A brand new overnight train linking Brussels to Milan is set to make its debut this week, giving travelers across Europe a fresh alternative to short haul flights between northern Europe and Italy. The service, operated by the Belgian Dutch railway company European Sleeper, begins running on September 9, connecting Brussels, Cologne, Zurich, and Milan in a single overnight journey across four countries.
The new route marks a significant milestone for European Sleeper, which already operates overnight services linking Brussels and Amsterdam to Berlin and Prague. This latest addition becomes the company’s third regular night train route and its first to serve both Switzerland and Italy, representing a meaningful expansion in both operational reach and geographic complexity for the growing rail operator.
Passengers boarding in Brussels will depart in the evening and travel overnight through Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland before arriving in Milan the following morning. The route passes through some of Europe’s most scenic terrain, including a crossing through the Swiss Alps via the historic Gotthard Pass, offering travelers striking mountain views as part of the overnight journey. Stops along the way include access points for nearby ski resorts and lake destinations popular with tourists in both winter and summer seasons.
The launch had originally been planned for June this year but was pushed back to September due to infrastructure works underway in Germany during the summer months, along with additional certification requirements needed to operate trains within Switzerland, a country new to the company’s network. Company leadership said they preferred to delay the launch rather than risk operational problems during the crucial early running period of a brand new international route.
Train service will run three times weekly, with departures from Brussels scheduled for evening trips on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. Tickets went on sale earlier this year, with a range of pricing options available depending on comfort level. Budget seating starts at under thirty euros, while a bed in a shared couchette compartment begins around fifty euros, including luggage allowance and bed linen. Higher comfort options include private compartments with breakfast service included in the fare.
In Milan, the train will arrive at Porta Garibaldi station, a central location offering convenient connections to high speed rail services heading further south across Italy, as well as quick metro access to Milan’s main central station for travelers continuing their journey elsewhere in the country.
The new route reflects a broader resurgence in European overnight rail travel, as growing numbers of travelers seek lower carbon alternatives to short haul flights for cross border trips. European Sleeper has positioned itself at the forefront of this trend, steadily expanding its network of night train routes since launching its first service between Brussels and Prague several years ago. The company has also confirmed plans to extend the new Milan route further into the Netherlands starting in December, adding another leg to the growing international network.
For travelers looking to combine practicality with a memorable journey, the new overnight service offers a chance to wake up in a new country without losing a full day to travel, all while taking in some of the continent’s most dramatic alpine scenery along the way. As the first departure approaches this week, rail enthusiasts and casual travelers alike are watching closely to see how the new route performs during its inaugural weeks of operation.
