Fall asleep in Brussels, wake up at the foot of the Italian Alps. That is the promise of the new European Sleeper night train connecting Amsterdam and Brussels to Milan, with its maiden departure scheduled for June 18, 2026. Crossing five countries — the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and Italy — via the legendary Simplon route, this direct overnight service offers an eco-friendly and comfortable alternative to flying. Here is everything you need to know: route, fares, comfort classes, connections and booking tips.
1. The new Amsterdam/Brussels-Milan route: Summer 2026
A direct night train to Northern Italy
European Sleeper, the Belgian-Dutch railway cooperative, is expanding its network with a direct overnight service between Amsterdam/Brussels and Milan. According to the official announcement from December 2025, the first train will depart on Thursday, June 18, 2026 from Amsterdam Centraal and Brussels-Midi, bound for Milano Centrale.
Departures from Amsterdam and Brussels will run on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The return service from Milan will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Based on European Sleeper’s usual schedules, departures are expected around 7:00 PM with arrivals at the destination between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM the following morning.
Key dates
- December 2025: Official route announcement
- Early 2026: Ticket sales open
- June 18, 2026: First departure
2. The Simplon route: 5 countries in one night
From the North Sea to the Italian lakes
The night train will follow the historic Simplon route, a legendary Alpine passage connecting Switzerland to Italy. Trains will depart from Amsterdam and Brussels before converging at Cologne, then travel through Switzerland via Bern and Brig before crossing the Simplon Tunnel into Italy.
Confirmed stops
| Station | Country | Estimated time |
|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam Centraal | Netherlands | ~7:00 PM (departure) |
| Brussels-Midi | Belgium | ~9:00 PM |
| Koln Hbf (Cologne) | Germany | ~11:30 PM |
| Bern | Switzerland | ~3:00 AM |
| Brig | Switzerland | ~5:00 AM |
| Domodossola | Italy | ~6:00 AM |
| Stresa (Lake Maggiore) | Italy | ~7:00 AM |
| Milano Centrale | Italy | ~9:30 AM (arrival) |
One of the major highlights of this route: the stop at Stresa, on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Travelers who get off at this station can head straight to the Borromean Islands and enjoy the enchanting setting of the Italian pre-Alps without passing through Milan.
3. Comfort classes and fares
4 classes for every budget
European Sleeper offers four comfort levels on its night trains, allowing everyone to travel according to their budget. The exact fares for the Milan route have not yet been revealed, but based on prices on existing lines (Brussels-Prague and Paris-Berlin), here are the estimates.
Estimated fare table (per person, one way)
| Class | Description | Estimated price |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Seated place in a 6-person compartment | ~€30-50 |
| Classic | Shared couchette (5 persons), pillow and blanket provided | ~€80-120 |
| Comfort Standard | Cabin with max 3 berths, mattress, duvet and sheet | ~€130-180 |
| Comfort Plus | Sleeping car with 1 to 3 berths, washbasin, breakfast included | ~€180-250+ |
What is included
- Comfort & Comfort Plus: breakfast included (hot drink, bread, juice, yogurt with granola)
- Bicycles: 26 bike spaces available for €19 (more during peak season)
- Pets: dogs and cats welcome in private compartments at no extra charge
- Interrail/Eurail: passes accepted with mandatory advance reservation
Compartments can be booked in private mode for couples, families or groups of friends seeking more privacy. A private Classic compartment accommodates up to 5 people, a Comfort compartment up to 3.
4. European Sleeper: the cooperative reinventing night trains
A unique model in Europe
European Sleeper is no ordinary railway company. Founded in 2021 by Elmer van Buuren and Chris Engelsman, two Dutch night train enthusiasts, it is a citizen-owned cooperative. In May 2021, the company raised €500,000 in seed capital in just fifteen minutes through crowdfunding, according to Wikipedia. Today, more than €7 million has been invested by over 6,000 European citizens.
The European Sleeper network in 2026
| Route | Launch | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Brussels-Amsterdam-Berlin-Dresden-Prague | May 2023 | 3x/week |
| Paris-Brussels-Berlin | March 26, 2026 | 3x/week |
| Amsterdam/Brussels-Milan | June 18, 2026 | 3x/week |
The European Sleeper network will soon connect many major European cities overnight, with efficient connections to London (via Eurostar from Brussels), Zurich, Geneva, Venice and Rome (via Italian connections from Milan). The next planned route will link Brussels to Barcelona, via Lille, Avignon, Nimes, Montpellier and Perpignan, with a likely launch in 2027 or 2028.
5. Connections from Milan: Venice, the lakes and Rome
Milan, the gateway to Italy
Arriving at Milano Centrale opens the doors to all of Italy. The monumental station is a major railway hub with fast connections to Italy’s main cities. Here are the most useful onward connections for travelers arriving on the European Sleeper night train.
