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The difference between a seat, couchette and sleeper compartment on the Nightjet not only determines your budget, but above all the comfort and experience of your night train journey. The right choice depends entirely on your personal wishes, your travelling party and how well rested you want to arrive at your destination. We set out the options side by side so you can make an informed decision.
The seat: maximum saving, minimum comfort
The most budget-friendly option on the Nightjet is a standard seat. You travel in a compartment that you share with up to five other passengers. The seats are arranged 3+3 facing each other and are reclining, so they tilt back slightly. However, they do not go fully flat, but they do offer more comfort than a seat on a regular daytime train.
Every seat is equipped with basic facilities such as a power socket, a USB charging point and a small fold-out table. There is wifi available and the lighting in the compartment is dimmed at night. For those travelling in a small group who want more privacy, there is the option to book a private seating compartment. This is possible for up to three adults and two children, guaranteeing a quieter journey without being disturbed by other passengers.
Is a seat comfortable enough for a whole night? For a short journey or if you have a very limited budget, it is a workable solution. However, do not expect a deep night’s sleep. For most travellers who want to start their day feeling fresh, upgrading to a couchette is a sensible investment.
‘ The space is functional, but cramped. ’
The couchette: affordable sleeping in shared space
The couchette, or berth, is the golden mean between the simplicity of a seat and the luxury of a sleeper compartment. It is essentially a hostel on wheels and a popular choice among families, groups of friends and solo travellers who value having a real bed.
During the day the compartment functions as a seating area, which in the evening is converted by the steward into a sleeping area with four or six beds. The beds are simple, fold-down benches with a mattress, and you receive a pillow, sheet and blanket. The space is functional, but cramped. Large, hard suitcases often do not fit easily under the lower berths, so travelling with a rucksack or soft bag is advisable.
In a couchette you share the washing and toilet facilities in the corridor with other travellers. For extra comfort and safety, women can book a place in a women-only compartment. A major advantage for families or groups is the option to book an entire 4- or 6-berth compartment for private use. That way you have the whole space to yourselves. A simple breakfast with coffee or tea and two bread rolls is included with a couchette booking.
The sleeper compartment: hotel comfort on the rails
For those who prioritise privacy, comfort and a good night’s sleep, the sleeper compartment is the best option. This is the most comfortable accommodation on the Nightjet and offers a service comparable to a compact hotel room. The beds are fixed and equipped with proper mattresses, duvets and pillows, which makes a noticeable difference to sleep quality.
A sleeper compartment can be booked for one, two or three people. Each compartment has its own washbasin and mirror and can be locked from the inside. Travellers receive a welcome pack with a drink, snacks and toiletries. The service is more personal: you are woken by the steward and you order an à la carte breakfast that is served in your compartment.
Standard or Deluxe?
Within the sleeper compartments there is a further distinction. The standard sleeper compartment has a washbasin in the cabin, but for the toilet and shower you use the shared facilities in the corridor. If you choose the Deluxe option, you have your own bathroom with shower, washbasin and toilet in the compartment. This offers the greatest privacy and convenience during your journey.
Overview: which option suits your journey?
The choice depends on the balance between budget, comfort and privacy. Here are the main differences at a glance to help you decide:
- Comfort: A seat offers basic comfort to get you through the night. A couchette has a simple flat bed. A sleeper compartment provides the comfort of a proper bed with a good mattress.
- Privacy: In a seat and a standard couchette you share the space with strangers, unless you book a private compartment. A sleeper compartment is always private for your travelling party and offers the highest level of privacy, especially in the Deluxe version.
- Facilities: Seats have power sockets and wifi. Couchettes add bedding and a simple breakfast. Sleeper compartments offer a complete package with made-up beds, a washbasin, towels, a more extensive breakfast and a personal wake-up service.
- Ideal for: Seats are suitable for short journeys and budget travellers. Couchettes are perfect for families, groups and solo travellers who want an affordable place to sleep. Sleeper compartments are ideal for couples or travellers who value comfort and privacy and want to arrive well rested.
‘ The choice is yours. ’
Which option will you choose?
The balance between budget and comfort differs for every journey. For a short night-time trip a seat will do, although arriving feeling fresh is not guaranteed. A bed in a shared couchette offers a berth at a reasonable price. For couples who want to start the next day feeling refreshed, a private sleeper compartment is the most comfortable investment. Families with children often opt for their own 4-berth couchette: affordable, cosy and practical. The choice is yours.
Frequently asked questions
For the best sleeping comfort and the most peace and quiet during a night train journey, a sleeper compartment guarantees the best experience. It offers hotel-like comfort with fixed beds, proper mattresses, duvets and pillows. You benefit from a high level of privacy thanks to a lockable cabin, often with its own washbasin, and in Deluxe/Plus options even a private shower and toilet. In addition, there are extras such as mood lighting, air conditioning controls and an à la carte breakfast.
Nightjet offers various types of accommodation that differ in cost, privacy, facilities and services. Seats are the cheapest option, but offer the least privacy and only basic comfort, suitable for short nights or budget travellers. Couchettes are cheaper than sleeper compartments and provide more comfort and privacy than seats, including bedding and a simple breakfast, ideal for families or groups. Sleeper compartments are the most expensive option, but offer the greatest privacy, hotel-like comfort with real beds, extensive facilities such as a washbasin or even a private shower and toilet (Deluxe), and an à la carte breakfast, making them most suitable for travellers who value luxury and comfort.
For solo travellers on a budget, seats are suitable for short nights. Couchettes offer affordable shared sleeping and are ideal for families or friends who book a compartment for their own private use. Sleeper compartments are perfect for couples and families who are looking for luxury, comfort and privacy, with options ranging from a washbasin to a private shower and toilet. These Nightjet accommodation types cater to a wide range of needs for travellers who consciously choose to travel by train.
A seat offers limited luggage space under the seats or in racks, minimal personal space in a shared compartment and no specific security features. Couchettes have somewhat limited luggage space under the berths and offer more personal space thanks to the beds, but are often shared and can feel cramped. Sleeper compartments offer the most luggage space, generous personal privacy and higher security because the compartment can be locked from the inside.
The sleeper compartments offer the most complete and unique travel experience on board the Nightjet, with hotel-like comfort and maximum privacy. These cabins have fixed beds, real mattresses, duvets and pillows, and options ranging from a washbasin to a private shower and toilet (Deluxe/Plus). In addition, there are extras such as NFC key cards, mood lighting, air conditioning, induction charging and an extensive à la carte breakfast, which significantly enhances the travel experience.
