In brussels, the promise of a new night train to Milan has shifted from summer certainty to autumn patience. European Sleeper has moved the start of its Brussels–Cologne–Zürich–Milan service by nearly three months, now scheduled for September 9, 2026, after citing extensive track work in Germany and the time needed to complete Swiss operational paperwork.
Why was the Brussels–Milan sleeper train delayed?
European Sleeper had originally planned to begin service on June 18, with departures from both Amsterdam Centraal and Brussels-Zuid, combining trains in Germany before continuing to Milan. That plan has changed. extensive track work in Germany this summer made the launch “too risky. ”
“It is too risky, ” said Chris Engelsman, co-founder of European Sleeper. “We fear a difficult start and prefer to begin properly in September. ”
Engelsman also pointed to the administrative steps required for Switzerland. Additional time is needed to complete paperwork for operations there. “There is no problem, but it all takes a bit longer when registering passenger transport and applying for a timetable. Switzerland is not in the EU, so the process is slightly different, ” he said, adding that the company is pleased with the reception it has received in Switzerland.
What changes for passengers traveling from Brussels to Milan?
The revised schedule sets the first departures for September 9, 2026. The service is planned to run Monday, Thursday, and Saturday from Brussels, with return trips Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Stops listed for the route include Luik-Guillemins, Aachen, Cologne, Zürich, Arth-Goldau, Göschenen, Bellinzona, Lugano, Chiasso, Como San Giovanni, and Milan Porta Garibaldi.
For Dutch travelers who had expected to board in Amsterdam, the company indicated that Brussels, Luik, Aachen, and Cologne are the primary boarding points tied to this service plan. Amsterdam was part of the company’s plans as recently as a week earlier, but European Sleeper has now postponed the launch of its Amsterdam-to-Milan night train until 2027.
Route planning has also shifted. The train had been planned to run the Simplon Pass, but ongoing construction makes that route impossible before 2027. Instead, the service will go over the Gotthard Pass, adding stops in Zürich, Lugano, and Como, with arrivals described as taking place in the morning hours.
When do tickets go on sale, and what will the train look like?
European Sleeper plans to open ticket sales for the Milan service on March 17. The company listed a price range starting at 29. 99 euros for a seat and up to 129. 99 euros for a Comfort Plus sleeper.
The expected train composition includes one seated car, two sleeper cars, and eight couchette cars, though European Sleeper said the makeup may change depending on bookings. The company framed the delay as a choice to avoid a rough start, while still moving forward with preparations for sales and operations.
The Milan service will become European Sleeper’s third night train, alongside its existing Brussels–Prague route and an upcoming Paris–Berlin service that is set to start on March 26 as planned. For travelers watching the calendar from brussels, the message is clear: the rails are coming, but not on the timetable many had penciled in for June.
