Zurich to Vienna train with ÖBB Nightjet

Zurich to Vienna Overnight in a Nightjet Premium Cabin

Introduction

Separated by around 700 kilometers, the capital cities of Switzerland and Austria are well-connected by frequent daytime trains. However, the most time-efficient and relaxing option is the ÖBB Nightjet, which travels overnight, saving you the cost of a hotel stay. In this article, I’ll share my experience traveling from Zurich to Vienna aboard the Nightjet’s deluxe sleeper cabin, complete with a private ensuite shower.

Route Overview

Multiple direct daytime trains connect Zurich and Vienna daily. There are also two overnight sleeper trains available. Services are operated jointly by ÖBB (Austria) and SBB (Switzerland). Day trains take about 8 hours, while the overnight train takes 9–11 hours, depending on the route and stops.

Transportation Experience

Booking my journey on Omio was simple and straightforward, with the ticket sent directly to my phone. Upon arrival at Zurich Main Station, I checked in with the carriage attendant and headed straight to my cabin. The train departed quietly at 21:40, and just over 10 hours later, breakfast was served in the cabin before arriving in Vienna. The experience was a smooth, civilized way to travel.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

All trains from Zurich to Vienna depart from Zurich HB (Zurich Hauptbahnhof), centrally located and surrounded by restaurants. It's the perfect place to enjoy a nice dinner before departure. The train arrives at Vienna Hbf (Wien Hauptbahnhof), one of Europe’s newest main stations. It's conveniently located just 10 minutes by metro from the city center.

Schedule & Frequency

• The Nightjet NJ467 departs Zurich at 21:40 and arrives in Vienna just before 08:00. There’s also the EN40467, which leaves at the same time but separates during the night and typically arrives earlier, around 06:30. In both cases, you sleep through the journey, avoiding airport hassle or long hours on a bus. You can check Omio to compare schedules and find the best option for your trip and budget.

• Comfortable daytime services on ÖBB’s Railjet trains run roughly every two hours, taking just under 8 hours to reach Vienna. Buses to Vienna cover the route within a similar time, while flying is technically faster. However, once you factor in security checks and airport transfers, the total journey time quickly adds up.

Onboard Experience & Services

Nightjet trains on this route use older rolling stock, including:

• Seated compartments, not ideal overnight
• 4- and 6-bed couchettes, basic hostel-style comfort
• Private sleeper cabins, with or without ensuite bathrooms

I chose a deluxe sleeper with a private shower in a Siemens Comfortline carriage, widely praised for its ride quality and wide beds. The bed was already folded down when I arrived. With the bedding made up, I found a comfortable pillow and a small amenity kit waiting in the cabin, including slippers, towels, and even a bottle of prosecco. There was Wi-Fi available, but I didn't get a chance to use it on this sleeper train.

After about 7 hours of solid sleep, I took a long shower in my private cabin (strong pressure and hot water). I then enjoyed a light complimentary breakfast, which I had selected from a small menu the night before. The breakfast is delivered by default straight to your cabin about an hour before arrival on this route. Make sure to let your cabin attendant know the night before if you want breakfast served at a specific time.

My train pulled into Vienna just after 08:00, and I was feeling fresh, rested, and ready to explore this city!

Note: It's not unknown for Nightjet trains to pick up large delays en route. I received an email from the operator, ÖBB, a few days before departure informing me my train would arrive 20 minutes later than scheduled. This might not be a major issue if Vienna is your final stop, but it’s worth keeping in mind.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

Ticket prices are dynamic and depend on availability:

• 6-bed couchette: from €49.90
• 4-bed couchette: from €59.90
• 3-bed sleeper: from €69.90
• 2-bed sleeper: from €89.90
• 1-bed sleeper: from €139.90

I paid €269 for my private deluxe cabin with an ensuite, booked six weeks ahead. While not cheap, it compares well to a flight and a night in a hotel between Zurich and Vienna, which could easily exceed €200.

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Check the EN40467 if the NJ467 is too expensive (departs same time, arrives ~90 min earlier).
• Bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.
• Regret your initial seat/bed choice? Ask the onboard staff about upgrade availability.

Conclusion

Despite the chance of delays and sometimes high prices, the Nightjet train from Zurich to Vienna is easily one of the most time-efficient and comfortable ways to travel between these cities. You sleep while moving, skip airport hassles, and arrive refreshed. I recommend you book your train tickets on Omio early to get the best rates.

About the Author: Simon Andersen

• Job Title: Train Travel Content Creator

• Bio: Train travel content creator with a degree in Mobility and Transportation from the Danish Technical University. I create content showcasing unique and memorable train journeys across Europe and beyond.