Emma Mykytyn Direct overnight rail link from the Netherlands to Italy launches from December 2026
European Sleeper has announced that its new overnight train service to Milan will expand to include stops in Breda and Eindhoven from December 2026, giving travellers in the Netherlands a direct night train connection to Italy for the first time in many years.
The independent Dutch-Belgian rail operator had already revealed plans to launch a new overnight service between Brussels, Cologne, Switzerland and Milan from 9 September 2026. Following the European timetable change on 14 December 2026, the route will be extended northwards to include Antwerp, Breda and Eindhoven.
The addition of these Dutch stops means passengers will be able to board in the Netherlands and travel directly to destinations in Switzerland and northern Italy without changing trains.
Swiss Stop Changes
European Sleeper now expects the Swiss section of the route to serve Aarau rather than Zürich.
While Zürich will no longer be a direct stop, Aarau is located around 30 minutes away by frequent Swiss rail services, providing convenient onward connections to Switzerland’s largest city and the wider Swiss rail network.
Connecting Northern Europe with Italy
The expanded route strengthens Europe’s growing network of overnight rail services, creating a direct north-south connection between the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and Italy.
Passengers can board in the evening and wake up the following morning in destinations such as Aarau, Como or Milan, making it an attractive alternative to short-haul flights.
Milan also offers excellent onward connections via Italy’s high-speed rail network, with services continuing to cities including Florence, Rome and Naples.
“We promised earlier that the Netherlands would regain a direct night train to Italy, and we are pleased that we can now confirm Breda and Eindhoven as part of the route from December 2026 onwards. This connection brings together major European regions overnight in a comfortable and practical way, while making international train travel accessible to more people.”
Chris Engelsman, co-founder of European Sleeper
New Timetable from December 2026
The introduction of the Dutch stops will coincide with revised operating days.
Until 13 December 2026
Southbound departures towards Milan:
- Monday
- Thursday
- Saturday
Northbound departures from Milan:
- Wednesday
- Friday
- Sunday
From 14 December 2026
Southbound departures from Brussels, Breda, Eindhoven and Cologne:
- Sunday
- Tuesday
- Thursday
Northbound departures from Milan and Switzerland:
- Monday
- Wednesday
- Friday
Passengers travelling north will arrive in Cologne, the Netherlands and Brussels the following morning.
Tickets On Sale Now
Bookings for the Brussels–Netherlands–Cologne–Switzerland–Milan route opened on 2 June 2026 via the European Sleeper website and selected international ticket partners.
Tickets are currently available for travel until 3 January 2027.
European Sleeper Ticket Prices
European Sleeper offers several accommodation options on the Milan night train:
- Budget seat from €29.99 one-way
- Classic couchette berth from €49.99, including reservation, bed linen and luggage allowance
- Comfort Standard sleeper from €99.99
- Comfort Plus sleeper from €129.99, including breakfast
