Nightjet - onboard experience

Nightjet sleeper trains have various types of couchette and compartments—here's our guide to what they're like

Introduction

Nightjet trains are part of a renaissance of sleeper trains in Europe. From east to west and north to south, they crisscross the continent, taking dreaming passengers to their destinations.

Many Nightjet travellers are skiers heading for the Austrian Alps because the Nightjet accesses some handy destinations in western Austria. 

But if you take this train, what will the experience be like? This guide will help you know more about what it's like on board.

There must have been a time when every sleeper train in the world had a dining car or bar. Sadly, that's no longer the case. On the Nightjet, you have a corridor and you have cabins, couchette compartments and some seating too—but no restaurant.

Nightjet corridorNightjet corridorPhoto: Daniel Elkan

In the photo above, the Nightjet menu is framed on the wall (there's also a paper version to peruse). More on that below.

Nightjet sleeper cabins

Nightjet sleeper cabinNightjet sleeper cabinPhoto: Daniel Elkan

The most comfortable (and pricey) option on the Nightjet is the sleeper cabin. As a sign of its luxury, you'll be greeted onboard with a complimentary glass of fizz.

Sleepers come in several types, based on how many travellers there are per cabin.

Two-person and some three-person 'deluxe' cabins come with their own private shower and toilet, with towels and toiletries provided, including soap, slippers and earplugs.  'Standard' sleeper cabins only come with a washbasin, with a shared bathroom between compartments. 

Below is a photo of the washbasin - which is arranged in quite an ergonomic way.

Nightjet washbasinNightjet washbasinPhoto: Daniel Elkan

The private shower unit also works well, with a solid metal shower head and a decent jet of water.

Nightjet showerNightjet showerPhoto: Daniel Elkan

Nightjet couchette compartments

Nightjet couchetteNightjet couchettePhoto: ÖBB Nightjet

Couchette compartments are the next step along from sleeper cabins.

On the Nightjet there are two types of couchette: six-berth and four-berth. These are fold-down, padded bunks, which during the daytime become seats. While the first (six-berth) is cheaper, it's also a lot 'cosier'. For families of four, we'd strongly recommend the four-berth for space and ease.

Each berth comes with a fresh pillow, double-sheet, and blanket as well as a reading light and water bottle. There's plenty of space for luggage below the bottom berths and above the door.

Unlike sleepers, couchettes don't come with a private ensuite or washbasin. Rather, you'll share the WC and washroom at opposing ends of the train corridor.

Important to note: while children under 6 go free on the Nightjet, that doesn't include a bed. If you need the extra breathing space, book them a berth.

Breakfast on board

Nightjet breakfastNightjet breakfastPhoto: ÖBB Nightjet

Breakfast is included on all Nightjet journeys, served in your cabin or couchette by a uniformed train attendant.

While it would be wonderful if an absolutely cracking English fry-up was served, as yet, it isn't.

Instead, you'll receive a more continental/Austrian affair.

The evening before the morning after, your train attendant will knock on your door to ask you what you'd like for breakfast. You'll peruse their menu, which has little tick boxes for each item you might want (like a multiple-choice exam, but for breakfast). Travellers can choose from a range of juices, jams, hot drinks, yoghurts, breads and cheeses.

The pic below is one of the breakfasts we ordered recently: 

Nightjet breakfastNightjet breakfastPhoto: Daniel Elkan

You aren't allowed to tick all the boxes (who ever passed an exam like that?), but you can tick quite a few things which—while never amounting to a fry-up—may provide you with smaller joy and some sustenance for the day on the slopes which awaits you.

Evening meals

In the evening and throughout the night you can order food items from the train attendant.

The menu includes items such as goulash soup, organic lentil curry with basmati rice, and a couscous-and-vegetable wrap.

You can view and download a PDF of the Nightjet menu here.

Wi-Fi and charging

ÖBB only began rolling out Wi-Fi on Nightjet services in 2021, so some services are still without Wi-Fi. However, you'll get pretty good signal along most routes, so it's not a problem if you've got data. 

All couchettes and sleepers have plug sockets for charging phones, laptops, cameras etc.—just make sure to bring an adaptor!

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