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Popular Nightjet routes for city breaks are the connections that take you while you sleep to the heart of a European city, so you start your explorations rested and without losing time. This network of night trains is an efficient and comfortable way to travel, where the journey itself already becomes part of the experience. Discover how to make the most of your time on your next city break by using these connections effectively.
What is the Nightjet?
The Nightjet is the night train operated by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB), which runs an extensive network across Europe. The concept is simple: you get on in the evening, sleep in a comfortable bed while the train covers hundreds of kilometres, and wake up in the morning in the centre of your destination. This saves you a full travel day and a hotel night. The trains offer different comfort levels, from simple seats to couchettes and sleeper carriages with their own shower and toilet.
An important advantage is that you arrive at the city’s main station. Unlike airports, which are often far outside the centre, you step straight out into the hustle and bustle and are only a few steps away from famous sights, your hotel or public transport. This makes the Nightjet a practical choice for travellers who want to use their time as efficiently as possible.
‘ These routes make it possible to discover Italy’s rich history, art and culinary highlights without the stress of air travel. ’
Popular connections for city breaks
The Nightjet network is constantly expanding, making more and more cities accessible for a relaxing journey. The network offers routes to a range of destinations, from cultural cities such as Vienna and Rome to the mountainous surroundings of Innsbruck.
Amsterdam to Vienna: the classic
One of the most popular routes is the direct connection from Amsterdam to Vienna. You depart early in the evening from Amsterdam Central and, after a comfortable night, arrive the next morning at Wien Hauptbahnhof. The journey takes around 14 hours. Vienna is a city that is ideal for a city break. Think of the stately palaces such as Schönbrunn and the Hofburg, the Spanish Riding School and the many coffee houses where you can enjoy a slice of Sachertorte. Because you arrive so centrally, you can store your luggage straight away and start exploring the city.
Amsterdam to Innsbruck and Zurich: the Alps within easy reach
For those who want to combine city and nature, the route from Amsterdam to Innsbruck and Zurich is a good choice. The train splits during the night, with one part continuing to the heart of the Swiss Alps and the other part to the capital of Tyrol. The journey from Amsterdam to Innsbruck takes about 13.5 hours. On arrival in Innsbruck you are surrounded by impressive mountain peaks. You can take the Nordkettenbahnen from the city straight up into the mountains for a hike with panoramic views. Zurich combines a historic centre with a vibrant cultural scene and the proximity of Lake Zurich.
New routes to Italy: Rome and Florence
Recently, the Italian cities of Rome and Florence have also been directly connected to the Nightjet network from Vienna and Munich. This opens the door to city breaks to cities that were previously more difficult to reach by train. You board the train in Vienna and wake up the next morning with views of the Italian countryside, before arriving at Roma Termini station, within walking distance of the Colosseum. These routes make it possible to discover Italy’s rich history, art and culinary highlights without the stress of air travel.
Vienna to Hamburg: from imperial city to port city
Another connection is the one between Vienna and Hamburg. This route links two completely different cities. From the imperial splendour of Vienna you travel overnight to the raw, maritime atmosphere of Hamburg. Explore the historic Speicherstadt, the modern HafenCity with the Elbphilharmonie and the lively St. Pauli district. With this train journey you combine these two extremes of the German-speaking world in a single trip.
City hopping: combine several cities in one trip
The Nightjet network functions like a web across Central Europe, which makes it a practical means for city hopping. Because many lines converge in cities such as Vienna, Munich and Zurich, you can easily combine several destinations. This way you can put together a trip tailored to your wishes. An example of such a journey could be:
- Start in Amsterdam: Take the night train to Vienna.
- Explore Vienna: Spend a few days in the Austrian capital.
- Continue to Rome: Board the Nightjet from Vienna to Rome for a deep dive into antiquity.
- Return via Switzerland: Take a day train from Rome to Milan and board the Nightjet there to Zurich, from where you can continue your journey.
With good planning of your routes, you can make a tour of Europe where you travel mainly at night. This gives you more time to experience the cities themselves and makes the trip comfortable and straightforward.
Comfort and preparation on board
Travelling with the Nightjet is a comfortable experience. Depending on your budget and preferences, you choose the accommodation that suits you. Seats are the most affordable option, but for a comfortable night’s sleep a couchette (berth in a shared compartment for 4–6 people) or a sleeper carriage (private cabin for 1–3 people, often with its own washbasin or even shower/toilet) is recommended. In the couchette and sleeper carriages, a small breakfast is often included. It is wise to book your tickets well in advance, especially in high season. Prices are flexible and increase as the departure date approaches.
On the Traveler Tips website you will find additional information about planning your trip. From extensive guides on the most beautiful destinations to advice on booking tickets and packing your luggage. Let yourself be inspired and discover how you can travel more comfortably and efficiently.
Frequently asked questions
The Nightjet offers direct connections to popular city break destinations such as Amsterdam, Vienna, Rome and Venice. The routes differ in journey time and departure times. You can choose from various types of accommodation, including couchettes and sleeper carriages. Booking information and prices are available immediately.
First compare the different accommodation types (seat, couchette, sleeper) in terms of privacy, sleeping comfort and sanitary facilities, for example whether you have your own compartment and washbasin/shower. Then look at the price differences per type and decide how much extra you are willing to pay for a better night’s sleep, especially if you want to head straight into the city the next morning. Also check whether breakfast, bedding and towels are included and whether there are special compartments (women-only, family). Finally, read recent reviews or experiences from other travellers to see how the comfort is in practice.
With the Nightjet you do not lose valuable holiday time, because you travel at night and arrive in the morning, well rested, in the middle of the city. The journey itself feels like part of the city break: you board in a relaxed way and can walk around, read or have a drink, instead of waiting in long queues at the airport. You sleep in a bed or couchette, which means you arrive more refreshed than after an early flight or long car journey. In addition, you can take more luggage without extra hassle and you arrive right in the centre, saving you changes and travel time.
Book as early as possible via the official ÖBB website or app to get the cheapest Nightjet fares and your preferred sleeping options (couchette or sleeper), and avoid third parties unless they offer clear benefits. For city breaks, choose a connection where you arrive early in the morning and return in the early evening, so you have maximum time in the city and still get a full night’s sleep. Take light, easy-to-carry luggage (rucksack or small suitcase) and keep essential items (toiletries, clean clothes, earplugs, eye mask) at the top of your bag or in a small daypack for in the compartment. Check in advance for any engineering works and connections, and plan everything in your arrival city within walking distance or with public transport close to the station, so that you lose little time if there are delays.
No answer could be generated because the tool could not find specific information about the impact of Nightjet route arrival and departure times on travel schedules and time spent in cities.
