The night train: info, details, features
The night train is the Most comfortable option at night to travel. A night train offers the most night travel options - from cheap single seats to a private cabin with bath & shower.
However, the equipment differs quite significantly between the various train providers and carriage types. The night trains operated by Deutsche Bahn are exclusively ICE and IC/EC trains with Single seats. Night train operators, such as ÖBB Nightjet or Urlaubs-Express, on the other hand, offer specially equipped Night trains with couchettes and sleeping cars.
The carriage variants of Deutsche Bahn
I.e. DB night trains of Deutsche Bahn (ICE, IC/EC) are the same trains that also run during the day.
Seat carriage
- All seats are in the open plan and compartment (leather seats in 1st class; upholstered seats in 2nd class).
- Washing and toilet facilities in the same coach.
- Power socket between the seats
- Seats with "limited visibility" have a side panel that can be used as a headrest/backrest.
- Other tips for travelling seated and at night include in the Night travel tips summarised.
All info on the 2023 route plan of the Deutschen Bahn in this article!
The carriage variants of the ÖBB Nightjet
The Nightjet of the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) uses the eponymous train type Nightjet (NJ). These trains have compartments only (mixed & private).
The Nightjet (NJ) has three standardised car variants: seating car, couchette car and sleeping car.
Seat carriage
- All seats on the Nightjet are in the compartment (mixed/private).
- Washing and toilet facilities are in the same coach.
- Seats in the seating car are the cheapest way to travel on the Nightjet.
- On many Nightjet trains, up to 3 people can book a private compartment at a flat rate (limited availability).
Couchette car
- All berths on the Nightjet are in the compartment (mixed/private)
- In the couchette car of the ÖBB Nightjet there is a Ladies' compartment
- Washing and toilet facilities in the same coach.
- Each lounger has a blanket, sheet and freshly made pillow
- Small breakfast included (coffee/tea, water, 1 roll, butter, jam)
- A discount is granted when booking an entire compartment
Sleeping car
- All sleeping berths on the Nightjet are in Standard and Deluxe compartments (mixed/private).
- The standard compartment has a small washbasin
- The Deluxe compartment has its own bathroom with washbasin, shower and WC (incl. towels).
- Bunk with blanket, sheets and pillow
- Breakfast "á la carte" including hot drinks (coffee/tea)
- Mixed compartments (individual travellers) separated into ladies and gentlemen
- A discount is granted when booking an entire compartment
Frequently asked night train questions
ICE, IC/EC:
As a rule, there is a power socket in the middle of each double seat in the night trains. (4-way sockets in 1st class).
Nightjet:
There are power sockets in the sleeping cars, but usually not in the seating and couchette cars.
Tip: It is always advisable to have a charged powerbank with you as an energy source on (night) trips. -> see Night travel tips
Urlaubs-Express:
Yes. Almost all compartments are equipped with a 220 V socket. In some vehicles, sockets are only available in the aisles.
Tip: It is always advisable to have a charged powerbank with you as an energy source on (night) trips. -> see Night travel tips
ICE, IC/EC:
The on-board bistro is at night closed (Opening hours: Mon-Sun, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.).
Nightjet:
Drinks & snacks are available from the train team in couchettes and sleeping cars (Around the clock).
Urlaubs-Express:
On trains without a restaurant, breakfast can be booked at the seat. In addition, the UEX service offers an at-seat service with snacks & drinks on all trains.
ICE, IC/EC:
Tickets can be booked conveniently with the DB Navigator and via the Deutsche Bahn homepage (Bahn.de).
Nightjet:
Search and book Nightjet tickets at Bahn.de or directly on Nightjet.com (no price differences).
Urlaubs-Express:
Holiday Express night train tickets are available via the official booking portal on the provider's website (here).
ICE, IC/EC:
Yes
Nightjet:
Yes
Urlaubs-Express:
No. Train4You GmbH is an independent, private company and does not cooperate with Deutsche Bahn.
Tip: Secure a discount as an ADAC member
ICE, IC/EC:
In addition to the hand luggage, another larger piece of luggage or
one additional item may be carried free of charge, provided that the load can be carried by one person alone.
Large pieces of luggage (70 cm x 50 cm x 30 cm) may have to be stored outside the seating area, e.g. in the nearest luggage rack. Each passenger is responsible for supervising their own luggage.
All details on the DB baggage regulations here.
Nightjet:
Luggage can be carried free of charge on the Nightjet, provided it can be stowed in the luggage racks provided. Luggage must not exceed a maximum size of 90 cm x 60 cm x 40 cm.
The following items of luggage can be taken free of charge, regardless of size:
- Skis & Snowboard
- Ski or hiking poles
- Wind, string or plucked instruments
- Wheelchair
- Pram
The carriage variants of Urlaubs-Express
