Overview

© querbeet

As well as its Nightjet trains, the Austrian Federal Railways, ÖBB, offers additional night trains throughout Europe called EuroNight trains. These are run in partnership with the national railway operators of Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland.

Cross Europe on a EuroNight (EN) train in the comfort of crisp, clean sheets and the security of a sleeping car. Overnight trains save on hotel costs and you wake, refreshed and ready for breakfast, in another country. Most EuroNight trains also cater for budget travellers with cheaper couchettes and regular seated accommodation.

EuroNight trains are the nighttime equivalent of Eurocity (EC) services. Like their daytime EuroCity counterpart, they can be found throughout much of central Europe, including Austria, Germany, Croatia, Poland, Hungary and Slovenia and usually operate across borders.

Practical information

©ÖBB / Harald Eisenberger

Before you board

There are no check-in or customs procedures before boarding EuroNight trains. However, ticket control and passport checks may take place once onboard international services.

Onboard

All but a handful of EuroNight services have couchettes (more basic than a real sleeping berth) and Standard Class seating. On some journeys, the seats may recline for greater comfort but they’re unlikely to be as comfortable as a berth in a sleeper or couchette.

The fare for sleepers (and occasionally couchettes) sometimes includes a continental-style breakfast and tea or coffee.

Gone are the days when all night trains had restaurant cars. However, there are bistro or restaurant cars on a number of EuroNight trains. As a rule of thumb, the further east you travel the more likely you will be to find a restaurant car on your EuroNight train.

When no buffet or restaurant is available, it is usually possible to buy snacks and hot or cold drinks from the train attendant. You can also bring your own food and drink on board and enjoy it in the comfort of your compartment or at your seat.

Booking and printing options

EuroNight tickets are open for bookings 60 days in advance.

Seat, couchette and sleeper reservations are normally compulsory on EuroNight trains.

Get the lowest prices on EuroNight by booking early and don’t wait until the last minute as cheaper seats sell out quickly.

Classes of service

EuroNight trains generally provide four main types of accommodation: Standard seats, Couchettes, Standard Sleepers and Deluxe Sleepers

EuroNight Deluxe Sleeper

What distinguishes a EuroNight Deluxe Sleeper from a Standard Sleeper are the en-suite shower, toilet and washbasin facilities. Deluxe Sleepers can be booked for single or double and sometimes triple occupancy. It is usually necessary to have a First Class ticket in order to book a berth in a Deluxe Sleeper. A light breakfast is included in the price of the ticket and served in your compartment.

EuroNight Standard Sleeper

Sleepers can be booked for triple, double or single occupancy. Luggage is stored under the bottom bed or in a space under the ceiling, however larger suitcases may be difficult to accommodate in the Standard Sleeper. A light breakfast is included in the price of the ticket and served in your compartment. Electrical sockets and adjustable air-conditioning are the norm.

EuroNight Couchette

This is a good option for families or friends travelling together. Since four- and six-berth couchette compartments are the same size, you might choose the slightly more expensive four-bed option for extra space. Pillows, sheets and blankets are provided. Couchettes are usually for mixed-sex occupancy. A toilet and shower are located at the end of each carriage. Luggage can be stored under the bottom bunk beds and in a space above the door.

EuroNight Standard Seat

EuroNight trains offer regular seating in Standard Class compartments or open-plan carriages. The latter might also have reclining seats. However, even budget-conscious travellers should consider opting at least for a couchette. In carriages with seats, lights may or may not be dimmed for night-time travel, so it’s best to be prepared with earplugs and an eye mask.

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