European Sleeper delays Amsterdam night train to Zurich, Milan to 2027
European Sleeper has postponed the launch of its night train from Amsterdam to Milan until 2027, even though Amsterdam was still part of the plans just a week ago. At the same time, trains from Brussels through Cologne and Zurich to Milan have been delayed nearly three months, now scheduled to start September 9, 2026.
The company had originally planned to begin service on June 18 from both Amsterdam Centraal and Brussels-Zuid, combining trains in Germany before continuing to Milan. European Sleeper cited extensive track work in Germany this summer as a key reason for the delay. “It is too risky,” said Chris Engelsman, co-founder of European Sleeper. “We fear a difficult start and prefer to begin properly in September.”
Additional time is also required to complete paperwork for operations in Switzerland. “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,” Engelsman said. He added that the company is pleased with the reception it has received in Switzerland.
Ticket sales for the Milan service will open on March 17. This will be European Sleeper’s third night train, joining its existing Brussels–Prague route and the upcoming Paris–Berlin service, which is set to start on March 26 as planned. Ticket prices range from 29.99 euros for a seat to 129.99 euros for a Comfort Plus sleeper.
The Brussels–Milan train will operate Monday, Thursday, and Saturday from Brussels, returning Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Stops include Luik-Guillemins, Aachen, Cologne, Zürich, Arth-Goldau, Göschenen, Bellinzona, Lugano, Chiasso, Como San Giovanni, and Milan Porta Garibaldi. For Dutch travelers, Brussels, Luik, Aachen, and Cologne are the primary boarding points.
Originally, the train was planned to run via the Simplon Pass, but ongoing construction makes that route impossible before 2027. The service will instead go over the Gotthard Pass, adding stops in Zürich, Lugano, and Como, with arrivals in the morning hours.
The train is expected to include one seated car, two sleeper cars, and eight couchette cars, though the composition may change depending on bookings.
