Milan – Cologne
With European Sleeper
Travel route
The Milan-Cologne night train is a new service operated by European Sleeper. The route forms part of the Milan-Brussels line and is currently scheduled to launch on 9 September 2026.
The train departs from Milan in the evening, from the centrally located Milano Porta Garibaldi station. It then travels north via Como and Lugano towards Switzerland.
In Switzerland, the train runs via the Gotthard Pass and Zurich. Along the way, travellers can enjoy impressive Alpine scenery in the evening, with its valleys, lakes and mountain peaks.
After leaving Switzerland, the train continues through Germany during the night. The following morning, the train arrives in Cologne, where you can disembark at the centrally located Köln Hbf station. The train then continues on to Brussels, the final destination.
New stops from 14 December: Antwerp, Breda, Eindhoven
From mid-December, the night train between Brussels and Milan will follow a revised route. In Switzerland, the stop in Zurich will be replaced by Aarau, around 30 minutes from Zurich. The route will also be extended with stops in Antwerp, Breda and Eindhoven.
This creates a direct connection between Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and Italy - all with one night train!
Connecting trains
This night train is easy to combine with connecting trains to other major European cities.
- In Cologne: to and from Amsterdam, Hamburg and Berlin
- In Milan: to and from Venice, Florence, and Rome
Target prices
- Budget (Seat): price range from €29 - €99 per person
- Classic (Couchette): price range from €79 - €149 per person
- Comfort Standard (Couchette): price range from €119 - €209 per person
- Comfort Plus (Sleeper): price range from €129 - €259 per person
Generally, tickets are cheaper the earlier you book. The listed price ranges are for informational purposes only and refer to a one-way trip. Prices always depend on availability, departure date, and ticket conditions.
Compartment
European Sleeper offers four cabin types to choose from.
Budget (Seats)
The most budget-friendly option. You spend the night in a reclining seat. Seats are available either in a six-person compartment or in an open-plan carriage, similar to a regular daytime train.
Classic (Couchettes)
Couchettes offer a comfortable and practical way to travel overnight. During the day, the compartment is arranged with seating. In the evening, the benches are converted into individual sleeping berths. European Sleeper provides a pillow, fitted sheet and blanket for each passenger. Each compartment accommodates up to five people. Men and women share compartments, except in the women-only option. It is also possible to book a private compartment.
Comfort Standard
Comfort Standard compartments feature a three-person bench seat, a small window table and a large folding table. At night, the seating converts into sleeping berths, with a maximum of three beds per compartment. Each bed includes a comfortable mattress, sheet, pillow and duvet. The beds are compact in size (60 cm x 175–185 cm). Compartments are shared by men and women, except in the women-only option. You can also book the compartment for private use for one, two or three travellers.
Comfort Plus (Sleeper)
The most comfortable option on board. During the day, the cabin offers seating for up to three passengers. In the evening, the beds are folded down and made up with a comfortable mattress, duvet, pillow and sheets. The compartment also includes a private washbasin. A towel and toiletries are provided. Breakfast, mineral water and a complimentary welcome drink are included in the fare. Compartments are shared by men and women, except in the women-only option. Private use is also available.
Video: On board the European Sleeper
An impression of a journey with European Sleeper, in a Classic Compartment (Couchette):
