There currently are a variety of options to travel by night train from Cologne (Germany) to Zurich (Switzerland), taking between approximately 8 and 10 hours: Namely the NJ 403, the IC 60403 and the ES 401. These lines are operated by ÖBB, DB 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.
While seats are only for the bravest, couchettes, Mini Cabins, and sleepers offer a more comfortable journey. The couchettes usually feature simple and rather narrow berths, while the Mini Cabin provides a compact private space for one person. Two adjacent Mini Cabins can be combined for couples. Sleepers boast beds with duvets and pillows 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 sometimes include a private bathroom or even a shower, sometimes only a sink. The Mini Cabin offers a more affordable private alternative with its own compact sleeping space for one person.
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".
In the sleeper cars, you can book lockable single, double or triple compartments, all with their own washbasin. Bedding, toiletries, towels and breakfast are included. Compartments can be locked from the inside.
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!