If you think Europe's night train frenzy is a trend they're leaving behind in 2024, think again.
Following SJ's Euronight from Stockholm to Berlin and NightJet's successful Vienna to Rome, it's time for European Sleeper to join in on the fun and add its own long-distance service between two unexpected destinations.
Though they don't have much in common other than being world-class cultural hotspots, Brussels and Venice will now be linked by an overnight sleeping car.
Brussels To Venice In Time For Carnival
Starting February 5, European Sleeper will be running twice-a-week trains between the capital of Belgium and the canal-traversed, floating city of Italy.
That's Venice for you, and the best part is, right on time for carnival!
So far, confirmed departures from Brussels are February 5 and 14, and March 4 and 12, while trains are expected to leave from Venice on February 9 and 18, and March 8 and 16.
This is the winter schedule, so it's likely they'll add more dates in the fall, so keep an eye out on their official website if you're coming to Europe later in the year.
There is a whole 719.5 miles to cover, and there are many stops along the way, so bear that in mind if you're in a hurry.
If you think traveling by train evokes nostalgia and contemplating life as you glide past idyllic medieval towns and the soaring alpine peaks of Austria along the way, then you can start looking forward to this!
More Information On The Brussels-Venice Trains
Departures from Brussels are scheduled at 7:00 p.m. with arrival in Venice on the following day at 2:00 p.m., while trains will leave from Venice a little earlier at 4:00 p.m., reaching Brussels at 11:30 a.m. of the next calendar date.
There are planned stops in the Netherlands, Germany and Austria, with the complete list seen below, for the Venice-bound train:
- Breda, Netherlands
- Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Venlo, Netherlands
- Cologne, Germany
- Munich, Germany
- Kufstein, Austria
- Wörgl, Austria
- Jenbach, Austria
- Innsbruck, Austria
- Brennero, Italy
- Ponte Gardena-Laion, Italy
- Bolzano, Italy
- Verona (Porta Nuova), Italy
- Venice (Mestre), Italy
- Venice (Santa Lucia), Italy
That's a long journey, but with the level of comfort in the train, and all the amenities, time will whoosh past!
The carriages are divided into 3 categories, with varying levels of comfort: naturally, the cheapest option is a seat, but we wouldn't recommend booking it unless you're only traveling on a particular section of the route.
This is a 19-hour ride, after all, but if you don't want to splurge on one of those comfy 3-bed sleeper cabins with breakfast included, the 6-person couchette is the perfect alternative for the mid-range traveler.
Blankets, sheets, and pillows are included for all passengers, and there's a large fold-up table available during the day––oh, and if you're a female traveler, there are women-only compartments you can opt for.
Why Visit Brussels In 2025?
The capital of Belgium and the European Union as a whole, Brussels is both an administrative center and a cultural hotspot often overlooked by first-time visitors to Europe.
Its main square, known as Grand-Place, is bordered by ornately-decorated guildhalls, while the city's historic core is dotted with landmarks, including St. Michael & St. Gudula Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece built in the Middle Ages and the Pissing Boy statue:
The quirkiest statue in Brussels, Manneken Pis depicts a small boy relieving himself into a basin, and oddly enough, it's up there with Belgian fries, Liégeoise waffles, and the Atomium as one of Belgium's most iconic symbols.
Looking for something unique to do in Brussels in 2025?
Join this pub crawl and beer-tasting tour for only $17.48, or take a walking tour of the capital's main highlights, with a traditional Belgian lunch, an overload of chocolate, and a stroll around Saint Géry, the oldest part of Brussels, for $92.62.
What About Venice?
On the other end of the line, Venice couldn't be more of a complete opposite of Brussels if it tried.
For starters, it is built over 118 islands perfectly arranged in a fish-shaped archipelago in the Adriatic Sea, the northernmost branch of the Mediterranean, all connected via a complex system of bridges, gondola-navigated canals, and ferry routes.
Venice is absolutely beautiful, laying claim to a great deal of Europe's most historically significant structures, with the bell tower-dominated St. Mark's Square and the palace-lined Grand Canal, to name a couple.
It's also one of Italy's gastronomy hotspots, being dotted with cichetterie (or wine bars), where you can sample cheeseboards and homemade sandwiches––have you even been to Venice at all if you didn't eat tramezzino?––and local-owned restaurants offering canal views.
Two of our favorite cheap eat spots in all of Venice is Al Mercà, a charming eatery only a few stools available famous for their panini, and Ai Quatro Rusteghi, in the Jewish Quarter, overlooking the idyllic Cannaregio, serving impeccable seafood.
Oh, and if you're visiting Venice this winter with the Brussels train, you should aim to be there between February 22 and March 4.
That's the peak of the carnival celebrations, and trust us, there's no better time to be in the floating city than this magical week: campy costumes, carnival cakes, epic sunsets, and lively parades and live events in every piazza, you name it, Venice will deliver.
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path's latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.