Germany and France have launched a direct high-speed train between Berlin and Paris. The new connection was hailed Monday as a symbol of the two countries’ close friendship and a sign of Europe’s potential to attract more travelers to the rails — but it is unlikely to be a game-changer.

Direct daytime high-speed trains link French and German capitals, but journey time nearly twice that of Beijing to Shanghai, a longer trip.

The first express train on a new service connecting Berlin and Paris departed from the German capital on Monday. The train, which set off from Berlin's main station shortly after noon (1100 GMT), is expected to arrive in the French capital some eight hours later at 7:55 pm following stops in Frankfurt,

Germany and France have unveiled a direct high-speed train service connecting Berlin and Paris. This new... The post Germany and France Launch High-Speed Rail Link Between Berlin and Paris appeared first on The Daily Dive.

The new 8 hour journey takes travelers through Frankfurt and Strasbourg and has been hailed as a symbol of German-French friendship.The first direct high-speed rail link between Paris and Berlin was launched on Monday.