When and where does the train depart?
The Vienna–Zürich Nightjet runs daily in both directions.
From Vienna to Zürich: departure from Vienna Central Station (Wien Hauptbahnhof) at 21:39, arriving at Zürich Central Station (Zürich Hauptbahnhof) the next day at 10:36. Journey time: nearly 13 hours.
From Zürich to Vienna: departure from Zürich Central Station at 20:32, arriving at Vienna Central Station the next day at 07:58.
Timetables may change depending on the date, track maintenance works, and possible route alterations. Before booking, it is always worth checking the current timetable on nightjet.com or in the ÖBB app.
How much does a ticket cost, and where can you buy one?
Under ÖBB Sparschiene fares (discounted advance-purchase prices), the following starting prices apply for the Vienna–Zürich route, per person and per direction:
Comfort category | Starting price (Sparschiene) |
|---|---|
Seat (Sitzwagen) | From EUR 34.90 |
Couchette car (Liegewagen) | From EUR 54.90 |
Mini Cabin (for solo travellers) | From EUR 54.90 |
Sleeper car (Schlafwagen) | From EUR 89.90 |
Sparschiene tickets are available in limited numbers, and in general the earlier you book, the better your chances of securing a lower fare. Prices may rise as the number of available seats decreases.
Tickets can be purchased through the following channels:
nightjet.com – the dedicated booking site for ÖBB Nightjet
ÖBB online ticket shop (oebb.at)
ÖBB app (iOS and Android)
Station ticket offices (main stations in Vienna and Zürich)
ÖBB customer service: +43 5-1717
Travel agencies at stations and external sales partners
What comfort categories are available?
The new-generation Nightjet train runs with seven carriages: two seating cars, three couchette cars, and two sleeping cars. Each train can accommodate a maximum of 254 passengers in total.
Seat (Sitzwagen)
The most affordable option. Seats are equipped with a reading light, storage space, and charging facilities. It offers a lower level of sleeping comfort, but is the cheapest category.
Couchette (Liegewagen / Couchette)
Modern four-berth compartments, which ÖBB recommends primarily for families and groups. The fixed berths — which require no folding out — offer better sleeping comfort than the older fold-down solutions, according to ÖBB.
Mini Cabin – a new option for solo travellers
One of the most interesting innovations is the Mini Cabin, designed for solo travellers: compact sleeping pods that come with a shoe storage compartment, a luggage locker, a pull-out table, a mirror, a reading light, storage space, and a clothes hook. The price is the same as a couchette berth (from EUR 54.90), but offers significantly more privacy.
Sleeping Car (Schlafwagen)
Two options are available:
Sleeper Comfort: two-bed compartment with its own sanitary area, toilet, and shower facilities.
Sleeper Comfort Plus: larger compartment with a separate shower and toilet.
Accessible Compartment
The train includes an accessible comfort compartment accommodating up to two wheelchair users and two companions. A low-floor entrance and an accessible toilet are also available near the compartment.
What technical improvements do the new carriages bring?
Compared to earlier trains, the new-generation Nightjet has advanced in several areas:
Charging options: every seat has access to a standard power socket (220 V), a USB charger, and a wireless charging pad.
Mobile network reception: the window glass has a modified composition which, according to ÖBB, improves mobile signal transmission. This can make a noticeable difference especially on night-time sections passing through longer tunnels.
WiFi: free WiFi is available on board through the ÖBB Railnet night portal.
Passenger information system: a display-based passenger information system operates in every carriage.
Compartment controls and security: a touchscreen control panel in each compartment manages the lighting and the call for the train attendant. The doors open with an NFC card-based electronic lock. Video surveillance operates throughout every carriage.
Luggage and bicycles: the multi-purpose car offers six bicycle spaces and extra room for luggage, pushchairs, and sports equipment.
Why is this service relevant for Hungarians living in Switzerland and Austria?
Nearly 100,000 Hungarian citizens live in Switzerland and more than 100,000 in Austria. Both countries' main transport hubs — Zürich and Vienna — are directly served by this route, which can be practical in the following situations:
Travelling to Vienna from Zürich: anyone heading from Switzerland to Hungary and continuing via Vienna by train or plane will find the Nightjet a direct, no-transfer option.
