Everything wrong with Europe's new CAPSULE sleeper train | ÖBB Minicabin

[@thornton]

You may also like my train video from Maine, USA: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYPccqGiq9p0eKs thanks for watching, and for the really nice reception to the recent videos :) next up 🇹🇷👀

[@ymhktravel]

First time to your channel. Are you by any chance half-asian or half-chinese? Your looks is kinda not totally european but feel kinda some asian there.

[@fuqupal]

Pay out of your ass to be treated like a slave! Man, the world has become a sad fucking in place, indeed!

[@LatakiaSmkr]

Can't find the Turkey video!

[@KenanTurkiye]

I love them and I have a folder about them come take a ride! (at folder 2) :)) 🚅🚈🚞🚝🚂🚃🚄 trains, trams, aren't they all beautifull

[@stefan-schmitzer]

hey tom, i just took the same train with thesame kind of cabin from near frankfurt to vienna. the staff was, at least on this line, super nice and agreeable -- and as to pricing: the idea seems to be that, if you have the austrian "klima ticket" (92 euros a month for any and all public transport), and thusly only pay the price for the bunk instead of a seat, and for the part or the journey outside austria, the whole affair costs under 100 euros.

[@HarithBK]

honestly your complaint about the drunks in the shared cabin is totally valid in my eyes. it is beyond stupid to have single capsules next to shared cabin since you expect the capsule area to be quiet since everybody in there capsule is going to be alone by the very nature of the design.

[@jepulis6674]

Its beyond stupid that the noisy people dont get one warning inside 10mins of noise started and then thrown out on next station if they continue.

[@JohnKobaRuddy]

Drunks are no fun. Only fellow drunks can handle them.

[@enibeni2071]

It understand you, however, the concept of capsule space (on train, bus, hotel, ferry, etc) isn't what many peple think it is. It isn't a little small room, an actual enclosed space. It's a shared space with a little bit of privacy. It has thin walls, it has openings. The "fashion" was imported from Japan. Japan has these things (capsule bus, capsule ferry, capsule hotel etc). A japanese youtuber explained that the japanese law is different for capsule spaces because it isn't an actual enclosed space. It's a way of avoiding investing money on the requiered things for having a normal rooms. For example, capsule hotels are cheapier than normal hotels, however, it comes with a price: you can hear steps, snore and other sounds...because it isn't an actual enclosed space.

[@schrodingerskatze4308]

This. They should just put them in their own wagon. People who travel with friends usually want to talk to each other and have fun, while people who are alone usually just want it to be quiet and relaxing. Those two things just don't go together very well.

[@Sweetlyfe]

@@schrodingerskatze4308Agreed, I also would have got up and got the staff to tell them to quieten down, especially as a non drinker drunks really annoy me when I’m trying to sleep and most of the rest of the time 😂.

[@Jan-bi3vr]

I'm actually glad you mentioned the staff! Of course it's right to be sympathetic towards stressed-out and underpaid workers, but a minimum of professionalism is still a reasonable expectation in any scenario. I personally feel rather uncomfortable being treated with American-style sycophancy, and I'm rarely offended by curt replies or an unfriendly tone, but there's never an excuse for rudeness or open hostility. Not taking your frustration out on other people is just common decency, whether these people are customers or not.

[@fuerstmetternich1997]

Nah. American style is horrible. I dont want to be served and treated like some sort of king.

[@SBCBears]

I think you might not know what "sycophancy" means.

[@Toro_Da_Corsa]

You were in Germany. What did you expect ? Thats the way they roll

[@Toro_Da_Corsa]

@@SBCBears I think you might not know what sycophancy means.

[@Essiggurke-r2h]

I workm in hospitality and I agree and I usually take my coworkers (Im the manager) aside when this happens, listen to them, give them time to vent and remind them that we are the professionals and that unfortunately means we cant be rude even if customers are. If you have never worked in hospitality you dont understand how much energy it takes to be nice to people who most of the time barely register you as human and most of the time just see you as an extension of the venue.

[@chrisdoutre101]

My wife and I had an unpleasant experience with a very unpleasant train attendant on Deutche Bahn some years ago. When we complained to the conductor, he listened to us, sympathized with us, bought us coffees, and then explained to us that, sadly, in Germany, it's easier to get new customers than new staff.

