ÖBB Nightjet review: sleeping in a Mini Cabin as a solo traveler

ÖBB Nightjet review: I slept in the new Mini Cabin from Vienna to the Netherlands. Here’s what solo travel in this night train is really like.

Traveling with the OBB Nightjet

As a solo traveler, I’m always looking for comfortable and safe ways to get around Europe, and I prefer doing that by train. For a long time, night trains weren’t really on my radar, but after a positive experience with the European Sleeper a few months ago, I figured it was time to give them another shot.

While figuring out the best way to get from Bratislava back to the Netherlands by public transport, I discovered that I could take a direct night train from Vienna to Amersfoort, no transfers needed. Since Vienna is just an hour away from Bratislava by train, that was an easy decision.

I booked a ticket for the ÖBB Nightjet, not just because of the convenient route, but also because I was really curious about the new Mini Cabin. This compact sleeping pod is designed specifically for solo travelers, and I couldn’t wait to try it out myself.

What is the OBB Nightjet?

The ÖBB Nightjet is a night train operated by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). It runs on several routes between major cities in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands. In addition to the Vienna – Amsterdam route, you can also travel from cities like Innsbruck or Hamburg to the Netherlands.

The concept is simple: you board in the evening, sleep during the journey, and arrive at your destination the next morning. There are various comfort levels available, from standard seats to couchette coaches and full sleeping compartments with private facilities. And now, there’s also the Mini Cabin: a brand-new, compact option created specifically for solo travelers. More on that below.

Mini Cabin

The Mini Cabin is a new type of sleeping accommodation on Nightjet trains, designed for solo travelers who want more privacy than in a shared compartment, but don’t need an entire sleeping car to themselves. You get your own little cabin with a bed, storage space, power outlet, small table, reading light, and even a mirror. Everything is compact and cleverly designed. It feels a bit like a Japanese capsule hotel.

You share the carriage with other Mini Cabin travelers, and the cabins are stacked: one on top, one on the bottom. You can close your own cabin with a sliding door, giving you your own private space for the night.

To me, it sounded like the perfect solution: no sleeping strangers around you, a private spot on the train, and still an affordable option. Ideal if, like me, you often travel solo. In this Nightjet review, I’ll tell you exactly what my experience was like. The pros, the cons, and everything in between.

ÖBB Nightjet review: my trip from Vienna to the Netherlands in a Mini Cabin

The night train leaves Wien Hauptbahnhof at 8:10 p.m., and I arrive well ahead of time. I grab a delicious Pad Thai at Som Kitchen (highly recommended!) and a cup of chamomile tea, then head to the platform around 7:45. The train is already there, waiting.

First impression: what a long train!

One of the first things I notice is how incredibly long the train is. My carriage is number 435, which means a bit of a walk down the platform. A steward checks my ticket and shows me to my cabin: number 71, a lower Mini Cabin. The cabins are grouped in sets of four, and since I’m the first to arrive, I have time to look around calmly.

The Mini Cabin: smart, compact and private

In the middle of the four cabins there’s a small staircase, with clever storage compartments built in: a larger one for your carry-on luggage and a smaller one for your shoes. I don’t realize until later that you need to open them with the access card, which is in a holder next to the shutter. My suitcase fits in perfectly, and I store my shoes in the smaller compartment.

My backpack doesn’t fit inside the cabin itself, but fortunately I discover an extra hatch under the mattress. Both my backpack and hiking poles fit inside. Good to know: this hatch is only available in the lower cabins, not the upper ones.

Convenient gadgets on board

The Mini Cabin is full of clever details. You’ll find a pillow, a sheet bag, a blanket, a bottle of water, and a small cookie waiting for you. Everything looks clean and fresh.

On the side wall there’s a folding table with a mirror underneath. Near the head of the bed you’ll find a small window with two curtains: one that lets in light and one that completely blocks it out. Next to the window is a sliding hatch, which can be useful if you’re traveling with someone.

In front of the hatch is a small wooden shelf where you can put a few personal items. It also contains a wireless charging pad, although it didn’t work very well in my case. Thankfully, there’s also a standard power outlet, plus a black touchscreen where you can control the lights and check whether the toilet is occupied.

A fun extra: you can change the lighting to different colors. At one point, my cabin turned into a blue, purple, and red cocoon.

The air conditioning was a lifesaver that night, as it was 35 degrees outside. The air circulation works well, and there are extra vents above your head that you can open or close as needed.

And finally: the Mini Cabin can be closed with a roller shutter. From the inside, you slide it shut with a lever. From the outside, it locks automatically, so don’t forget to take your access card with you when you leave the cabin.

Sleeping on the Nightjet

The train departs right on time and everything goes smoothly. Around ten o’clock, I close the shutter and the blackout curtain. Time to sleep. The bed is comfortable, but I have to be honest: I didn’t sleep particularly well. I rarely sleep properly in moving vehicles anyway. Ironically, I only really drift off when the train stops somewhere in Germany.

