From 9 September 2026, European Sleeper will connect Brussels and Cologne directly with Lake Como and Milan. From 13 December 2026, the night train will additionally stop in Antwerp, Breda and Eindhoven. Tickets in a shared Classic compartment are available from €49.99 per person and journey.
Quick overview
This news is primarily relevant for rail travelers because it may have concrete implications for planning, connections or infrastructure. The focus is on European Sleeper, night train, Italy, Lake Como, Milan, Brussels, Cologne and Antwerp. The key points are summarised concisely below.
Key points
- New direct night train connection from Brussels and Cologne to Lake Como (Como San Giovanni) and Milan (Milano Porta Garibaldi) from 9 September 2026.
- From 13 December 2026, additional stops in Antwerp, Breda and Eindhoven.
- Tickets in a shared Classic compartment from €49.99 per person and journey; private Classic compartments from €179.99; Comfort compartments for 3 persons available.
- Booking of domestic journeys within the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy, Switzerland and the Czech Republic is not possible; bicycle carriage cannot be booked throughout 2026.
- Dogs and cats only in a private compartment for a surcharge of €29.99; children up to 3 years free without their own bed.
What this means for travelers
For travelers, the key question is whether the connection offers a real alternative to flying. The decisive factors will be the timetable, booking start date, comfort classes and onward connections at the origin and destination stations.
Context
European Sleeper is expanding its night train offering with a new direct connection from Belgium and Germany to Italy.
What to watch now
- Wait for the booking start date and the specific operating days.
- Compare sleeper and couchette options early, as cheap allotments can sell out quickly.
- Plan onward connections at the origin and destination stations with sufficient buffer time.