It took a little longer than expected, but this time, it’s official! The new European Sleeper night train between Brussels, Zurich, and Milan will finally begin service on September 9, 2026. Three times a week, it will allow passengers to leave Brussels in the evening and travel across Europe while they sleep, with Zurich, Lugano, Lake Como, and Milan along the way.
A night on the rails, then Italy when you wake up
The idea is quite appealing… Board in Brussels on Monday, Thursday, or Saturday evening and wake up the next morning much further south. The entire journey to Milan takes about 17 hours. It stops at Cologne, Zurich, Göschenen, Lugano, and Como before arriving at Milano Porta Garibaldi. For the return trip, the train departs Milan on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday evenings.
And the price is undoubtedly the other piece of good news. Tickets start at €29.99 in the Budget class, for a reclining seat. To actually spend the night lying down, the Classic berth starts at €49.99, with reservation, luggage, and bedding included. Travelers who prefer more privacy can upgrade to Comfort Standard starting at €99.99, or to Comfort Plus starting at €129.99, with breakfast included.
So, what’s it really like, a night on board?
While the European Sleeper trains are already familiar, the experience is quite different from a simple overnight train ride. In Classic class, you share a berth and have a bed with a sheet, blanket, and pillow. Compartments can also be reserved for private use. In Comfort Standard, the berth is transformed into a true sleeping space with bedding, while Comfort Plus focuses more on the “hotel on rails” experience, with a three-person compartment, a private sink, and breakfast served in the morning.
The detail that could make all the difference? The train car windows can be opened, and drinks and snacks are available on board. In other words, it feels less like express transportation and more like stepping into a little bubble where the journey begins the moment you board the train. And best of all, you could potentially save on a night’s hotel stay and a day of travel.
And after Milan?
That’s probably where this new route becomes really interesting for Brussels residents. Milan isn’t necessarily the final destination. From Porta Garibaldi, you can continue your journey to other Italian cities, while the train itself provides direct access to Zurich, Lugano, and Como. Lake Como, in particular, is located about 900 meters from the Como San Giovanni train station: it’s hard to imagine a simpler way to turn an overnight trip into a lakeside getaway.
And that’s just the beginning: European Sleeper already has plans to expand the route. Starting December 13, 2026, the train will also serve Antwerp, Breda, and Eindhoven, while a direct connection to Amsterdam is scheduled for 2027. This will gradually transform Brussels into a true starting point for rail adventures to much more distant destinations.
📆 Dates: starting September 9, 2026
