If you were planning train travel across France, you may need to reconsider. Last month, France’s Ministry of Tourism announced it will end most overnight train service to and from Paris. The government, which oversees the national rail operator SNCF, will stop providing financial support for sleeper routes. That support has been opened to competitive bids, but if no acceptable proposals are received by July 1, nearly all overnight services will cease, with the exception of three routes: Paris to Briançon, Rodez, and Latour-de-Carol.
The decision reflects rising costs and changing travel patterns. As Mark Smith, founder of the train travel blog The Man in Seat Sixty-One, explained, the economics are increasingly difficult once budget airlines and substantial track access fees are taken into account. Night trains have struggled to compete both on price and on the expenses associated with running and maintaining sleeper services.
This shift is part of a broader decline in sleeper trains across Europe. In 2014, a German operator discontinued overnight services between Germany and France. In 2013, night trains from Paris to Madrid and Barcelona were also terminated. These reductions highlight how international and domestic night services have been scaled back in recent years.
For travelers who value overnight rail journeys, the change means fewer options for sleeping on board in France. Sleeper trains historically offered a convenient way to cover long distances while saving daytime travel time and hotel costs. With the reduction of services, passengers may need to rely more on daytime high-speed trains, budget airlines, or private car travel for many cross-country or international itineraries.
Rail enthusiasts and environmental advocates have raised concerns about the loss of night trains, noting that overnight rail can be a lower-carbon alternative to short-haul flights and helps make long-distance rail travel more attractive. Some industry observers hope that private operators or regional authorities might step in with proposals to keep selected routes running, especially those that serve tourism-heavy or underserved regions.
For now, travelers planning trips that previously relied on sleeper services should check the current schedules and book alternative transport early. If you prefer overnight travel, consider routes that will remain protected after July 1—Paris to Briançon, Rodez, and Latour-de-Carol—or explore night services in neighboring countries where they are still operating. Stay updated with official announcements from rail operators and regional transport authorities to avoid last-minute disruptions to your itinerary.
