At the end of June 2025, Czech private rail operator Leo Express has submitted a filing for a potential night train service between Slovakia and Belgium, but the company has clarified that this does not represent a firm commitment. In a statement to RailTech, Leo Express spokesperson Emil Sedlařík said the filing should be seen as exploratory and not a confirmation of concrete plans.

The filing, made public by Belgium’s Regulatory Body for Railway Transport and Brussels Airport Operations, outlines a detailed proposal for a 19-hour open-access night train connecting Bratislava and Ostend. 

If realised, this would be Leo Express’s first service to Belgium, its first specifically designated night train, and its longest continuous route to date. The proposed service would begin on 13 December 2026, with one train in each direction per day, using modernised RIC rolling stock and Siemens Vectron locomotives. The train would include over 50 scheduled stops and offer couchettes, sleepers, and seated options.

A longer decision-making process

Despite the specificity of the application, Leo Express has emphasised that it remains part of a longer decision-making process. 

The company explained that such filings are intended to explore potential open-access routes. Only after applying for infrastructure capacity and reviewing what is available would the company decide whether or not to proceed. The process typically begins more than 18 months before any service might launch, and various factors can change before operations commence.

Introducing new night train services is complex, even for established operators. Night trains often involve higher staffing and maintenance costs, face challenges related to scheduling, and encounter cross-border operational difficulties. 

For instance, ÖBB — the leading night train operator in Europe — has recently reduced its Nightjet fleet expansion in favour of daytime RailJet units to better meet current demand patterns.

Input from Spain

Leo Express, however, has been expanding steadily since Spanish state rail operator Renfe acquired a majority stake in 2021. In 2024, the company’s passenger numbers doubled to 3.8 million, revenues exceeded 40 million euros, and net profits reached 1.7 million euros. 

It has also invested 16 million euros in upgrades, including dual-voltage compatibility, with support from Czechia’s European Union-funded Operational Programme Transport, as it seeks to extend its reach across Central Europe.

Speculative

While Leo Express stresses that the Bratislava–Ostend night train remains speculative, it acknowledges that such a service could appeal to travellers looking for a more comfortable and less stressful alternative to flying or driving. The potential for overnight rail to offer convenience and comfort forms a key part of the company’s evaluation.

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