A Business Insider reporter spent $84 for a shared cabin and $200 for a private cabin on a European Nightjet sleeper train. Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I traveled by night train during two European backpacking trips.
For my first trip, I booked a bunk bed in a sleeping cabin for $84 to share with three strangers.
On our second trip, we booked a private cabin with three bunks, sink and vanity for $200.
On my two backpacking trips through Europe, I explored during the day and traveled by night.
In 2022 and 2023, I traveled across the continent on an overnight train operated by OBB Nightjet, an Austrian train company that serves over 25 cities in Europe.
Nightjet has three tiers of accommodation, from reclining seats to shared and private cabin berths.
On my first European train trip, I booked a six-berth shared cabin from Vienna to Venice for $84. A year later, I booked a private cabin on the same train line from Venice to Vienna for $200.
Both trips were approximately 12 hours long, but the accommodations offered a completely different experience in terms of comfort and amenities. And there’s only one thing I’d like to take again.
On my first rail trip in Europe in 2022, I slept in a shared cabin with strangers.
The 74-square-foot common cabin, one level above the seating vehicle, had six bunks, a pull-out table, and nothing else. At $84 for a bunk bed, it’s the cheapest Nijet accommodation with lie-flat beds.
The second time we booked a private cabin.
Inside the private cabin of the Nightjet train. Joey Hadden/Business Insider
On my second European rail trip in November 2023, I traveled from Venice to Vienna for $200 in a private cabin, Nightjet’s top-of-the-line accommodations.
The 30 square foot space had three bunks inside, one on the bottom and two on top. Opposite the lower bunk was a vanity and sink. This benefit is only included in private cabins.
There was also a goody bag on the bottom bunk containing free amenities such as an eye mask, earplugs, and slippers.
The shared cabin felt small and lacked privacy for each traveler.
The author is lying on a bunk in a communal cabin. Joey Hadden/Insider
During my trip, there were only 3 other travelers in the 6 person shared cabin. Other than a brief hello, none of us spoke about ourselves and the room was quiet.
But I never forgot that I was in the presence of others. The space felt very small and I couldn’t imagine squeezing 6 people and their luggage inside. There was very little room to stand up and without curtains or partitions between the beds, there wasn’t enough privacy to relax.
“Providing our passengers with a high level of travel comfort is a key concern for us,” an OBB Nightjet representative told Business Insider in a statement. “We are constantly working to improve our products and also take into account our customers’ requirements.”
However, the private cabin felt more spacious.
The author travels from Italy to Austria in a private room on a night train. Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Although smaller than shared cabins, private cabins have less internal cramming, leaving more floor space to move around. There is luggage storage next to one of the top bunks, so the room didn’t feel crowded.
But the best part was that we had complete privacy with lockable doors and never had to share space with anyone.
During the first ride, I washed myself in one of the sleeper cars’ shared bathrooms.
Shared bathroom for sleeping cars. Joey Hadden/Insider
There was no toilet, sink, or vanity on the plane. Before going to bed there, he changed clothes and brushed his teeth in one of his two bathrooms shared by all the sleeper passengers.
After standing in a short line of travelers, I quickly finished my evening routine in the cramped restroom so as not to make others wait too long.
At a vacation rental, I brushed my teeth in a comfortable cabin.
The author is washed up in a hut. Joey Hadden/Business Insider
The private cabin also didn’t have a toilet, but it did have a vanity and sink, so I didn’t have to rush through my routine, which made washing up before bed more relaxing.
As I was brushing my teeth and washing my face, I noticed that unlike the shared bathroom, my vanity had bright white lights and a toilet storage shelf on the inside door.
In the shared cabin, my bunk was not comfortable.
The author is sitting on the bed. Joey Hadden/Business Insider
When we arrived at the cabin, the bunk was set up like a sofa. Then, before I went to bed, a staff member came to take it out.
The futon felt like carpet and was harder than a car seat. Although I appreciated being able to lie flat and having sheets and pillows provided, it was difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep in a relaxed position. And I woke up every time other passengers in the same room went to the toilet.
However, the cot in the private cabin was comfortable.
The author’s sleeper on the night train. Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I was surprised that the sleeping arrangements in the private cabin were more comfortable than in the shared accommodation.
The cot was as cushioned as it was firm and didn’t put any strain on my back. In addition to the sheets and pillows, there was also a thick comforter, which made it feel more comfortable. It reminded me of my bed at home. I dozed off and slept for 6 hours straight.
Both rides included free breakfast.
Complimentary breakfast on board the Nightjet train. Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I received the same complimentary breakfast in both cabins. Two bread rolls with butter, Nutella and fruit jam, yogurt and a cup of coffee or caffeinated tea.
From now on, I will only book private cabins on Nightjet trains.
The Nightjet train travels from Venice, Italy to Vienna, Austria. Joey Hadden/Business Insider
After spending the night in a shared cabin, I was exhausted. I didn’t enjoy my first day in Venice as much as I expected. It was so beautiful that I couldn’t help but think how nice it would be to take a nap there.
However, after riding in our private cabin, we felt refreshed and well-rested, and exploring the streets lined with colorful buildings and murals made our day in Vienna even more fulfilling.
These contrasting experiences made me realize that booking a shared room on a night train was not worth the money I saved.
However, the comfort of the private cabin made us feel like we were in a hotel room. And $200 for a night in my own private space while traveling from one destination to the next felt like a fair price to me.
Europe is so big that I’m sure I’ll be backpacking around the continent again. At that time, I would probably book a private room on the night train.
