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French Night Trains Hit Record Use as Infrastructure Gaps Slow Expansion

A climate group warns that rising use has not overcome outdated track limitations, with advocates seeking new routes that bypass Paris.

Overview

  • A new Réseau Action Climat report shows France’s night trains reached record passenger numbers this year.
  • Service expansion is stalled by outdated tracks and insufficient maintenance capacity across key routes.
  • President Macron first pledged a night train relaunch nearly five years ago, but many planned lines have yet to materialize.
  • Passenger groups led by Oui au train de nuit are calling for transversal connections that do not pass through Paris.
  • Supporters argue that night trains offer a sustainable, long-distance travel option that predates the TGV era.