A new overnight train linking Brussels and Milan will start running on September 9, 2026, giving travellers a very different option from the usual short flight. Instead of rushing through airports, passengers can leave in the evening, sleep on board and wake up as the train crosses the Alps. For many, that alone is enough to make it worth considering.

The service, operated by European Sleeper, will run three times a week, on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. It is already attracting attention from travellers looking for something slower, simpler and a bit more enjoyable than the typical journey between northern Europe and Italy.

A journey where you actually see where you are going

Flying between Brussels and Milan takes a couple of hours, but most of that time is spent in queues, waiting areas and security checks. And once you are in the air, you see very little of the route itself.

The night train offers a completely different experience. You board in the evening, settle in, and the journey unfolds while you sleep. By the time you wake up, the scenery has changed completely.

One of the most talked about parts of this new route is the stretch between Zurich and Milan. The train follows the historic Gotthard line, which means passengers travel through the Alps in daylight rather than passing underneath them.

That is where the appeal really kicks in. Lakes, mountains, tunnels carved into the rock and long curved viaducts. It is the kind of view that most travellers never get when they fly.

Not the cheapest option, but not just about price either

At first glance, the prices look tempting. Seats start at around 30 euros, while couchettes begin at just under 50 euros. But like most train journeys, especially overnight ones, the final price depends on when you book and how much comfort you want.

If you compare it directly with a low cost flight, the train will not always come out cheaper. But the comparison is not that simple.

You are not only paying for transport. You are also covering a night of travel, and in many cases avoiding the cost of a hotel for that evening. For some travellers, that balances things out.

There is also the experience itself. Sleeping on a train, waking up somewhere new and watching the landscape change outside your window. It is something many people have not done in years, if ever.

What you get onboard and what is still missing

Passengers will have a few different options depending on their budget. Basic seats are the cheapest, while couchettes offer more comfort for those who want to lie down during the night.

There are also women only compartments, which some travellers may find reassuring when sharing a cabin with others.

At the same time, the service is not perfect. For now, bicycles are not allowed on board, which could be a drawback for some people, especially those planning longer trips across Europe.

It is also worth remembering that this is still a relatively new route. Like many night train services making a comeback, it is likely to evolve over time.

Tickets are already selling and the best options go first

Bookings opened in March, and interest has been steady. Night trains tend to attract a certain type of traveller, and the more comfortable options usually sell out first.

With only three departures per week, availability can become limited quite quickly, particularly for weekends or busy travel periods.

If you are thinking about trying it, it is worth booking early, especially if you want a couchette rather than a seat.

Why more people are looking at trains again

This new route is part of a wider shift across Europe. Night trains, which had almost disappeared for a while, are slowly coming back.

Some travellers are drawn by environmental concerns, others by convenience, and many simply want a different kind of journey.

There is something about leaving one city at night and arriving in another the next morning that still feels special. It turns travel into something you remember, rather than something you rush through.

For those used to flying, the idea of taking a train instead might feel like a step backwards at first. But for a growing number of people, it is starting to feel like a better way forward.

With the Brussels to Milan night train launching this September, that option is about to become a lot easier to try.