Nightjet to Paris: New Routes and Schedules
Potential End to Vienna-paris Night Train Service Looms
Table of Contents
The Promise of Seamless Travel
A night train offering the convenience of falling asleep in Vienna and waking up in Paris with a croissant was launched in 2021. However, this service is now threatened by a potential timetable change, according to a report in Le Monde.
The French government intends to increase its promotion of the French portion of the route, which is operated by the state-owned railway company, SNCF.
Unprofitability and Usage Concerns
Le Monde reports that the route is unprofitable for the railway company, generating insufficient revenue. The French government also reportedly requested daily service when the route was initially commissioned, a commitment that is currently not being met, with trains running only three times a week.
In 2024,approximately 36,000 passengers utilized the Paris-Vienna night train service,according to Le Monde. The Berlin-Paris route, also operated by ÖBB trains, may also be affected by this decision.
ÖBB Response and Ongoing Discussions
The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) acknowledged the report to ORF Vienna but stated they had not yet received official notification of the termination of Public Service Obligation (PSO) services in France.
ÖBB emphasized they are “currently in close exchange with our partners SNCF and DB and will communicate in the next few days about possible effects.” PSO contracts are agreements where governments subsidize rail services deemed essential,even if unprofitable.
Background: The Rise of Night Trains in Europe
The revival of night train services across Europe represents a growing trend towards more lasting travel options. driven by concerns about the environmental impact of air travel and a desire for more convenient long-distance journeys, several countries are investing in upgrading and expanding their night train networks. Seat61.com provides a comprehensive overview of night train routes across the continent.
ÖBB has been a key player in this resurgence, operating several popular night train routes, including those connecting Vienna to various European cities. The potential cancellation of the Paris-Vienna route would represent a setback for this trend.
What This Means for Travelers
If the Paris-Vienna night train service is discontinued, travelers will likely need to rely on alternative modes of transportation, such as flights or daytime high-speed rail connections. Flights are faster but have a considerably higher carbon footprint. Daytime rail travel, while more sustainable, requires more travel time.
The potential impact on the Berlin-Paris route adds further uncertainty for travelers planning journeys between these cities.