New-generation Nightjet enters service on Vienna–Zurich route
NIGHT TRAINS: ÖBB and SBB have introduced the new Nightjet fleet on the Vienna–Zurich corridor, the ninth route to receive the upgraded rolling stock as the two operators accelerate the transition.
The first departure ran 14 June from Wien Hauptbahnhof, arriving in Zurich the following morning. Transport Minister Peter Hanke attended the send-off ceremony at Wien Hauptbahnhof; SBB representatives received the train at Zürich HB.
Vienna–Zurich is the second of eight Zurich night train services to receive the new generation, after Zurich–Hamburg. Amsterdam is next, scheduled for December 2026. ÖBB’s total new-generation fleet is set to reach 24 trainsets by year-end.
Mini Cabins and a December pipeline
Each trainset runs seven coaches — two seating cars, three couchette cars, two sleeping cars — with 254 places in total. The new roster adds a category not previously available in ÖBB’s night fleet: Mini Cabins, designed for solo travellers who want more enclosure than an open couchette berth but do not need a full sleeping compartment. Sleeping cars include private sanitary facilities. Six bicycle spaces are available in the multi-function coach. NFC access, inductive charging and onboard wifi are standard.
Sparschiene fares start at EUR 34.90 for a seat, EUR 54.90 for a couchette or Mini Cabin, and EUR 89.90 for a sleeping car.
ÖBB head of long-distance operations Kurt Bauer said Vienna–Zurich is a good fit for the new fleet. SBB’s Matthias Bütler cited strong customer feedback from the Zurich–Hamburg service.
The December milestone will bring Zurich–Amsterdam into the upgraded network. How quickly the remaining Zurich departures follow depends on Siemens delivery tempo through 2027 — a timeline ÖBB has not publicly locked.