Fast connections from Milano Centrale
| Destination | Duration | Frequency | Fares from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venice Santa Lucia | 2h12-3h10 | ~31 trains/day | €14.90 |
| Florence SMN | ~1h50 | Hourly | ~€20 |
| Rome Termini | ~3h00 | Hourly | ~€20 |
| Como (Lake Como) | ~40 min | Very frequent | ~€5 |
| Stresa (Lake Maggiore) | ~1h00 | Regional | ~€8 |
| Desenzano (Lake Garda) | ~1h10 | Frequent | ~€10 |
To reach Venice, both Italo and Trenitalia run high-speed trains throughout the day. With an arrival around 9:30 AM at Milano Centrale, you can be at Venice Santa Lucia in time for lunch.
Lake Maggiore (Stresa) is served directly by the night train — no connection needed. The Borromean Islands, botanical gardens and historic villas await you right at the station.
6. Arriving in Milan: what to see in one day?
The capital of fashion and design
Milan deserves much more than just a quick stopover. If you arrive around 9:30 AM on the night train, you have a full day to explore the Lombard capital before continuing your journey.
Must-sees in Milan
- Duomo di Milano: Head up to the rooftop terraces for a 360-degree view of the city and the Alps
- Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper: Book at least 2 months in advance — it is essential
- Navigli: The canal district, perfect for an aperitivo in the late afternoon
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: The world’s oldest shopping arcade
7. Stresa and Lake Maggiore: the stop everyone envies
A jewel of the Italian pre-Alps
One of the great advantages of this new route: Stresa is a direct stop on the night train. No need to go via Milan — you step off right on the shores of Lake Maggiore first thing in the morning. It is a hidden gem that is well worth the visit.
Not to be missed in Stresa
- Isola Bella: Baroque palace and spectacular terraced gardens
- Isola dei Pescatori: Authentic fishing village, perfect for lunch
- Alpinia Botanical Garden: Panoramic views over the lake and the Alps
- Mottarone Cable Car: Summit at 1,491 m with views of 7 lakes
8. Night train vs alternatives: the comparison
Why choose the night train?
Several options exist for traveling from Brussels to Milan. Here is a comprehensive comparison to help you choose the mode of transport best suited to your needs.
Brussels-Milan comparison
| Criteria | ES Night Train | Via Paris (day) | Via Cologne/Switzerland | Flight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | ~15h (overnight) | ~9-10h | ~10-12h | ~1h40 (flight only) |
| Connections | 0 (direct) | 1-2 + Paris station change | 2-3 | 0 + airport transfers |
| Indicative price | €30-250 | €70-200 | €80-250 | €80-300 |
| Hotel night | Saved | No | No | No |
| Estimated CO2 | ~10-20 kg | ~15-25 kg | ~15-25 kg | ~120-180 kg |
| Comfort | Bed/couchette | Seat | Seat | Narrow seat |
The strongest argument for the night train: you save a hotel night (count €80 to €150 during summer in major European cities). Even with a Classic couchette at €80, the night train remains competitive against a low-cost flight + transfers + hotel night.
For daytime travelers who prefer the route via Paris, the journey combines a Eurostar Brussels-Paris (1h22, from €29) and a Frecciarossa Paris-Milan (6h40, from €39). Note: the station change in Paris (Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon) requires about 60 minutes.
9. Environmental impact: the night train, a low-carbon champion
Up to 10 times less CO2 than flying
On a Brussels-Milan journey (~900 km), the night train emits on average 10 to 20 kg of CO2 per passenger, compared to 120 to 180 kg by plane — a reduction of approximately 90%. According to Bon Pote, air travel emits on average 30 times more CO2 than the train over an equivalent distance.
The revival of night trains in Europe is part of a broader trend. After the decline of the 2010s when many routes were cut, several operators are relaunching overnight services: European Sleeper, OBB Nightjet, Midnight Trains (France) and Regiojet. In 2026, the European night train network has never been as extensive as it has been in the past twenty years.
10. The seasonal Brussels-Venice route: review and outlook
A full-scale testing ground
Before the Milan route, European Sleeper tested a seasonal Brussels-Venice service during the winter of 2024-2025. The inaugural journey left Brussels on February 5, 2025, with the service running roughly twice a week in February and March, covering a journey of approximately 15 hours.
The route passed through Utrecht, Cologne, Munich, Innsbruck and Verona, crossing five countries. Fares started at €99 for a shared couchette and €179 for a sleeping car berth.
