There currently are a variety of options to travel by night train from Salzburg (Austria) to Hamburg (Germany), taking between approximately 11 and 13 hours: Namely the NJ 492 and the 304. These lines are operated by ÖBB and Snälltåget.
The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) operate the Nightjet and Euronight trains (the latter together with other national railway agencies).
The ÖBB usually offer four types of carriages in their night trains: seats, couchettes, Mini Cabins, 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 can hold up to six people. The Mini Cabin is a private space for one person – two adjacent Mini Cabins can be connected for traveling together. 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.
Snälltåget offers night travel with various comfort levels on night trains between European cities.
Snälltåget provides three options: budget seats in open coaches, berths in shared compartments for up to six people, and private compartments for groups. All berths include pillows, sheets, blankets and duvets.
Both shared and private compartments transform from day seating configuration to night bed mode. With three berths per side and ladder access to upper berths, private compartments offer the best option for groups.
Pets are only allowed in private compartments and must be registered during booking. Bicycles cannot be brought on the train, but folding bikes can be stored as hand luggage in the compartment or on luggage racks in the seating coach.