New night train from Brussels to Milan to stop in Zurich

European Sleeper is set to launch a new night train from Brussels to Cologne, Zurich and Milan. Tickets will go on sale on March 17, with trains due to start running from September 9, 2026.

Night train to Milan will make several stops in Switzerland

European Sleeper has announced a new night train route that will connect Brussels with Cologne, Zurich and Milan, offering travellers in Switzerland another public transport option to reach some Italian sun.

The night train will stop in several Swiss cities in addition to Zurich, including Art-Goldau, Göschenen, Bellinzona and Lugano on its way to Milan. Tickets will go on sale on March 17, with the cross-country sleeper train set to launch on September 9.

Tickets will be available from around 27 Swiss francs (29,99 euros) for "Budget" seats, 45 Swiss francs (49,99 euros) for a "Classic" compartment with a bed, 91 Swiss francs (99,99 euros) for "Comfort Standard" and 118 Swiss francs (129,99 euros) for "Comfort Plus". 

“These prices make the journey accessible to a wide range of travellers, from those travelling lightly to those who prefer a little more space and comfort.” Departures will leave Brussels on Monday, Thursday and Saturday evenings and arrive at Porta Garibaldi in Milan the following morning.

European Sleeper provides alternative to SBB service

According to a European Sleeper press release, the train will run via Switzerland’s Gotthard Pass because the “originally planned route via the Simplon Pass proved unfeasible due to track works scheduled through 2027.”

The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) already operates a direct train between Zurich and Milan Central, taking roughly three hours and 20 minutes and costing around 46 Swiss francs if booked in advance with a Half Fare Travelcard. The new European Sleeper offering may provide a slightly cheaper alternative for keen city-hoppers.

This will be the third night train route operated by the Dutch-Belgian train company. One route currently connects Brussels, Amsterdam, Berlin, Dresden and Prague. European Sleeper is also due to launch a route connecting Amsterdam and Milan, with a stop in Bern, from June 2026.