The first journey of the new train on the route took place on June 14th, with ÖBB describing it as “Europe’s most modern night train”, according to ORF Vienna.
The route is part of ÖBB’s wider night-train expansion. With Zurich now added, new-generation Nightjets are operating on nine lines, and ÖBB says it wants 24 of the new trains in its long-distance fleet by the end of the year.
Travellers between Austria and Switzerland will notice that the new trains offer more privacy, more charging options, improved mobile reception and a wider choice of comfort categories.
How much do tickets cost?
According to ÖBB, Sparschiene tickets for the Vienna-Zurich route start at €34.90 per person and direction in a seating carriage.
A place in a couchette compartment starts at €54.90, and the new Mini Cabins for solo travellers also start at €54.90.
For a place in a sleeper compartment, prices start at €89.90.
As usual with Sparschiene fares, the cheapest tickets are limited and usually easiest to find when booking early.
Tickets can be bought via nightjet.com, the ÖBB ticket shop, the ÖBB app, station ticket counters, travel agencies at stations, ÖBB customer service on 05-1717 and external sales partners.
READ ALSO: Everything you need to know about Austria's new 'ultra modern' night trains
When does the train run?
The connection is being offered daily and the train departs Vienna Hauptbahnhof at 9:39 pm and arrives in Zurich at 10:36 am, making for a total travel time of just under 13 hours. The return trian departs Zurich Hauptbahnhof at 8:32 pm and arrives in Vienna at 7:58 am.
Travellers should still check the timetable when booking, as night-train times can vary depending on date, works or route changes.
What is different about the new Nightjet?
Each new-generation Nightjet has seven carriages: two seating cars, three couchette cars and two sleeping cars. There are up to 254 places per train set. The multifunctional carriage has six bicycle spaces and more room for luggage, prams and sports equipment.
For passengers, the upgrades include conventional power sockets, USB charging and inductive charging stations. ÖBB also says the windows are more permeable to mobile-phone signals, which should mean more stable reception.
The trains also have free Wi-Fi through the ÖBB Railnet night onboard portal and a passenger information system in all carriages.
In compartments, passengers can use a control display for functions such as lighting and calling onboard staff. Compartments also have an electronic access system using NFC cards, and all carriages have video surveillance.
READ ALSO: The changes to Austria’s night trains passengers should know about
New comfort categories
The new Nightjet has several categories, depending on budget, privacy and how much space passengers want.
The cheapest option is the seating carriage. ÖBB describes these as comfort seats with features such as reading lamps, storage space and charging options.
The couchette comfort category has modern four-person compartments, aimed especially at families and groups. ÖBB says fixed beds without a folding mechanism should improve sleeping comfort.
For solo travellers, the Mini Cabin is an interesting new option. These are small sleeping capsules with nearby lockers for shoes and hand luggage, plus a fold-out table, mirror, reading lamp, storage space and clothes hook.
The sleeper categories offer more privacy. Sleeper comfort compartments have two fixed beds and their own sanitary area with a toilet and shower option. Sleeper comfort plus has a larger compartment with its own separated shower and toilet.
The train also includes a barrier-free comfort compartment for up to two wheelchair users and two accompanying people, with a nearby accessible toilet and low-floor entry.
READ ALSO: The ten best destinations by direct night train from Austria
Key vocabulary
der Nightjet – ÖBB’s night-train brand
der Schlafwagen – sleeping car
der Liegewagen – couchette car
der Sitzwagen – seating car
die Sparschiene – ÖBB’s cheaper advance fare
der Hauptbahnhof – main railway station
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