European Sleeper, the community-owned Dutch night train operator, will run a Paris–Brussels-Berlin night train connection by the end of March 2026, stepping in to fill the gap left by the cancellation of ÖBB’s Nightjet service.
Following the French government’s decision to withdraw subsidies, ÖBB and SNCF will discontinue all Nightjet routes to and from Paris in France as of 15 December 2025.
In response, European Sleeper will launch its new Paris–Berlin route on 26 March 2026, operating three times per week. Departures from Paris-North are scheduled for Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings, arriving in Berlin Main Station and Berlin East Station in Germany the following morning, while the return journeys from Berlin will depart on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights.
Brussels
Unlike the Nightjet, which travelled via Strasbourg and Frankfurt, the new European Sleeper route will run via Brussels. The company is coordinating the final timetable with infrastructure managers in France, Belgium, and Germany, with confirmation expected in the coming weeks.
This route will also create a six-times-weekly Brussels–Berlin connection, as it links up with European Sleeper’s existing service between Brussels, Berlin, and Prague in Czechia, making the new line both more economically sustainable and strategically aligned with the operator’s growing network.
For travellers from the United Kingdom, this means easier access to Berlin via Eurostar connections in Brussels and improved overall journey times.
Since launching in 2023, European Sleeper has built a strong reputation as one of Europe’s few independent international train operators. Its ‘Good Night Train‘ currently connects Brussels, Amsterdam, Berlin, Dresden, and Prague three times per week, having already carried over 230,000 passengers on more than 750 night trains.
Tickets from 16 December 2025
The new Paris-Brussels-Berlin connection marks another major step in its expansion. Ticket sales will open on 16 December 2025, with couchette compartments reportedly starting at €59 or €69. The train will feature the standard range of night train travel classes, priced similarly to the current Nightjet service, ensuring accessibility for budget-conscious travellers as well as those seeking greater comfort.
European Sleeper co-founder Chris Engelsman has said the new route will offer higher capacity and improved continuity compared with the Nightjet service. “We will also be able to extend the ridership as we offer higher capacity than the Nightjet. ÖBB operates 12 coaches from Paris but splits to Vienna and then Berlin. On the other hand, we have 12 to 14 coaches that will run entirely to Berlin, with a capacity of 600–700 passengers,” he told The Guardian.
No dining car for now
The train will use German-rented carriages built in the 1990s, comparable in comfort to Nightjet’s, and will not include the older 1950s-era stock used on the Prague route.
Independent railway commentator Jon Worth says on BlueSky: “Carriages for the Paris-Berlin will be from the 1990s. How?” But Worth is optimistic. He sees this project happen, albeit perhaps delayed.
Although a dining car will not be available at launch due to cost considerations, Engelsman has indicated that one could be introduced at a later stage.
“We are proud to start operations on this vital European night train route, proving that an entrepreneurial approach can strengthen international train travel while helping Europe move towards more sustainable mobility,” Engelsman added.
“We’re ready to work with ÖBB and SNCF Voyageurs to ensure a smooth transition from their current Nightjet trains to the new Paris–Berlin European Sleeper service.”
Cooperative ownership
As part of its cooperative ownership model, European Sleeper is inviting individuals and organisations to invest in its vision of sustainable, community-driven rail travel.
Shares start from €280, offering supporters the chance to become part of Europe’s growing night train movement. The company has launched a new funding round aimed at raising €1.3 million, with a follow-up round of €1 million planned for early December.
These funds will help cover preparation costs for the Paris–Berlin launch, rolling stock acquisition, and any potential start-up phase operational losses.
Beyond 2026
Looking beyond 2026, European Sleeper is preparing new international routes to further expand its network. Two projects are currently under development: a night train from Amsterdam and Brussels to Switzerland or Milan in Italy, and another to Barcelona in Spain. One of these is expected to be confirmed within weeks, reinforcing the company’s ambition to reconnect Europe’s major cities through sustainable, high-quality night train travel.
Founded by night train enthusiasts Elmer van Buuren and Chris Engelsman, European Sleeper has become a key player in the revival of Europe’s night train movement. Its mission is to connect countries, regions, cities, and people through comfortable, environmentally friendly, and community-backed overnight rail services — and the return of the Paris–Berlin route marks another significant milestone in that journey.
More on night trains and transcontinental train travel
- Leo Express and Arenaways plan direct train between Prague and Venice.
- Italo targets the German high-speed rail market.
- Trenitalia eyes expansion into Germany’s high-speed trains market.
- European Commission wants to link all EU capitals by high-speed train by 2040… and that’s not going to happen.
- Travellers in Europe increasingly open to choosing trains over planes for short-haul journeys.
- SBB CFF FFS announce night train to Malmö from April 2026.
- REVIEW | European Sleeper night train.
- Paris Nightjet axed: France’s withdrawal threatens Europe’s night train revival.
- TRAIN TRAVEL | European Union records 429 billion passenger-kilometres in 2023 but domestic travel still dominates.
