European Sleeper will launch its third night train route on 9 September 2026, marking a key milestone in the company’s expansion plans. With the addition of the new service, the European Sleeper network will grow from one to three routes within six months.
The new overnight connection will link Brussels and Cologne with Zürich and Milan, creating a significant north–south rail corridor across Europe. The service will cater to both leisure and business travellers, with convenient onward connections in Brussels (to and from London), Cologne (Amsterdam and Berlin), Zürich (Graubünden and western Austria), and Milan (Venice, Florence, and Rome)
The route will initially operate from Belgium, while a direct section connecting the Netherlands is planned for the 2027 timetable.
Due to scheduled infrastructure works across parts of Europe, the launch date has been postponed from June 18 to September 9, 2026. Extensive track works planned in Germany during the summer of 2026 would not have allowed the service to operate with the required level of reliability. Additionally, certification procedures required for operations in Switzerland, a new market for European Sleeper, contributed to the decision to shift the start date to September.
Stops and Timetable
The new Brussels-Cologne-Zürich-Milan European Sleeper will operate from Wednesday, September 9, 2026. Departures from Brussels are scheduled for 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 Milan, the European Sleeper from Brussels arrives at Porta Garibaldi, a station even more centrally located than Milano Centrale. Porta Garibaldi offers some onward connections, including high-speed trains to southern Italy. For more frequent national and regional services, travellers may prefer to transfer to Milano Centrale, just two metro stops, around six minutes away.
Ticket sales for the Brussels–Cologne–Zürich–Milan night train will open on March 17, 2026. Fares will start from €29.99 for Budget class seats. Couchette berths in Classic compartments will be available from €49.99, including reservation, luggage allowance and bed linen. Travellers seeking greater comfort can choose Comfort Standard berths from €99.99 or Comfort Plus from €129.99, which also includes breakfast.