Visiting Vienna: for those living in Switzerland, Vienna can be a destination for culture, shopping, or visiting relatives — with the Nightjet, the hotel night can be replaced by the journey itself.
From Austria to Switzerland: for Hungarians living in Vienna or other Austrian cities, travelling to Zürich by night train is a comfortable alternative to flying, especially when the final destination is near Zürich.
One tangible advantage of the night train is that passengers sleep during the journey, so they don't lose a day to travel. This is particularly valuable during short holidays or long weekends.
How does this service fit into ÖBB's broader network expansion plans?
ÖBB has been consistently expanding its night train network (the Nightjet network) in recent years. From June 2026, the Zürich–Vienna route will become the ninth line operated with next-generation rolling stock. According to ÖBB, it plans to put a total of 24 next-generation trains into service across its long-distance fleet by the end of 2026.
Beyond Central Europe, the network currently connects several major cities in Western Europe (e.g. Brussels, Paris, Hamburg, Rome), and ÖBB's strategy is aimed at increasing the competitiveness of overnight rail travel against short- and medium-haul air travel.
Sources
ÖBB Nightjet booking and information page: nightjet.com
ÖBB online ticket shop: oebb.at
The Local Austria: "What you need to know about the new Zurich-Vienna night trains" (18 June 2026) – https://www.thelocal.ch/20260618/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-zurich-vienna-night-trains
ORF Wien: ÖBB press release on the new Nightjet launch (14 June 2026)
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In Brief
ÖBB (Österreichische Bundesbahnen, the Austrian federal railway) launched its next-generation Nightjet train on the Vienna–Zürich route on 14 June 2026. The service runs daily, with the cheapest seat tickets starting from EUR 34.90, and the train offers a host of technical innovations: USB and wireless charging, better mobile network reception, WiFi, and new comfort categories — including the Mini Cabin, designed for solo travellers. ---
Key Takeaways
- The new Nightjet has been running daily in both directions on the Vienna–Zürich route since 14 June 2026.
- The cheapest Sparschiene seat ticket starts from EUR 34.90; the Mini Cabin and couchette compartment are available from EUR 54.90, and the sleeper car from EUR 89.90.
- The limited number of discounted tickets tends to sell out early — it pays to book as far in advance as possible.
- The new carriages offer USB and wireless charging, improved mobile network reception, WiFi, and NFC card-operated compartment locks.
- The Mini Cabin is an attractive new option for solo travellers in terms of value for money: at the same price as a couchette compartment, it offers significantly more privacy.
- Timetables are subject to change — always check the latest information at nightjet.com before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the new Nightjet launch on the Zürich–Vienna route?
The inaugural service ran on 14 June 2026. Since then, the train has operated daily in both directions.
How much does the cheapest ticket from Vienna to Zürich cost?
Under Sparschiene fares, the cheapest seat ticket starts from EUR 34.90 per person per direction. Availability is limited and these tickets are generally easiest to secure with an early booking.
What is the Mini Cabin, and who is it recommended for?
The Mini Cabin is a compact sleeping pod designed for solo passengers. At the same price as a couchette compartment (from EUR 54.90), it offers more privacy and dedicated storage space. It is particularly recommended for solo travellers who would prefer not to share a compartment with strangers.
Where can I buy a Nightjet ticket?
Tickets can be purchased at nightjet.com, via the ÖBB app, on the oebb.at website, at station ticket offices, and through ÖBB customer services (+43 5-1717).
Is there a bicycle transport option on the train?
Yes. The multi-purpose carriage has space for six bicycles. Bicycle transport must be booked separately and may be subject to an additional fee — it is worth checking this at the time of booking.
Is it mandatory to reserve a seat in advance?
Advance reservations are strongly recommended on night trains, especially for couchette and sleeper cars where capacity is limited. In principle, seat tickets can be purchased without a prior reservation, but Sparschiene prices are only available when booked in advance.
How long does the journey between Vienna and Zürich take?
The journey takes just under 13 hours. From Vienna, the train departs at 21:39 and arrives in Zürich the following morning at 10:36. In the return direction, it departs Zürich at 20:32 and arrives in Vienna at 07:58.
Is WiFi available on board?
Yes, free WiFi is available on board through the ÖBB Railnet night portal. ---