European Sleeper has announced a delay in the launch of its highly anticipated night train service between Amsterdam and Barcelona, originally scheduled for 2025. The service has now been pushed back to 2026, citing difficulties in acquiring and refurbishing the specialized train carriages necessary for the route. The company confirmed that logistical and bureaucratic challenges, particularly in negotiations with French railway manager SNCF Réseau, have contributed to the postponement.

Despite this setback, European Sleeper has unveiled plans for a new seasonal night train service between Brussels and Venice, set to begin in February 2025. This route will connect the North Sea to the Adriatic, passing through nine cities, including Rotterdam and Utrecht. The new project offers travelers an exciting alternative while the Amsterdam-Barcelona route faces delays.