The skies were cloudy and the air was cool as my husband, two daughters, and I arrived in Vienna. After spending several days in Austria and the Czech Republic, we were about to board a Nightjet sleeper train that would whisk us away to our next destination: Venice.

The Rise of the Nightjet

When Austrian railway company ÖBB launched Nightjet in 2016, it aimed to revive the popularity of sleeper trains. Since then, ÖBB has seen a surge in long-distance passengers. In 2022, the company announced it would spend €4.1 billion to modernize its current Nightjets and produce 33 brand-new ones.

Preparing for the Journey

Knowing that food options on the train were limited, we stopped for dinner at Mezzaluna, an unfussy pizzeria near Vienna’s Central Train Station. Although passengers can buy tickets on the train in some instances, making reservations is required for trains to Italy and Germany. From least to most expensive, accommodations include seats in a regular compartment, bunk bed-style couchettes, and sleeper cabins for up to three passengers.

We chose to book two deluxe sleeper cabins for privacy and the fun of trying out the shower.

Onboard Experience

On the platform, we joined fellow travelers boarding the train. Inside our segments, labeled Schlafwagen (“sleeper car” in German), we found our cozy cabins equipped with bunk beds. Each cabin included a sink, with deluxe options also featuring a toilet and shower. Our beds came with breakfast order forms and amenity kits with slippers, small snacks, and more.

While the cabin was clean and cozy, there were some drawbacks; the pillows were thin, and there was no Wi-Fi, which disappointed the kids. The showers, while functional, had a somewhat awkward setup that required quick movements.

Resting on the Night Train

Our family reported varying amounts of sleep on the Nightjet. My older daughter slept well, while the younger one and I struggled a little longer to find rest. Nevertheless, we all felt better rested than we had after our previous red-eye flight to Europe.

A Delicious Breakfast

Roughly an hour before arriving in Venice, the conductor delivered breakfast, which included fresh rolls, Nutella, fruit, and hot beverages. As we approached Santa Lucia Train Station, sunlight sparkled across the water, giving us a delightful taste of Italy after sleeping on the train.

Exploring Venice

After disembarking, the warm, saltwater-tinged air welcomed us as we made our way to the vaporetto (water bus) docks. Even on a Sunday morning, the city vibrated with life. Locals enjoyed leisurely cappuccinos at sidewalk cafes, while tourists captured moments across the Grand Canal.

Final Thoughts

Would we ride the Nightjet again? While it may not become an annual family tradition, we all expressed interest in taking the journey again, although my youngest daughter emphasized, “Only if they have Wi-Fi and the shower doesn’t stop every 20 seconds.”

Nightjet tickets from Vienna to Venice start at €52, available for purchase directly through the Nightjet website.