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Your Ultimate Guide to Nightjet Tickets: Travel Europe by Night
Need to know
- Frequency: Most routes operate daily, with some running several times a week, connecting major European cities across the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Switzerland & Italy with an eco-friendly overnight travel
- Schedule: Typically depart in the evening and arrive the next morning
- Duration: Journeys range from 6 to 14 hours, depending on the route
- Advance booking: Nightjet ticket sales typically open 180 days before departure.
- Recommended tickets: Nightjet tickets, Interrail Pass, Eurail Pass
- Reservations: Mandatory for all Nightjet services
- Stops: Vary by route, but include cities like Vienna, Munich, Rome, and Amsterdam
- Requirements: Valid ticket and reservation, passport for international travel
Facts
- Nightjet is operated by ÖBB, the Austrian Federal Railways.
- The network covers over 25 cities across Europe.
- Nightjet trains can reach speeds of up to 230 km/h (143 mph).
- Each Nightjet train can take up to 500 cars off the road, significantly reducing CO2 emissions.
- The first Nightjet service was launched in 2016, reviving the concept of night trains in Europe.
- In December 2023, ÖBB Nightjet launched their brand new ‘Nightjet of the new generation’, with amenities like modern seats, couchettes, and sleeping cars,and a ‘Mini Cabins’ for you.
Facilities and services
Facilities and services
- Free Wi-Fi: Available only on the Hamburg–Vienna/Innsbruck route.
- Own Vehicle Storage: Cars and motorcycles are allowed on select routes. Bicycles need separate tickets and reservations, available on Nightjets between Germany, Austria, and seasonal Swiss routes.
- Food at Your Service: Complimentary breakfast served in your compartment, with evening options to select up to 6 items. Additional snacks and drinks are available for purchase, or you can bring your own.
- Luggage Storage: Ample space in compartments or designated areas with no size or weight limits. Keep your bags with you for easy access.
- Accessible Travel: Most Nightjets offer wheelchair-accessible couchettes and nearby sanitary facilities.
Nightjet tickets
Types of Nightjet tickets
Services included in your ticket
Nightjet reservation and requirements
Standard-Tickets (Flex):
- This ticket includes a seat reservation in your chosen travel category and is valid only for the specific train, travel day, and route you booked.
- You can cancel this ticket for a full refund until the day before your trip, but no refunds or exchanges are allowed after the first day of validity
Sparschiene tickets (Non-Flex)
- Sparschiene tickets are the most affordable option.
- They come with specific cancellation conditions and are non-refundable.
- These tickets are sold in limited quantities, and prices depend on demand.
Sparschiene Komfort tickets (Semi-Flex)
- These tickets are refundable for free up to 15 days before your trip.
- After that, you can cancel up to one day before your journey for a 50% fee (minimum 15 euros per person).
The services included in your ticket price vary depending on the accommodation you book.
- Seating carriage: Your ticket includes your seat reservation.
- Couchette: Includes your chosen couchette in a compartment, a bottle of water in the evening, and breakfast in the morning.
- Sleeper car: This option includes your bed in a compartment, water, sweets, an aperitif, and a daily newspaper in the evening.
- You also get an à la carte breakfast in the morning, toiletries, and free access to ÖBB Lounges.
Reservation:
- Reservations are mandatory for all Nightjet services.
- You should make your reservations as early as possible, especially if you are traveling during peak season (May-September).
- Bookings for Nightjet trains usually open six months in advance.
Requirements:
- Valid ticket and reservation.
- Passport for international travel.
Plan your Nightjet Journey
How to buy Nightjet tickets
Accommodation classes
Special considerations
Direct booking through ÖBB
- Visit the ÖBB website (www.oebb.at)
- Enter your departure and arrival stations, date, and preferred accommodation
- Select your preferred connection and complete the booking process
- Prices vary based on route, class, and how far in advance you book
- Click on the Passengers’ info box (where you see “1 x Adult – Without Discounts”) and another page will appear.
- Add as many travelers as you need, and for each Passholder click on 'add discount'
- Click on ‘Find Services’ and select ‘One way tickets and day tickets’. Here you can select the train and then the type of accommodation (either seat, couchette, or sleeper cabin) you want
- Once the desired accommodation is selected, click on ‘Continue with € __’ and finalize your reservation with the payment
- You can just add the journey to My Trip and activate it before boarding. In the 'My Pass' section, simply tap on "show ticket" to show your QR-code during the inspection.
NOTE: If you have a paper Pass, the conductor might keep it for the night and return it in the morning.
Through Interrail or Eurail pass
- If you have an Interrail or Eurail pass, you can use it on Nightjet services.
- You can book your reservation on the ÖBB website or through the Rail Planner app, or at a station.
- Scroll down or search for 'Interrail / Eurail - Global Pass', then select it and click confirm
- Once you’re done with all travelers, click ‘OK’, and you’ll be redirected to the main page
- You will still need to pay a reservation fee for your chosen accommodation
At the station:
- Purchase tickets at ÖBB ticket counters or self-service machines.
- Be aware that prices may be higher and availability limited for last-minute bookings.
Tips for buying Nightjet tickets:
- Book early for the best prices and availability, especially during peak seasons.
