Heads up to those who believe the journey itself is already part of the adventure. Since September, European Sleeper has been connecting Brussels to Milan aboard a night train, with three departures per week. And since Brussels-Midi is only 34 to 35 minutes away by direct train from Lille-Europe, here's an escape that could definitely give us a taste for Italy this winter.
Fall asleep in Brussels and wake up in the Alps
From Lille, the adventure begins with a short trip to Brussels-Midi. That's where you board the European Sleeper to spend the night on the rails. While travelers sleep, the train crosses several countries before reaching Switzerland and its Alpine landscapes. In the early morning, the journey continues notably towards Lugano, then Como and its famous lake, before arriving at Milano Porta Garibaldi. No need to head to the airport in the middle of the night or wake up at 4am to go through security. Here, you simply board the train in the late
day, you settle into your bunk and watch Europe roll by. There are definitely worse ways to arrive in Italy.View this post on Instagram
An even more exotic journey from December
Starting December 13, 2026, the itinerary will take on a fresh new look. The train will now serve Antwerp, Breda and Eindhoven, before continuing towards Cologne, Switzerland and northern Italy. A European crossing that comes at just the right time
quite right as the holidays approach, between illuminated cities, Alpine landscapes, and arriving in Milan in the heart of winter. And once you're there, it's hard not to extend the magic a little longer: the illuminated Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II dressed up for Christmas, Milanese cafés, and unmissable aperitivos waiting as you step off the train.A night on the rails from €59.99
The journey is announced from €59.99 per person and per journey in a shared Classic compartment. Fares vary depending on dates and availability. Several categories are offered, from Budget to Comfort, with private compartments and spaces reserved for women as well. From Lille, you simply need to book your ticket separately to Brussels-Midi. After that? A bunk, a few hours of sleep, and Italy when you wake up. We're already checking our free weekends.