Sleeper train service expansion: Leo Express to connect Osten and Bratislava with 50 stops along the way
New Leo Express Sleeper Train Route Proposed from Ostend to Bratislava
A new overnight train route is proposed by Leo Express, connecting Ostend in Belgium with Bratislava in Slovakia, with stops in various cities along the way. The service is expected to commence on December 13th, 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
The train is scheduled to depart from Ostend at 7:10 pm and arrive in Bratislava the next day at 2:18 pm, offering day passengers the opportunity to travel in some sections. The service aims to cater to both budget-conscious travellers and those seeking a more premium experience, with options for standard seats, couchettes with six bunks per compartment, and fully equipped sleeping berths.
The train will run one service daily in each direction, passing through major cities such as Bruges, Ghent, Brussels, Leuven, Liège, Cologne, Hanover, Dresden, Prague, and others along a route through Germany and the Czech Republic. The journey is expected to take approximately 19 hours with over 50 stops.
The train will connect well with Eurostar arrivals at Brussels Midi, making it an attractive option for travel from London. The service aims to open a new cross-border overnight route that currently does not exist.
Leo Express has applied for a daytime service in 2023, with a start date scheduled for late 2024 or early 2025. However, the proposed night train route is currently under review by regulatory authorities, and the company will make a final decision only after infrastructure capacity is confirmed.
The train will use modern Siemens Vectron locomotives and RIC rolling stock, designed to provide maximum comfort during the overnight journey. The service faces operational and financial challenges, and its launch depends on regulatory approval and market conditions.
The train route partially corresponds to the route taken by European Sleeper night trains. The initial capacity of the service is expected to be for 450 passengers, with three stops in Slovakia before the final destination of Bratislava.
While the route and start date are proposed and detailed in filings, it's important to note that the service is not yet guaranteed to commence on December 13, 2026, as of now, and is subject to final decisions and approvals.
This new train route, proposed by Leo Express, is expected to impact both the transportation and travel industries by offering overnight service between Ostend in Belgium and Bratislava in Slovakia, catering to diverse lifestyles, from budget-conscious travelers to premium seekers. The service's finance aspect will be closely monitored, as its launch depends on regulatory approval and market conditions.
