A night-time journey doesn’t necessarily mean a place to sleep. Before paying, check exactly what’s on offer and weigh up the price against the opportunity to rest. For the following day, this is more important than the fact that the journey takes place at night.
Seat, couchette or bed
Read the accommodation category, the number of passengers in the compartment and the services available. If you need privacy, check whether the whole space is being booked or just a single seat. For a through ticket, check separately whether a reservation is required. Don’t assume that a shower or meals are included just because of a photo of a different train.
Count the actual number of nights
Subtract any check-in procedures and potential security checks from the time between boarding and alighting. Very late departures and early arrivals may leave you with little time for sleep. Pack a small bag and arrange with your accommodation to have your luggage delivered early. Don’t plan a complicated connection for the first few minutes after waking up.
See also: Nightjet: how to tell the difference between a seat, a couchette and a sleeper; Railway ticket refunds in Europe: fees and reasons for cancellation.
Official sources
Nightjet: comfort categories. Please check current services, prices and terms and conditions for your specific dates; the photographs illustrate rail travel and do not confirm the configuration of a specific service.
Image details
- Siemens Viaggio Next Level ÖBB nightjet unit 13 at Hamburg Hbf 2023-12 - 46.jpg — TheFrog001; CC0. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. Licence terms can be found on the original page.
- Mini cabins in ÖBB’s new generation Nightjet sleeper train.jpg — Mark Smith; CC BY-SA 4.0. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. Licence terms can be found on the original page.
Questions and answers
Does a night train ticket always include a bed?
No, please check the accommodation category.
Can you save money on a hotel?
Compare the full price of the ticket with the actual quality of your journey, bearing in mind that savings aren’t automatically guaranteed.
What should I check for a private compartment?
Are you paying for the whole compartment, rather than just one seat amongst other passengers?
What should you prepare for the morning?
Have your documents to hand, your belongings packed, and a plan for storing your luggage upon arrival.