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Booking tickets for the Nightjet and European Sleeper night trains goes smoothly when you know the right channels and timing. The official websites allow you to book up to six months in advance and give access to the best seats and fares. Good preparation is the key to a comfortable and cleverly planned rail journey across Europe. This article provides an overview of the entire booking process.
The Nightjet: booking and reservations
The Nightjet, operated by the Austrian railways (ÖBB), is the largest provider of night train connections in Europe. The network links cities such as Amsterdam, Vienna, Zurich, Rome and Brussels. A journey with the Nightjet requires a reservation. Boarding without a reserved seat or berth is not permitted. This applies to all comfort levels: seat, couchette (berth) and sleeper (sleeping car).
Booking channels and availability of Nightjet tickets
The most direct way to book tickets is via ÖBB’s official channels. These are the websites nightjet.com and oebb.at. The big advantage is that no booking fees are charged here and you immediately have access to the full range. Tickets are available 180 days (around six months) before the travel date. It is important to know that around the annual timetable change in December this period is sometimes shorter. Popular routes and the cheapest tickets sell out early, so booking in good time is recommended.
For rail passengers from the Netherlands, NS International also offers the possibility to buy Nightjet tickets. Other international platforms such as The Trainline or Rail Europe are also an option, although they sometimes charge a small fee for their services.
Costs and comfort options
The price of a ticket depends on the chosen comfort level and the time of booking. ÖBB uses flexible pricing that rises as demand increases and the departure date approaches. There are three main categories:
- Seat: The most budget-friendly option, with prices starting at around €29.90. You travel in a seat in a compartment for six people.
- Couchette: A berth in a shared compartment with four or six beds. Suitable for families or small groups. Prices start at around €59. It is also possible to book a private compartment for more privacy.
- Sleeper: The most comfortable option, with a real bed in a compartment for one, two or three people. Breakfast and washing facilities are included. Prices for a sleeper start at around €89 and increase for a deluxe version with its own shower and toilet.
The cheapest tickets are the so‑called “Sparschiene” fares. These are non‑flexible, which means that changes or cancellations are not possible. Standard tickets offer more flexibility, but are more expensive.
‘ The same applies here: the earlier you book, the greater the chance of a lower price and the accommodation you want. ’
European Sleeper: the challenger on the rails
European Sleeper is a newer player focusing on services from the Netherlands and Belgium to major European cities. Its most popular route connects Brussels and Amsterdam with Berlin and Prague. As with the Nightjet, a reservation for a bed is compulsory.
Reservation and booking of the European Sleeper
Tickets for the European Sleeper are most directly booked via its own website: europeansleeper.nl. The booking process is straightforward and the available options are shown immediately. Ticket sales start three to six months in advance. Here too, the earlier you book, the greater the chance of a lower price and the accommodation you want.
The train offers similar comfort levels to the Nightjet, with seats, couchettes and sleepers. A couchette on the route from, for example, Amsterdam to Berlin costs on average between €59 and €139, depending on the time of booking and demand. For a sleeper the fare is higher.
Using an Interrail or Eurail Pass
When you have an Interrail or Eurail pass, the travel costs are covered, but not the compulsory reservation for a seat or bed. This supplement has to be booked separately. For Nightjet trains this can be arranged online via the ÖBB website. During booking, select the “Interrail/Eurail” option under the number of adults. The website will then only show the reservation costs. Important: the reservation must be printed and shown to the conductor together with the pass.
For the European Sleeper, booking a reservation only, online, is sometimes more difficult. In that case, it is advisable to contact their customer service or make the reservation at a counter at an international railway station.
Practical tips for a smooth night journey
A well‑planned rail journey starts with smart booking. These practical pointers help you get the most out of a night‑train journey:
- Book early: This is the most important tip. Especially in holiday periods and on popular routes, the cheapest tickets and private compartments sell out early.
- Compare channels: Although the official websites generally offer the best price, it is worth comparing fares across different platforms, particularly for passengers from outside the EU.
- Choose your comfort level: It is important to think about your needs. A seat is cheap, but for a good night’s sleep a couchette or sleeper is a better investment. For families or groups, booking an entire couchette compartment is in many cases an attractive option.
- No check‑in: Night trains do not require check‑in. Being on the platform in good time is enough. The conductor checks the ticket and reservation on the train. Within the Schengen area, passport control is rare, but you should always have valid ID to hand.
A journey by night train is more than just transport; it is an experience in itself. The right preparation and a well‑booked ticket make it a comfortable and efficient part of your holiday. On the Traveler Tips website you can find many more articles about smart planning, interesting rail routes and practical travel information. Travelling more consciously and efficiently thus becomes more accessible.
Frequently asked questions
The official and most reliable platforms to book Nightjet tickets are nightjet.com and oebb.at. For European Sleeper tickets you can use europeansleeper.nl. For international bookings, raileurope.com and thetrainline.com are also good options, although they may charge a small fee. It is recommended to book early, ideally 180 days in advance for Nightjet and 3–6 months in advance for European Sleeper, to secure the best prices and availability.
For Nightjet and European Sleeper it is advisable to book tickets and reservations as early as possible, usually up to 180 days in advance for Nightjet and 3–6 months for European Sleeper, to secure the best prices and availability. Prices rise with demand and cheap seats/cabins sell out quickly, especially during peak periods such as July and August. Reservations are compulsory on all trains and can be made online via the official websites or selected partners. For specific routes, such as Brussels–Vienna, the booking horizon may be shorter after timetable changes in December.
There are seats (cheapest), couchettes (shared berths, more comfort) and sleeping cabins (most comfortable, private). Choose a seat if you are on a limited budget, a couchette for more comfort, or a sleeping cabin for maximum privacy and comfort. Book early, up to 180 days in advance for Nightjet or 3–6 months for European Sleeper, for the best prices. Take your budget and comfort preferences into account when making your choice.
When booking combined tickets or international journeys with night trains such as Nightjet and European Sleeper, there are specific considerations. It is essential to book early, as prices rise with demand and cheap seats/cabins sell out quickly, especially on popular routes. For Nightjet, reservations are compulsory on all trains, and for European Sleeper, cabin reservations are also compulsory. Although international booking sites are convenient for non‑EU travellers, they may involve extra costs; booking directly via the official ÖBB or European Sleeper sites is often cheaper.
Yes, in addition to your ticket, reservations for seats, couchettes or sleeping compartments are compulsory for both Nightjet and European Sleeper. These costs are not normally included in the ticket price. It is advisable to book early, as prices rise with higher demand and cheaper options sell out quickly. Pass holders (Eurail/Interrail) must also pay a supplement for these reservations.
