Wake up to mountain views: routes, experiences and tips for your night train journey
Take the night train to the Alps for your holiday. You board at the end of the afternoon and wake up the next morning surrounded by mountains. This is possible with the Nightjet operated by Austrian Railways (ÖBB). This night train takes you comfortably from the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany directly to the Alps.
The train travels to various destinations in Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia and Italy. It is a relaxed and sustainable alternative to travelling by car or plane. In this article, I will share my own experience with the Nightjet and provide practical information about routes, travel options and tips for along the way.
Take the night train to Austria
A few years ago, we had the fantastic idea of surprising my mother in Austria. She was there on holiday on her own, and my brother, niece and I decided to take the train there without her knowing. It was my first time travelling to Austria by train, and I thought it would be fun! We booked a night train, the Nightjet, to Wörgl. To keep it affordable, we opted for a compartment with seats. For a small extra fee, we could turn it into a private compartment, so we wouldn't have any other passengers with us.
The compartment was fine for the three of us. We had enough space for our luggage and could sit comfortably. When we wanted to sleep, we moved the seats into sleep mode. This allowed the seats opposite each other to be pushed together completely, creating a large bed. We slept very well on it. The carriage had shared sanitary facilities, so we had everything we needed within reach. It was simple, but fine.
I slept a little restlessly that night, but still well, and the next morning I could see the sun rising from behind the mountains. It was a magical start to the day!
Nightjet destinations: where to go by night train to the Alps?
The night train takes you directly from the Netherlands to Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Direct routes from the Netherlands are:
- Amsterdam – Vienna
- Amsterdam – Innsbruck
- Amsterdam – Zurich
You can board in Amsterdam, Amersfoort and Deventer, or from Germany.
There is also a direct night train to Vienna three times a week from Brussels, which splits en route and continues on to Innsbruck.
For destinations in Italy and Slovenia, you will need to change trains in Germany or Austria. From there, you can continue your journey with another Nightjet. You can, of course, disembark at any of the intermediate stations, from where you can travel to your final destination by regional train or bus.
Seats and sleeping accommodations on the Nightjet night train: what are the options?
The Nightjet offers various options for spending the night on the train.
- Seats:
- This option is the cheapest.
- On some trains, you can choose between seats in an open carriage or in a compartment for six people.
- If you are travelling with at least three people, you can book a private compartment (if available) at an all-inclusive price.
- Toilet facilities are located in the carriage itself.
- Sleeping berths and mini-cabins:
- With this option, you travel in a compartment for four to six people, or alone in a mini-cabin.
- It is possible to book a private compartment for a group.
- Breakfast included.
- Bed linen provided.
- In the case of a shared compartment, it is possible to book a ladies' compartment.
- If you are travelling alone and would like privacy, you can book a mini cabin.
- A mini cabin is also possible if you are travelling as a couple. Mini cabins next to each other can be connected by means of a sliding door.
- Sleeping carriage:
- This is the most comfortable way to travel on the Nightjet.
- You can book a compartment for one, two or three people, or share a compartment with one or two other travellers. In the latter case, men and women are separated.
- This option includes a made-up bed, towels and toiletries, an à la carte breakfast and a wake-up service.
- The compartment is optionally available with its own shower and toilet.
Advantages and disadvantages of a night train
Advantages:
- Environmentally friendly alternative to flying
- You save on one night's accommodation
- You travel while you sleep
- Arrival directly in or near the Alps
- It's a fun experience
- There is a bar/restaurant where you can sit and relax
Disadvantages:
- You have to change trains if you want to go to Italy or Slovenia
- Not everyone sleeps well on a train
- Seats can be uncomfortable when you want to sleep
- If you don't have a private compartment, you share the space with others and you never know who you'll meet.
Tips for travelling with the Nightjet night train
- You can buy food and drinks on the train, but bring something with you as well.
- Bring earplugs or a sleep mask if you are sensitive to noise or light.
- Consider bringing a book, a game, a tablet, or something else to pass the time.
- Book early. The earlier you book, the cheaper it usually is.
- Arrive at the station on time so you don't have to rush and can calmly find your reserved seat or compartment.
- You can book a trip on the NS International, NMBS International or ÖBB Nightjet websites.
Travelling with the Nightjet is a relaxed, sustainable and surprisingly pleasant way to get to the Alps. Whether you choose a seat, a couchette or a comfortable sleeping car, the journey is a bit like a holiday in itself. We hope you find the tips in this article useful. And who knows, maybe you'll soon be waking up to a view of the mountains too.
Do you enjoy travelling by train and would you like to take a train trip into the mountains? Then read our article about the Wendelsteinbahn.
