Night train Hamburg-Vienna ÖBB nightjet 491/490
The ÖBB Nightjet NJ 491 connects the northern German metropolis of Hamburg with the Austrian capital Vienna in a comfortable and environmentally friendly way overnight. In around 12 hours and 50 minutes from Hamburg to the centre of Vienna, while the opposite direction from Vienna to Hamburg takes about 12 hours and 34 minutes runs a little faster. The most important stops along the route include Hanover, Göttingen, Würzburg, Nuremberg, Passau, Linz and St. Pölten.
The Nightjet offers various comfort categories, so there is something for every type of traveller. Travellers can choose between affordable Seatspractical Couchette compartments, modern Mini Cabins for individual travellers and comfortable Sleeping car compartments (Comfort and Comfort Plus) with their own sanitary facilities. The equipment of the new Nightjet trains guarantees a pleasant travelling experience - with well thought-out storage space, loading facilities and plenty of privacy.
Especially family friendly the Nightjet has attractive regulations for children: Children under 6 years travelling free of chargewhile Children between 6 and 14 years benefit from discounted tickets. Ideal for families who want a relaxed and inexpensive start to their holiday - without stress and traffic jams.
The Ticket prices start from 29 EURdepending on availability and time of booking. If you book early, you can secure particularly favourable ÖBB Sparschiene offers. Another advantage: you save on an overnight stay in a hotel and come Rested and right in the city centre ready for meetings, sightseeing or the start of your holiday.
Timetable Hamburg-Vienna
| NJ491 | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|
| Hamburg Altona | 19:58 | |
| Hamburg Dammtor | 20:07 | |
| Hamburg Central Station | 20:24 | |
| Hanover main station | 21:54 | 21:57 |
| Göttingen | 22:57 | 22:59 |
| Würzburg main station | 01:32 | 01:34 |
| Nuremberg Central Station | 03:05 | 04:08 |
| Regensburg main station | 05:07 | 05:09 |
| Passau main station | 06:13 | 06:15 |
| Wels main station | 07:14 | 07:16 |
| Linz Central Station | 07:44 | 07:46 |
| Amstetten Lower Austria | 08:12 | 08:13 |
| St.Pölten Central Station | 08:38 | 08:40 |
| Vienna Meidling | 09:05 | |
| Vienna Central Station | 09:14 | |
| Status: April 2025 |
Timetable Vienna-Hamburg
| NJ490 | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|
| Vienna Central Station | 20:13 | |
| Vienna Meidling | 20:18 | 20:21 |
| Linz Central Station | 21:34 | 21:36 |
| Wels main station | 21:48 | 21:50 |
| Passau main station | 22:35 | 22:53 |
| Regensburg main station | 23:54 | 23:56 |
| Nuremberg Central Station | 00:56 | 01:51 |
| Würzburg main station | 02:47 | 02:50 |
| Göttingen | 05:51 | 05:53 |
| Hanover main station | 06:49 | 07:05 |
| Hamburg-Harburg | 08:30 | |
| Hamburg Central Station | 08:47 | |
| Hamburg Dammtor | 08:53 | |
| Hamburg Altona | 09:04 | |
| Status: April 2025 |
Categories
The following categories are available on Nightjet NJ491.
Seat trolley comfortDouble seats or seating group of four with folding armrest and full-length headrest.
Compartment barrier-free comfortBarrier-free compartment for up to 2 wheelchair users and 2 accompanying persons.
Couchette coach comfortfour beds in the compartment suitable for families or groups.
Mini CabinSleeping pods for one person, therefore a high level of privacy. Lockers for shoes and hand luggage.
Sleeping car comfortCompartment with its own sanitary facilities (WC and shower) for one or two people.
Sleeping car comfort plusVery spacious compartment with its own sanitary facilities (WC and shower) for one or two people.
Travel time
Ticket prices Hamburg-Vienna
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Seat trolley comfort | from EUR 34.90 |
| Compartment barrier-free comfort | from EUR 54.90 |
| Couchette coach comfort | from EUR 54.90 |
| Mini Cabin | from EUR 54.90 |
| Sleeping car comfort | from EUR 99.90 |
| Sleeping car comfort plus | from EUR 129.90 |
The ticket price depends on your Travel date and Purchase date. The sooner you book, the higher the likelihood of a Economy rail/savings fare ticket to receive. If you choose Departure day Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday are fewer travellers on the train, which also results in a cheaper ticket price leads.
Where to buy a ticket?
