The ÖBB Nightjet is one of the most important night trains in Europe. It connects many cities overnight and offers several comfort levels: seating car, couchette car and sleeping car. This lets you decide whether you want to travel as cheaply as possible, prefer a solid option for lying down, or want the comfort of a private sleeping car compartment.
The main advantage is simple: you board in the evening, travel overnight and arrive the next morning directly in the centre of your destination. The Nightjet is especially useful on longer routes because you combine travel time and overnight accommodation.
Depending on the route and rolling stock used, onboard facilities may vary. You should therefore always check carefully during booking which category is offered: seat, couchette, sleeping car Standard or sleeping car Deluxe.
Comfort & classes
The ÖBB Nightjet has three main categories. The seating car is the cheapest option. It is suitable for budget-conscious travellers, but only moderately comfortable for a full night. The couchette car is the solid middle category: you travel lying down, receive bedding and a simple breakfast. It is especially useful for families, groups and travellers who want to travel more cheaply but do not want to sit all night.
The sleeping car is the most comfortable option. There you travel in a real bed, with more quiet and more service. In sleeping car Standard, you have a washbasin in the compartment. In sleeping car Deluxe, you also have your own private shower and private WC inside the compartment.
If you do not want to share a compartment with other passengers, you should specifically book a private compartment or the correct sleeping car occupancy. In the couchette car, a private compartment is especially useful for families and groups. In the sleeping car, Single, Double and Triple are the key terms.
Tickets & notes
Nightjet tickets are tied to a specific train, and the cheapest offers are limited in number. This means: the earlier you book, the better the price and selection usually are. Sleeping cars, Deluxe compartments, private compartments and popular travel days can sell out quickly.
When booking, pay close attention to the category. “Seating car”, “couchette car” and “sleeping car” only describe the basic class. What matters as well is whether you book an individual place, a private compartment, a sleeping car as Single, Double or Triple, or a Deluxe compartment with private shower and private WC.
For families, a private compartment in the couchette car is often the most pleasant solution. For couples or solo travellers who want more comfort, the sleeping car is usually the better choice. If you really want to sleep, choose the seating car only if price is more important than comfort.
Travel tips
Pack a small overnight bag separately. It should include toothbrush, sleepwear, charging cable, water bottle, medication, earplugs and everything you need immediately in the morning. Your larger luggage can then stay stored in the compartment or car.
For couchette and sleeping cars, it is useful to board early and set up your compartment calmly. In the sleeping car, you usually agree on breakfast and wake-up time with the train crew. In the couchette car, be considerate of other passengers, especially during the night.
If privacy is important to you, do not simply book “couchette” or “sleeping car”; check the exact occupancy. A single couchette berth may mean that you share the compartment with strangers. A sleeping car berth in Double or Triple may also be shared if you do not book the full compartment in the right occupancy.
Food & drinks on board
There is usually no classic dining car on the ÖBB Nightjet like on some daytime trains. Catering is handled by the train crew and the onboard menu. In the seating car, drinks and snacks may be purchased from the train crew, subject to availability.
In the couchette car, mineral water and a Viennese breakfast are included. In the sleeping car, a welcome drink, evening snack, mineral water and an à-la-carte breakfast with hot drink are included. Drinks and snacks from the menu can also be purchased and brought to your seat or compartment.
For orientation, here are a few examples from the Nightjet menu: a vegetarian sandwich costs EUR 4.80, a warm dish such as veal patty with mashed potatoes costs EUR 11.90, Soletti pretzel sticks cost EUR 2.40, a Mars chocolate bar costs EUR 2.90 and an Ölz mini marble cake costs EUR 3.70. For drinks, a cappuccino costs EUR 2.00, a 0.5 l bottle of Vöslauer mineral water costs EUR 3.40 and a 0.5 l Happy Day apple spritz costs EUR 3.60. The selection may vary depending on route, season and stock.
For breakfast in the sleeping car, 6 components are included. Additional breakfast components cost EUR 1.20 each. Scrambled eggs are not part of the 6 included components and cost an additional EUR 3.00.
WiFi on board
Wi-Fi and modern charging options should not be promised across all ÖBB Nightjet services. Facilities depend on the rolling stock used. Many cars have power sockets, but not always at every seat or berth and not always to the standard found on newer trains.
Important for travellers: free Wi-Fi, modern control displays, NFC access, wireless charging and similar features mainly belong to newer or modernised rolling stock. For a regular Nightjet connection, you should therefore always check during booking and before travel which facilities are actually offered.
Practical tip: charge your phone and power bank before travelling, pack a regular charging cable and do not rely on every seat or berth having a modern charging option.
Bicycle transport
Bicycle transport on the ÖBB Nightjet is only possible on certain routes. If it is offered, you need a separate bicycle ticket and a reservation. Expect the bicycle ticket to cost EUR 12 and add it during booking if bicycle transport is available on your connection.
Bicycle spaces are limited. You should therefore book bicycle transport as early as possible together with your ticket. If the booking system does not offer a bicycle space, you should not assume that taking your bike will still be possible.
Pets
Dogs can only travel on the ÖBB Nightjet if a whole compartment is booked. Expect the dog fare to be EUR 29. The exact price and availability should be checked during booking or with the operator.
Small and harmless animals may be carried in closed, secure containers if the containers meet the permitted requirements and can be stowed as luggage. Assistance dogs travel free of charge. Different rules may apply on EuroNight trains operated by other railway companies.
Car transport
Car transport is not a standard feature of every ÖBB Nightjet connection. Car and motorcycle transport is only available on certain routes and must be booked separately. You need a separate vehicle ticket for the vehicle; all passengers also need a personal ticket.
Before booking, the route, vehicle dimensions, loading times and availability must be checked. Also important: loading starts well before the actual train departure. Travellers should therefore not arrive at the terminal only shortly before departure.
