Europe's sleeper trains are getting new stops, new carriages and much longer booking windows ahead of the annual timetable change on 13 December 2026. The biggest change is on the newest route: European Sleeper's Milan-Brussels night train, which began running in September, will add stops in the Netherlands from mid-December. That creates a direct overnight link between the Netherlands and Italy.
Here is what is changing on Europe's main night train routes this winter, and how to book.
Milan-Brussels: new Dutch stops from December
The Dutch-Belgian operator European Sleeper launched its Brussels-Milan service on 9 September 2026, with the private Italian operator Arenaways providing traction on the Italian section. The train runs via Como and Lugano in Switzerland and Cologne in Germany, and the journey takes about 17 hours, according to Arenaways.
From the European timetable change in December, which the operators date to 14 December for this route, the train will gain three extra stops: Antwerp, Breda and Eindhoven. The days of operation will also change:
- Northbound: departures from Milan on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings, arriving in Cologne, the Netherlands and Brussels the next morning.
- Southbound: departures from Brussels, the Netherlands and Cologne on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
Italian business daily Il Sole 24 Ore reports that from the same date the Swiss stop at Aarau will replace the one previously planned, with connections to Zurich taking around 30 minutes. Note that the extension serves Antwerp, Breda and Eindhoven, not Amsterdam.
Fares: Il Sole 24 Ore lists a seat in the Budget class from €29.99, a couchette berth from €49.99 and Comfort compartments from €99.99 one way. Prices vary by date.
European Sleeper now runs three routes: Paris-Berlin, Brussels-Prague and Brussels-Milan. Its website also sells selected journeys from London that connect with its night trains on one booking.
ÖBB Nightjet: new carriages to Zurich, booking 360 days ahead
Austria's ÖBB opened sales on 8 September for Nightjet journeys in the 2027 timetable year, which starts on 13 December 2026. It has also extended the booking window to 360 days. Other ÖBB tickets can still be booked up to 180 days ahead.
ÖBB's cheapest "Sparschiene" fares on its Amsterdam services start at:
- €34.90 for a seat,
- €54.90 for a couchette or one of the new single-person Mini Cabins,
- €89.90 for a place in a sleeper compartment.
According to Dutch rail news site Treinenweb, the Amsterdam-Zurich Nightjet switches to the new-generation Nightjet carriages, including Mini Cabins, from 13 December, replacing the older stock on that route. Treinenweb also reports that the Amsterdam-Vienna Nightjet will go back to its original route, ending a diversion via Salzburg.
ÖBB warns that planning for the 2027 timetable is not finished: connections may change, be dropped or be added, and departure times may shift. Check your booking again before you travel.
Berlin-Stockholm: a new Copenhagen stop
The RDC EuroNight between Germany and Sweden will continue three times a week after the timetable change, linking Stockholm with Hamburg and Berlin via Copenhagen. From December it will also stop at København Syd, which makes the train easier to reach from the Greater Copenhagen area. Tickets for journeys from 13 December 2026 to 16 January 2027 went on sale on 18 September through the operator's booking site. Interrail passes are accepted, but a reservation is required.
Booking tips for winter 2026-27
- Do not assume a blank search means a cancelled train. Operators release winter and spring inventory at different times. If a date shows nothing, check the operator's own site before giving up.
- Book festive dates early. Christmas and New Year departures are the first to sell out, and the cheapest fares go first.
- Interrail and Eurail holders need reservations. Sleeper and couchette berths always need a paid reservation on top of the pass.
- Pick the right class. Seats are cheapest but least restful. Couchettes are shared compartments for up to six people, and private compartments cost much more. European Sleeper also offers women-only compartments.
- Recheck your timetable in early December. Times around the timetable change can still move, as ÖBB itself notes.
- Budget for food. Breakfast is included only in some fare classes, so read what your ticket covers.
FAQ
Is there a direct night train from the Netherlands to Italy? From mid-December 2026, yes: European Sleeper's Milan-Brussels train adds stops in Eindhoven, Breda and Antwerp.
How far ahead can I book a Nightjet? ÖBB has extended Nightjet booking to 360 days ahead for its own Nightjet services.
How much does a night train couchette cost? Starting fares are around €49.99 on European Sleeper and €54.90 on ÖBB Nightjet's Amsterdam routes. Prices rise closer to departure.
Can I use an Interrail pass on night trains? Yes, on many routes, but you must buy a seat, couchette or sleeper reservation.
Sources
- Arenaways: European Sleeper Milan-Brussels
- Il Sole 24 Ore: European Sleeper's new Milan-Brussels night train makes its debut
- European Sleeper: official website
- ÖBB press release: Nightjet advance sales for timetable year 2027 (in German)
- Treinenweb: New carriages to Zurich and longer advance booking on the Nightjet (in Dutch)
- RDC Deutschland: RDC EuroNight tickets for the winter timetable bookable from 18 September
