European Sleeper is preparing, together with the German rail operator RDC, a direct night train connection from Brussels, Antwerp, Rotterdam, The Hague and Amsterdam to Malmö. The formal capacity registration is planned for April 2027, with operations set to start in 2028.
Quick overview
This news is mainly relevant for rail travelers because it can have concrete effects on planning, connections, or infrastructure. The focus is on European Sleeper, night train, Malmö, RDC, Benelux, Scandinavia and new connection. The key points are summarized compactly below.
Key points
- A direct connection is planned from 2028 from Brussels, Antwerp, Rotterdam, The Hague and Amsterdam to the center of Malmö.
- European Sleeper is cooperating with the German rail operator RDC on timetable preparation.
- The formal capacity registration with the infrastructure managers along the route is planned for April 2027.
- The train is set to depart three times a week at around 19:00 and arrive the following morning at around 10:00 – both from Brussels and from Malmö.
What this means for travelers
For travelers, the key question is whether the connection offers a real alternative to flying. Schedule timing, the start of bookings, comfort classes and onward connections at the origin and destination stations will be decisive.
Context
European Sleeper is expanding its night train network with a connection between the Benelux countries and Malmö. The route is part of European Sleeper’s growing network, which already includes Brussels–Berlin–Prague, Berlin–Paris and Brussels–Cologne–Milan.
What to watch now
- Wait for the start of bookings and the specific operating days.
- Compare sleeper and couchette options early, as cheap allotments can sell out quickly.
- Plan connections at the origin and destination stations with sufficient buffer.