You can buy your ticket either at the German Railways Buy
Children
Up to 5 years: Children up to 5 years old travel free of charge if they share the pitch with an adult. If they need their own place to sleep, they can travel with the Favourable ticket "Child travel.
Ideally it is a Own compartment on the train to book. Further information can be found under "Couchette coach comfort".
Private compartment and families
Would you like to go out with your family or friends alone in a compartment travel, without other travellersyou can book your own compartment. This is possible in the "Mini Cabin" (single person), "Couchette Comfort" (up to four people) and in the sleeping car (one to two people).
Own compartment in couchette car from 199 euros
Your own couchette compartment is Ideal for families or a Group of friends. You can book a private compartment for a maximum of 4 people from 199 euros.
Your own compartment in the sleeper car from 159 euros
The categories in the ÖBB nightjet
Seating trolley and multifunctional area
The latest generation of Nightjet seating coaches offer modern travelling comfort at the highest level - ideal for inexpensive overnight rail travel.
Comfortable seats with well thought-out extras
- Ergonomically shaped bucket seats with integrated headrest and folding armrest ensure relaxed seating. Either as a 2-seater or as a 4-seater with a table in the centre.
- Practical equipment details such as personal reading lamps and storage compartments at every seat.
- Convenient charging on the move: USB port, socket and wireless charging directly at your seat.
- Separate toilets for women and men.
Barrier-free & versatile: the multifunctional area
- Low-floor entrance for convenient and barrier-free access.
- Spacious area for bicycles - ideal for those travelling by bike.
- Plenty of storage space for luggage, pushchairs and sports equipment such as skis or snowboards.
Travelling safely thanks to modern luggage locks
- Luggage racks with electronic security via NFC technology offer additional security for your luggage.
Compartment barrier-free
The barrier-free compartment - travelling comfortably & inclusively.
The new Nightjet offers specially equipped barrier-free compartments that enable people with reduced mobility to travel comfortably and independently.
Space & comfort for wheelchair users
- Spacious compartment with sufficient freedom of movement - ideal for up to 2 wheelchair users and 2 accompanying persons.
- Comfortable, level boarding thanks to Low-floor access in the car.
Modern barrier-free WC
- Directly adjacent, wheelchair-accessible WC with generous space and well thought-out equipment for easy handling during the journey.
Couchette
Comfortable night's sleep for families & groups.
The modern couchette coaches in the new Nightjet combine practical comfort with an attractive price-performance ratio - perfect for small groups or family holidays on rails.
Ideal for travelling together
- 4-bed compartments with a fixed bed arrangement offer a relaxed environment for families or groups of friends.
- Permanently installed beds ensure stability and comfort throughout the night journey.
More privacy & personal freedom
- Thanks to the well thought-out room concept, you can enjoy More space per person and an increased level of Privacy compared to conventional couchette coaches.
- There are separate toilets for men and women at the end of the carriage.
Practical equipment for travelling
- Each seat has Charging options via USB connection, Socket or even Inductive charging for compatible devices - so that you arrive the next morning with a fully charged battery.
Mini Cabin
The sleeping capsule in the Nightjet.
With the innovative Mini Cabins the new generation Nightjet offers a completely new way of travelling: compact, lockable sleeping pods for solo travellers that combine privacy and price-consciousness.
Private retreat at a low price
- Innovative individual cabins in a space-saving arrangement - ideal for all those who inexpensive and yet private Search for a place to sleep.
- The cabin can be locked and thus ensures a safe feeling during the night.
- There are separate toilets for men and women at the end of the carriage. You will be shown in your Mini Cabin whether the toilet is free or occupied.
Well thought-out storage space & equipment
- Separate locker for shoes and small luggage (58 x 46 x 27 cm) directly at the seat. Larger items of luggage can be securely stored in the multifunctional area using a cable and NFC lock.
- Compact folding table, movable - perfect for snacks or breakfast on the go.
Comfort in the smallest space
- Equipped with Reading lamp, mirror, coat hook and practical Shelves.
- Power supply via USB connection, Socket or Wireless charging via induction.
Sleeping car "Comfort"
Private compartment with own WC.
The "Comfort" sleeper carriage of the new Nightjet offers you a pleasant level of comfort and privacy - ideal for a relaxing overnight journey alone or as a couple.
Own sanitary facilities in the compartment
- Each compartment is equipped with a private WC and washbasin for more independence and hygiene when travelling.
Bookable for 1 or 2 persons
- Two Fixed beds one above the other ensure a safe and peaceful night's sleep.
- The compartment is optionally available as Single or double compartment available - perfect for solo travellers or couples.
