The best way to discover Paris away from the main sights is to explore the individual districts on foot. If you want to get to know the individual quarters even better, you can also get to know them on guided tours with local guides(*).
You also have a number of options on site to make your stay sustainable, e.g. exploring the city by bike and public transport, second-hand shopping and vegan restaurants:
Explore Paris by bike:
Even if you don't immediately think of bike tours when you think of Paris city traffic, Paris is becoming more and more bike-friendly and there are more and more bike paths running through the city. You will find Velib' stations all over the city, where you can easily rent a bike or e-bike and return it in any other city.
You register once and then pay either per ride (EUR 3 for 45 minutes) or per day (EUR 5 for unlimited use of normal bikes for 24 hours, EUR 10 for e-bikes). With the day passes, you don't rent a bike for a day, you can always return the bike and get a new one at any station. But you can also get to know the most important sights (*) or hidden corners of Paris (*) on a guided city tour by bike.
By public transport through Paris:
With the metro, the Paris subway, and the RER (equivalent to the German S-Bahn) you can explore every corner of Paris. Riding the metro has its own charm, because there is hardly any other place where you can observe city life as well as here, where tourists and Paris meet in close proximity. You can buy tickets for the location, e.g. a 10 carnet (10 single journeys) for EUR 16.90. The Next Stop Paris app helps with navigation.
Buy second hand:
There are plenty of opportunities to buy used products in Paris. You can get second-hand fashion, for example, in the Kilo Shops, which have several branches in Paris and where you pay for used clothing by the kilo. You can find a nice overview of second-hand shops on still-in-paris.com.
You can find used souvenirs such as old books and comics at the Bouqinistes, who have been setting up their stalls on the Seine since the 19th century. You'll find more about it here.
Vegan restaurants:
In general, vegan cuisine is not that widespread in France. In Paris, however, with a little searching you will find a variety of vegan or vegan-friendly restaurants, e.g. the restaurant Le Potager de Charlotte or the concept store, coffee shop and restaurant Aujourd'hui Demain.
Continue your journey from Paris
From Paris, you can travel by train to virtually any destination in France, as well as many destinations in the UK and Spain - see the linked articles for more info.
So you can reach London with the Eurostar in 2 hours and 26 minutes.
If you are drawn to Scotland, you can choose between Edinburgh, Glasgow and Fort William from Paris. Edinburgh and Glasgow can be reached in around 8 hours during the day, or by night train from London.
In France you can reach Marseille and the Côte Bleue in just under 3-4 hours.
Or you travel on to Barcelona in a good 6 hours.
You can easily book tickets for trains from Paris within France and to other countries at raileurope.com (*)