Nightjet: A Mini-Cabin Adventure from Hamburg to Vienna

There’s something romantic about the idea of an overnight train—the slow rhythm of the tracks, the promise of waking up in a new city, and the added bonus of saving a night’s accommodation. So, when I had the chance to book a mini-cabin on the Nightjet from Hamburg to Vienna for just €119, I jumped at the opportunity.

What I didn’t expect was how much of an adventure the journey would turn out to be.

The Not-So-Glamorous Start

The train was scheduled to depart at 8:10pm, but as with all great travel stories, things didn’t go quite as planned. Delay after delay was announced, and unlike an airport where you can wait indoors, here we were, standing on an open platform in -4°C weather.

By the third announcement, most passengers had abandoned the platform, desperately seeking warmth elsewhere. And honestly? Hamburg station at night didn’t feel like the safest place to hang around. It added a layer of stress to an already long wait. Finally, at 10pm, the Nightjet rolled in, and there was a collective rush for warmth as we climbed aboard.

First Impressions: My Tiny, Cozy Space

Stepping into my mini-cabin, I was met with… an unmade bed. Not ideal, but a quick chat with the train attendant sorted it out. He not only brought fresh sheets, a pillow, and a blanket but also took breakfast drink orders—a nice touch.

The cabin itself? Compact but functional. As someone on the shorter side, I had no trouble fitting into the space, though I instinctively slept with my knees tucked up to avoid rolling into the walls.

Essentials for Surviving a Nightjet Journey

If you’re thinking of trying a mini-cabin yourself, here are a few must-haves to make the experience smoother:

✅ Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones – It’s a train, not a soundproofed hotel room. You’ll hear doors sliding, people moving and snoring! Also, the light control panel is ridiculously loud when pressed!

✅ Eye mask – While the cabin lighting is dim, I’ve heard of cases where the conductor switches lights on. Better safe than sleep-deprived.

✅ A proper pillow – The one provided is… let’s say, underwhelming. If you have a travel pillow or even a hoodie to roll up, use it.

✅ Layers, layers, layers – The thin airline-style blanket doesn’t cut it, especially in winter. I used my jacket, scarf, and extra layers to stay warm. You can’t adjust the temperature in the cabin, so come prepared.

✅ BYO snacks & water – While drinking water is technically available in the washrooms, I wouldn’t count on it. Bring your own bottle to stay hydrated and pack some snacks or a light meal to keep hunger at bay—there is a limited onboard service, but options are scarce. I stocked up at the supermarket inside the train station, which made for a much better (and healthier) dinner. Breakfast is included, but it’s simple: two bread rolls with honey and butter, plus a cup of tea or coffee. If you need something more substantial, plan ahead!

✅ A plastic bag for rubbish – Because nobody likes a messy cabin.

✅ A positive attitude – After standing in the freezing cold for two hours, I decided to fully appreciate my little warm space rather than complain. It made all the difference.

The Journey & Arrival

One of the quirks of the Nightjet is the hotel-style keycard that locks/unlocks all your storage spaces. It’s on a timer, so be quick, or you’ll be swiping it again.

I had a lower cabin, which came with a bigger window and extra storage under the mattress—not easy to access but worth considering if you have lots of luggage.

Despite departing nearly two hours late, we somehow made up time along the way, arriving in Vienna only 11 minutes behind schedule. Pretty impressive.

Final Thoughts

Would I do it again? Absolutely. Delays aside, the Nightjet was a unique experience—affordable, functional, and a reminder that sometimes, it’s the little adventures that make travel special or at least memorable.

Would I prepare differently next time? 100% especially when it comes to waiting somewhere warmer and dressing for the wait or maybe I’ll just wait for the warmer months.

But in the end, I arrived in Vienna well-rested (mostly) and ready for my next adventure, which included a comfortable hotel bed in the not too distant future.

Have you ever taken an overnight train? 🚆✨ Let me know your best (or worst!) experiences in the comments!