[@2tom]

If your most significant unpleasant experience is years ago, then it might even be a good thing.

[@krimke881]

Os there a difference between an attendant and conductor? I didn't think there where that many roles aboard.

[@XMysticHerox]

@@krimke881It varies but basically a conductor is a position with some authority and responsibility that requires quite a bit of training as well. Attendents are "just" service workers for the passengers. A conductor might in practice do a lot of the same work (like checking tickets) but they'd also be responsible for safety, ensuring the schedule is followed and the like. Conduct the train basically.

[@Sweetlyfe]

@@XMysticHeroxthey also alert the driver that it’s safe to leave the platform and they are usually in the last carriage they used to use flags to let the driver know, but I’m sure that they probably just use an intercom/radio and maybe flags still as a backup system.

[@davidogan]

I guess that’s why the government is also so shitty to their citizens too because of the same logic. It is easier to get new citizens by way of migrants than provide good governance.

[@Kletterhaus]

I traveled quite frequently on Nightjet, you're right about the staff. They just aren't that nice and often rude. They're literary the worst staff on any night train I've been on (except Romanian night trains). I'm sure they are underpaid, but this is the fault of ÖBB.

[@christophsaviation2045]

You're very right, but unfortunately this is not limited to the Nightjets, but literally any ÖBB train I've been on so far.

[@magentilized]

I dont agree. Most of the time they are nice. (Unless you are travelling with a class or group then they treat you like demons lmao)

[@CalinFR]

You are right about Romanian night trains. They're so grumpy, it's like they're doing you a favor taking you along for the ride

[@sipkedeboer8509]

I have travelled on the Nightjet twice, and both times the staff were friendly. They could only speak German, but we managed. The second time the staff got a lot of angry passengers, because our couchette carriage had unexpectedly been switched out for a seating carriage. Unfortunately, this happens often because of shortages and age. We sympathised with the staff and apparently we were then their favourites for the night.

[@Trudon1986]

ÖBB indeed gives way too little attention to staff friendliness on the commercial enterprise (cf. the variable prices) that Nightjet is. There is no excuse for the rude behaviour of staff especially in a situation in which passengers unexpectedly have to travel seated instead of sleeping. The best way to discourage people wanting to travel sustainably. High time for competition on the Nightjet connections.

[@clxudzYT]

Fun fact; Switzerland regularly denies entry from German trains due to their delay, as the Swiss railway (SBB) operates on a very tight schedule.

[@2tom]

The ICEs to Basel have ~20 minutes of slack. If they can't make that, they will be replaced by an SBB operation that's already scheduled and available. Travelers from Germany then have to switch trains in Basel. Luckily, there are about 4 reasonable options from Basel to Zürich or Geneva per hour, so delays are kept small.

[@oldmanc2]

True. Had to switch and catch the SBB from Basel to Zurich after a 1+ hour delay getting there overnight from Berlin

[@SBCBears]

I haven't been to Europe for fifty years, but when I was there, the German trains ran ON TIME. One minute late and people were looking down the tracks for their approaching train. ONE MINUTE What happened?

[@bellathemusicaddict]

@@SBCBearspseudo-privatization and a related underfunding of the system for decades now :(

[@lukaspinter5939]

​@@SBCBearsThe was a reform in the 90s that restructured Deutsche Bahn so it would operate more like a private enterprise and less like a public service. So while it's still owned by the government, it puts profit first, customers second and employees last, like any other private business. A similar thing happened to the ÖBB in Austria not too long after. We need to go back to trains being a public service.

[@melaniedrogr951]

one thing to keep in mind with these prices. THanks to germany the nightjet is almost always 2 hours too late. And thanks to eu rules, they have to give 50% of the ticket price back (25% if they are more than one hour late (but less than 2)). And basically that means, that if your journey goes trough germany, you will almost always get 25% of the price back, and quite often 50%. It reduced the price of a round trip on the nightjet from 240 down to 120 for me.

[@thornton]

That’s a very good (and ridiculous) point

[@melaniedrogr951]

@@thornton sadly yes, the german railsystem is even worse at night. I have read interviews with european sleeper, who complained about not being able to get a timeslot in germany as well. But it is a problem for the obb, that they do have to refund tickets a lot of times.