Comfort zone for travelling
- During the day, the compartment is transformed into a Cosy sitting areaideal for reading, working or relaxing.
- Modernity Charging options in place: USB port, power socket and Wireless charging via induction.
Sleeping car "Comfort Plus"
Premium comfort with private shower.
For all those who want to enjoy maximum comfort when travelling: The "Comfort Plus" sleeper coach in the Nightjet offers you a spacious, high-quality compartment with private bathroom including shower - your hotel room on rails.
Private bathroom in the compartment
- More exclusive Sanitary area with shower, WC and washbasin - integrated directly into the compartment for maximum privacy and comfort.
For 1 or 2 people - sleep comfortably
- Two Fixed beds one above the otherstable and comfortable - the compartment is perfect for both single travellers and couples.
Room to relax
- With a cosy sitting area ideal for reading, resting or working while travelling.
Fully equipped with modern technology
- Charging options on siteUSB port, classic socket and wireless charging via induction - so that you are also technically well supplied.
Buy a ticket from Hamburg to Vienna
Deutsche Bahn - All connections at a glance
The railway offers one of the clearest booking sites Europe. Here you can also quickly find night train connections, compare prices and select seat options - all centrally and securely.
Daytime train connection from Hamburg to Vienna
You can also travel the route from Hamburg to Vienna during the day. The Journey time is 08:42 hours. You can buy train tickets from EUR 39 Buy
| Train | Arrival | Departure | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hamburg-Altona | ICE91 | 07:43 | |
| Hamburg Central Station | 08:03 | ||
| Hanover main station | 09:22 | 09:26 | |
| Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe | 10:23 | 10:25 | |
| Würzburg main station | 11:32 | 11:34 | |
| Nuremberg Central Station | 12:27 | 12:31 | |
| Regensburg main station | 13:24 | 13:26 | |
| Passau main station | 14:25 | 14:29 | |
| Linz Central Station | 15:24 | 15:26 | |
| St.Pölten Central Station | 16:14 | 16:16 | |
| Vienna Central Station | 16:45 | ||
| Status: April 2025 |
Daytime train connection from Vienna to Hamburg
You can also travel the route from Vienna to Hamburg during the day. The Journey time is 08:39 hours. You can buy train tickets from EUR 39 Buy
| Train | Arrival | Departure | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vienna Central Station | ICE90 | 13:15 | |
| St.Pölten Central Station | 13:44 | 13:46 | |
| Linz Central Station | 14:34 | 14:36 | |
| Passau main station | 15:31 | 15:37 | |
| Regensburg main station | 16:33 | 16:35 | |
| Nuremberg Central Station | 17:29 | 17:32 | |
| Würzburg main station | 18:23 | 18:26 | |
| Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe | 19:37 | 19:39 | |
| Hanover main station | 20:32 | 20:36 | |
| Hamburg Central Station | 21:54 | ||
| Hamburg-Altona | 22:12 | ||
| Status: April 2025 |
Groups
Groups of 6 or more get a discount on the standard price for a seat. These can be requested from ÖBB Customer Service on the following telephone number (in Austria): +43 5 1717
Dog and animals
You can take your dog or pet with you. However, you must book an entire compartment (sleeper or couchette) just for yourself or shared with friends/family members. Your dog will travel with 29 euros calculated. Simply add it under "who is travelling" on the ÖBB booking page.
Bicycle
You can simply add the ticket for your bike on the ÖBB booking page ("wer fährt"). The bicycle in a bicycle parking space is charged with 12 Euro extra calculated. Of course, you can also take your bike disassembled or folded up in a bag as normal luggage. However, I recommend a private compartment.
Car and motorbike
Unfortunately, you can no longer take your car (passenger car) or motorbike with you on this ÖBB nightjet.
This is still possible for other train connections. You must specify the model for this. You can make the booking online or by phone: +43 5 1717
Loading can only take place at certain stations. These are always the start and end stations.
Night train videos
FAQ
Where can I book the ÖBB nightjet from Hamburg to Vienna?
You can buy your ticket for the night train from Hamburg to Vienna at the German Railways Buy
What does a couchette car look like on the ÖBB nightjet Hamburg-Vienna?
A couchette coach consists of compartments with two beds on top of each other on the left and right side. The aisle is free in the centre. You can reach the upper berths via a ladder. You can find photos here on the page.
What does a sleeping car on the ÖBB nightjet Hamburg-Vienna look like?
A sleeping car consists of compartments with two beds each. There is a private WC and a washbasin in the compartment. In the "Comfort Plus" compartments there is also a private shower. You can find photos here on the page.
