The sleeper train connecting Brussels and Berlin
- Admin
- 21 Apr 2025
Travelling from Brussels to Berlin via Antwerp, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam is an overnight experience. The journey does not end there, as it extends to Prague and Dresden. The Train route is collectively called the Exotic Belgian-Dutch Express railway. The rail route was introduced to the general public in the early 1950s. Ever since, millions of passengers have enjoyed this route.
This content here can be described as an honest report and viewpoints submitted by travelers for the rail between the German and Belgian capitals.
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Setting off journey (A/C Unit non-functional)
Departing is the best part of any rail journey. The train departed from the main station on time. During the initial stages, the train departs over the iconic graffiti-capped bridge. You certainly will appreciate the forests and open fields of the vast Flanders outskirts.
Even though the A/C was problematic, not many people noticed the non-functioning unit in the sleeper compartment. You may still find the compartment very welcoming with single seat arrangements, heavy-lined duvets, and well-made-up bed units.
The seating arrangement was also equipped with an elegant table setup for commuters. There was a furnished basin that appeared very much like a drink cabinet. I somehow managed to grab the window seat to enjoy the outside view.
It was surprising to notice that there were many passengers still enjoying the corridor view and fresh air that gushed inside the compartment through wide open windows. The compartment windows were open wide so that maximum fresh air could rush inside the compartment.
- When enjoying your trip in the sleeper compartment, you can enjoy the lush green scenic beauty of the outdoors.
- The window reflects the bright glow of the sunset, creating a magical moment when rays enter the wide-open windows.
- The ride offers a glimpse of waterways, the very moment the rail departs towards the city of Dordrecht.
- When enjoying the natural view, you are also attracted by slow-moving windmills installed in the open fields.
- You find a lot of houseboats that showcase the white mast reaching out for high winds and are lined up beautifully along the dockyard.
Passengers may find that the sleeper class compartments lack dedicated dining cars. There certainly may not be an onboard dining car facility, but there are attendants who never hesitate to meet your requirements when it comes to refreshments. During the entire journey, you get to enjoy all types of drinks ranging from beer to rich wine.
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If you have kids traveling along with you, then you can always ask the attendant to serve quality nachos. You also have the benefit that you can ask for hot, served noodles in any flavor you like. The best feature of travelling with a sleeper class compartment is that you have to pay very reasonable rates for using the catering services. So if you like to enjoy Boudin Noir, then this is the perfect place to ask for it. The catering services will serve meals, snacks, and drinks as the train reaches its long halt at Au Vieux St. Martin station.
You always have sufficient time to enjoy Weizen special beer along with Pringles chips. During my trip, I had a lot of interaction with my fellow passengers travelling along with me in the sleeper compartment. The best thing about this sleeper class is that each compartment is interconnected. You can simply enjoy the walk along the corridors. You can enjoy your stay in the private sleeper class compartment. For pet lovers, the main attraction is that the train is pet-friendly for dogs and cats on board.
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Sleeper carriage (The Couchette) experience
If you are aware, rail journeys are very comfortable these days. You certainly will enjoy booking your tickets with the Couchette. These are special railway carriages that have seating arrangements. The carriages are also special as these are convertible types, converted into sleeping berths. Carriages are ideal if you have a day and night-long journey at hand.
During the daytime, you can enjoy relaxing in a seat. For your night journey, you can enjoy relaxing in the sleeping berth. Although the sleeper class journey is very comforting, you just find that the tickets are very affordable, starting at EURO 79.
If you are booking your tickets with a sleeper compartment (luxury class), then you have to pay a higher fare equivalent to EURO 189. You find the fare difference is always much bigger. Couchettes offer a wide open space for passengers to relax comfortably during travel. You can certainly compare couchettes with a living room facility (small-sized), but cosy.
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- Each couchette carriage has multiple bed compartments where around 6 to 4 berths are installed in each living area.
- The berths are well equipped with a comfortable sleeping cushioned mattress tucked in a blanket. You find that the mattress is also covered with clean bed covers. Each bed is also provided with a comfortable sleeping pillow set.
- When relaxing comfortably in your berth, you can enjoy the beautiful scenic view of the lush green countryside environment.
- The windows are the perfect size, next to the berth, allowing wind to rush inside the compartment, creating pockets of fresh air. The countryside wind carries rich pollens and floral essence inside the compartments through the windows.