[@DerKatzeSonne]

Nothing to plan with. I had a lot of delays with NightJet, but always when I had expensive trips, they were

[@DerKatzeSonne]

Nothing to plan with. I had a lot of delays with NightJet, but always when I had expensive trips, they were

[@melaniedrogr951]

@@DerKatzeSonne and it gets even worse, as it encourages nightjet to just plan a stop of 30-40 minutes somewhere, (as they can use that room to make up for delays.)

[@chasingtheclouds]

Thanks for the honest review. I've been wanting to check out the new nightjet trains, so this is very helpful. The pricing is too high in my opinion, especially for these little cubbies. And I agree, Leipzig main station is one of (if not the) best train station in Germany.

[@alis1637]

And Hamburg HBF is one of the worst main train stations in Germany

[@harriscouwenberg139]

one vlogger I am following stayed a whole day there, nice vid (Steve Marsh)

[@anders6383]

I took a trip from Munich to Leipzig last December and I agree their station is extremely impressive.

[@0106johnny]

I mean, these take more space than multi-person sleeper cabins, so they have to be more expensive. But some people just like the privacy.

[@matteo7867]

I have used this train from Hamburg to Vienna just this night. As my last train on my Interrail Journey to Berlin, Stockholm, Luleå, Oslo, Bergen, Kopenhagen and Hamburg, i have to say from all the couchette cars on every night train i used (almost every night), this train was quite luxurious. I slept very very good, the staff was nice and helpfull. We had a 3 hour delay because there was a medical emergency and some trackwork in germany. But the train experience was still a very good one. Though i have to say. The staff, as you said, wanted to collect the duvets and stuff way to early (i did not let them :)) and the pillow was practically not existant. Also the washing rooms where way to small, you are better to take the toilets for washing your face and so on. A positive thing i have to mention, is the amazing quietness in tha cabs. Because compared to the all the other trains it was like if you had ear plugs in. I slept for 10h and i was in a very good mood. So. I will take it again. Even with little flaws it is a good product for a (sometimes) reasonable price. Have a good day

[@Essiggurke-r2h]

did you have to pay extra to use the train? I wanted to do interrail, but found out that for alot of tains you have to "resevere seat" for extra money. reserve is in quotes because it's ridiculous to have to pay a 30+ euro seat reservation without even getting to CHOOSE the seat (in spain this is the case for all fast trains, which are the only ones you can use to travel between most cities).

[@matteo7867]

