European Sleeper, a Dutch-Belgian train operator, is set to launch a new night train service connecting Brussels to Milan, with tickets featuring beds starting from just £43. This marks the company's third route, expanding its network across major European cities like Berlin, Prague, and Amsterdam.
Route Details and Launch Date
The 17-and-a-half-hour journey from the Belgian capital to Italy's fashion hub was initially planned for June 2026 but has been delayed to 9 September 2026. The postponement is due to track works in Germany during summer 2026 and the certification process for Switzerland, a new country in European Sleeper's network.
Expanded Service from 2027
At first, the night train will depart from Brussels, with an additional leg to and from the Netherlands scheduled to be added from 2027. Once fully operational, the train will make stops in Cologne, Germany; Zurich, Switzerland; and Como, Italy.
Schedule and Route Changes
The European Sleeper is scheduled to depart from Brussels on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings, arriving in Zürich and Milan the following morning. The return service from Milan will operate on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday nights.
In Switzerland, the train will run via Zürich and the Gotthard Pass instead of the previously planned Simplon Pass, which proved unfeasible due to track works scheduled through 2027. A company statement highlighted that this revised route offers new opportunities, such as a stop in Göschenen for convenient access to nearby ski resorts, and stops in Lugano and Como for easy connections to lakes and mountain landscapes.
Ticket Options and Pricing
Tickets for the new route go on sale on 17 March 2026, with four categories available:
- Budget: Seats starting from €29.99 (£25) per person one way.
- Classic: Couchette beds in a shared compartment from €49.99 (£43), including ticket, reservation, luggage, and bed linen.
- Comfort Standard: From €99.99 (£85).
- Comfort Plus: From €129.99 (£111), including breakfast.
Company Statement
"Although the first departure comes a few months later than originally planned, the new connection marks an important milestone," European Sleeper said in a press release. The company already operates a service between Brussels and Prague, and a new connection between Paris and Berlin is launching later this month, with prices starting from €69.99 (£60) for a one-way ticket in a shared compartment.
Future Competition and Trends
Nox, a Berlin-based startup, has announced plans to offer an affordable alternative to short-haul flights from 2027, with single rooms starting from €79 (£67). This move reflects a growing trend towards sustainable and budget-friendly overnight travel options across Europe.
