A new north-south night train: Brussels – Switzerland – Milan

On 10 December 2025, European Sleeper announced that it plans to launch a new night train linking Amsterdam and Brussels with Switzerland and Milan in mid-2026. Here's the announcement as published on LinkedIn.

On 3 March 2026 the company released updated plans for the new route. Notable changes: The train will currently not stop in Bern and Brig but rather in Zurich and continue southwards via the Gotthard line instead of the Simplon line. The respective sections have been updated.

Who will operate the new night train?

The service will be run by European Sleeper, the cooperative night-train operator already connecting Brussels, Amsterdam, Berlin, Dresden and Prague.

When will the train start running?

The first departure is planned for 9 September 2026.

What is the planned schedule?

Departures from Brussels are planned for Monday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings, arriving in Switzerland and Milan the next morning.
The return service from Milan will run on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday nights.

What route will the train take?

The train will run via Cologne, then continue through Zürich, Göschenen (in the heart of the Swiss Alps), and Lugano, stopping at Chiasso on the Swiss-Italian border before reaching Milan.

What comfort categories will be available?

European Sleeper will offer its usual categories: seats, couchettes, and sleeper compartments. More detailed configurations are expected closer to launch.

What will it cost?

Prices will be similar to existing European Sleeper services. As an indication:
- Seats from €30
- Couchettes around €50-€100
- Sleepers from €130

When will tickets be available – and where?

Ticket sales are expected to open on 17 March 2026.
You’ll be able to book via nightride.com.