One thing I do notice: it’s not exactly quiet. Especially the opening and closing of the shutters in other cabins makes quite a bit of noise, they’re definitely not silent. And that’s with earplugs in. Around six in the morning, the cabin lights up and people start talking in the corridor. Apparently, we’ve been rerouted and are now stopping at different stations than planned. My neighbors were supposed to get off at one of the skipped stops, hence the commotion outside my cabin.

Waking up with a view

I stay curled up in my little cocoon. With a book, a few downloaded shows, and the view out the window, I’m perfectly content. You do have to lie at a bit of an angle to see outside properly, but you get used to it quickly.

The onboard Wi-Fi works reasonably well. It’s not super fast, but good enough for basic browsing or messaging.

Around eight, the steward stops by with breakfast: two bread rolls with butter and jam, plus a cup of tea. Simple, but appreciated.

Arrival in the Netherlands: would I do it again?

We eventually arrive in Deventer (I chose to get off early because of better onward connections) with about a 90-minute delay, but transferring to Groningen is easy from there.

Despite the lack of sleep, I look back on this experience positively. I loved having my own little room. Everything was smartly designed, neatly arranged, and I felt completely at ease.

Any downsides? The pillow could have been a bit thicker (I fixed that with a folded sweater), and the shutter noise definitely needs improvement. But overall, it’s an experience I’d happily recommend.

Would I book a Mini Cabin again? Absolutely.

Other options for staying overnight on the Nightjet

Depending on your budget, comfort needs and travel party, you can choose from different types:

Seating: the budget option

The cheapest way to travel on the Nightjet is in a regular seat. You share the carriage with other passengers, and there are no beds, it’s just seats. It’s not ideal for a good night’s sleep, but it can be fine for short routes or if you don’t mind sleeping upright. These carriages often include space for bikes and larger luggage.

Couchette: basic but fine

The couchette is a simple 4-person compartment. You can book a single bed (and share the space with other travelers) or reserve the entire compartment for your group. You’ll get a basic bed, blanket, and pillow. It’s not luxurious, but it’s comfortable enough for a night and a good compromise if you want to lie flat without booking a full sleeper.

When I booked my trip, a bed in a couchette cost the same as a Mini Cabin. That made the choice pretty easy for me.

Sleeper carriage: maximum comfort

If you really want to sleep comfortably, the sleeper carriage is your best option. These are private compartments for one or two people, and they even come with their own toilet and shower. There are two versions to choose from:

• Comfort: a standard private compartment with all the basic amenities.
• Comfort Plus: slightly more spacious, with added room and a higher level of comfort.

This is the ideal choice if you’re traveling as a couple, or simply want the most privacy and convenience during your journey.

Facilities on the train

What can you expect in terms of facilities on the ÖBB Nightjet? Quite a lot actually, although it’s all pretty basic and functional:

Toilets – Each carriage has two toilets: one for women and one for men. During my trip, they were surprisingly clean and stocked with toilet paper the entire time.

Wash room – There’s a separate room where you can brush your teeth or freshen up. It’s not very spacious, I couldn’t change clothes there. The toilets are a better option for that.

Luggage storage – Bringing a large suitcase or backpack? It often won’t fit inside the Mini Cabin, but you can store it in the seating carriage. There are special luggage racks with cables, which you can lock and unlock using your cabin access card.

Bicycle parking – Some trains have dedicated spaces for bicycles, usually located in or near the seating carriage. If you want to bring your bike, make sure to reserve a spot in advance, as the number of bike spaces is limited.

Food and drinks – There’s no bar car on the new generation of Nightjet trains. In some areas you can order food and drinks via a QR code, or you can simply ask the steward in your carriage. Personally, I always bring a few snacks just in case.

Adapted sleeping cabins – Coaches with low boarding have special sleeping cabins for passengers with reduced mobility. These are more spacious and fully accessible. Be aware that these must be booked separately and are not available on all routes.

Practical tips for your night on the Nightjet

With a little preparation, your trip will be a lot more comfortable. These are my personal tips for a nice night on the ÖBB Nightjet:

• Bring a big bottle of water – You’ll get a small bottle in your cabin, but it’ll be gone in no time. The air on the train is quite dry, so staying hydrated is essential.
• Earplugs are not a luxury – You’ll likely hear other passengers during the night, and the shutter doors make more noise than you’d expect. Earplugs can help you get a bit more peace and rest.
• If necessary, bring your own pillowcase or travel pillow – The provided pillow is pretty thin. I folded a sweater underneath it, but bringing your own (inflatable) pillow might make a real difference.
• Bring slippers for toilet visits – The floors near the toilets and in the washroom are sometimes wet. Having something on your feet makes those late-night trips much more pleasant.
• Bring snacks or a light meal – There’s no bar car, and the food you can order is fairly limited. A sandwich, some fruit or other easy-to-carry snacks can be a lifesaver.
• Dress for layers – The temperature on board is usually fine, but it can sometimes be a bit too warm or a bit too chilly. With layers, you can easily adjust.
• Download your entertainment in advance – The onboard Wi-Fi works, but it’s slow. Download your movies, shows, books or playlists in advance to avoid frustration.