High Demand for New Berlin-Paris ICE Spurs Plans for Expanded Rail Connections

The success of the direct ICE route between Berlin and Paris has prompted Deutsche Bahn and SNCF to consider additional cross-border services, including expanded options for Munich by 2026.

The new direct ICE service between Berlin and Paris, launched in December 2024, has seen strong demand, with train occupancy rates often reaching 90%.
Nearly 75% of passengers on the Berlin-Paris route travel the full distance, highlighting the appeal of direct, long-distance rail travel.
Deutsche Bahn (DB) and SNCF are evaluating the possibility of increasing the frequency of Berlin-Paris services if high demand continues.
Plans are underway to introduce five daily direct connections between Paris and Munich by December 2026, following the completion of Stuttgart's new underground station as part of the Stuttgart 21 project.
The expansion of cross-border rail services aligns with growing interest in environmentally friendly travel options, as evidenced by the popularity of routes like Berlin-Paris and Frankfurt-Marseille.