​@@Essiggurke-r2h So. The prices for the reservations differ a little throughout Europe. As you said, at some places it is quite expensive to make reservation. Spain and France are prime examples for this. But. this is only on the high speed trains like the TGV where you leave quite a distance behind. It ranges from some 20 to 50 Euros most, as i have experienced the past years when Interrailing through those countries. In many other countries in Europe, the reservation fees for the high speed trains with an Interrail ticket are far less Austria: 3€ Germany: 4,50€ but you can book via the Austrian Railways, then it is only 3€ again Nederlands, Luxembourg: 5€ ish Belgium: some 15€ The Skandies: around 5€ (depending on exchange rate) Eastern Europe: free to 7€ The Baltics: 3-10€ Italy: 3-20€ This is only for the day trains (IC, ICE, D, RJ, TGV, THALYS, etc.) In most countries in Europe it is not mandatory to book a reservation though (but you must do so on many trains between countries e.g. Germany to Denmark) Regional Trains (any type of Regional Train) that you most use (in my experience) are completely free everywhere Now to the Night Trains. They almost all have mandatory reservation. On the NightJet services it starts with 10€ (within Austria) to 15€ (sometimes 20) for a Seat. A Couchette bed starts with 30 Euro to 50 with breakfast. (a Sleeper car is also available but not really needed, especially when you are interrailing it starts with some 80 to a lot of money) The night trains in France start with 10 for seat if they have it, and 20-30 on a Couchette. For other Countries Seat to Couchette: Italy: 10-30 Most EuroNight Trains in Eastern Europe (all the way to Ukraine or Romania), Southern Europe (down to Turkey), the Baltics, are from 5-10-30€ The Skandies: 5-20-45€ This is for most night trains state owned and private companies. When you are travelling on the night trains, a Couchette really pays off. This should cover most trains in Europe i guess. for Britain i don´t know, yet. But the Channel Trains are super expensive for the short ride. its like 55€ upwards (i would fly to London and start the journey there. In the UK the Sleeper trains are pricey too. Intercitys i don´t know. For my latest Interrail Travels in February starting and ending in Vienna (-Berlin-Stockholm-Luleå-Oslo-Bergen-Kopenhagen-Hamburg) to Scandinavia i bought a 10 day Interrail pass for the 14 days in total. It was on sale and did cost me 237€. I made many night train reservations (i think 7 nights at least) in a couchette compartment. I payed 240 euros for these and all other reservations. about 150 for hotel rooms, BnBs and the night ferry from Oslo to Kopenhagen. Some 350 for Food and drinks (eating out every other day) and another 100 or so Fun stuff like the ABBA museum or the Fløibanen and whatever. This trip did cost me about 1150 for about 14 days(13 Nights) in Scandinavia. We could have gone cheaper, but it was a very good decision to have all the Couchette beds for those long distances and the fact that it was sometimes -20°C and simply winter in the arctic circle. For booking the reservations, i would plan ahead. fahrplan.oebb.at/webapp/#!P|TP!H|296511 This is a great site from the Austrian Railways. you can also plan on the Interrail site. But i would always book the train reservations via the companies own page and not via the Interrail reservation page. Because often they have higher prices by a little. if you do 10 reservations you can save up to one entire meal for your travel. Don´t get scammed on that one. I would also plan the trip ahead and book rooms and trains at least some days before (best would be 2 Months ahead). there is nothing more frustrating to be on the streets during a cold night because you cannot get a single cheap room due to some convention or something in the city. And don´t forget to refund by the train company you made reservations in case of a delay (25% from 60min and 50% from 120min delay at arrival) or cancellation (full price + hotel fares). This is set in EU law to protect the costumer. Have a good one!

[@martinenstrom8206]

Agreed!

[@madstrawberrypie2614]

I took the old-fashioned ÖBB night train a few times now and on my first two journeys, I remember the staff being super friendly and helpful, but then on my recent journey, especially on my trip back, they were /beyond/ unprofessional - one of them complained to me that he had earned much better at his previous job and he wanted to know what I make (!); my original train was cancelled and I was re-booked onto a train that not only departed on a different day but also from a different city, and then the couchette I was rebooked onto was missing and I had to do the 13+ hour ride in a seated carriage. Not even a "We are sorry" from the staff, instead they told me to "be happy with what God gave me because others have it much worse" and that I "was lucky" it wasn't a normal train at least but a nightjet seated carriage. The train also was 2 hours late and there was no coffee (no hot drinks at all) in the morning.

[@kevindennehy7105]

Thanks for that report, never been on the new one. I was on the Amsterdam-Basel sleeper last year. Load of very noisy drunks next door. They were warned by the staff a couple of times and kicked off in Duisburg. Police were waiting for them. That's the service that's needed. Have to say my experience of staff on those trains is mostly very good, sad to see there's a rogue train somewhere.

[@cecasander]

I find my Nightjet experience has been enhanced a thousandfold by bringing a pair of good ear plugs.

[@ronclark9724]

If you wish to get any sleep on a train or bus, ear plugs are a must... Otherwise, don't bitch when you don't sleep well....

[@christophsaviation2045]

@@ronclark9724 A friend of mine will just turn off his CIs and he always says that it does have advantages to have these things. He apparently never had any problems with noise haha

[@z00h]

@@ronclark9724 dunno if I'd agree cuh, traditional sleeper cars offer good sound proofing.

[@fotonapapa]

Yeah to me the first rule of capsule-like accommodations is to bring ear plugs.

[@Jehty_]

​@@z00hI've never been in a sleeper car with good sound proofing. So which trains in which countries are you talking about? 😮

[@plonss]

Good review! To be honest, being 6'2" and with a hernia, I was not looking forward to travelling in this capsule anyway, but your review confirmed some of my negative expectations about this capsule thing. I will stick to my cherished method of international train travel, which is to hop on and off local trains and sleep in a decent hotel at night.

