A New European Night Train Set to Begin Service This May

Taking a red-eye flight in economy can be one of the most tiring travel experiences imaginable. In contrast, a sleeper train offers a soothing rhythm along the tracks that rivals any white noise machine, plus the luxury of sleeping horizontally at a fraction of first-class prices.

In recent years, Europe has been revitalizing its night train services to facilitate greener and more convenient travel between popular destinations. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express introduced a new route from Paris to the French Alps in 2022, and the Royal Scotsman, a Belmond Train, is set to unveil two new luxury suites in May 2024 for its journeys through the Scottish Highlands. On May 25, 2023, the European Sleeper night train will commence its first journey between Berlin and Brussels, passing through Amsterdam. Operated by a Belgian Dutch railway company established in 2021, the European Sleeper is a mid-range private train line offering lie-flat beds in privately bookable cabins, completing the trip from Berlin to Brussels in under 12 hours.

Individual upright seats start at €49, while couchettes that convert from daytime seats to nighttime bunks begin at €79. Deluxe sleeper cabins with beds are available starting at €109. When you factor in hotel costs and the carbon emissions from flying, you'll not only save on lodging but also travel in a more sustainable manner.

Here’s all you need to know about the new European Sleeper night train.

Route and Schedule

On the outbound journey, the European Sleeper departs from Bruxelles Midi/Brussel Zuid station at 7:22 p.m. and arrives at Berlin Hauptbahnhof the next morning at 6:48 a.m. This service includes stops at Antwerpen Centraal, Roosendaal, Rotterdam Centraal, Den Haag HS, Amsterdam Centraal, Amersfoort Centraal, Deventer, and Bad Bentheim. Trains leave Brussels in the evenings on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, reaching Berlin on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings.

For the return journey, the train departs Berlin Hauptbahnhof at 10:56 p.m. and arrives in Brussels at 9:27 a.m. the following day. This train follows nearly the same stops but skips Amersfoort Centraal and Den Haag HS stations. If you’re traveling from Berlin to Amsterdam, you would arrive in the Dutch city by 6:31 a.m. This route departs Berlin on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights, arriving in Brussels on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings.

Travelers wishing to head to London can easily transfer to the Eurostar and reach the British capital by lunchtime.

The Experience

There are three different ticket options available on this train.

The Sleepers–Deluxe cabins offer the highest level of privacy and comfort, accommodating up to three beds per compartment, which can be booked as single, double, or triple. If you're traveling solo and wish to secure a private cabin, you'll need to book it as a single; otherwise, you will share the space with other guests. Women-only compartments can be requested as well. Each cabin features a washbasin, with toilets located in other parts of the carriage. Amenities include blankets, sheets, pillows, towels, and toiletries, along with a welcome drink and breakfast (additional snacks and beverages can be ordered). Prices begin at €109.

Couchettes—Comfort compartments have up to six beds arranged in two sets of three-tier bunks. The bunks can be folded up during the day, allowing travelers to use regular seating when not sleeping. These compartments can be booked for groups of six, four, or as a private unit. Washbasins and toilets are located outside the compartments, with bedding provided. Breakfast and water are included in the fare, starting at €79.

The most economical choice is the Seats–Budget option, featuring six upright seats per compartment (which do not transform into beds). Toilets are located outside, and all food and beverages can be purchased separately. Prices start at €49.

For safety, the compartments can be locked from the inside, and reservations for women-only compartments are available in both Couchette and Sleeper classes.

Upcoming routes

In 2024, the European Sleeper plans to extend its route from Berlin to Dresden and Prague. Additionally, the company’s website indicates that several more night train routes are in the works, targeting both southern Europe (possibly Barcelona) and Scandinavia.