European Sleeper, the independent night-train operator, has announced its first route into Scandinavia. Starting in April 2028, a new overnight service will link Brussels and Amsterdam with Copenhagen and Malmö, offering a direct rail connection between the Benelux, Denmark, and southern Sweden. The project is a joint venture with RDC, a German railway operator with extensive experience running night trains between Germany and Scandinavia.
The Brussels–Malmö service marks a significant expansion of European Sleeper's network, which already includes routes to Paris and Milan. By connecting Western and Northern Europe overnight, the new train brings cities such as Copenhagen and Malmö within a single night's journey. For travellers heading further afield, destinations like London, Paris, Stockholm, and Oslo can be reached with just one additional change.
Chris Engelsman, co-founder of European Sleeper, said: “Our network is growing quickly, and Scandinavia is a natural next step. Together with RDC, we can create a night train that directly connects the Benelux with Copenhagen and Malmö, bringing another part of Europe within a comfortable night’s journey. It also marks an important next step in our strong cooperation with RDC, which already supports our Paris and Milan services through the provision of night train rolling stock.”
Markus Hunkel, chief executive officer of RDC, added: “RDC has many years of experience operating night trains between Germany and Scandinavia. Together with European Sleeper, we can build on that experience and create a strong new connection between the Benelux, Denmark and Sweden. We see real potential in combining our operational expertise with European Sleeper’s growing network and customer reach.”
Planned timetable and onboard options
Initial plans show departures from both Brussels and Malmö at around 7pm local time, with arrivals at the opposite end of the route at roughly 10am the following morning. This schedule is designed to give passengers a full night's rest while maximising daytime hours at their destination.
The service will offer a range of accommodation, including comfortable seats, couchettes, and sleeper compartments. European Sleeper and RDC are also considering deluxe sleeper options, which could feature double beds and private en-suite bathrooms, according to a company release.
The announcement comes at a time when sleeper trains are enjoying a revival across Europe, as travellers and policymakers seek more sustainable alternatives to short-haul flights. The new route is expected to appeal to both leisure and business passengers, offering a convenient link between the economic hubs of the Benelux and the Nordic region.
European Sleeper's expansion into Scandinavia is part of a broader trend of private operators challenging the dominance of national rail companies. The partnership with RDC brings together European Sleeper's customer-focused approach with RDC's operational know-how, particularly on the challenging Germany–Scandinavia corridor, which involves crossing the Fehmarn Belt or the Øresund Bridge.
While the 2028 launch date may seem distant, the companies are likely to use the intervening years to finalise rolling stock, secure path allocations, and coordinate with infrastructure managers in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden. The project also aligns with EU efforts to promote cross-border rail travel as part of the European Green Deal.
For now, the announcement signals a vote of confidence in the future of overnight rail in Europe. As some EU states seek support for tourism amid geopolitical uncertainties, the new service could help boost sustainable travel options in the region. The route also complements existing night-train offerings, such as those operated by SJ and Snälltåget between Sweden and Germany, but adds a direct link from the Benelux that has been missing for years.
European Sleeper's co-founder expressed optimism about the project's potential, noting that the company's rapid growth reflects a genuine demand for comfortable, affordable overnight rail travel. With the support of RDC, the Brussels–Malmö service is poised to become a key artery in Europe's emerging night-train network.
