On on the second Sunday of December, this year 10 December, train operators in Europe launch their new timetable. ÖBB, Austria‘s federal train operator, then introduces new Nightjet rolling stock. This new generation of Nightjet sleeper cars accommodate solo travellers, RailTech reports..
The new trains are equipped with individual pod-style berths called Mini Cabins. Obviously there are still the traditional couchettes and sleeping cars. The new generation Nightjet trains have been certified for Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and the Netherlands. So yes, Brussels – Berlin and Brussels – Vienna travellers have to wait.
The seven-car trains can reach a maximum speed of 230 kph. Each train set consists of one control car (seating car), one multifunctional car (seating car with PRM compartment & multifunctional zone), three couchette cars (with four-person compartments and mini cabins), as well as two sleeping cars. All compartments are fitted with their own toilet and shower facilities, which is new.
New amenities
The new Nightjet can thus accommodate up to 254 people. There is now more space for bicycles, for luggage and for items such as skis and snowboards.
For passengers with restricted mobility, a modern accessible couchette compartment, as well as an accessible lavatory, are available in every new Nightjet – they can be reached via a low-floor entrance.
Travel options
The new Nightjet offers several options for your journey.
- The Sleeping Car Comfort Plus option offers a spacious compartment with en suite sanitary facilities, including a lavatory and shower. It features two built-in beds, one above the other, and can be booked as a compartment for one or two people. In addition to the comfortable sleeping arrangements, passengers can enjoy a cosy seating area.
- The Sleeping Car Comfort option includes two built-in beds, one above the other, which can also be booked for one or two people. The compartment comes with en suite sanitary facilities, including a lavatory and shower, as well as comfortable seating for a relaxing journey.
- The Couchette Car Comfort aims at families and groups. This option offers modern 4-berth compartments with built-in beds. It provides more space and privacy for a comfortable journey.
- The Barrier-Free Compartment Comfort, for travellers with disabilities, offers a disabled-accessible compartment that can accommodate up to two wheelchair users and two accompanying passengers. It is located next to an accessible lavatory and is accessible via a wagon with a low-floor entrance.
- The Seat Car and Multifunctional Area features double bucket seats with folding armrests and full-length headrests. It also offers storage facilities, reading lamps, and inductive charging at the seats. Additionally, the multifunctional area provides space for bicycles, luggage, pushchairs, skis, and snowboards.
Mini Cabins
But the most striking novelty is the Mini Cabin. The Mini Cabins are sleeping berths located in the couchette cars. These are designed in a pod-like fashion, with berths stacked in two layers, resembling a dormitory setup that allows each individual to create their own private sanctuary.
These cabins cater to solo travellers. “In the new innovative Mini Cabins, the single sleeping berths in the couchette car, every necessity for an undisturbed night trip is available in a compact space: a storage area, a movable folding table for breakfast with integrated mirror, coat hooks, reading lamp as well as directly adjacent lockers for hand luggage and shoes”, ÖBB says
Wi-Fi
The new Nightjet now offers complimentary on-board Wi-Fi, while a contemporary passenger information system keeps them informed about travel updates.
The train is well-equipped with various charging options, including USB and inductive charging, and improved window panes enhance network reception for more reliable mobile phone connections.
Compartments are equipped with convenient control panels for adjusting lighting and requesting service assistance. For added security and ease of access, NFC card electronic entry systems are installed in the compartments, and video surveillance is in place throughout the train cars to enhance safety.
Where?
The first new generation Nightjets will first be in service on the routes from Vienna and Innsbruck to Hamburg.
More on night trains and transcontinental train travel
- Trenitalia orders new Hitachi Frecciarossa trains suited for France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
- European Sleeper serving Dresden and Prague from 2024, targets Barcelona from 2025.
- Tri-Country Train between Maastricht, Liège and Aachen delayed until spring 2024.
- ÖBB’s Nightjet to connect Berlin to Brussels from December 2023.
- EUROCITY EC-8 | Basel to Cologne in SBB’s Panoramic Car.
- Trenitalia / FS confirms interest in connecting Spain to Brussels, Amsterdam and Berlin.
- Deutsche Bahn and Trenitalia want piece of Amsterdam – Brussels – Paris HST service via subsidiaries Arriva an Qbuzz.
- SNCF and NMBS / SNCB to link Paris to Brussels with ‘slow’ classic train in about 3 hours from December 2024.
- Sampling NS’ new train and future Benelux rolling stock ICNG.
- REVIEW | Trenitalia Frecciarossa 1000 Paris – Milan in Business Executive.
- RAIL TOUR OF EUROPE | How easy is touring Europe by train?.
- Midnight Trains secures new night train rolling stock, aims for December 2024 start.
- Eight train connections between the Netherlands and Belgium by 2030?.
- REVIEW | ÖBB Nightjet Amsterdam – Zurich night train.
- EUROPEAN UNION | The Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and the European Transport Corridors.
- European Commission wants booking train tickets to be as easy as booking flights.
- Trenitalia aspires to run trains from Milan to Brussels and Amsterdam.
- Eurostar ex-Thalys trains will keep ‘ruby’ red livery after 2024 merger.
- SJ EuroNight announces 2022 night train service from Stockholm to Hamburg, no Malmö – Brussels for now.
- Malmö – Brussels night train to become Malmö – Brussels – Paris?.
- GreenCityTrip launches new destinations for its chartered night trains: Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Malmö, Bologna, Firenze, Bolzano, Como, Salzburg, Linz.
- ‘Hotel on rails’ Midnight Trains to link Paris to Edinburgh, Brussels, Hamburg, Copenhagen, Berlin, Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome, Barcelona, Madrid and Porto.
- Nightjet Vienna/Innsbruck to Brussels, or how we got thrown off the train in Aachen.
- Why the expensive ÖBB Nightjet is really not that expensive.
- Reliving the era of the great railway journeys, travelling overnight on Nightjet.
- How we plan a big rail trip.
- Ticket Distribution: the failure of railways to sell themselves.
- BOOK REVIEW | ‘Night Trains, The Rise and Fall of the Sleeper’ by Andrew Martin.
- To use night trains in Portugal and Spain or not?.
- Night trains in Europe.
- Low-cost, long-haul trains to conquer Europe?.
- Fly now before it’s taxed and consider using the train instead.
- Belgium to pay railway infrastructure fee and traction energy costs to lure night trains to Brussels.
- MIDNIGHT TRAINS | Unified Rail Europe? Coping with rail network challenges.
- MIDNIGHT TRAINS | Choosing rolling stock is more than following national technical rules.
- Midnight Trains abandon United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark and Portugal to aim at Nice, Milan, Rome, Venice, Barcelona and Madrid.
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