The Nox Suite: Germany's new night train, explained

A new operator is shaking up Germany’s night train market. Nox Mobility is launching its first service between Hamburg and Munich in March 2027 – with a single cabin category designed for solo travellers: the Nox Suite. This guide covers the route, timetable, what the Nox Suite actually offers, prices, and the cabin types Nox has announced for later.

Routes

At launch, Nox will operate a single route connecting northern and southern Germany overnight, with stops in Bremen and Augsburg:

• Hamburg Hbf to Munich Hbf (via Bremen and Augsburg) – departure 21:22, arrival 08:14
• Bremen Hbf to Augsburg Hbf – departure 22:30, arrival 07:35
• Munich Hbf to Hamburg Hbf (via Augsburg and Bremen) – departure 21:20, arrival 08:27
• Augsburg Hbf to Bremen Hbf – departure 21:51, arrival 07:20

The train runs three times a week in each direction. The first departures are scheduled for 23 and 24 March 2027.

The Nox Suite

Unlike ÖBB or Trenitalia, Nox does not operate sleeping cars or couchette cars. There is just one cabin category in an open seating car: the Nox Suite. It consists of an adjustable seat with privacy wings that can be unfolded into a roughly two-metre-long sleeping surface for the night, with a reading lamp and a small table.

Nox developed the Suite for solo and flexible travellers – more like a Business Class seat than a shared compartment. Each seat has room for two carry-on suitcases and two personal items, stored above and below the seat, as well as its own light switch and window. The idea is that you can read, work, or sleep, switching between these three modes without leaving your seat.

We tried out the seat ourselves. You lie slightly diagonally across the direction of travel. For back sleepers, it should be just right, while stomach sleepers with their arms on either side will find it very cramped. The seat is best suited to side sleepers – and this is where one of the train’s special features comes in: some seats face the direction of travel, while others face backwards, depending on your preference. You can choose this when booking for an additional fee.

For this reason, all the sleeping surfaces are oriented to the right when viewed from the head, towards the window. Our impression is that this suits side sleepers who prefer lying on their right-hand side, with their head towards the window and their arms to the right of their body. In the other position, facing left towards the aisle, it may be a little cramped for your arms.

Future cabin types

Nox has announced three more cabin categories for a later expansion. None of them can be booked yet:

• Single Loft – a private compartment for one person, with a desk and seating during the day and a bed on an upper level at night. All beds are supposed to be at least 2 m long.

• Double Loft – the most spacious option, with a 170 cm-wide bed, two seats, and a panoramic window. Here too, the bed is above the seating area, across the direction of travel.

• Double Vista – a compartment for two people that transforms from seating during the day into a bed for the night, with floor-to-ceiling windows inspired by Amtrak’s compartments from 50 years ago. The upper bed can be lowered by motor for the night. As with the Double Loft, the lower bed turns into two seats.

Nox has not yet announced launch dates for these cabins. We will update this guide as soon as they become bookable.

Tickets and prices

The Nox Suite can be booked with two fares:

• Basic – changes and cancellations subject to a fee. The prices observed so far range from €65 to €179 per person, depending on the day.
• Flex – free changes and cancellations up to three hours before departure. €115 to €229 per person.

Both fares include the seat only – there is no separate sleeping place and no additional ticket. As with most dynamic pricing, the rule is simple: book early if you want to land at the lower end of the price range. Compare prices using our handy tool:

Conclusion

Nox is taking a simpler approach than most night train operators: one comfortable seat instead of a choice of sleeping car and couchette car categories. For a solo journey between Hamburg and Munich from March 2027, the Nox Suite is worth a look, especially with the Basic fare. Once the Single Loft, Double Loft, and Double Vista become available, Nox will feel more like a full-service night train – we will introduce them here as soon as they can be booked.

Frequently asked questions

When will Nox start operating?

The first departures are scheduled for 23 and 24 March 2027, on the Hamburg–Bremen–Augsburg–Munich route and in the opposite direction.

How often does the Nox train run?

Three times a week in each direction.

What is the Nox Suite?

The Nox Suite is currently Nox’s only cabin category: an adjustable seat with privacy wings in an open carriage that can be unfolded into a roughly two-metre-long sleeping surface for the night.

Does Nox offer private compartments?

Not yet. Nox has announced three private cabin categories – Single Loft, Double Loft, and Double Vista – but has not yet given a launch date for them.

What is the difference between the Basic and Flex fares?

Basic is cheaper, but changes or cancellations incur a fee. Flex costs more, but can be changed or cancelled free of charge up to three hours before departure.