790 million euros, 33 brand-new trainsets, in-cabin showers and onboard WiFi: OBB is reinventing the European night train. The new-generation Nightjet, built by Siemens Mobility, is the largest overnight rolling stock renewal in the continent’s history. Solo mini-cabins with keycard access, Comfort Plus compartments with private en-suite bathrooms, ambient lighting and USB outlets everywhere: these trains have nothing in common with the sleeper cars of old. From Zurich-Amsterdam to Vienna-Rome, the Nightjet network now covers a large part of Central and Southern Europe. Here is everything you need to know to plan your next night train journey in 2026.
1. The new-generation Nightjet trainsets
Siemens Viaggio Next Level: a revolution on rails
OBB ordered 33 Viaggio Next Level trainsets from Siemens Mobility for a total of EUR 790 million, split into two successive batches. According to Siemens Mobility, these trains represent the most ambitious overnight rolling stock renewal programme ever launched in Europe. Each trainset consists of seven carriages offering a full range of comfort categories, from reclining seats to compartments with private en-suite bathrooms.
The flagship innovation is the solo mini-cabin, an unprecedented concept in European overnight rail. Accessible by keycard like a hotel room, this compact cabin features a bed, secure storage, a USB outlet and individually adjustable lighting. It is OBB’s answer to growing demand from solo travellers who want more privacy than a shared couchette without paying the full price of a private compartment.
The Comfort Plus compartments, the top tier of the Nightjet, feature a separate shower cubicle with hot water, a washbasin and a private toilet. Breakfast is served in the cabin each morning, including coffee, pastries and fresh fruit. According to Seat61, the world’s leading rail travel information site, the comfort level is comparable to a 3-star hotel — on wheels.
Standard features on all trainsets
- Free WiFi in all comfort categories
- Power outlets and USB ports at every seat and berth
- Individually adjustable LED ambient lighting
- Wheelchair accessibility: dedicated spaces for wheelchair users and companions
- Secure storage for oversized luggage and bicycles
2. The Nightjet network in 2026: routes and new additions
A star-shaped network from Vienna, Zurich and Munich
The Nightjet network is organised around three main hubs: Vienna, Zurich and Munich. From these stations, night trains radiate towards Italy, the Netherlands, Northern Germany and Switzerland. According to the official Nightjet website, the network now serves more than 20 major European cities.
Key routes in 2026
| Route | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vienna → Rome | 19:26 | 09:25 | ~14h | Daily |
| Vienna → Venice | 21:26 | 08:35 | ~11h | Daily |
| Zurich → Amsterdam | 21:22 | 08:56 | ~11h30 | Daily |
| Zurich → Hamburg | 20:40 | 07:15 | ~10h30 | Daily |
| Munich → Rome | 23:30 | 09:25 | ~10h | Daily |
| Vienna → Amsterdam | 21:15 | 09:30 | ~12h15 | 3x/week |
New in 2026: the city of Graz, Austria’s second-largest city, is now served on the Vienna-Florence/Rome and Vienna-Verona/Milan routes. This allows travellers from Styria to board without going through Vienna, as reported by Night Rides.
3. The 5 Nightjet comfort categories
From reclining seat to suite with shower
The new-generation Nightjet offers five distinct comfort levels, suited to every budget. Whether you are a backpacking student or a couple seeking railway romance, there is a formula for you. Here is a detailed breakdown of each category, with prices from the official OBB website and cross-referenced with data from Seat61.
1. Reclining seat (Sitzwagen)
The most affordable option. The seat reclines comfortably and comes with a footrest, a power outlet and WiFi. Ideal for shorter journeys (Zurich-Hamburg, Munich-Venice) or tight budgets. From EUR 29 at the Sparschiene rate.