Challenges encountered
The inaugural journey ran into problems with the Italian operator: the train stopped at Innsbruck instead of Venice, according to Seat61. Passengers were transferred by daytime trains at no extra cost. Subsequent March departures then ran normally all the way to Venice.
What about 2026?
The seasonal Brussels-Venice route has not been renewed for the winter of 2025-2026. European Sleeper explained that this route, crossing five countries, was too operationally complex for a small team. However, the experience gained — testing a dining car, multi-country management, partnerships with local operators — was deemed « invaluable » by the management, according to Hourrail.
The good news: with the new Milan route, Venice remains accessible. Simply take a Trenitalia or Italo connection from Milano Centrale (2h12, from €14.90).
11. Practical tips for booking and traveling
Everything you need to know before booking
How to book
Book directly on europeansleeper.eu for the best fares. Tickets are also available via NS International. Interrail or Eurail pass holders can book under « Reservation Only » at a fixed rate, the same for adults and children.
When to buy your tickets
- As soon as sales open: The lowest fares (Budget at ~€30) are available in limited quantities
- 2 to 3 months ahead: Prices remain reasonable with good availability across all classes
- Last minute: Higher fares and some classes sold out, especially in summer
Children and family information
Children under 4 travel free without their own berth. Children under 12 benefit from a reduced fare. For families, booking a private compartment in Classic (5 berths) or Comfort (3 berths) is ideal.
In case of delays
European Sleeper applies the European passenger rights regulation (EU 2021/782). In case of a delay exceeding 60 minutes: 25% compensation of the ticket price. Beyond 120 minutes: 50% of the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the first Brussels-Milan night train depart?
The first departure from Brussels-Midi and Amsterdam Centraal is scheduled for Thursday, June 18, 2026. The service will then run 3 times per week: on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays from Brussels/Amsterdam, and on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from Milan.
How much does a Brussels-Milan night train ticket cost?
Estimated fares range from €30 to €50 for a seated place (Budget), €80 to €120 for a shared couchette (Classic), €130 to €180 for a Standard cabin (max 3 berths) and €180 to €250+ for a Comfort Plus sleeping car with breakfast included. Prices vary based on demand — book early for the best fares.
Can you still take the Brussels-Venice night train?
The seasonal Brussels-Venice route operated in February-March 2025 but has not been renewed for 2026. However, from Milan (via the new route), you can easily reach Venice in 2h12 to 3h10 with Trenitalia or Italo, from €14.90.
Where can I buy European Sleeper night train tickets?
Tickets are sold on the official website europeansleeper.eu and via NS International. Sales for the Milan route are expected to open in January or February 2026. Sign up for the newsletter to be notified.
Can I bring a bicycle on the night train?
Yes, the European Sleeper night train has 26 bicycle spaces at €19 per trip. Additional spaces are added during peak season and for groups. Book your bike space at the same time as your ticket.
Is breakfast included on the night train?
Breakfast is included in the Comfort Standard and Comfort Plus classes. It includes a hot drink, a bread roll, juice, yogurt with granola and crackers. In Classic or Budget, you can add it when booking or purchase it from the stewards on board.
Is the Interrail or Eurail Pass valid?
Yes, Interrail Global and Eurail Global passes are accepted on European Sleeper night trains. However, a mandatory advance reservation is required. Book online at europeansleeper.eu under « Reservation Only. » The reservation fee is fixed and the same for adults and children.
Can I travel with a pet?
Yes, dogs and cats are welcome on board European Sleeper. You simply need to book a private compartment for the journey. No extra charge is applied for your four-legged companion.
Sources
- European Sleeper – Night train to Milan — Official route announcement
- RailTech.com — European Sleeper launches Amsterdam-Milan night train (December 2025)
- PR Newswire — Community-funded European Sleeper drives night train revolution
- TimeOut — Brand-new sleeper train through the heart of Europe (December 2025)
- European Sleeper – Night train to Venice — Seasonal Brussels-Venice route
- Seat61 — European Sleeper to Venice: complete guide
- Euronews Travel — Brussels to Venice night train (August 2024)
- European Sleeper – The Train — Classes, comfort and onboard services
- LunaTrain — Night Train Milan-Brussels: info and tickets
- Wikipedia – European Sleeper — History and cooperative data
- European Sleeper – Invest — Crowdfunding investment
- Italo – Milan-Venice tickets — Fares and schedules Milan-Venice
- Trainline – Milan to Venice — Timetables and frequencies
- Bon Pote — The CO2 match: Train vs Plane
- Seat61 – Trains from Brussels — Daytime alternatives from Brussels
- Hourrail — European Sleeper: cooperative model and strategy
- NS International — European Sleeper night train
- Travel Off Path — New night train connecting 5 European countries
Research conducted on February 7, 2026
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