How to Book a Night Train

Where to book

For Nightjet routes, book directly at nightjet.com — it's the best source for Austrian, German, and Swiss Nightjet trains. For French night trains (Intercités de Nuit), use sncf-connect.com. For Swedish routes, sj.se. Multi-operator itineraries can be assembled on Rail Europe or The Man in Seat 61 (invaluable for complex routes).

When to book

Nightjet opens booking 90 days before departure — tickets at midnight Austrian time on that date. Couchettes and seats sell out fastest; sleepers last a bit longer but still go quickly on popular routes like Vienna–Brussels or Vienna–Paris. SNCF opens at 120 days. If you're travelling in summer or over Christmas, book the day bookings open.

Flex vs. non-flex tickets

Non-flex (Sparschiene / Supersaver) tickets are 30–50% cheaper but cannot be changed or refunded. Flex tickets cost more but let you rebook at no charge. If your dates are firm, go non-flex. If there's any chance of a change, the price difference rarely justifies the risk on international sleeper trains.

Interrail and Eurail passes

Pass holders still need a reservation on night trains — the pass covers the journey, not the seat or berth. Reservations cost €5–35 depending on operator and accommodation type. Book them through the operator's site or at the station; you cannot add them through the Interrail app on all routes.

Split ticketing

For multi-country routes not operated by a single company, booking each national leg separately is often cheaper. Vienna–Paris can sometimes be cheaper booked as Vienna–Zurich (Nightjet) plus a separate Zurich–Paris TGV the next morning — though that adds a transfer night.