The inaugural journey of the Brussels-Venice night train, launched by European Sleeper on February 5, 2025, was unexpectedly halted in Austria after its Italian partner Arenaways refused to take over the train.
Despite prior agreements, last-minute issues prevented the train from crossing the border. Passengers were forced to disembark in Innsbruck and board an alternative train provided by ÖBB.
European Sleeper co-founders expressed frustration, stating that all approvals seemed in place before departure, only to be revoked by Italy at the last moment for unclear reasons.
One reader provided the following explanation: “The day before the departure, the European Sleeper partner in Italy, Arenaways, announced they would not take over the train at the border in Brenner as planned. This is because their new shareholder, Renfe Spain, didn’t allow it. This was decided at the shareholders meeting the day before the departure. This train is complying with the international RIC/UIC regulations.”