2. Solo Mini-Cabin
The major innovation of the new trainsets. A closed and lockable space with keycard access, featuring a single bed, a mirror, individual lighting and a USB outlet. It is a clever compromise between a shared couchette and a private compartment. From EUR 49 at the Sparschiene rate. According to Railway News, the mini-cabins were designed after extensive surveys of solo travellers.
3. 4-person couchette
The night train classic, redesigned and improved. Four bunk beds in a closed compartment, with fresh bedding, a bottle of water and an overnight kit. The new trainsets offer better soundproofing and quiet air conditioning. Between EUR 50 and 120 per person depending on the route and date.
4. Comfort compartment
A private compartment for 1, 2 or 3 people with a washbasin. Breakfast is included and served in the cabin. The space is more generous than a couchette, with luggage storage and a work surface. From EUR 64.90 with an Interrail pass, according to the official Nightjet website.
5. Comfort Plus compartment (with shower)
The ultimate experience. A private compartment with a full en-suite bathroom (shower, washbasin, toilet), gourmet breakfast served in the cabin, bathrobe and welcome kit. On certain routes such as the Vienna-Rome, access to the OBB Lounge at the station is included. Between EUR 200 and 350 depending on the route and availability.
| Category | Price from | Shower | Breakfast | Private |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reclining seat | EUR 29 | No | No | No |
| Solo Mini-Cabin | EUR 49 | No | No | Yes |
| 4-person couchette | EUR 50 | No | Optional | Shared |
| Comfort | EUR 64.90 | Washbasin | Included | Yes |
| Comfort Plus | EUR 200 | Yes | Included | Yes |
4. Fares and booking: the Sparschiene guide
Three ticket types, a dynamic pricing system
OBB uses a dynamic pricing system similar to that of airlines: the earlier you book, the less you pay. Tickets go on sale exactly 180 days before departure on nightjet.com and the OBB app. According to the OBB Sparschiene offer, the lowest fares start at EUR 29 for a seat and EUR 49 for a mini-cabin.
The three fare tiers
Sparschiene — The lowest fare, non-refundable and non-changeable. This is the ticket to grab as soon as sales open. Prices increase as the train fills up. Available online only.
Sparschiene Komfort — An intermediate fare with the option to cancel (refund as an OBB voucher) and modify (subject to a fee). Ideal if your dates are not yet confirmed.
Standard (Standardpreis) — The flexible fare, refundable and changeable at no charge until the day before departure. The most expensive but most flexible, available at ticket offices and online.
Delay compensation
- 60-119 minute delay: 25% refund of the ticket price
- 120 minutes or more delay: 50% refund of the ticket price
- Claims: online at oebb.at or at any OBB station
OBB Lounge access
Passengers holding a Comfort Plus ticket enjoy access to the OBB Lounge at Vienna Hauptbahnhof, Salzburg and Innsbruck stations. High-speed WiFi, hot and cold beverages, snacks and a comfortable workspace are included. A welcome perk when waiting for your evening night train.
5. Nightjet vs other European night trains
Where does the competition stand in 2026?
Night trains are experiencing a genuine renaissance in Europe, with several operators attempting to compete with — or complement — the Nightjet network. Here is an objective comparison of the main offerings available in 2026, based on data from Seat61 and our own tests.
| Operator | Key routes | Shower | WiFi | Rolling stock | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nightjet (OBB) | Vienna-Rome, Zurich-Amsterdam, Munich-Rome | Yes (Comfort Plus) | Yes | 33 new Siemens trainsets | Solo mini-cabins, breakfast included |
| European Sleeper | Brussels-Berlin, Paris-Berlin (March 2026) | No | No | Refurbished vintage sleeping cars | Cooperative model, affordable prices |
| Caledonian Sleeper | London-Edinburgh, London-Fort William | Yes (Club) | Partial | CAF trainsets (2019) | Club cabins with bathroom, new: Birmingham stop 2026 |
| Trenhotel (Renfe) | Madrid-Lisbon | Yes (Grand Class) | No | Talgo trainsets | Grand Class with shower, short journey |
| SJ EuroNight | Stockholm-Berlin, Sweden-Norway network | No | Yes | Refurbished trainsets | Extensive Nordic network |
European Sleeper deserves a special mention. This Belgian-Dutch cooperative, founded on a participatory model, relaunched the Brussels-Berlin service and took over from OBB on the Paris-Berlin route since March 2026. The rolling stock is older (Beem sleeping cars) and has neither showers nor WiFi, but the prices are competitive and the community spirit appeals to a committed clientele. According to European Sleeper, the aim is to gradually renew the rolling stock using profits from the first routes.
