Overnight train service from Belgium to Slovakia to be initiated by Leo Express
The Leo Express, a modern and stylish mode of transportation, is set to revolutionise travel in Eastern Europe with its proposed transnational direct night train service from Ostend, Belgium to Bratislava, Slovakia. If approved by the Belgian Regulatory Body for Railway Transport and Brussels Airport Operations, the service is scheduled to launch on 13 December 2026, subject to regulatory approval from both Belgian and Czech authorities.
The comprehensive route, planned to run daily, will include one train in each direction, taking approximately 19 hours for the entire journey that encompasses over 50 stops. The journey will take passengers through significant Belgian cities such as Bruges, Ghent, Brussels, Leuven, and Liège, before crossing into Germany with stops at Aachen, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Hannover, Magdeburg, Leipzig, and Dresden. The train will then make its way through the Czech Republic, stopping at Prague, Pardubice, and Otrokovice, before entering Slovakia where it will stop at Kúty, Malacky, Devínska Nová Ves, and finally Bratislava as the end destination.
The potential benefits for tourism are significant. This new route could provide easier access to lesser-known destinations across Eastern Europe, thereby relieving pressure on overcrowded tourism hubs like Prague. The route is expected to promote "coolcation" holidays featuring mountain scenery and industrial heritage, drawing visitors to destinations like Bratislava, especially for events like its under-the-radar Christmas market. The night train's timing allows arrivals in Bratislava by early afternoon, offering tourists a convenient opportunity to explore the city and surroundings upon arrival.
The train will feature first and second-class carriages, as well as one sleeper couchette car, ensuring a comfortable journey for all passengers. The Leo Express, a private rail firm founded in the Czech Republic in 2010, is known for its excellent service, with train expert The Man in Seat 61 praising its offerings in any class.
Leo Express has also established strategic partnerships with Uber, Trainline, and FlixTrain (now defunct), among others, aiming to provide a seamless travel experience for its passengers. Notably, the Leo Express is the only Czech operator permitted to run in Germany.
With a proposed start-date of 13 December 2026, the Leo Express could put Bratislava's under-the-radar Christmas market on the map, offering a unique and scenic overnight travel option expected to boost tourism along the corridor. However, formal authorizations are still pending, so the start date and exact operations remain subject to final regulatory approval.
In addition to its train services, Leo Express also operates bus services, further expanding its reach in the travel industry. If approved, the new night train service is set to redefine travel in Eastern Europe, making it more accessible and enjoyable for tourists from around the world.
- The new transnational direct night train service, The Leo Express, could revolutionize travel in Eastern Europe, helping to escape the bustle of overcrowded tourism hubs in favor of lesser-known destinations.
- The Leo Express journey, planned for daily operation, will span over 50 stops, offering a comprehensive tour of significant cities like Bruges, Ghent, Brussels, Leuven, and Liège in Belgium, as well as stops in Germany, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.
- This new travel route will not only provide a comfortable trip with first and second-class carriages and a sleeper couchette car, but also promote eco-conscious tourism through scenic mountain destinations and industrial heritage.
- By partnering with companies like Uber, Trainline, and FlixTrain, Leo Express aims to create a seamless lifestyle experience, making travel more enjoyable for its passengers.
- The Leo Express, if approved, is poised to boost the finance of destinations along its corridor, particularly during holiday seasons like Christmas, with its unique and scenic overnight service.
- As the only Czech operator allowed to run in Germany, the Leo Express is set to challenge the tourism industry in Eastern Europe, making travel more accessible for tourists from around the world.
- In addition to its train services, Leo Express also provides bus services, expanding its reach and establishing itself as a dominant player in the broader travel industry.