[@WOK-YT-handle]

If you’ve got the time that’s a nice way to go!

[@JustinPearceThoughtsAndPhotos]

Tom, I've watched a few of your vids and you seem like the nicest, most patient guy ever - the way you managed to see the positive side of the Flixbus to Romania, and the Basel to Poland on local trains odyssey. You never actually complain - and I think this makes your warning about the capsule experience all the more credible.

[@CainXVII]

I take the flixbus in Sweden a lot. It's 1/4 the price of taking the train and way more dependable. Taking the train takes 5:30 and there is a high chance of getting stuck somewhere. The bus hasn't failed me yet and takes about 6 hours... Sure, the train is more comfortable, but I don't like being stuck one station from home on a Sunday when any other day of the week I could just get off and take a local bus, but because it's a Sunday there are no buses and I have to wait two hours without any prognosis for when I will get home.

[@wynja77]

I'm 100% here for the non-aesthetic linen situations, and I have felt those have been lacking lately, so I'm very happy about this update. Keep it up! ;)

[@constantinepenguamo4050]

Ear plugs are a travel must-have, I'm willing to bet this would have made the trip far more tolerable of an experience.

[@aurelianischemunze997]

The problem is that these metal-doors of the mini-cabins are really loud. Furtermore the general concept does not conider accustic privacy from others only visible privacy.

[@undifini]

There's definitely still room for improvement, but purely looking at the new trains themselves this is such a step up from the decades old trains ÖBB is using on other lines. Especially for solo traverlers, where otherwise you had to either pay a lot to get a whole cabin to yourself, or sleep in a *very* cramped room with up to 6 strangers.

[@ThomasTuttle-v1w]

Thank you for your candor and especially for your positive attitudes and for not letting your disappointments ruin your journey.

[@jimmy21584]

Last year I took an old night train across Sweden from Malmö to Stockholm for 2 people, for less than that 1 DB ticket. We had our own bathroom and shower. One of my most awesome travel experiences. Just stick some old rickety carriages from the 70s on a regional train and charge almost nothing for it, and I’ll be happy.

[@mikeschumacher]

Good review, and something I need to keep in the back of my mind when I try Nightjet. From an American perspective 140 euro for a moving hotel isn't terrible compared to Amtrak prices. I think I'd be more concerned about noise isolation from your neighbor and where to store larger luggage.

[@ronclark9724]

Amtrak charges three times more for every night in a roomette... Of course these coffins/pods of Nightjet wouldn't fly well in America, as overnight trains run for two nights, if not three nights... Imagine laying flat in a coffin for two days, not just for one night only...

[@thornton]

I would totally subject myself to a 3-night Lisbon-Bucharest version of this (because I never learn)

[@mikeschumacher]

@@ronclark9724 Trains east of Chicago are one night, so it could work there. There used to be "Slumbercoaches" back in the 60s and 70s IIRC that were open-plan versions of this.

[@morat242]

The Slumbercoach was very different (and not open plan), but with a similar goal. They're both 40 bed compact sleepers where most of the beds are singles with individual doors. But the Slumbercoach had a central aisle and longitudinal beds, where the singles were vertically staggered, so the lower single compartments put their feet under the upper ones. Advantage for the Slumbercoach was that even the singles had seats.

[@jepulis6674]

They need Japanese rules. Make noise and get thrown out disgraced.

[@TheLikeys]

The quality thing is so unfortunate, because I believe the product itself is a phenomenal idea that really fits in the missing middle of the Nightrain market. Also service can really make the difference - last year I took a sleeper by MAV (Hungarian rail) and the conductor was so nice, looked after us and cared for us.. she rally made my trip!

[@Eurobazz]

Well said Tom. The craziest thing for me is the sliding door next to your head. It looks so flimsy and I'm sure you can hear the person speak on the phone, play videos and, worse of all, snore. Having seen your video I would give ÖBB 4.5 out of 10.

[@flohub06]

It has to be there, because in an emergency the red divider is removable together with the window to allow exiting the train through said window.

[@VanillaMacaron551]

Is there anything stopping you from putting your feet at the window end? So your face is not right next to that flimsy sliding panel?

[@Eurobazz]

@@VanillaMacaron551 The sliding door is also not soundproof so you would be closer to the noises coming from the corridor.

