The German‑French high‑speed partnership has extended the nonstop ICE Berlin‑Paris service to run via Erfurt, adding a daily direct connection from Erfurt to Paris.
What happened
Starting at 08:50 am, the ICE now departs Erfurt for Paris, stopping also in Halle (Saale) and Strasbourg (12:51 pm). The journey takes roughly six hours, reaching Paris at 14:52 pm. In the opposite direction the train leaves Paris at 11:07 am (and Strasbourg at 13:09 pm) and arrives in Erfurt at 17:08 pm. The first nonstop ICE to Paris was welcomed this morning at Erfurt’s main station, where a German‑French crew attended passengers.
Why it matters
DB’s passenger‑division board member Michael Peterson highlighted that almost a quarter‑million travelers used the Berlin‑Paris ICE in its first year, underscoring strong demand for cross‑border rail. Thüringen’s Minister for Digitalisation and Infrastructure Steffen Schütz noted that the six‑hour Erfurt‑Paris link makes the French capital more accessible than by car, reinforcing Erfurt’s role as a central ICE hub. Mayor Andreas Horn added that the new service moves Erfurt from the heart of Germany to the heart of Europe, symbolising an “open, connected and growing” Europe. SNCF Voyageurs director Alain Krakovitch called the Erfurt and Halle stops a milestone that will further strengthen sustainable mobility between Germany and France, especially in eastern Germany.
What could happen next
Analysts suggest that the demonstrated demand may encourage DB and SNCF to add further German cities to the ICE‑TGV corridor, or to increase the number of daily services. A possible next step could be the introduction of additional cross‑border routes that link the eastern German rail hub with other major European destinations, further embedding the region into the continent‑wide high‑speed network.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the new ICE from Erfurt to Paris depart and arrive?
The train leaves Erfurt at 08:50 am and arrives in Paris at 14:52 pm; the return departs Paris at 11:07 am (13:09 pm from Strasbourg) and reaches Erfurt at 17:08 pm.
How long has the DB–SNCF high‑speed partnership been in place?
The cooperation between DB and SNCF Voyageurs started in 2007, offering ICE and TGV services between Germany and France.
What passenger volume was reported for the Berlin‑Paris ICE in its first year?
Nearly a quarter‑million travelers used the Berlin‑Paris direct ICE connection during its first year of operation.
How do you think increased high‑speed rail links will shape travel in Central Europe?
