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Spending the night on the train to Germany combines travel time with sleep, saves hotel costs and takes you straight to your destination. The ÖBB Nightjet offers direct night services from the Netherlands to German cities such as Munich and Berlin, while InterCity (IC) and InterCityExpress (ICE) trains take you across Germany at affordable fares. Night train journeys are rapidly gaining popularity among travellers who consciously opt for comfortable, sustainable and smart travel. Discover how you can make the most of your very first night with a train holiday to Germany.
Why choose a night train to Germany
A night train to Germany offers concrete advantages for travellers who want to use their time and budget wisely. You board, sleep while the train is moving and arrive at your destination well rested. This saves you a hotel night and cuts down on daytime travel. You pay from 34.90 euros for an ÖBB Nightjet ticket and can choose between seats, couchettes (berths in a shared compartment) with four beds per compartment, or private sleeping compartments. IC and ICE night services are even more affordable, with fares starting at 17.99 euros.
The Nightjet connects Amsterdam with more than 25 European cities, including Munich, Berlin and Innsbruck. If you depart after 19:00 and arrive before 04:00, your rail pass that allows unlimited travel (Interrail Pass) only uses up one travel day. This makes long distances more efficient and leaves more of your travel budget for other experiences. Travelling by night train is also more sustainable than flying and gives you the freedom to relax on the way without rushing.
What types of services are available
You can choose from several night train services, each with its own characteristics and fares. ICE and IC night trains run within Germany and to neighbouring countries. They are available from 17.99 euros with a super-saver fare or 21.99 euros with a saver fare. Reservations are not compulsory, but are recommended on busy routes. Some services have bistros where you can buy snacks or breakfast, depending on the route.
The ÖBB Nightjet focuses on longer international routes. These trains offer three types of accommodation:
- Seats: budget-friendly, comparable to a regular train compartment
- Couchettes: berths with four beds in a shared compartment
- Sleeping compartments: private compartments with one to three beds, including more privacy and facilities
For high-speed trains (ICE), EuroCity (EC, international daytime services) and night trains you must always reserve. Book a seat, couchette or sleeper berth in advance via NS International, the Deutsche Bahn app or international ticket counters. Use a Deutsche Bahn discount card (BahnCard) – the BahnCard 25 gives 25 per cent discount and the BahnCard 50 gives 50 per cent discount on your ticket.
How comfortable is it to sleep on the Nightjet
Sleeping on a night train is more comfortable than you might expect, but it does vary by type of accommodation. Couchettes offer berths in a shared compartment with four beds. The beds are more compact than a hotel bed, but spacious enough to sleep. Sleeping compartments provide more privacy and comfort, with their own washbasin and sometimes a shower. Seats are budget-friendly but less suitable for a full night’s sleep.
Bring earplugs, a sleep mask and an extra jumper. Lights sometimes stay on and the air conditioning can be quite cool. Light sleepers really appreciate a mask and earplugs. Also take a power bank for your devices, as sockets are not always available per bed. Couchettes often share one socket per compartment.
Travellers report that the experience depends on fellow passengers and personal preferences. Choose a sleeping compartment if peace and privacy are important to you. Couchettes are suitable if you prioritise budget and fall asleep easily. Nightjet trains have wheelchair-accessible cabins and thoughtful facilities for travellers with reduced mobility.
Can I save money by spending the night on the train
Spending the night on the train saves hotel costs, but always compare the total of your train ticket and night transport with a separate hotel room and daytime train. A Nightjet ticket from 34.90 euros for a berth in a shared compartment (couchette) replaces both a hotel night and transport. Add any reservation fees on top of that. A hotel room in Munich or Berlin costs on average 60 to 100 euros per night, so the saving is clear.
Travellers with a BahnCard or Interrail Pass benefit even more. A BahnCard gives 25 to 50 per cent discount on tickets and reservations. With an Interrail Pass (a rail pass that allows you to travel unlimited through Europe) you only pay reservation fees for night trains, often between 14 and 30 euros per night. This makes longer itineraries across Europe considerably cheaper.
Take into account extra options that increase the cost. A whole compartment for one to three people costs more but gives privacy and comfort. Deutsche Bahn’s group fare (Supersparpreis Europa, a special fare for groups of six to nine people) offers discounted fares on ICE, IC and EC services. Always compare the total costs of travel and accommodation before you book.
‘ Night trains fill up quickly, and popular routes such as Amsterdam–Munich or Amsterdam–Berlin are often fully booked weeks in advance. ’
How do you book a night train to Germany
Book your ticket via NS International, the Deutsche Bahn app or international ticket counters at stations. Reserve in advance, especially during holidays and at weekends. Night trains fill up quickly, and popular routes such as Amsterdam–Munich or Amsterdam–Berlin are often fully booked weeks in advance. Booking early also gives you access to saver fares.
