Paris-Vienna night train: everything you need to know

Written by Sophie Renassia

Published yesterday

Paris-Vienna night train: everything you need to know

Do you dream of strolling through the imperial streets of Vienna, marveling at the Schönbrunn Palace, or enjoying an Apfelstrudel with music? Since December 2021, the Nightjet Paris-Vienna night train, operated by ÖBB (Austrian Railways), has been connecting Paris to Vienna three times a week. Board at dusk at Paris-Est, close your eyes, and wake up the next morning in Austria, in the heart of Viennese elegance – all while saving on a hotel night and a few kilos of CO₂! Schedules, comfort, prices, reservations: we tell you everything about this iconic train.

Route: From Paris to Vienna via Strasbourg, Munich, and Salzburg

The Nightjet NJ469 train connects Paris-Est to Vienna Hauptbahnhof in approximately 14 hours. Departure is scheduled around 7:30 PM from Paris-Est, with arrival in Vienna at 10:00 AM the next morning. The journey includes stops in Strasbourg, Karlsruhe, Munich, Rosenheim, Salzburg, Linz, and St. Pölten.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YHFt-derG0

Frequency, Schedule, and Operating Days of the Paris-Vienna Night Train

The Nightjet Paris-Vienna runs three times a week in each direction. Departures from Paris are on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, while departures from Vienna are scheduled for Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Of course, we recommend checking the updated schedules before your trip on the ÖBB website, especially in case of track work.

Comfort on Board: Seats, Couchettes, and Sleeper Cars

The train offers three levels of comfort:

Reclining seats: seats in compartments of six, ideal for tight budgets.
Couchette cars: compartments with 4 or 6 berths, with sheets, pillows, and blankets provided.
Sleeper cars: private compartments for 1 to 3 people, equipped with comfortable beds, sinks, and in some cases, private showers.

On board, you will also have access to drinks and snacks, and all the necessary comforts.

How much do tickets for the Paris-Vienna night train cost?

Fares vary depending on the level of comfort chosen:

Reclining seats: from €29.90
Couchettes (6 people): from €49.90
Couchettes (4 people): from €59.90
Sleeper car (3 people): from €89.90
Sleeper car (2 people): from €109.90
Sleeper car (1 person): from €159.90.

Where to book your Paris-Vienna night train?

On SNCF Connect,
On ÖBB,
Via platforms like Trainline.

When to book your train tickets?

Night train tickets between Paris and Vienna can be booked up to 6 months in advance. As usual, the sooner you book, the cheaper it will be.

How to save money on your Paris-Vienna train tickets?

Book (really) early: Nightjet ticket prices work on a dynamic pricing system. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to find the lowest fares (from €29.90 for a reclining seat, €49.90 for a couchette, €89.90 for a shared sleeper car).
Take advantage of group rates if you are traveling with several people: couchette (4 or 6-berth) and sleeper car (1 to 3-person) compartments can be booked in full at a discounted rate, especially for several people: this is cheaper per person than individual tickets, and you get a private compartment! Some "Private Compartment" offers even allow you to travel alone or with one other person in a closed compartment at an attractive price.
Choose a couchette over a sleeper car: if you want to save money without sacrificing comfort, couchettes for 4 or 6 people are a very good compromise. You sleep lying down, with sheets, a blanket, and a pillow, for a much lower price than sleeper cars.
Compare booking platforms: the same journey can be displayed at a different price depending on the site: sometimes, ÖBB offers slightly cheaper tickets than SNCF or Trainline. Promotions can also vary from one platform to another.
Avoid unnecessary supplements: by default, couchettes and sleeper cars include sheets, a snack, etc. But some sites offer to add unnecessary paid options (such as insurance or more substantial meals). Uncheck what you don't need!
European discount cards: if you travel frequently by train, the SNCF Advantage Card is not valid on international night trains. But the Interrail card or certain ÖBB Passes can reduce the base price of the couchette or sleeper car ticket (a supplement remains payable, but it is less)!

Can you take the night train between Paris and Vienna with Interrail?

Yes! However, a paid reservation is mandatory, even if the pass covers the journey. Reservation fees vary depending on the type of accommodation chosen:

Reclining seat: from €4.90
Couchette (6-berth): between €19.90 and €54.90
Couchette (4-berth): between €19.90 and €64.90
Sleeper car (3 people): between €44.90 and €124.90
Sleeper car (2 people): between €59.90 and €154.90
Sleeper car (1 person): between €139.90 and €309.90

To book: go to the ÖBB website, enter your journey (Paris–Vienna) and the desired date. Click on "Edit" in the "Who is traveling?" section and add a discount by selecting "Interrail / Eurail – Globalpass". Continue the reservation by choosing "Single ticket" or "Single ticket and day ticket", select the desired train, then choose the type of accommodation (seat, couchette, sleeper car). Add the reservation to your basket, enter your information, and proceed to payment.

Is the Paris-Vienna night train accessible to people with reduced mobility?

The Nightjet has a compartment dedicated to travelers in wheelchairs, designed to accommodate up to two people in wheelchairs and two companions, which is located near accessible toilets. The car is also equipped with a low floor for easy access.

Good advice: it is best to book this PRM compartment in advance and indicate any need for assistance when booking. The departure and arrival stations, such as Paris Gare de l'Est and Wien Hauptbahnhof, are generally equipped to accommodate PRM travelers, with assistance services available on request!

Can you transport a bicycle on board the Nightjet Paris–Vienna?

Currently, only the transport of folded or disassembled bicycles is possible on board the Nightjet Paris–Vienna, provided it is stored in a cover not exceeding the dimensions of 90 x 60 x 40 cm. In this case, the bicycle is considered as hand luggage and does not require an additional reservation.

Paris-Vienna by night train VS by plane: who wins the match?

If you are still hesitating between the train and the plane, here is some information to help you make up your mind:

In terms of cost and time, the plane often seems attractive (€50–150 in low-cost) and faster (1h55 flight). But this does not include the hidden costs (paying for luggage, cost of the shuttle or taxi from the airport) and the travel and waiting time, which add 2 to 4 hours to the total travel time! The night train journey is longer, but it saves you a night's accommodation, and you don't see the journey pass (since - in theory - you take the opportunity to sleep).
In terms of comfort and experience, the night train allows you to sleep lying down (in a couchette or sleeper car) with the possibility of moving around freely, while the plane imposes a cramped seat, checks, and few services on a short-haul flight. Traveling by night train also means enjoying the landscapes at dawn and a retro atmosphere that is an integral part of the experience!
In terms of accessibility, the Paris-Vienna night train departs from and arrives in the city center (Paris-Est & Vienne Hbf being central stations), without needing to add a shuttle to your journey. By plane, you often start and finish in outlying airports, with an hour or more of transfer and checks, which adds costs, stress, and unproductive travel time.
Finally, concerning the ecological impact, the night train is unbeatable since it emits about 30 times less CO₂ than a medium-haul Paris–Vienna flight (~300 kg CO₂ / passenger by plane, VS ~10 kg CO₂ / passenger by train) and eliminates the hotel night, avoiding another twenty kilos of CO₂.

In summary, if you choose the night train option: no stress, no fatigue, and savings on the hotel night and hidden costs (luggage, shuttle, etc.). So, are you tempted by the experience?

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