Beginner Reading Exercise

The Night Train to Berlin

A special train now runs from Paris to Berlin every night. The journey takes 12 hours, and the train has comfortable beds and a dining car. This old-style train helps people travel in a more relaxing way.

"I love this train," says Maria, a tourist from Spain. "The beds are very nice, and I can sleep well. In the morning, I wake up in a new country!" The train staff bring breakfast to your room, with fresh coffee and warm bread.

James Brown works on the train as a waiter. "Our dining car is very popular," he says. "People sit and talk with other travellers while they eat dinner. They can watch the countryside go past the windows. It's different from flying - it's slower, but much nicer."

Sarah and Tom Chen took the train last week. "The best thing is the service," says Sarah. "The staff are so helpful and friendly. We had tea and cake in the afternoon, then a lovely dinner. In the morning, we arrived in Berlin feeling fresh and happy." Tom adds, "It's better for the planet too. We want to take more train journeys now."

The train leaves Paris at 8 o'clock every evening. More people are choosing this calm way to travel, and tickets often sell out quickly. "It's like travelling in the old days," says train manager Pierre Dubois, "but with modern comfort."