New Brussels-Milan Sleeper Train Offers New Rail Route to the Alps
New Brussels-Milan Sleeper Train Offers New Rail Route to the Alps
Published : 02-Jun-2026 15:58
Skiers looking to reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying a more relaxed journey to the mountains will have another option for this winter.
European Sleeper has confirmed that its new overnight service linking Brussels and Milan will launch on 09 September 2026, creating a direct rail connection between Northern Europe, Switzerland and Northern Italy.
The train will depart Brussels three times a week, travelling overnight through Belgium, Germany and Switzerland before arriving in Milan the following morning. Along the way it will call at multiple stops in Switzerland, offering access to several ski resorts.
Access to resorts including Andermatt, Engelberg and Laax
The service will initially stop in Aarau rather than Zürich itself, around thirty minutes from Zürich and giving access to resorts such as Davos, Klosters, Laax, Flims, Lenzerheide and Engelberg.
A key stop will be Göschenen, which acts as gateway to the Andermatt-Sedrun ski area. From the station, passengers can connect directly to the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn, making it one of the easiest ski resorts in the Alps to reach entirely by rail.
Further south, passengers can alight at Lugano or Como, offering access to lesser-known ski areas in southern Switzerland and northern Italy, as well as the stunning Alpine landscapes surrounding the Italian Lakes.
A greener alternative to flying
The launch comes at a time when increasing numbers of skiers are looking for lower-carbon ways to reach the mountains.
According to lobby group Ski Flight Free, rail travel produces significantly lower carbon emissions per passenger kilometre than short-haul flights – often as low as 10% of the carbon cost of flying.
Overnight trains also mean travellers can cover large distances while they sleep, eliminating the need for a hotel night and making better use of holiday time.
Ticket prices
Tickets are already on sale, with fares starting from €49.99 for a berth in a shared couchette compartment. More comfortable sleeper options are available, including private compartments and en-suite accommodation.
The timetable is shown below
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