Night train to Milan set for September start
EUROPE: European Sleeper is set to launch its Brussels–Cologne–Zürich–Milan night train on 9 September 2026 after postponing the original June start due to infrastructure constraints.
The company confirmed on 3 March the service would begin later than planned, citing extensive German track works and Swiss certification requirements. Ticket sales open on 17 March.
The route will operate three times weekly in each direction, linking Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and northern Italy overnight. A planned Amsterdam section has been deferred to 2027 due to lower off-peak demand.
Launch delayed by works and certification
European Sleeper said a high volume of planned works in Germany during summer 2026 would not allow the service to run reliably. Swiss certification requirements also contributed to the revised launch date.
The train will run via Zürich and the Gotthard corridor rather than the originally planned Simplon route via Brig into northern Italy. The Simplon route faces extended works through 2027. The service will call at Milan Porta Garibaldi.
Fares start from EUR 29.99 for seated accommodation and EUR 49.99 for couchette berths.