One thing you need to keep in mind is that when you enjoy the journey, there is not much physical activity you can enjoy on the moving train. But this is the perfect time when you can exchange your experiences and train stories with other fellow passengers. If you are carrying your mobile device, laptop, or iPad, you can also stay connected online to watch your favourite soccer match.
The train journey is just perfect if you like to follow your favourite soccer tournament. For people who have a very busy schedule, the train journey is a perfect getaway from the daily routine. You can also enjoy browsing on your laptop or attending a Zoom meeting with your teammates. If nothing, then you can simply enjoy your drink while entering into conversation or in a sober mood. The train journey is just the time when you would like to be friendly with strangers. This is the time when you like to share stories and experiences.
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A journey through the timeless route
As the train treks through the Rotterdam station, you notice that darkness has its blanket covered outdoors. The journey from Amsterdam via Rotterdam approaches by nightfall. By this time, you notice the entire train is brightly lit by small compartment lights. You also notice the lights from nearby apartments and residential homes filtering out of the night, blinds, and curtains.
You can enjoy reading your novel or magazine right at your seat or berth. The compartment has well well-equipped bookshelf with all types of reading materials for passengers. You can also enjoy short glimpses into other passengers’ intimate moments. These scenes certainly do make the journey magical for many. If fellow passengers have onboard cats or pet dogs, then you can keep watching them when relaxing in your berth or seat.
Each seat is equipped with a comfortable armchair where you can rest your arm. From your seat, you get to enjoy a glimpse of fellow passengers and their intimate moments. The entire corridor in the carriage is filled with beer and wine essence. The bell in the corridors keeps reminding you that all other fellow passengers are already in their berth spots.
When you notice fellow passengers tucking comfortably into their berths, this is the time you need to relax in your berth as well. The nearby walls keep the compartment soundproof proof so you can enjoy a comfortable sleep for a few hours before reaching your final destination.
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Enjoying a healthy breakfast when travelling
One major drawback with a rail journey is that you are always excited. Most of the time, you find it difficult to enjoy comfortable sleep sessions. Passengers are almost awake throughout the entire journey. You find that sound distractions never let you fall asleep during the journey.
Even if you lack sleep, you find the journey very adventurous. The ride is very comfortable and smooth. For small hours, you get to enjoy dozing off naps. This is a very gentle way to relax your mind and body during the journey.
No matter when you sleep, you are sure to wake up early morning. This is the time when the train reaches Lower Saxony station situated in Peine. He skyline is glazed by light blue color. Some parts of the morning sky appear to be bright orange. You may find the mist covering entire open fields in the morning.
The train finally approaches Berlin in the morning. This is the time when you get to enjoy your breakfast session. You can grab Ardennes pate and crackers at the station. 8 am is the time when you like to enjoy your coffee. The railway station is a bit crowded in the morning with passengers alighting from the train.
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Booking your tickets
When you want to enjoy your journey with a sleeper class carriage, you have to plan your journey to start on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays. The train service for this route is available three days a week. The early train departs is around 19:22. The train arrives at Berlin station (Hauptbahnhof) exactly at 6 am morning time.
If you plan for a return trip, then you have to plan your trip on Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Sundays. The return trip is also open for three days a week, from Berlin to Brussels. The tickets are available for fares of EURO 49, EURO 79, and EURO 189 for seats, couchettes, and sleeper berths.
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Direct Online Booking Options
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The European sleeper is an overnight train. When you travel, you need to ensure your journey is comfortable. You have to book your travel tickets in advance. You can book your tickets directly online via the official website – europeansleeper.eu.
When making a direct booking, the digital platform allows you to select departure and arrival stations, accommodation type, and departure dates. You need to keep in mind that this route is open for six months for booking.
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Accommodation Booking Options
Your journey should be comfortable and in style. This means you can select multiple accommodation types when traveling. The selections can be made when you book tickets online.
Sleeper compartments - These are private compartments. You can accommodate three passengers in each sleeper compartment in the carriage. You get access to the lockable door, basin, and make-up bed.
Seated compartment - For short-distance journeys, seated compartments are the best option. These are easily available and comfortable for you to enjoy hours of your journey.
Couchettes - Each couchette is equipped with 4 to 6 berth options. You have to pay extra money to book this facility.
Apart from the direct booking via the official website, you can also approach alternative resources like Trainline, Eurail, and Omio websites. The tickets are also available at the kiosk at the railway station.
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