France ends subsidy, Paris–Vienna/Berlin night train stops 14 December 2025

The night train, which averaged 70% occupancy in 2024, ends because, according to SNCF Voyageurs, it cannot be run economically without a subsidy; the report does not give the size of the subsidy.

SNCF Voyageurs was told by the transport ministry that the state is ending its operating subsidy in 2026 for the Paris–Vienna/Berlin night train, which the company runs jointly with ÖBB, DB and SNCB; the partners therefore agreed to withdraw from the service from 14 December 2025. The train averaged 70% occupancy in 2024, but according to SNCF Voyageurs it cannot break even without a subsidy, because a night-train berth can be sold only once a day and staff, track-access and energy costs are high. Engineering works in France and Germany also ruled out daily running from 2026; three round trips remained in the 2026 timetable. (LOK Report, 1 Oct 2025)