The Caledonian Sleeper in the UK remains a unique experience: Club cabins offer a genuine private bathroom and service comparable to a luxury hotel, complete with welcome whisky and a Scottish breakfast. In 2026, a new stop at Birmingham extends the service. As for the Trenhotel Renfe on the Madrid-Lisbon route, its Grand Class with shower is one of the few alternatives to the Nightjet at this comfort level on the continent.
6. Carbon footprint and practical tips
The night train, climate champion
The Nightjet is not just a travel experience: it is a radical climate choice. According to official data from OBB, a Nightjet journey emits approximately 50 times less CO2 than the same journey by plane. Figures from SNCF and ADEME (reported by Bon Pote) confirm this order of magnitude: trains emit an average of 3.5 g of CO2 per passenger-kilometre compared to 125 g for planes over the same distances.
Let us take a concrete example. The Munich-Rome journey: by plane, expect approximately 150 kg of CO2 per passenger (one-way flight). By Nightjet, it is less than 5 kg. If you add the fact that the night train saves you a hotel night, the economic equation shifts too. According to the Climate Action Network, a Munich-Rome trip by plane + hotel costs around EUR 320 (low-cost flight + city centre hotel), versus EUR 200 to 280 in Nightjet Comfort Plus — with shower and breakfast included.
Detailed comparison: Munich-Rome
| Criterion | Flight + hotel | Nightjet Comfort Plus |
|---|---|---|
| CO2 emitted | ~150 kg | ~4 kg |
| Total price | ~EUR 320 (flight + hotel) | EUR 200-280 |
| Productive time lost | 3-4h (airport + transfers) | 0h (you sleep) |
| Arrival | Outskirts (Fiumicino) | Roma Termini (city centre) |
| Luggage | Limited / surcharge | Unlimited and free |
10 practical tips for a successful Nightjet journey
- Book 6 months in advance to get the best Sparschiene fares. Calendars open exactly 180 days before departure.
- Download the OBB app: your digital ticket, delay notifications and train map are available offline.
- Bring earplugs and a sleep mask, even in a private cabin. Station noises during intermediate stops can wake you up.
- Pack snacks and a water bottle. The dining car is not always open all night.
- Lock your cabin from the inside and keep your valuables in a bag you can slide under the pillow.
- Travel off-season (October-March) for fares up to 40% lower and less crowded trains.
- Use Interrail/Eurail: pass holders only pay the reservation supplement (from EUR 13 for a seat, EUR 64.90 for Comfort).
- Natural wake-up: ask the cabin crew to wake you 30 minutes before arrival. The service is free and much appreciated.
- Plug in your phone as soon as you board: WiFi drains your battery and outlets are sometimes shared.
- Enjoy the journey: the Alpine crossing at sunrise on the Vienna-Rome or Zurich-Hamburg routes is an unforgettable spectacle.
Practical information for your trip
Frequently asked questions about the OBB Nightjet
Do the new Nightjets really have in-cabin showers?
Yes. The Comfort Plus compartments on the new Viaggio Next Level trainsets feature a separate private shower cubicle with hot water, a washbasin and a toilet. This is a first for a European night train at this scale. Breakfast is also served in the cabin. Fares for this category start at around EUR 200 depending on the route and booking date. Source: Siemens Mobility.
How do I book a Nightjet ticket at the best price?
