There currently are a variety of options to travel by night train from Cologne (Germany) to Zurich (Switzerland), taking between approximately 8 and 9 hours: Namely the NJ 403, the IC 60403 and the ES 401. These lines are operated by ÖBB, SBB CFF FFS, Deutsche Bahn and European Sleeper.
The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) operate the Nightjet and Euronight trains (the latter together with other national railway agencies).
ÖBB night trains typically feature four types of carriages: seats, couchettes, the compact Mini Cabin, and sleepers.
Seats are for the bravest, while couchettes, Mini Cabins, and sleepers provide a more comfortable journey. In the couchettes, you can find simple and rather narrow berths. The Mini Cabin is a compact sleeping option for solo travelers – two Mini Cabins can be combined for couples. Sleepers are equipped with proper beds and sometimes even a private bathroom. Couchettes accommodate up to six people, Mini Cabins are designed for one person each but two can be combined for couples, while sleepers are private compartments for one to three people.
Sleepers may include a private bathroom or shower, or sometimes just a sink. The Mini Cabin bridges the gap between couchettes and sleepers, offering solo privacy at a lower price point.
Deutsche Bahn (DB) exited the actual night train business in 2016. However, it operates around a dozen Intercity and Eurocity trains that run exclusively at night.
These trains only have first and second class seats. The cars remain lit throughout the night and the seats cannot be reclined.
European Sleeper is a young Dutch startup connecting several European cities in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and the Czech Republic with their "Good Night Train".
The sleeper cars offer comfortable and lockable compartments for one, two or three persons, each equipped with a washbasin. The service includes bedding, towels, toiletries and breakfast. A wake-up service is available.
Choose between standard couchette cars with 6 berths or air-conditioned comfort couchettes for 5 people. The latter can be booked privately or exclusively for women. Blankets, bedding and mineral water are included, breakfast can be added for an additional fee. Compartments can be locked from the inside.
The seating cars offer, as the most affordable travel option, 6-person compartments with guaranteed seat reservations. Breakfast can be booked for an additional fee, drinks and snacks are available on board.
For the next 7 dates with connections, the cheapest offer starts at 50 EUR. Check our connection pages below for all availabilities!