ÖBB Nightjet

Traveling hotel: test bed in the new night train

ÖBB spokesman Christoph Gasser-Mair shows "Krone" editor Claudia Thurner the new Nightjet.

(Bild: Christof Birbaumer)

The "Krone" got an insight into the new ÖBB Nightjet, which runs from Tyrol and Vienna to Hamburg. The moving hotel is a sight to behold. The new sleeping pods in particular are real space miracles with a few surprises. 

Today, December 10, marks the beginning of a new era for the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). With the timetable change, the brand-new night trains will also be on the rails. Not all lines are equipped with them yet. But on the Innsbruck-Hamburg (daily) and Vienna-Hamburg connections, ÖBB hotels will be traveling through the night from this date.

From December 10, the new Nightjet will run from Innsbruck to Hamburg.

(Bild: Birbaumer Christof)

The train is also technically state-of-the-art.

(Bild: Birbaumer Christof)

Surprisingly spacious sleeping pods with extras
What is so special about the night trains 2.0? The "Krone" was allowed to try them out before the premiere journey. Summary: surprising how much comfort is possible in a small space.

The biggest change compared to previous night trains can be found in the couchette carriages. There are 28 mini-cabins per carriage in the bunk bed system. Sleeping pods, not quite as wide as a single bed. At first glance, the enclosed space seems cramped.

But when you lie down in it, a surprising amount of space opens up in the head area, providing additional room for lavish dreams.

(Bild: Christof Birbaumer)

From 54.90 euros from Innsbruck to Hamburg
The space miracles are also equipped with a folding table for breakfast, a reading lamp, storage space and a few technical gadgets - including the best cell phone reception. Shoes and luggage are stored in a locker in front of the door. Of course, the sleeping capsule has no room for a wet room. However, the cabin can be booked for as little as 54.90 euros for the journey from Innsbruck to Hamburg.

(Bild: Christof Birbaumer)

Shower and WC in the room with a view
If you want a toilet and shower in your private compartment, you can switch to the sleeping car. There, too, the new Nightjets promise more comfort. In the luxury version, the double rooms even have a separate shower cubicle. However, you will have to pay a little more for this. The "sleeper plus" is available from just under 130 euros per person for double occupancy.

Tyrol's ÖBB spokesman Christoph Gasser-Mair reports high demand and points out that ÖBB is the largest provider of night trains in Europe. There are currently 1.5 million passengers a year. By 2030, there should be twice as many.