Book a Sparschiene ticket (non-refundable reduced fare) as soon as sales open, exactly 180 days before departure, on nightjet.com or the OBB app. Prices start at EUR 29 for a seat and EUR 49 for a solo mini-cabin. The earlier you book, the lower the fares — the system works like airlines. Source: OBB Sparschiene.
Can I travel with an Interrail or Eurail pass on the Nightjet?
Yes. Interrail and Eurail pass holders can use the Nightjet by paying only a reservation supplement: from EUR 13 for a reclining seat, EUR 33 for a couchette, and EUR 64.90 for a Comfort compartment. Reservation is mandatory and can be made on the OBB website or at the station. Note: Comfort Plus supplements are often unavailable as the category is already full. Source: Nightjet fares.
What is the difference between the mini-cabin and the couchette?
The solo mini-cabin is a private, lockable space with keycard access, featuring a single bed, a USB outlet and adjustable lighting — for one person only. The couchette is a compartment shared between 4 people with bunk beds. The mini-cabin offers more privacy at a lower price than a Comfort compartment, while the couchette remains the most social option and often the most economical for groups. Source: Railway News.
Does WiFi work well in Alpine tunnels?
The onboard WiFi on the Nightjet relies on the 4G/5G mobile network along the route. In short Alpine tunnels, the connection is briefly interrupted then restored. In the Brenner Tunnel (on the Vienna-Rome route) and long Swiss tunnels, signal repeaters are installed but speeds may be reduced. For activities requiring a stable connection (streaming, video calls), download your content in advance. The WiFi works well for web browsing, messaging and social media.
What is the most popular Nightjet route in 2026?
The Vienna-Rome is the flagship route, combining a spectacular Alpine crossing with arrival right in the heart of the Italian capital (Roma Termini). The Zurich-Amsterdam is the most popular with business travellers and for weekend trips. The Munich-Rome appeals to travellers coming from France or Germany. All three routes run daily. Source: Seat61.
How does cancellation work for a Sparschiene ticket?
Sparschiene tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable — that is the trade-off for their reduced price. If you want more flexibility, opt for Sparschiene Komfort (cancellation possible with refund as an OBB voucher) or the Standard fare (cancellation and changes at no charge until the day before departure). In the event of a delay exceeding 60 minutes attributable to OBB, you are entitled to compensation regardless of the ticket type.
Is the night train really cheaper than flying + hotel?
On medium-haul routes, often yes. Example: Munich-Rome by low-cost flight + city centre hotel costs around EUR 320 (flight ~EUR 80 + hotel ~EUR 90 + transfers ~EUR 30 + wasted night). The same journey in Nightjet Comfort Plus costs EUR 200-280 all-inclusive (shower, breakfast, city centre arrival). In a couchette, it is even cheaper: EUR 50-120. The advantage grows when you factor in time (you sleep instead of wasting time at the airport). Source: Climate Action Network.
Sources
- Siemens Mobility Press — Official press release on the construction of Viaggio Next Level trainsets for OBB
- Seat61 — Nightjet Guide — World reference on rail travel, comprehensive Nightjet guide by Mark Smith
- Nightjet.com (OBB) — Official Nightjet destinations and booking website
- OBB Sparschiene — Official reduced fares from Austrian Federal Railways
- Railway News — Technical analysis of the new Nightjet trainsets
- Night Rides — European night train database, timetables and new routes
- European Sleeper — Official website of the Belgian-Dutch night train cooperative
- SNCF Voyageurs — CO2 emission calculation methodology by transport mode
- Bon Pote — ADEME data analysis on transport carbon footprint
- Climate Action Network — Cost and carbon comparisons of transport modes
- OBB Sustainability — Official OBB data on rail carbon footprint
- Seat61 — Night Trains in Europe — Comprehensive overview of European night trains
- Trainline — European train booking platform
Research conducted on 16 March 2026
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