European Sleeper sets out vision for 40-route night train network across Europe, including London

European night train operator European Sleeper is aiming to build a vast network of overnight rail services across Europe, with plans for up to 40 routes over the next two decades.

In an interview with Thibault Lapers of Mobilithib, European Sleeper co-founder Elmer van Buuren outlined a long-term vision structured around a series of interconnected hubs. “The overall idea for European Sleeper is that in the next 20 years, we would create 25 to 40 lines running daily, from five hubs, so five to eight lines per hub.”

These hubs could be located along Europe’s western corridor, from Scandinavia to Spain. “One could imagine these hubs along Europe’s western edge, from north to south: Copenhagen–Malmö, Amsterdam, perhaps Brussels, Paris, London, Barcelona.”

From these cities, multiple night train routes would connect key destinations, and in some cases link the hubs directly to each other.

Milan first, Barcelona facing hurdles

In the shorter term, European Sleeper is focusing on launching a Brussels–Milan service via Zurich in Switzerland, currently planned for 2027. “We are first focusing on Milan via Zurich from Brussels, which should happen in 2027.”

The company also intends to adapt the route to include the Netherlands. “This service will later be modified to run via the Netherlands, so as to connect Dutch passengers to the same train.”

Barcelona remains a priority destination, but significant operational challenges persist, particularly in France. “Barcelona remains very high on my list, but there are additional challenges: notably timetabling in France, which is a real challenge.”

Another major obstacle is technical interoperability. “We need a locomotive capable of operating in at least Belgium, France and Spain, which does not currently exist.”

Limited rolling stock slows expansion

Beyond infrastructure and regulatory barriers, access to trains is becoming a critical constraint. “If we want to launch more lines, we need trains: leased rolling stock is almost exhausted. These are really the last available carriages on the market.”

This shortage could limit how quickly European Sleeper can scale up its network.

Learning from past routes

Earlier trial services have also shaped the company’s strategy. Test runs to Venice and Innsbruck revealed both operational complexities and limits to viable distances. “We have learned that Italy is quite particular when it comes to railways—it is another country with its own specific characteristics.”

Venice, in particular, was found to stretch the practical limits of overnight rail. “There is a sort of maximum distance that can be covered by train, and Venice really pushes that limit.”

With only six return trips tested, demand remains unclear, and the focus has shifted elsewhere. “It is too early to say whether that justifies a full line. For now, it is not at the top of the list.”

Instead, the upcoming Milan service is expected to meet part of that demand while fitting better within operational constraints.

Despite these challenges, European Sleeper continues to position itself as a key player in the revival of night trains in Europe, with a long-term ambition to build a dense, interconnected network of sustainable overnight travel.

European Sleeper: a cooperative reviving night trains in Europe

European Sleeper is a Belgian–Dutch cooperative rail company operating international overnight train services across Europe. Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Utrecht, the company was established by Elmer van Buuren and Chris Engelsman with the aim of reviving cross-border night travel as a sustainable alternative to flying.

The company operates as an open-access operator, meaning it runs services on existing rail infrastructure without state subsidies, and is financed in part through a cooperative model in which thousands of small investors have bought shares.

Operations and routes

European Sleeper launched its first service in May 2023, initially linking Brussels and Berlin in Germany, before extending the route to Prague in Czechia in 2024. This service runs three times per week via Amsterdam and Berlin.

In March 2026, the company introduced a second route between Paris and Berlin via Brussels and Hamburg, also operating three times weekly. Together, these services provide a combined six weekly overnight connections between Brussels and Berlin.

Trains typically offer a mix of seating, couchettes and sleeping compartments, using refurbished rolling stock leased from various European operators.

Business model and development

European Sleeper emerged from a merger with the Moonlight Express initiative and quickly raised capital through crowdfunding, attracting both private investors and rail enthusiasts. The company positions itself as part of a broader revival of night trains in Europe, focusing on affordability, sustainability and direct city-centre connections.

However, its development has been shaped by practical constraints, including limited availability of suitable rolling stock and capacity restrictions on busy rail corridors.

Future expansion

The company has set out plans to expand its network significantly in the coming years. A third route linking Brussels and Milan via Cologne and Zurich is scheduled to launch in 2026, with extensions to Amsterdam planned from 2027.

Further ambitions include new connections to southern France and Spain, notably a planned Amsterdam–Barcelona service, although progress has been slowed by operational and regulatory challenges in France.

In the longer term, European Sleeper aims to build a broader network of international night trains linking major European cities, positioning itself as a key player in the resurgence of overnight rail travel.

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