[@Eurobazz]

Thanks. I'll give it a miss. I prefer daytime travel anyway. You see the countryside and you arrive at your destination at a time when you can check in to your hotel. Night trains arrive early in the morning which means you have to wait until 15:00 hrs to check in to your accommodation.

[@Jehty_]

A 4.5??? This looked like it would easily beat every sleeper train I've ever been on. Which train do you think is better than this? (of course only looking at comparable price ranges.)

[@mpwheatley]

I went on the DB Paris to Berlin sleeper in 2012 and although it was a more conventional setup I too only got about two hours sleep. A noisy rattling train that stops at intermediate stations throughout the night with the associated banging and noisy people on platforms is not conducive to sleeping. A once only experiment, I now just fly or take a high speed daytime train. And on a 12 hour journey they had no evening/overnight beverage or food service and the guard was really rude and grumpy. As an example my cabin was really hot so I opened the window to cool down. The guard came in my room, didn't say anything, snapped the window closed and stormed out! Incredible.

[@tdtm82]

The problem now is post-covid the rates for hotels have shot-up astronomically and I feel that train companies have realised this and are pricing as accordingly. I did the Caledonian Sleeper a LONG time ago which I thoroughly recommend. Booking in advance is incredibly important with trainlines and getting those sweet deals early on.

[@ChrZao1703]

I travelled by Nightjet between Hamburg and Munich for half a year each week, so roughly 40 to 50 individual trips. Firstly, the Pillow is atrocious, and it took me about four trips to bring my own. The staff on most trips was great, but there were occasional trips were they were downright grumpy, but that was only twice or maybe three times in that timeframe. Last but not least that was on the old carriages, so i personally am looking forward to try out the new ones in a couple of weeks.

[@per-olamjomark7452]

Maybe it's just me, but if my neighbors on a night train can't keep quiet, I go and ask them to calm down. If that doesn't work, I ask the conductor to do his job. I would also never take a night train without a good pair of earplugs :) Keep the reviews comin'.

[@barendnu]

Most issues you mentioned seem to be more related to couchette night trains in general, and not to the mini cabins as such. I do think that you could have encountered most of these issues also in a traditional 4-berth compartment. Tip to anyone reading a long: you can buy earplugs from the conductor, which will probably solve a lot of the problems mentioned in this video. Nonetheless, thank you for making the video!

[@eirinym]

I think with a slight size increase, maybe some design changes to improve the sound dampening, and perhaps having it so the staff only interacts with you when you call them would help. It'd help them too, as you said them getting into arguments with customers doesn't help their general disposition. For example, you could order food and it could be delivered outside the capsule or maybe if there's a dining car, a place to pick up orders there. And definitely none of that demanding the linens and things back before you arrive. That's ÖBB's problem. They need to have another trainset ready for a timetable they want to make, or they need to adjust the timetable. Add to that variable pricing per customer, that's unacceptable. It's one thing if it's based on certain fare discounts, but it sounds like they're just gouging what they can.

[@eljanrimsa5843]

The linen is a strange problem to have because they won't need it or the train ready until the evening. This sounds like the company makes the night staff collect everything during the journey instead of doing this work while the train is idle during the day.

[@SomeoneBeginingWithI]

@@eljanrimsa5843 Maybe they need time to wash and dry it so it is ready for the next set of customers? Still odd that they need to collect it 2 hours before the journey ends

[@mathephysikutz2961]

When traveling from Hamburg getting on in Altona always makes sense. Not only in the night train.

[@jarabaa]

You remind me of ... myself. In the 1970s and 80s, when I was a young man, I travelled back & forth across Europe (many times through the "DDR", the then location of Leipzig) in all sorts of night trains. This is such an excellent review, detailed, fair and finely-observed. Eloquent and entertaining. Thank you.