- 2026 | Deutsche Bahn plans 4 ICE’s per day between Cologne and Antwerp and 16 per day between Frankfurt and Brussels.
- France opens rail network up for new domestic night train operator under new EU rules.
- Back-on-Track Europe warns the ‘night train revival’ is a false dawn.
- Iron Rhine gets renewed political attention in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.
- Spain’s Renfe sends Talgo VI rolling stock to Leo Express in Czechia and Slovakia.
- Leo Express: Bratislava – Ostend night train not a firm commitment.
- NMBS / SNCB sees popularity increase of international train travel.
- ÖBB prioritises Railjet over Nightjet: Is the night train revival a False Dawn?.
- Deutsche Bahn’s Antwerp – Brussels Airport – Leuven – Cologne ICE aims to attract tourists and Port of Antwerp-related business.
- VIDEO | Berlin start-up Nox to launch night trains with entirely private rooms from 2027.
- EUROPEAN SLEEPER | Brussels to Barcelona night train to stop in Avignon, Montpellier, Narbonne, and Girona.
- Trenitalia, Deutsche Bahn and ÖBB launch Frecciarossa EuroCity trains linking Berlin, Munich, Milan, Rome and Naples.
- The end of the Brussels – Berlin ÖBB Nightjet.
- Dutch budget train GoVolta postponed after not getting funds.
- Eurostar scraps direct Amsterdam – Brussels – Marseille summer train service.
- European Commission commits to single-ticket train travel, Back-on-Track unconvinced it will happen.
- Switzerland, Czechia and Belgium top railway network density in Europe.
- SNCF Réseau confirms feasibility European Sleeper night train linking the Netherlands, Belgium, France to Barcelona in Spain.
- European Sleeper night train service from the Netherlands and Belgium to Barcelona now delayed to 2027.
- EU train travel report sees increase in cross-border passenger trains and easier bookings.
- Brussels to Luxembourg by train under 2 hours by 2030?.
- Eurostar and five more train operators joined the European Agreement on Journey Continuation.
- ÖBB’s new Nightjet sleeper cars accommodate solo travellers with Mini Cabins.
- Trenitalia orders new Hitachi Frecciarossa trains suited for France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
- EUROCITY EC-8 | Basel to Cologne in SBB’s Panoramic Car.
- Trenitalia / FS confirms interest in connecting Spain to Brussels, Amsterdam and Berlin.
- Sampling NS’ new train and future Benelux rolling stock ICNG.
- REVIEW | Trenitalia Frecciarossa 1000 Paris – Milan in Business Executive.
- RAIL TOUR OF EUROPE | How easy is touring Europe by train?.
- Eight train connections between the Netherlands and Belgium by 2030?.
- REVIEW | ÖBB Nightjet Amsterdam – Zurich night train.
- Nightjet Vienna/Innsbruck to Brussels, or how we got thrown off the train in Aachen.
- Why the expensive ÖBB Nightjet is really not that expensive.
- Reliving the era of the great railway journeys, travelling overnight on Nightjet.
- How we plan a big rail trip.
- Ticket Distribution: the failure of railways to sell themselves.
- To use night trains in Portugal and Spain or not?.
- Night trains in Europe.
- Low-cost, long-haul trains to conquer Europe?.
- Fly now before it’s taxed and consider using the train instead.
Channel Tunnel updates
- CHANNEL TUNNEL | Virgin Trains gains access to Temple Mills, ORR snubs links to Germany and Switzerland.
- Eurostar unveils €2 billion Alstom ‘Celestia’ fleet of double-decker sustainable trains.
- Channel Tunnel competition plans hinge on depot access as Gemini Trains reveals Siemens–Uber partnership.
- Gemini Trains partners with Uber for Stratford to France Channel Tunnel route.
- CHANNEL TUNNEL | UK and Germany renew London-Berlin vows, Virgin Trains promise Alstom Avelia Stream train sets.
- 2025 | The Channel Tunnel prepares for more trains, more competition and new destinations.
- United Kingdom and Germany are aiming for a direct London – Berlin train link.
- Eurostar and St. Pancras Highspeed back major station expansion to double capacity amid growing international demand.
- EUROSTAR | London – Frankfurt, London – Geneva and Amsterdam – Antwerp – Brussels – Geneva from 2030?.
- Alstom wants its double-decker trains to ride through Channel Tunnel.
- CHANNEL TUNNEL | Uber Trains-branded Gemini Trains plan London-Brussels and London-Paris route via Stratford.
- London to Switzerland direct train moves a little closer with new bilateral agreement.
- Eurostar calls for UK national strategy and investment to shape future of Channel Tunnel Rail and promises 50 new trains.
- Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS) plan to launch a new high-speed link between London and Paris.
- London St. Pancras Highspeed pledges financial support for cross-Channel rail services.
- Competition for Eurostar? Temple Mills International Depot has space for competitor’s trains.
- London St Pancras Highspeed and Getlink aspire to to triple train services to France, Belgium and the Netherlands and add services to Germany and Switzerland.
