Travelling across Europe by night train

Across Europe with the ÖBB Nightjet

The Nightjet (NJ for short) is a night train operated by Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). The Nightjet network covers seven countries. These include Belgium, Germany, Italy, Austria, Czechia, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

Those who want to travel more comfortably, either alone or in a group, can book a compartment in one of the various comfort classes on the Nightjet.

Other operators of night trains across Europe

• EuroNight (ÖBB in cooperation with other operators)
• SNCF Intercités de nuit
• Trenitalia Intercitynotte
• European Sleeper
• ČDNight
• RegioJet
• Snälltåget

What is the difference between a seating car, a couchette car and a sleeping car?

On the Nightjet, you can book tickets for three different categories. The scope of services and facilities may differ from those described here for other railway companies. Night train passengers should therefore find out about the various comfort options before booking.

Sleeping car

The sleeping car offers the greatest comfort on the night train. On the Nightjet, you can choose between a single, double or triple compartment. For an additional charge, you can also book comfort and plus compartments. These have their own toilet or shower.

The journey in the sleeping car also includes an à la carte breakfast.

Couchette car

The couchette car has compartments with four or six bunks arranged one above the other. It is also possible to reserve your own compartment in the couchette car. These compartments are particularly suitable for groups and families.

A small breakfast is also included here, with coffee or tea, a bread roll, butter and jam.

Important: Couchette car bookings are not separated by gender. If, for example, you are a woman and would like to travel exclusively with other women, you can book a seat in the ladies’ compartment.

Good to know: If privacy is important to you, you can book a mini cabin. For couples, these cabins can even be connected with a sliding door.

Seating car

The seating car is the most affordable travel category and is equipped with seating. Here you can choose between a compartment for six people or the open-plan carriage.

In the open-plan carriage in particular, it is advisable to bring comfortable clothing, a sleep mask or a neck pillow, and to be considerate of your fellow passengers.

Passenger rights and travel arrangements

Before and during their journey, rail passengers should note the following:

• Pay attention to information channels when booking and shortly before departure: Find out in advance where and how the provider will inform you about changes. Some information is only available on the website or in the rail company’s online customer account. Check these information channels before departure to ensure you are informed in the event of a train cancellation or change of departure station.
• Report faults immediately on the train: Report problems such as a faulty air conditioning system or lights that cannot be switched off to the train crew immediately. Claims for compensation are usually only possible if you have already reported the fault on site without success.

Tips for a relaxed journey with the nighttrain across Europe

• Theft protection
  Always lock your compartment and keep valuables close to you.
• More privacy
  Book a single compartment if privacy is important to you.
• Quiet night on the rails
  Take earplugs with you so you are not disturbed by train noise or other passengers. In some compartments, the lights cannot be switched off completely. Therefore, a sleep mask is also advisable.
• Pack your bags properly
  It can get cramped in the compartment, so put your pyjamas, toothbrush and flannel in the top of your bag. It is also advisable to pack several small bags, as these are easier to stow away.
• Start the day relaxed
  Take an alarm clock or use the wake-up service in the sleeping car so you have time to freshen up and have breakfast in the morning.

Where can I buy a Nightjet ticket?

Tickets for the Nightjet are available from ÖBB and Deutsche Bahn AG (DB). You will need to make a reservation. It is best to book this at the same time as purchasing your ticket.

Good to know: With the DB BahnCard, you can get discounts on the Nightjet.

Night train journeys with children

A night train journey through Europe is not only exciting for children, but also saves time and money. The journey together is ideal for activities. A private compartment in a couchette car is particularly comfortable, offering enough space and privacy for the whole family.

Information on age regulations on the Nightjet:

• Children under 6 travel free of charge in the seat of the accompanying adult. Due to limited space, families with young children should travel with foldable pushchairs.
• Children between 6 and 14 receive discounted tickets, which also include a seat reservation.
• Young people aged 15 and over must pay the full fare.

The age at which minors must be accompanied by an adult on trains varies from country to country. More information on this can be found in an article by the ECC Germany on travelling by train with children.

Can I take my bike on the Nightjet?

The Nightjet currently offers the option of taking bicycles on some routes. An additional ticket and a reservation are required for transport.

Passengers using other providers should find out about the options and conditions for transporting bicycles.

Please note the following tips for travelling with your bicycle on the night train:

• Be on the platform on time. This will give you enough time to stow your bicycle away calmly.
• Find out where the bicycle carriage is located. Sleeping and bicycle spaces may be located in different carriages.
• Bring a good bicycle lock with you. This will keep your bike secure during the journey.
• Stow your bicycle correctly. Make sure it does not block any passageways.
• Print out your bicycle reservation. Stick it on your bicycle to avoid any misunderstandings.

When taking your bicycle on other trains in Europe, please note further tips and information.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Innovation Council and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.