Europe’s Night Train Revolution: The Brussels–Milan Sleeper is Now Operational
Sustainable travel in Europe has just received a significant upgrade. The community-owned Dutch-Belgian night train operator, European Sleeper, launched its third international route on September 9, 2026. This new overnight service directly connects Brussels and Cologne with Zürich, Lugano, Lake Como, and Milan.
The service operates three times per week in each direction. Trains depart Brussels on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings and arrive in Milan the following morning at the centrally located Milano Porta Garibaldi station. The return service from Milan operates on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday nights. This scenic journey crosses the Swiss Alps via the legendary Gotthard route, offering passengers breathtaking views of Alpine valleys and lakes while they sleep.
Tickets in a shared Classic couchette compartment start from just €49.99 one-way per person. Comfort Standard options are available from €99.99 and Comfort Plus — which includes breakfast — from €129.99. The service also connects seamlessly with Eurostar trains from London via Brussels, making it a truly pan-European low-carbon option.
The new Milan route joins European Sleeper’s existing routes:
- Brussels–Prague
- Paris–Berlin
This expansion rapidly grows the company’s network of cross-border night trains across western and central Europe. From December 2026, the service will be further extended to include stops at Antwerp, Breda, and Eindhoven in the Netherlands.
Source: Il Sole 24 Ore – European Sleeper’s New Milan–Brussels Night Train Makes Its Debut