When booking, you choose the type of accommodation and any extra facilities. Indicate whether you will be taking luggage, want to bring bicycles or need special assistance. Bicycles can be stored in special areas on the latest generation of high-speed trains (ICE 3 neo), but spaces are limited and must be reserved separately. Always carry valid ID for checks en route.
A regional day ticket for one German federal state (Länderticket) is an option for day trips after arrival. For 24 euros per day you can travel unlimited on regional trains within one German federal state. This is useful for exploring surrounding areas after a night train journey. Book Ländertickets separately via the Deutsche Bahn app or ticket counters.
What to do in case of delays or cancellations
In case of delays or cancellations, you are entitled to reimbursement of reasonable hotel costs if this means you need an extra overnight stay. This only applies if the railway company does not provide accommodation. First contact the train staff, ticket office or an information desk. If you arrange an alternative yourself without contacting the company, you are only eligible for reimbursement if the railway company was unreachable.
Compensation applies per ticket, with a minimum of 4 euros. This also applies to night trains. Keep receipts and proof of any extra costs. Travellers occasionally report being stranded, for example at Bad Bentheim, but emphasise the importance of knowing your rights to compensation. Always check the current status of your train via apps or station information.
Practical tips for a pleasant night train journey
Good preparation makes your night train journey more comfortable. Bring earplugs, a sleep mask, an extra jumper and a power bank. Lighting in compartments sometimes stays on all night and air conditioning can be very cool. A neck pillow increases comfort in seats. Light snacks and water are useful, as not all trains have a bistro open 24 hours.
Book hotels close to the station if you arrive late or depart early. Steigenberger and IntercityHotel have locations directly at German stations and are accessible without a taxi. Allow time for transfers and check platforms and connections in advance. Night trains can experience delays, which may affect further travel plans.
Cyclists can use special bicycle spaces on ICE 3 neo trains. Reserve in advance, as spaces are limited. Heavy luggage can sometimes be difficult to store in compartments. Only take essential luggage with you or spread it over several smaller bags.
‘ On the Traveler Tips website you can find more information about train travel across Europe, routes to German destinations and practical tips for your holiday. ’
Temporary route via the Betuwe line
In autumn 2026, night trains and ICE services will temporarily run via the Betuwe line due to engineering works on the tracks. This may affect journey times and arrival times. Check current timetables via NS International or Deutsche Bahn before you travel. Allow for possible delays and plan sufficient time for connections.
On the Traveler Tips website you can find more information about train journeys across Europe, routes to German destinations and practical tips for your holiday. Discover how to plan your travel time optimally, where to stay and which routes are worth taking. Explore the website for in-depth guides and reliable information that helps you prepare your next trip smartly.
Frequently asked questions
On night trains to Germany you can choose from regular seats, berths in couchettes (often 4 beds per compartment) and full sleeping compartments (sleeper berths) with more privacy. Seats are the most basic option, couchette areas offer simple but lying-down sleeping places, and sleeping compartments are the most comfortable choice. You can often also book an entire compartment for yourself or your travel party for extra comfort and peace and quiet.
From the Netherlands you can travel to Germany with the ÖBB Nightjet and various ICE/IC night services. Popular night train destinations that you can (often) reach directly include Munich, Berlin and other major German cities. These services offer seats, berths (couchettes) and sleeping compartments. Thanks to the night service, you arrive at your destination early in the morning, without a hotel stay.
Book early via NS International or Deutsche Bahn and focus on ICE/IC night services or the ÖBB Nightjet; the cheapest fares (Supersparpreis/Sparpreis, from around €17.99/€34.90) are limited in number and sell out quickly. Be flexible with travel date and time (midweek and outside holidays/bank holidays is usually cheaper) and consider a BahnCard 25/50 or Interrail Pass if you travel more often or further afield. Reserve seats, berths or sleeping places in advance, especially during busy periods, and compare the price of a night train plus the hotel night you save with that of a daytime train plus hotel. Also check group fares and any Ländertickets for onward regional travel after arrival.
On board a night train you will generally find various types of seats and berths or sleeping compartments, sometimes a bistro or restaurant car, sanitary facilities and, on more modern trains, power sockets or USB ports. In a couchette or sleeper you often get basic bedding and sometimes a simple breakfast or drink. For extra comfort, bring your own earplugs, sleep mask, a warm jumper or cardigan and possibly a small travel pillow. A power bank, your own snacks and water make the journey even more comfortable, especially if the bistro has limited opening hours or is not available.
The biggest advantages of the night train to Germany are that you travel while you sleep, so you gain valuable daytime hours and often save a hotel night. You arrive early in the morning directly in or close to the city centre, without long check-in times as with the plane. It is a more sustainable alternative than flying or going by car. In addition, you can choose from different comfort levels (seat, berth, sleeping compartment) and tailor the journey to your budget and privacy needs.
