Paris to Berlin by train is now faster by five hours
Headline and Actual Time Savings
- Several commenters call the “five hours faster” claim misleading.
- They note that Paris–Berlin has long been possible with one change (often Frankfurt) and similar total travel time, plus ~30 minutes transfer.
- The new service is seen mainly as a direct option, not a dramatic time breakthrough; one estimate says it’s ~15 minutes faster than the previous fastest one-change itinerary.
- Directness still matters: avoiding a risky connection, especially with families and seat reservations, is a significant qualitative improvement.
Reliability, Infrastructure, and Signalling
- German rail punctuality is widely criticized; missed connections and delays are common.
- Poor infrastructure maintenance and underinvestment are blamed, with some tying this to political choices like the “debt brake” and misused past budget surpluses.
- Discussion of signal boxes: mix of mechanical, relay-based, and semiconductor systems, staffing shortages, and slow rollout of modern systems (ETCS), although EU TEN‑T routes like this one are prioritized.
- Germany’s strategy of mixed-use tracks and patchy high-speed segments is contrasted unfavorably with China, Japan, France, and Italy’s dedicated high-speed lines.
Ticketing, Pricing, and Labor Issues
- DB pricing: promo fares from ~€60 exist, but second class can reach >€200 one-way depending on demand, flexibility, and timing; seat reservations cost extra.
- Some report very cheap fares if booked weeks in advance; spontaneous travelers find this inflexible and stressful.
- Comparisons with SNCF: some call French trains overpriced and blame union power and overtime incentives; others counter with context on French labor law, public benefits, and accuse that view of bias.
- Saver tickets in Germany typically bind you to specific trains, but delays caused by DB allow switching to later services, though you may lose reserved seats.
Trains vs Planes: Time, Experience, and Environment
- Multiple detailed comparisons show that city-center–to–city-center train time often competes with or beats total air travel time once airport transfers, early arrival, security, and baggage are included.
- Trains are praised for comfort, ability to work, easier food options, and lower emissions.
- Night trains (e.g., Nightjet) are liked for turning travel into sleep and saving a hotel night, though experiences vary on comfort and price, and capacity is limited.
- Some argue that without pricing in aviation’s environmental cost (e.g., carbon tax), long-distance trains will struggle to compete with cheap flights.
International Comparisons and Security
- China’s high-speed rail is frequently cited as a benchmark: modern tech, high average speeds, extensive coverage, though with airport-like bureaucracy.
- Some worry that European trains could become more “airport-like” in security; others think only a few high-profile routes (e.g., Eurostar) will see that level due to station constraints.