What does the ÖBB nightjet from Hamburg to Vienna cost?
Seat tickets are available from 29 euros. A bed in a couchette carriage costs from EUR 59. And a bed in a sleeper carriage costs from EUR 109. Prices depend on the date you are travelling and how far in advance you book.
Which is cheaper: flight or train from Hamburg to Vienna?
On average, the train is the cheaper option. When making an honest calculation, you should also take into account the journey to and from the airport to the city centres. With the night train, you also need one less hotel night, which is not exactly cheap in either city. And remember: the damage you do to the environment by flying is priceless.
How is the train ticket checked in ÖBB nightjet?
Shortly after departure from the station where you boarded, the train crew will come and check your ticket. Don't worry: if you are travelling with more than one person, only one passenger's name is usually shown on the ticket. This person must show the ticket and identify themselves. However, the ticket is also valid for all other passengers.
How do I find the right compartment in the mini-cabins, couchette car and sleeping car of the ÖBB nightjet?
The carriage number is printed on your train ticket. At many stations, you will find the carriage order on a paper notice - and therefore also in which area (A, B, C, ...) of the platform you should stand. In some stations, this information is displayed digitally. In the carriages, the bed numbers are clearly displayed on the carriage doors.
How much luggage can I take with me in an ÖBB nightjet?
There is no really strict luggage policy. You can take anything you can carry with you. In the couchette and sleeper carriages, you keep your luggage with you in your cabin. In the mini-cabin, there are separate lockers in your cabin. More luggage can be stored in appropriate compartments outside the cabin. Cable locks are available for this purpose. The same applies to the seating carriage. There you can also store additional luggage under your seat.
Is there a dining car in the ÖBB nightjet? Or how can I buy food and drink?
There is no dining car in the ÖBB Nightjet. However, you can buy hot meals, snacks and drinks on board. In the sleeping car, these are even brought directly to your compartment. Price examples (rounded): Coffee: 3 euros, beer: 4 euros, wine: 4 euros, gummy bears/chips: 3 euros, goulash soup: 5 euros, Frankfurter sausages: 5 euros, curry: 10 euros, chilli sin carne with bread: 8 euros. So it's quite affordable, even though I often take my own dinner and drinks with me. Breakfast is included in the mini-cabins, couchettes and sleeper carriages. You can buy it separately for 6 euros in the couchette car.
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Interrail and Eurail reservations
You can use the ÖBB nightjet with your Interrail/Eurail Pass. However, a reservation is required. In return, you save travelling time and the cost of an overnight stay in a hotel.
The costs for reservations are dynamic and depend on capacity utilisation. The prices quoted are per person in a bed and not per compartment.
| Category | Price with Interrail/Eurail |
|---|---|
| Seat | 5-20 EUR |
| Mini Cabin | 25-65 EUR |
| Couchette car/couchette 4-seater compartment | 25-65 EUR |
| Sleeping car "Comfort" 2-seater compartment (WC) | 65-155 EUR |
| Sleeping car "Comfort" 1 compartment (WC) | 150-310 EUR |
| Sleeping car "Comfort Plus" 2-seater compartment (shower + WC) | 110-265 EUR |
| Sleeping car "Comfort Plus" 1 compartment (shower + WC) | 250-470 EUR |
How to book a reservation with an Interrail/Eurail Pass
- Go to the website oebb.at and start a normal journey planner there.
- In the "Travellers" click on "Change" and enter the number of fellow travellers.
- Then select under "Discounts" the option "Interrail/Eurail - Globalpass" and assign them to each traveller individually.
- Pay attentionthat the tick next to "Seat reservation only" not is set.
- Then click on "Search for connections" to display trains with a reduced price for pass holders.
- By default, you will receive a Simple seat reservation displayed. If you prefer to travel in a couchette or sleeping car, you can click on "Upgrade" and select the type of bed you want.
Important notice:
If your Interrail or Eurail Pass is only valid for the 2nd class applies, you should no 1st class options on the ÖBB website. A seemingly favourable Upgrade for 5 EUR is in reality only the price difference when bookingnot for the ticket itself. Therefore stay with the Class of your passportto avoid unnecessary costs.
Interrail/Eurail Pass - discover Europe flexibly by train
The Interrail Pass (for Europeans) or Eurail Pass (for non-Europeans) is a train ticket that allows you unlimited travel through up to 33 European countries. Instead of buying individual tickets, you can use a single pass for several train journeys - ideal for flexible round trips, city breaks or backpacking adventures. Whether it's a spontaneous stopover or a longer journey: the Interrail/Eurail Pass offers you maximum freedom when travelling by train in Europe.
