Starting September 9, 2026, the Belgian-Dutch operator European Sleeper will launch a new night train connecting Milan and Brussels in partnership with the Italian company Arenaways for traction services, addressing the growing demand for sustainable cross-border transport while boosting European rail market liberalization. Departing from Milan Porta Garibaldi station, the service will traverse Switzerland and Germany before reaching the Belgian capital, covering a strategic corridor for continental travelers.

The launch of this service highlights a profound shift in the passenger mobility landscape, where long-distance routes overlooked by major state-owned incumbents are turning into valuable opportunities for agile private operators focused on rapidly expanding market niches. Executed on Italian territory using TRAXX E483 locomotives, the traction provided by Arenaways ensures a seamless transition along the national network. This offers passengers a comfortable overnight journey while eliminating the need for high-emission short-haul flights. The route includes intermediate stops at key hubs such as Cologne, further expanding transfer options for those traveling between the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

This agreement marks a key milestone in Arenaways' growth strategy and reaffirms the potential of the open rail market. Already a key player in Piedmontese regional transport, operating lines such as the Cuneo-Saluzzo-Savigliano route, Flytrain airport connections to Levaldigi, and seasonal charter trains, the company is working to expand its offerings to include intercity services along North-West and East corridors, as well as routes connecting Northern Italy to the Central and Southern regions. This cross-border cooperation demonstrates how the entry of new players makes the transport supply more diverse, competitive, and closely aligned with contemporary travel needs.