European Sleeper Expands Night Train Network to Switzerland, Italy

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European Sleeper is set to significantly bolster its international night train network with a new route connecting Amsterdam and Brussels to Switzerland and northern Italy, slated for its inaugural service on June 18, 2026. This strategic expansion, following the March 2026 launch of the Paris–Berlin connection, reinforces the operator’s ambition to establish a crucial north-south rail “backbone” across Europe.

The Dutch-Belgian operator European Sleeper, a unique independent entity wholly owned by individual investors and founded in 2021, continues its aggressive growth trajectory. The upcoming service to Switzerland and northern Italy marks a pivotal step in its strategy to create a vital north-south rail corridor. This new connection will link major hubs like Amsterdam and Brussels with key Swiss destinations such as Bern and Brig, as well as Stresa on Lake Maggiore and the economic powerhouse of Milan. The service is planned to operate three times per week, catering to both leisure and business travelers seeking a sustainable alternative to air travel.

Strategic Impact and Operational Planning

This expansion is a direct response to increasing demand for overnight rail travel and aligns with broader European initiatives to promote sustainable transport. By establishing this new route, European Sleeper not only enhances connectivity between Northern Europe and the southern Alps but also creates seamless onward travel possibilities to major European cities. Passengers will be able to connect from Bern, Brig, and Milan to destinations including London, Hamburg, Zurich, Geneva, Venice, Florence, and Rome via fast rail links. The route itself will traverse the historic Simplon line, offering passengers scenic Alpine views, a significant element of its commercial appeal.

To optimize passenger convenience, European Sleeper will deploy a dual-segment train formation. Two separate train units will depart from Amsterdam and Brussels, joining in Germany to form a single, consolidated service to Switzerland and Italy. In the reverse direction, the train will split again to serve both originating cities. Ticket sales for this new route are anticipated to commence between January and February 2026, with comfort class offerings mirroring the existing high standards of sleeper cars, sleeping compartments, and budget-friendly options provided on current European Sleeper services.

While the company has had to postpone its previously announced project to Barcelona, with preparations now aiming for a 2027 or 2028 launch, the focus remains firmly on consolidating and expanding its core network. European Sleeper’s unique cooperative ownership model, which allows individuals and companies to become shareholders through periodic funding campaigns, is central to its growth. The current funding round seeks to raise EUR 1.3 million, with an additional EUR 1 million planned for early 2026. This financial strategy underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable growth and its role in the vital revitalization of European night train services.

Industry Context

The strategic expansion by European Sleeper underscores a significant trend within the European rail sector: the resurgence of night trains as a viable and attractive alternative to short-haul flights. As governments and operators increasingly prioritize decarbonization and sustainable mobility, the demand for overnight rail services connecting major cities and tourist destinations is projected to grow. European Sleeper’s proactive approach in building a comprehensive network and its commitment to an investor-supported, independent model position it as a key player in shaping the future of pan-European rail travel. This development offers tangible proof that independent operators can successfully carve out niches and contribute significantly to a more connected and sustainable continent.

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