Nightjet to Vienna

A self-experiment

As part of the “EacyCityPass Vienna” team, I, Olaf, took the Nightjet sleeping car from Berlin to Vienna to answer the question: How comfortable and attractive in terms of time is the journey in the Nightjet sleeping car?

1. Pros and cons of train / plane
2. Ticket options
3. Sleeping car
4. Conclusion

Driving to Vienna by car is not an idea for me, but taking the train or flying is. Flying is the number one choice for me so far due to the shortness and easy accessibility of the airports. But even the “normal” train journey has been okay for me so far, as you can move around, sleep, work, and eat and drink well on the train.

On September 9, 2024, the time had come, the journey to Vienna in a sleeping car compartment started from Berlin at around 7 pm. The time was perfect I was able to do things at home and in the office the whole day before as if it were a normal Monday and not an arrival day - great.

Large selection of ticket variants

At this point, I had already booked the train. In general, you can say that Nightjet travel can be cheap. The choice ranges from “simple seats” to couchettes and classic sleeping cars. On the way to Vienna, there was exactly one sleeper car on the train, which I found rather few, but perhaps the demand is not that high. Maybe it's the price. I booked a compartment for this carriage. Such a compartment can be used by up to three people, but you can also book it as a single person, which is what I did. Of all the options, this is the most expensive (the price is on the ticket).

Photo: Olaf Luft

The sleeping car

The sleeping car was looked after by 2 really friendly members of staff, there were some snacks, water, beer or sparkling wine as well as earplugs and a sleep mask. The train didn't have a restaurant compartment, which I wish I'd known beforehand. I was honestly glad that I had bought something beforehand so that I could enjoy my meal in peace while watching a movie.

The internet was not stable the whole time, so download the music or movies you want to accompany you on the trip in good time.

It was very spacious for me alone in my compartment. There was a small table, a washing area, and, with 3 comfortable seats, plenty of room to “hang out” comfortably. As in a hotel, access to the compartment is possible via a room card.

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After a 3-hour journey shortly after Dresden, the train attendants came and made the bed out of the seating area. To my delight, it was comfortable. Apart from the quiet rattling of the train, it was completely quiet on the train. I didn't need the earplugs offered and I was able to sleep well.

An hour before Vienna, around 6 a.m., I was woken up and offered breakfast, which was included. The selection consisted of yogurt, bread rolls, muesli, coffee, and tea, among other things. Just being in a compartment with a small bathroom area was a real advantage. I could get off in Vienna relaxed, fresh, and on time. The other guests in the compartments with several passengers tended to try to share the few toilets and bathrooms in the carriages, which led to long queues in the train corridor.

I was able to drop my suitcase off at the hotel at 8 am and start the day. Perfect.

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Conclusion

The overnight journey is an ideal way to spend the entire day of departure and arrival in the respective city, so you can run your usual routine.

For me, traveling in a single compartment of a sleeping car is a real alternative and a recommendation.

The disadvantage is the price. I only paid half the price for the return journey, also in a sleeping car. In total I paid more than 600 euros which is more than double the price of the plane. However, if you add one or two nights saved against this, the calculation could work out.

Now it's up to you whether you want to walk the train corridors in Nightjet slippers or not. I've done it and I'll do it again.

Photo: Olaf Luft