There currently are a variety of options to travel by night train from Zurich (Switzerland) to Cologne (Germany), taking between approximately 7 and 11 hours: Namely the NJ 402, the IC 60402 and the ES 400. These lines are operated by SBB CFF FFS, Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB and European Sleeper.
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.
In these night trains, there are only first and second class seats. The lights stay on all the time and there is no way to recline the seats.
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 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.
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.
As the most economical option, seating cars with 6-person compartments are available. Seat reservations are included in the price. Drinks and snacks can be purchased from the train crew.
For the next 7 dates with connections, the cheapest offer starts at 30 EUR. Check our connection pages below for all availabilities!