Sleep your way
across Europe
Board at dusk. Wake up in a new country. Night trains are the most civilised way to cover long distances - and they're having a renaissance.
Nightjet is the flagship night train brand of Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB), and the backbone of Europe's overnight rail renaissance. Operating across more than 25 routes connecting Austria, Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, the Netherlands, and beyond, Nightjet trains depart in the early evening and arrive the following morning - turning a long journey into eight hours of productive rest. Since ÖBB relaunched the network in 2016 and invested heavily in new rolling stock, demand has surged: many routes now sell out weeks in advance, particularly in private sleeper class.
Booking is straightforward once you know the system. Tickets open up to 180 days before departure and are available directly through ÖBB, or via third-party platforms like Trainline which consolidate multiple operators into a single checkout. Choose your cabin type at booking (see the guide below), select your bunk preference, and your e-ticket covers everything - no separate reservation fee, no check-in desk. Simply board, find your compartment, and let the conductor do the rest.
Featured Night Routes
Three journeys worth losing sleep for
Depart the Dutch canals and wake to Alpine peaks. One of Europe's most scenic overnight arcs, passing through the Rhine Gorge in the small hours - a view worth setting an alarm for.
- Rhine Gorge in the night
- Basel at first light
- Zurich city-centre arrival
The workhorse of the Nightjet network - reliable, popular, and remarkably good value in couchette class. Links Germany's capital directly to the Swiss financial centre overnight.
- Bavaria's lake district at dawn
- Border crossing near Singen
- Arrives before business hours
Nightjet booking can be confusing.
Here's the simple way.
Private compartments on popular Nightjet routes sell out months in advance. Secure your cabin up to 180 days ahead via Trainline - one checkout, instant e-ticket, no Austrian Railways account required.
Railero may earn a small commission if you book via the link above, at no extra cost to you.
Cabin Guide
Which cabin should you book?
Nightjet trains offer three tiers of comfort. The right choice depends on your budget, who you're travelling with, and how seriously you take your sleep.
Seating Carriage
Budget
- Reclining seats in a shared compartment
- Best for short-haul overnight legs (under 8 hours)
- Bring a neck pillow - legroom is limited
- No bedding included; pack light layers
Couchette
4–6 shared bunks
- Foldable bunks in a shared compartment of 4 or 6
- Pillow, sheet, and blanket included
- Perfect for groups, solo travellers, or families
- Luggage stored under the lowest bunk
Private Sleeper Cabin
Premium luxury
- Lockable private compartment for 1–3 passengers
- Fold-down beds with proper linen and pillows
- Sink (and shower on select routes)
- Breakfast delivered to your cabin door
Expert Tips
Make the most of your night train
Book early for private cabins
Private sleeper compartments on popular Nightjet routes such as Amsterdam–Zurich sell out 6–8 weeks ahead. Lock in your cabin as soon as your dates are confirmed.
Pack light - storage is tight
Luggage goes above or below your bunk. A 20L daypack and one 50L bag per person is the sweet spot. Hard suitcases are awkward in couchette class.
Bring noise-cancelling headphones
Couchette compartments are shared and trains have a consistent background rumble. Headphones and an eye mask turn any bunk into a private pod.
Dinner before you board
Bar cars on Nightjet trains serve light snacks, not full meals. Eat at the station before departure - or treat the bar car as a drinks-and-atmosphere experience only.