The Dutch-Belgian railway company European Sleeper has announced the official launch date for its ambitious new night train service between Brussels and Milan. From September 9, 2026, the private operator will serve a direct north-south route, linking major economic centers such as Cologne and Zurich. Originally planned for June 2026, the start of operations had to be postponed due to extensive construction work on the German rail network and lengthy certification processes for operation in Switzerland.
The new route marks the company's third international route in a very short time and underscores the ongoing trend toward reviving European overnight travel. With departures three days a week, the service offers an alternative to short-haul flights and targets both business and leisure travelers. The decision to access Milan via the Gotthard corridor also opens up new access points to Alpine winter sports resorts and holiday destinations in northern Italy. Ticket sales for this new connection begin on March 17, 2026, with the company implementing a tiered pricing system covering different comfort classes.
Infrastructure challenges and schedule adjustments
Planning a cross-border night train service in Europe is proving to be a complex undertaking, fraught with national construction projects and regulatory requirements. European Sleeper had to revise its original timetable because Deutsche Bahn is carrying out extensive renovation work on key corridors in the summer of 2026, which would have jeopardized scheduled operations. Additionally, obtaining approval for the rolling stock to operate on the Swiss rail network took longer than initially anticipated. This certification is essential, as the trains must meet stringent safety standards to be permitted to travel through the mountainous regions.
Another crucial factor in route planning is the closure or limited usability of the Simplon Tunnel. As a result, the European Sleeper will operate via the Gotthard route until at least 2027. This diversion means the train will make additional stops in Central Switzerland and Ticino. Stations such as Arth-Goldau, Göschenen, Bellinzona, and Lugano will thus become part of the route network. The stop in Göschenen, in particular, offers passengers direct access to the ski resorts of the Andermatt region, while Lugano and Como San Giovanni serve as gateways to tourism on the northern Italian lakes.
Operating concept and strategic network expansion
The timetable stipulates that trains depart from Brussels on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings. After stops in cities such as Cologne, passengers arrive in Zurich the following morning and finally reach their destination station, Milano Porta Garibaldi. Return journeys from Milan are scheduled for Monday, Thursday, and Saturday nights. The choice of Porta Garibaldi station is strategic: it is more centrally located than Milano Centrale and offers excellent connections to the Italian high-speed rail network heading south, as well as to local public transport.
The expansion to Milan is part of a rapid growth strategy. European Sleeper recently launched a service from Brussels to Prague, and a route between Paris and Berlin is scheduled to follow this month. This triples the operator's offerings within six months. However, a planned direct connecting train from Amsterdam to Milan has been postponed until 2027. Company management cited the lack of economic viability of a separate train section during the off-season as the reason. Dutch passengers will therefore have to board in Cologne, Aachen, or Brussels for the time being.
Comfort classes and pricing structure on the new route
To appeal to a broad audience, European Sleeper offers various travel categories to suit different budgets. The most affordable option is seats, which are available from €29,99 each way. For travelers who prefer a sleeper, couchette cars in classic compartments are available, with prices starting at €49,99. This price includes reservations, bedding, and luggage.
For those with higher expectations, the Comfort Standard and Comfort Plus classes are offered. These start at €99,99 and €129,99 respectively and include additional services such as breakfast served directly in the compartment. With this differentiated offering, European Sleeper aims to attract both budget-conscious backpackers and comfort-seeking vacationers to overnight travel. The trains are designed to meet the demands of modern travel, and the company continuously invests in refurbishing its fleet to ensure reliability in daily operation.
Economic importance for the European rail market
The market entry of private operators like European Sleeper has invigorated competition on Europe's rail network. For a long time, the night train business was considered unprofitable, which is why many state-owned railways reduced their services in this segment. However, the increasing demand for cross-border rail connections has led to a reassessment. European Sleeper is exploiting niche markets that were previously either not served or only inadequately served by the major state-owned railways. The Brussels-Milan connection closes an important gap in the European rail network, linking the political centers of the EU with the economic heart of Northern Italy.
Such projects are often financed through a combination of investor funds and crowdfunding, underscoring the brand's strong connection to its passengers. Nevertheless, the market environment remains challenging. High track access charges, coordination with the respective network operators in Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy, and the availability of suitable rolling stock are constant hurdles. However, the decision to postpone the launch date in favor of stable operations demonstrates a cautious and long-term approach by management.
Outlook on future developments and tourism potential
With its connection to the Gotthard Corridor, the new service also positions itself as a key player in Alpine tourism. The stops in Switzerland allow winter sports enthusiasts to reach the Alps directly without needing their own vehicle or time-consuming airport transfers. At the same time, the connection to Milan strengthens Como San Giovanni as a hub, significantly improving access to Lake Como for travelers from Northwest Europe.
From 2027, European Sleeper plans to further refine its service. In addition to the planned direct connection from the Netherlands, a return to the route via the Simplon Pass is also being considered, once the infrastructure work there is completed. This could further reduce travel times between Switzerland and Italy. Until then, the Gotthard Pass will remain the central artery for the new night train service. The response to the sales launch in March will be an initial indicator of the actual level of interest among European travelers in this new north-south connection. Industry experts anticipate high occupancy rates, particularly during the holiday months and the winter season.