- Compare different travel dates if your schedule is flexible.
- Consider purchasing a rail pass if you plan to take multiple train journeys in Europe.
Seating carriage
- This is the most affordable option if you are traveling on Nightjet trains on a budget.
- You can expect basic amenities like bathrooms and toilets in each coach and the option to purchase snacks and drinks from the onboard staff.
Couchette
- You can choose between a 4-berth (two bunks) or 6-berth (three bunks) couchette, which is ideal for families, groups, or if you are someone looking for affordable comfort.
- These compartments have lockable doors and include beds with blankets, sheets, and pillows, breakfast and mineral water, and a wake-up call from the crew.
- Bathrooms and toilets are located near the coach.
Sleeper cabin
- This is the most comfortable option on Nightjet trains.
- You can book a single, double, or triple compartment in either standard or deluxe class.
- Standard compartments have a sink, while deluxe compartments have a private bathroom with a toilet, sink, and shower.
- In addition to the amenities offered in the couchette, you get a welcome drink, a newspaper, towels and toiletries, and an à la carte breakfast with free refills on hot drinks
Mini cabins
- The recently launched “Nightjet of the new generation” includes private pods for sleeping that offer the same level of comfort as modern couchettes.
- These Nightjet trains operate on the following routes :
- Vienna/Innsbruck – Hamburg
- Vienna/Munich – Rome
- Vienna – Bregenz
Customer cards and Groups discounts
Customer cards:
- If you are traveling to, from, or through Austria, you are eligible for a discount if you have an ÖBB Vorteilscard or a business account.Holders of the Klimaticket Ö can travel within Austria in the Nightjet seating carriage free of charge but will need to pay to reserve a seat, couchette, or sleeper.
- The SBB half-price subscription (SwissPass, Halbtax-Abo) gives you a discount for trips from/within Switzerland
- The Trenitalia Carta Verde or Carta Argento gives you a discount for trips from/to Italy.
- The DB BahnCard 25, 50 or 100 entitles you to a discount for overnight travel on the ÖBB Nightjet
Groups discounts:
- Groups of six or more people are eligible for a group discount.
- You can buy these Nightjet tickets for adults or children at any ticket counter or from the ÖBB Customer Service.
Children and Pet travel
Children:
- One child up to 5 years old can travel for free when sharing a seat with an adult.
- However, if you want your child to have a separate bed, you will need to buy a child ticket.
- Children between 6 and 14 years old can get discounted tickets.
- For a more comfortable journey, we recommend booking a private compartment in a couchette carriage or a compartment in a sleeper carriage if you are traveling with children.
Pet travel:
- Small pets in carriers are allowed for a fee, and larger dogs require a special ticket
Accessibility needs
- All ticket types and discounts (including Sparschiene) are available to people with limited mobility.
- On many routes, passengers with limited mobility can make use of a coach with wheelchair-accessible couchette compartment and adjacent sanitary facilities. This couchette compartment provides room for one passenger with a wheelchair and one accompanying person.
Further information on this can be found in the travel categories on the official Nightjet website under the heading, ‘Couchette coach with wheelchair compartment’.
Frequently asked questions about Nightjet tickets
Can I choose my specific seat or berth when booking a Nightjet ticket?
Yes, when you book your Nightjet ticket, you can select your preferred accommodation type. For sleeper cabins and couchettes, you'll be assigned a specific berth. In seated coaches, you can often choose your seat from a seating plan during the booking process.
What happens if I miss my Nightjet train?
If you miss your train due to circumstances beyond your control (like a delayed connecting train), contact Nightjet customer service immediately. They may be able to rebook you on a later service. However, if you simply arrive late, standard tickets are usually non-refundable. It's always a good idea to arrive at the station with plenty of time to spare.
As a woman, I'd like to travel in a ladies' compartment. Is this possible?
Yes, there are separate ladies' compartments. These are available in the couchette travel category. Price, equipment, and service are equal to the standard couchette compartments.
Are there sanitary facilities in every wagon?
Yes, there are washing and toilet facilities in each wagon. The deluxe compartments in the sleeper cars are equipped with their own showers.
Are all the Nightjet trains equipped with air conditioning, and can the temperature be controlled separately for each compartment?
Yes, all sleeper, couchette and seating carriages are air-conditioned, and the temperature can be controlled separately for each compartment.
What food is included in the breakfast, and when is it served?
In the couchette cabin, you will receive a Viennese breakfast (coffee/tea, 1 bread roll, butter, jam). In the sleeper car, you can configure your breakfast according to your wishes based on the menu.
I want to travel with my family. What options do I have?
Private compartments are available on ÖBB Nightjets. In couchette cars, 1-6 persons (1-3 adults; max. 5 children up to the age of 14) can travel at a low fixed rate.
Can I lock my compartment?
All compartments can be locked by the passenger, while an intercom system allows you to directly contact the train team. Couchette compartments can be closed from the inside. Seat carriage compartments cannot/are not allowed to be closed from the inside.
Is there a wake-up service, and where can I order it?
In the sleeper car, the train team will arrange a wake-up call for you and wake you up on time in the morning