European Sleeper's Brussels to Milan Night Train Launch Postponed to September
The highly anticipated launch of a new night train service connecting Brussels to Milan has been delayed by several months, with operations now set to commence in September 2026. European Sleeper, a Dutch-Belgian train operator, announced that the 17-and-a-half-hour journey, originally scheduled to begin in June, will now debut on 9 September 2026.
Reasons Behind the Delay
In a statement released on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, European Sleeper cited two primary factors for the postponement. Firstly, planned track works in Germany during the summer of 2026 would compromise the reliability of the service. Secondly, the certification process for Switzerland, a new country added to the operator's network, required additional time to complete before the launch could proceed.
Despite the setback, the company emphasised that this new connection represents a significant milestone in its expansion across Europe. European Sleeper currently operates night train services between Brussels and Prague, and is set to launch a new route from Paris to Berlin on 29 March 2026.
Route Details and Schedule
The Brussels to Milan night train will feature multiple stops, including Cologne in Germany, Zurich in Switzerland, and Como in Italy. Additional stops will be made at the Swiss village of Göschenen, providing access to nearby ski resorts, and Lugano, allowing travellers to explore the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland.
Departures from Brussels are planned for Monday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings, with arrivals in Zurich and Milan the following morning. Return services from Milan will operate on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday nights. Initially, the train will depart from Belgium, with a direct connection to and from the Netherlands to be added from 2027.
Ticket Information and Classes
Tickets for this route will go on sale on 17 March 2026, offering four classes of travel. Budget class seats start from €29.99 (£26) per person one way. For those seeking more comfort, couchette beds are available from €49.99 (£43), which includes ticket, reservation, luggage, and bed linen. Upgrades include "Comfort Standard" from €99.99 (£87) and "Comfort Plus" from €129.99 (£113), the latter including breakfast.
This delay highlights the complexities involved in expanding cross-border rail services in Europe, but European Sleeper remains committed to enhancing sustainable travel options for passengers across the continent.
