Be it the recently-launched scenic route leaving from Italy, passing Slovenia, and terminating in Croatia, with tickets costing less than $9, or the low-cost train from Amsterdam to Berlin, for only $10, there's never been a more exciting time for train enthusiasts to visit Europe than now.
As demand continues to grow, and tourists grow increasingly wary of overly restrictive rules at airports, not to mention their constant delays, we can expect railway operators to keep adding more alternatives to air travel, and speaking of which…
There's a new high-speed train coming that promises to bridge the decades-long gap between 2 of Europe's most iconic cities, and if you're a culture buff, you'll want to buckle up for this ride:

Paris to Munich Trains Are Coming
Following the success of the Paris-Berlin train, a dual Deutsche Banh and SNCF offer (Germany and France's national railway companies, respectively), we can now look forward to a Paris-Munich one launching as early as 2026.
Munich is a major transit hub for Germany, as well as one of the country's most sought-after destinations due to its historical significance, breadth of architecture, and Oktoberfest events.
Interestingly enough, it's never enjoyed direct train connections to the capital of France.

It is best known for its stately Marienplatz, the heart of the Altstadt (or Old Town), and a public square flanked by a Neo-Gothic town hall, colorful buildings, and lively beer halls––it's been the city's main meeting point since at least 1158.
As the capital of Bavaria, the largest German state by land area, and its cultural and financial center, Munich has no shortage of world-class museums, incredible restaurants, and landmark palaces, including Nymphenburg, a 17th-century Baroque gem surrounded by lush gardens that rivals Versailles in beauty.
Well, soon enough, you'll be able to be the judge of that.

Why This Is Great News For Travelers In Europe
Though there are plenty of airlines operating this route airside, when traveling via land from Paris to Munich, tourists are required to change vehicles at least once, usually in Karlsruhe or Stuttgart, before reaching their final destination.
Prices average $87 on Deutsche Banh, and the duration of the journey ranges from 5h32, with the briefest transit time possible of only 10 minutes, to 7h31––yeah… it's a no for us.
A direct, high-speed connection that reduces travel times significantly, and with rates as cheap as those for the Paris-Berlin route changes everything, though:

As reported by The Local France, it was only a matter of time until Paris-Munich trains materialized due to the success of Deutsche Banh's and SNCF's Paris-Berlin endeavor:
According to Deutsche Banh board member Michael Peterson, the company has observed ‘above-average advance bookings' for the first yearly quarter already and a ‘very high' average occupancy rate for trains circulating on this route.
He continued by noting there's been a ‘boom' in long-distance, international rail transportation in Europe, citing climate awareness as a reason for the rising demand.

Politics aside, we would go further and argue people are maybe just disillusioned with airlines, especially low-cost carriers like Ryanair and WizzAir, (in)famous for their baggage policies, (oftentimes) arbitrary check-in rules, low-standard services and delays:
Taking Trains Can Be Faster Than Flying, Even!
Trains can be far more convenient than planes, and unlike airports, main stations are located right in the city center––there's no need to arrive early to screen bags and undergo security.
When you factor in the extra one hour for commuting, 2-3 hours you're required to be at the airport ahead of an international departure, and the airport-city transfer landing at your destination, you will soon realize some of these train routes either match or even have a shorter travel time than flying.

Also, you can bring as many bags as you want, within reasonable limits, without paying extra for them, and many of these modern European trains have free WiFi and catering onboard to keep you entertained, not to mention the big panoramic windows.
Believe us, once this Paris to Munich train launches, you'll want to look out the window for views of medieval French towns, sleepy Black Forest dorfs, and stunning alpine nature.
Launch Expected By 2026
Exciting news as this may be, we will need to wait a while until the train launches formally: the earliest estimate is 2026, which seems to coincide with the renovation of Stuttgart's train station.
It appears that the trains will continue traveling via Stuttgart on their way from Paris to Munich, except travelers will no longer have to disembark and board another train to reach this stop.
Ticket prices have not been announced yet, either, but if the rates for the high-speed trains between Paris and Berlin are any indication, with basic seats starting at only $39, we suspect choosing this over air travel will hardly break the bank.
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