Night train and travel days: how it works with your Interrail/Eurail Pass
If you are travelling on an overnight train, the only thing that usually counts is a single day of travelling - namely the day of departure. This applies as long as you Do not change trains after midnight must. In this case, your Interrail or Eurail Pass covers the entire journey to your destination on the following day, even if you don't arrive until the next morning.
Important exception: changing trains after midnight
However, should a Train change after 00:00 necessary, you must two travelling days enter the day of the departure train and the calendar day of the connecting train after midnight. This is because every new train after 00:00 is considered a new journey and requires a separate valid day of travel.
Last day of validity of your passport
Also note: On your last day of validity you may no night train You can no longer use a travel pass that extends beyond midnight. The validity of your pass ends on this day at exactly 23:59. After that, no more travel days are available, even if your train would technically still be travelling.
Flight from Hamburg to Vienna
Of course you can also fly the route from Hamburg to Vienna. The flight time is around 2 hours. Then there is the way from Hamburg city centre to the airport. The same in Vienna, from the airport back to the city centre. Be there in good time, check-in, etc.
Sustainable is, of course, not to sit in a subsidised plane for a short time. Everyone has to decide for themselves at what point they start doing something for Planet Earth. And on this route, from Hamburg to Vienna, it's really easy.
On the night train you save transfers and waiting times. In addition, a Night at the hotelwhich is not really cheap in both cities. It is simply a relaxed shape to travel. Definitely more relaxed and communicative than in a tightly squeezed plane.
9 thoughts on “Hamburg-Wien ÖBB nightjet NJ491/NJ490”
Why are the travel times given wrong? Why is the train at a standstill in Nuremberg for over an hour?
Without specifying the date of travel, I cannot check your statement "the journey times are incorrect". In general, journey times can vary by a few minutes depending on the date of travel. You can find the exact details on the page where you book your ticket. This is just a private page I run for fun and not a timetable information with live data. In Nuremberg, the Nightjets are diverted from various lines.
Why is it not possible to book a single sleeping compartment anywhere?
Hello Mike.
What travel date are you looking for exactly?
If this category is sold out (and it often is), the option is not displayed.
Best regards, Πέτρος 🙂
Optionally, you could take the ICE from Hamburg to Berlin first and then take the night train to Berlin, if there are still single sleeper compartments available: https://nachtzug.net/berlin-wien/
It's not ideal, but it's optional. 🙂
Hello.
I have the afternoon in Hamburg and can choose which Hamburg station I get on the night train. Which is the most relaxed station? But one where I can also buy provisions. Thank you, Tom. And greetings, Tom
Good evening Tom.
Hamburg Hbf is of course the main station. But in my eyes "stressful": full, narrow, ...
I definitely recommend Hamburg Altona. There, the night train is usually ready 30 minutes before departure and you can get on and relax.
If you have more time, just walk along the platform and sit at the end (terminus). You'll have peace and quiet there.
If you look at the station from the tracks, you will also see a shopping centre on your right (go through the side exit). There you can get something to eat in the snack bars. There is a large supermarket.
There is also a multi-storey car park on the right. There you can go up to the roof (lift) and have a good view over the station.
And if you want to stay overnight: I find the Intercity Hotel directly on the platform top.
It is also interesting to see how the cars are loaded onto the trains via the platform (car train) 🙂 I have also seen kindergarten groups doing this in the morning as an "excursion".... 🙂
That's what I'm thinking of right now, off the top of my head. Oh yes, there is also a supermarket in the basement of the station itself, but I didn't find it that great.
Have a good trip, Πέτρος 🙂
What are the corona rules for the sleeping car when you share it with other people.
Hello Erich.
The following rules currently apply:
Travellers must be recovered, tested or vaccinated. This may or may not be checked.
Tests are considered to be:
- PCR tests are valid for 72 hours from sample collection.
- Antigen tests from an authorised body shall be valid for 48 hours from the time of sampling.
- Self-tests recorded in an official data processing system of the countries are valid for 24 hours.
A mask must be worn on the train, except in private compartments and when sleeping.
If you want to travel on the Nightjet without contact with other passengers, you have the following options:
- book a sleeper compartment for yourself alone, i.e. as a "single".
- book a couchette compartment (4-seater) as a private compartment. Then there are no other passengers in it.
I hope this helps you.
Best regards, Πέτρος 🙂