Paris to Berlin by train is now faster by five hours
A new direct high‑speed train between Paris and Berlin is being promoted as five hours faster, but many point out that it only slightly improves on existing one‑change routes and say the headline is misleading. Commenters use the route to highlight wider issues in European rail: unreliable timetables, complex and often expensive pricing from operators like Deutsche Bahn and SNCF, aging infrastructure, and political constraints on investment. The debate frequently contrasts trains with flying and with Chinese high‑speed rail, weighing comfort and climate benefits against cost, travel time, and security‑style hassles.
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.