Is There an Overnight Train from Madrid to Berlin?

Unfortunately, there are no direct overnight trains from Madrid to Berlin. However, a comfortable connection via Paris has been available until 2013, but that option is no longer operational. The alternative route involves several changes and a total travel time of about 26 hours and 45 minutes. Let’s explore the current options and the historical alternatives.

Current Route and Details

The journey from Madrid to Berlin now requires an overnight train trip through Paris, covering a significantly longer distance and multiple transfers.

Itinerary from Madrid to Berlin

Madrid to Paris: Madrid Puerta de Atocha departure at 13:25 Acciona VTh high-speed train (AVE) from Madrid to Perpignan, departing at 17:57 (note that the Elipsos Madrid-Paris connection was cancelled in 2013) Dinner break in a restaurant in Perpignan Perpignan to Paris Austerlitz with an overnight train, IC 3730, departing at 19:58 Couchette compartments available in 4 or 6 berths for the overnight journey Arrival in Paris Austerlitz at 6:25 in the morning Change at the metro station using Métro line 5 towards Bobigny, then take a quick breakfast at Paris Nord station or on board the Thalys Paris to Berlin: Paris Nord departure at 7:55 on Thalys 9413 Arrival in Dortmund Hbf at 12:41, changing tracks from 10 to 8 ICE 849 ICE2 unit with a restaurant for lunch Arrival in Berlin Hbf at 16:10 Total travel time: 26 hours 45 minutes Reservations for AVE SNCF and Thalys are required ahead of travel dates

Historical Routes and Alternatives

Before 2013, when the Elipsos was operational, the trip was much more straightforward. A night train from Barcelona to Zürich and then an ICE to Berlin was possible, providing a much more direct and possibly faster route. Unfortunately, that option has also been discontinued.

Currently, there is a discussion about implementing a night train from Barcelona to Frankfurt, which would be a more direct and potentially faster route, avoiding the hassle of changing stations and squeezing in with morning commuters. This new route would allow passengers to take the evening AVE from Madrid to Barcelona, then travel to Frankfurt overnight, and finally board the morning ICE to Berlin the following day.

Benefits of Alternative Routes

The alternative route from Madrid to Berlin via Paris offers several benefits, including:

Comfort: Couchette compartments in the overnight train provide a comfortable sleeping environment and luggage storage spaces. Scenic Views: The journey through Spain and France provides scenic views and stops for breaks and meals. Direct Transfers: Clear and well-marked transfers between stations ensure smooth transitions. Safety: The high-speed trains and network are well-maintained and operate with high safety standards.

While the current route is more complex, the quality and comfort of the trains involved make the journey a worthwhile experience for many travelers. The new proposed route from Barcelona to Frankfurt promises to simplify and potentially speed up the journey, representing an exciting development in European rail travel.