Published on
January 4, 2026

European Sleeper, a fully community-owned Dutch-Belgian rail company, is planning to introduce another night train service that will link Amsterdam and Brussels to the city of Milan by next summer, in 2026. This is very good news in line with the rising adoption of environmentally friendly means of transport, thereby forecasting the future development of this sector in the European region. A journey of 1340 km will take the passengers through the Simplon route in Switzerland, with stops at Cologne, Bern, Brig, and Stresa, finally terminating in Italy’s famous city of Milan.
This is a result of a rising desire for overnight train travel over long distances because people are looking for sustainable modes of travel that are more enjoyable than air travel. With this development, European Sleeper is improving its existing impressive network of routes that connects passengers from Brussels, Amsterdam, Berlin, Dresden, and Prague today.
The Growing Appeal of Night Train Travel: A Sustainable Alternative to Air Travel
As sustainable travel becomes more of a priority for global travelers, night trains are experiencing a resurgence across Europe. With the Milan service marking another important milestone in European Sleeper’s expansion, this new route supports the broader trend of future travel growth focused on eco-friendly options. Night trains not only offer passengers a chance to reduce their carbon footprint compared to flying, but they also provide a unique travel experience, blending luxury, comfort, and sustainability into one seamless journey.
The new night train from Amsterdam and Brussels to Milan will offer a comfortable and time-efficient alternative to flights. It will allow passengers to travel overnight, maximizing their time at their destination while minimizing environmental impact. With lower emissions than air travel, night trains are becoming an essential part of Europe’s sustainable tourism future, contributing to the region’s environmental goals and attracting a growing number of eco-conscious travelers.
Expanding European Sleeper’s Network: Strengthening Regional Connectivity
The introduction of the Milan night train further strengthens European Sleeper’s role in improving regional connectivity. By adding Milan, a major European economic and cultural hub, to its already extensive network, European Sleeper is providing better travel options for tourists and business travelers alike. The convenience of overnight travel also appeals to those seeking to make the most of their time in Milan, whether for business, shopping, or exploring the city’s art and culture.
With European Sleeper’s expanding network, passengers can now access a wider range of European destinations with minimal disruptions and a focus on sustainability. As the trend for train travel continues to grow, cities like Milan, Berlin, and Prague are becoming more connected by eco-friendly, convenient rail routes. This increased accessibility not only supports tourism growth but also offers business travelers more efficient options for cross-border travel, helping to meet the growing demand for international rail services.
Night Trains as a Key Component of Europe’s Tourism Strategy
As more travelers seek long-term, sustainable travel solutions, the rise of night trains represents a shift in how people travel across Europe. The appeal of overnight journeys that offer both comfort and efficiency aligns with the growing desire to reduce carbon footprints and experience destinations in a more meaningful, less disruptive way.
European Sleeper’s continued expansion is aligned with the growing interest in slow travel, a tourism trend that emphasizes sustainable transport and taking time to experience a destination more intimately. This shift toward train-based tourism supports the future of European tourism growth, particularly as governments and travel companies seek ways to offer greener travel options that help meet environmental targets and carbon reduction goals.
Partnerships and Opportunities for Future Growth
As European Sleeper continues to expand its reach, the company is working closely with local governments, tourism bodies, and other stakeholders to further develop rail tourism infrastructure. By collaborating with key players in the transportation and tourism industries, European Sleeper is helping to shape the future of intercontinental rail travel and ensure that this growth is sustainable and beneficial for both the environment and regional economies.
The Milan route is also expected to attract increased investment in tourism-related infrastructure in both departure and arrival cities. The addition of this new route will make it easier for travelers to explore multiple destinations across Western Europe, promoting cultural exchange and economic activity in regions that benefit from increased international tourism.
Shaping the Future of Sustainable Travel Across Europe
The inauguration of the night train going to Milan in 2026 is only one way in which the company European Sleeper is moving to the head of the line in the movement towards more sustainable travel. With the possibility of fast, environmentally friendly travel, the company is leading the way in the future of international train travel in Europe. With the expansion of night train routes, travelers can look forward to even more sustainable travel opportunities, in line with the tourism strategy in Europe to travel sustainably.
Milan night train represents an important milepost in the journey towards making European Sleeper a prominent force within the rail tourism industry and fueling future growth in travel as the demand for easy and environmentally and luxury-friendly rail travel options increases in Europe.