- Heuro wants to operate high speeds trains between Amsterdam, Antwerp, Brussels, Paris and London from 2028.
A new use is being sought for the vacant space of Plopsa Station, located at the rear of Antwerp-Central Railway Station. Belgium‘s national train operator…
A new Europe-wide organisation aims to influence European Union rail policy and fix long-standing international rail problems. Independent rail campaigners have launched a new Europe-wide…
Private rail operator Snälltåget from Sweden is set to make a major push into international rail travel in 2026, unveiling in November 2025 a new…
FS Group / Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane / Trenitalia is moving forward with strategic investments to support its expanding international high-speed rail ambitions, including plans…
In January 2026, SNCF Voyageurs confirmed an additional order for 15 next-generation TGV M high-speed trains from Alstom, underlining its ambitions to expand further across…
The European Union should mandate ticket sharing and competitor display in upcoming law to make rail a more attractive and competitive option, Transport & Environment…
Dutch private railway operator Arriva, which has been planning to launch open-access services between the Netherlands and Paris in France, via Brussels in Belgium, will…
Belgium’s federal Mobility Minister Jean-Luc Crucke (Les Engagés) wants to make a direct train connection between Belgium and Switzerland possible again, Gazet van Antwerpen and…
Italy’s state-backed passenger operator Trenitalia, Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS) has launched a new visual identity for its flagship high-speed brand Frecciarossa, linking the rebrand…
Italy’s state-backed passenger operator Trenitalia, Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS) has launched a new visual identity for its flagship high-speed brand Frecciarossa, linking the rebrand to the next phase of its fleet renewal programme and to FS Group’s broader ambitions to expand across Europe.
The new logo and
Belgium and the Netherlands have taken a step towards improving cross-border rail connectivity, with a potential direct Brussels to Eindhoven train emerging as one of the most symbolic and politically significant projects in a newly signed joint declaration on rail cooperation.
The declaration was signed on 18 February 2026 in
Belgium and the Netherlands have taken a step towards improving cross-border rail connectivity, with a potential direct Brussels to Eindhoven train emerging as one of…
German passenger operator Deutsche Bahn (DB) confirmed to Belgian news agency Belga on Friday 20 February 2026 that it will introduce a new high-speed connection between Antwerp-Central Railway Station in Belgium and Cologne in Germany in September. The trains will also stop at Brussels Airport.
From September, a new ICE
German passenger operator Deutsche Bahn (DB) confirmed to Belgian news agency Belga on Friday 20 February 2026 that it will introduce a new high-speed connection…
Trenitalia is accelerating towards 2030 with a major €2 billion investment programme aimed at strengthening its leadership in high-speed rail and transforming Italy’s passenger rail sector. Gianpiero Strisciuglio, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Trenitalia, outlined the strategy at the Forum Masseria Winter Edition, confirming the purchase of
Trenitalia is accelerating towards 2030 with a major €2 billion investment programme aimed at strengthening its leadership in high-speed rail and transforming Italy’s passenger rail…
As of September 2026, Deutsche Bahn will connect Brussels Airport with Cologne with a high-speed train, linking German passengers in only 2 hours to the more than 180 direct destinations of Brussels Airport. Brussels Airlines launches a codeshare agreement with German rail operator Deutsche Bahn, which means that the train
As of September 2026, Deutsche Bahn will connect Brussels Airport with Cologne with a high-speed train, linking German passengers in only 2 hours to the…
Deutsche Bahn loves Belgium, it seems. It will run ICE services from Cologne in Germany to Ostend on summer weekends, starting Saturday 6 June 2026.…
Deutsche Bahn loves Belgium, it seems. It will run ICE services from Cologne in Germany to Ostend on summer weekends, starting Saturday 6 June 2026.…
The Dutch–Belgian cooperative European Sleeper has postponed the launch of its new Brussels–Cologne–Zurich–Milan night train to 9 September 2026, instead of the previously announced 18 June 2026. Ticket sales will open on 17 March 2026. The company states that the delay is primarily due to extensive
The Dutch–Belgian cooperative European Sleeper has postponed the launch of its new Brussels–Cologne–Zurich–Milan night train to 9 September 2026, instead of the previously announced 18…
The Dutch–Belgian cooperative European Sleeper has postponed the launch of its new Brussels–Cologne–Zurich–Milan night train to 9 September 2026, instead of the previously announced 18…
When President Emmanuel Macron announced a major renaissance of night trains in 2020, the ambition was clear: by 2030 France should operate a dense network…
When President Emmanuel Macron announced a major renaissance of night trains in 2020, the ambition was clear: by 2030 France should operate a dense network…
Deutsche Bahn has published a press release on Wednesday 4 March 2026 regarding its plans for Belgium coming summer. It confirms this post of 1…
Deutsche Bahn has published a press release on Wednesday 4 March 2026 regarding its plans for Belgium coming summer. It confirms this post of 1…
After two years of planning and delays, GoVolta is set to launch its first international train services on Thursday 19 March 2026, connecting Amsterdam in…