Introducing the European Sleeper: A Scenic Night Journey from Brussels to Milan
Rail travel enthusiasts across Europe can now enjoy a thrilling new journey. The European Sleeper, an overnight train service, now connects Brussels, Belgium, to Milan, Italy. This exciting service, which officially launched on September 9, 2026, is a partnership with the Italian rail operator Arenaways. The service operates three times weekly in each direction, marking the first direct overnight train between Belgium and northern Italy.
The journey begins at Brussels-Midi in the evening. The train then winds its way through Aachen and Cologne in Germany before crossing into Switzerland. Passengers will be treated to stunning Alpine landscapes as the train passes through Lugano and Como, finally arriving at Milan’s centrally located Porta Garibaldi station the following morning. This journey combines scenic beauty with eco-conscious, low-carbon travel, offering a compelling alternative to short-haul flights between these major European hubs.
Travelers can book tickets in a shared Classic compartment starting from just €49.99 one-way. Sleeper and couchette options are also available. From December 14, 2026, the route will extend to include additional stops in Antwerp, Breda, and Eindhoven. This extension will create a direct overnight corridor from the Netherlands all the way down to Italy.
The European Sleeper is a community-owned Dutch-Belgian railway company. Founded in 2023, it is dedicated exclusively to night trains. As demand for sustainable cross-border rail surges across the continent, the European Sleeper continues to expand its network.
Source: Railway Gazette International – European Sleeper Launches Brussels to Milano Overnight Train