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With the Nightjet from the Netherlands to Munich or Vienna you travel in your sleep to the heart of Europe. This way, you save a travel day and a hotel stay. This night train is a comfortable and smart way to arrive well-rested at your destination. Here you can read how this connection works and what you can expect from a journey with the Nightjet.
What is the Nightjet?
The Nightjet is the night train operated by the Austrian railway company ÖBB. The concept is simple: you board the train in the Netherlands in the evening, sleep in a comfortable bed and wake up the next morning in another city. This saves not only time, but also the cost of a hotel. The train is designed for comfort, with different options to suit a wide range of budgets and travel preferences. Whether you choose a simple seat or a luxurious sleeping compartment, you arrive relaxed at your destination. The Nightjet is therefore a good alternative to a short flight or a long car journey.
‘ Both routes offer a direct connection to cities in Germany and Austria, allowing you to travel deep into Europe without changing trains. ’
The routes from Amsterdam
From the Netherlands, two important Nightjet connections depart every day. Both routes offer a direct connection to cities in Germany and Austria, allowing you to travel deep into Europe without changing trains. The trains are split up at night in Germany to reach their own final destination.
Amsterdam to Munich (NJ 421)
This train connects the Netherlands directly with southern Germany. The journey is ideal for a city break to Munich or as a starting point for a holiday in Bavaria and the Alps. The train leaves Amsterdam early in the evening and also stops in Utrecht and Arnhem in the Netherlands. It then continues south via cities such as Düsseldorf, Cologne and Frankfurt.
- Departure Amsterdam Centraal: 19:00
- Arrival München Hbf: around 07:06
- Journey time: Approximately 12 hours
After arriving in Munich you are directly in the city centre, ready to explore the city or continue your journey to the nearby Alps.
Amsterdam to Vienna (NJ 40421)
The second important route takes you to the Austrian capital Vienna. This journey takes a little longer but offers comparable comfort. The train leaves later in the evening and takes a more easterly route through Germany. Important stops along the way include Hanover, Nuremberg and Linz.
- Departure Amsterdam Centraal: 18:28
- Arrival Wien Hbf: 09:17
- Journey time: Approximately 14.5 hours
Once in Vienna you can immediately enjoy the city’s culture, palaces and coffee houses. The return journey from Vienna departs at 20:10 and arrives in Amsterdam the next morning at 09:58.
Comfort and service on board
The Nightjet offers different levels of comfort. You can make your journey as simple or as luxurious as you like. The type of accommodation you choose determines not only your comfort, but also which services are included.
Types of accommodation
You can choose from three different types of places on the Nightjet:
- Seat: The most economical option. You travel in a compartment with six seats. This is a good choice for travellers on a limited budget who do not need a bed.
- Couchette: A shared compartment with four or six berths. You can book a single berth, or a private compartment for your own group. A couchette booking includes a blanket, sheet and pillow, as well as a simple breakfast.
- Sleeping compartment: The most comfortable option. These compartments are available for one, two or three people and have made-up beds with duvets. In a sleeping compartment you receive a more extensive breakfast and a welcome pack. Deluxe compartments have their own shower and toilet.
Practical tips for a pleasant journey
Good preparation ensures a relaxed journey. It is advisable to book your tickets as early as possible, especially if you want to travel with a discount. The affordable ‘Sparschiene’ tickets are popular and sell out quickly. It is practical not to take too much luggage with you; storage space in the compartments is limited, although there is usually room for a standard suitcase. For families, the Nightjet is ideal. Children up to five years travel for free, and children from six to fourteen receive a discount.
New generation trains from 2025
From May 2025, the travel experience will become even more comfortable. ÖBB will then introduce the ‘Nightjet 2.0’, a new generation of trains built by Siemens. These modern trains offer more comfort and privacy. The couchettes will receive a new design and ÖBB will also improve the sleeping compartments. With the introduction of these new trains, the timetable will also be expanded. From that moment on, the Nightjet from Amsterdam will not only run to Munich and Vienna, but also directly to Innsbruck. Thanks to this direct connection, you can reach the Austrian Alps more easily by train. Later on, connections to Basel and Zurich may also follow.
The Nightjet is an excellent choice for travellers who want to travel consciously, comfortably and efficiently. For destinations such as the Bavarian Alps, cultural Vienna or the mountains around Innsbruck, your journey already begins the moment you step onto the train. On the Traveler Tips website you will find more articles and in-depth guides on train travel, route planning and the most beautiful destinations in Europe. This will help you plan your next trip even more smartly.
Frequently asked questions
The Nightjet offers various sleeping options: seats, couchettes for 4–6 people, and sleeping compartments for 1–3 people, including deluxe options with shower and breakfast. Seats are the basic option, while couchettes offer shared comfort and sleeping compartments provide the most privacy and luxury. Prices range from budget-friendly seats from €29, through couchettes for €50–€100, to sleeping compartments from €100, depending on the desired comfort and level of privacy.
The Nightjet offers comfortable travel, saves a hotel stay and is more environmentally friendly than flying or driving, with the possibility of arriving well-rested. Disadvantages can be the longer travel time compared with flying, and any delays due to train changes. The price may turn out higher than flying if you book late, but early-bird offers are affordable. It is a relaxing alternative that allows you to gain an extra day at your destination.
The Nightjet offers various facilities such as seats, couchettes for 4–6 people and sleeping compartments for 1–3 people, including deluxe options with shower and breakfast. Children up to 5 years travel for free and there are discounts for those aged 6–14, with private compartments available. Additional services include breakfast in sleeping compartments, space for bikes and, on some routes, transport for cars or motorbikes. The Nightjet contributes to a unique travel experience by allowing travellers to sleep while travelling, save a hotel night and arrive well-rested, effectively “gaining a day”.
Book your Nightjet journey early via the ÖBB website or NS International for the cheapest Sparschiene tickets, starting from €29. Choose between seats, couchettes for 4–6 people, or sleeping compartments for 1–3 people, where deluxe options include breakfast and a private shower. Consider travelling from May 2025 for the more modern Nightjet 2.0 trains with improved comfort. Pack light luggage and take into account any engineering works, such as replacement buses.