[@maxfeeldcomp]

I've used this train twice in the last week, to get from the western end of Austria to Vienna and back, and I feel like within Austria the nightjets might be much better. Starting off with the fact that I booked the tickets only 3 days in advance, and still managed to get a price of only 45€ per ticket. I tried both the upper and lower cabin, and got to say, that the lower one is definitely better. It is more spacious, has a bigger window, and also easier entrance. I'm almost 190cm, but I felt like the cabins were just spacious enough to still comfortably fit me. Also the staff was quite friendly, and the breakfast came an hour before arrival, and I still could keep my laundry up to 30 minutes before arrival. Though the laundry was the only really negative thing, since it seemed like it didnt dry properly, so it was kinda smelly and cold, and also the replacement laundry I asked for wasn't better. My sleep wasn't the greatest, but that was probably also because the ride is relatively short. Even the trip from Vienna to Bregenz is only 9½ hours, so at the end I only got to sleep for 6-7 hours. In total I quite like the new system, but also quickly saw the downsides, and I'm not sure if I prefer the old or the new system.

[@2904cc]

They also drive the new nightjets form Vorarlberg (or Zürich) zu Vienna now? I thought only to Hamburg

[@marstralia]

You are an excellent KZbinr. Quality video, funny, concise, and honest review! Thank you for this video. It really helped me getting an idea of what it's like on these new trains. Keep up the good work and i wish you many happy train rides!!

[@martinenstrom8206]

I took this option between Hamburg and Munich. Upper mini cabin. I liked it alot both ways. Staff asked for the linnen before brekfast but I didn’t comply. Other than an unnessesary announcment (again after the first one that was said to be the last one) to wish for a good night at full volume on the speaker, I had a quiet and really good nights sleep, both ways. I think the smaller quirks can easily be fixed. Making the control buttons quiet, an extra pillow etc.

[@kiwinkaa]

I travelled from Vienna to Feldkirch and Im surprised by this quite negative review. My experience was excellent. I had also nr. 74 and asked loud guys not to be so loud. This can happen in any night train. I dont know if pricing in DB is different from OBB but I didnt pay extra charge for mini cabin. I paid extra charge for couchette - room of 4 was the same price as mini cabin. As I travelled with my car also (car train) I brought my own pillow - agree that their is useless and also agree with temperature, first very warm then very cold. Brrakfast was very good, staff very helpfull, people vere nice and everyone had fun at the beginning because it is new experience. After one hour almost everyone went sleep or calmed down. Staff in my train (both directions) didnt ask for bedding back. They can give you breakfast as "to go" if you ask for it and you can choose coffe or tea. Even I am woman, I found it little bit narrow. In total for me it was 10/10 experience and I recommend it. I traveled solo so I really appreciated privacy.

[@maxthurner]

I‘ve travelled quite often with this new train, and although it’s had some issues, I have only been late once and it was only by one hour. I‘ve also slept incredibly well on the trains. I would just hope they changed the Graz - Berlin Nightjets to this new one soon. And the price is just too high, but if you book soon enough it’s 75€ which is, in my opinion okay 😊

[@YayaAkhabila]

this is a very good video and does a good job of highlighting some issues. I have been travelling with the nightjet train for a few years now, with my 3 kids, from Amsterdam to Innsbruck and back, in the summer and in the winter. We much prefer the train journey over flying because although the first time was tricky and we learned a few things, we have found solutions and all enjoy our journey. We have used the sleeper cabin AND the couchette cabins of the old variety. I am looking forward to trying out the new train too. Some things we do to make the journey more fun and comfortable. We take zippable pillow cases and stuff clothes in there so we can sleep better. (the pillows in the more expensive sleeper cabins, as well as the blanket are much better and more comfortable) We take eye masks, ear plugs and of course some entertainment (multi access usb plugs are a lifesafer!) We also grab some food and drink for the night to eat before we settle to bed and sometimes grab some sliced cheese or salami to put on breakfast rolls incase we don't want the jam. The staff so far have been pretty good, only once did we get a little bit of a short tempered person getting impatient with us. We have also experienced delays along the journey as well as much earlier set off times from the initial station in amsterdam so it is really important to keep checking the app and your emails! Price wise it works out roughly the same as flying for us, especially with the luggage we need to take. It is usually also a lot less stressful for me and the children enjoy the journey and visiting different places in Amsterdam and Innsbruck. it *is* worth always being prepared for the worst case scenario since we once left on a train which did not have the first class sleeper cabin but instead had the couchette, which was annoying but worked out somehow better in the end since they had messed up with our booking and my 16 year old son would have been put into a cabin with a stranger. We also had the experience of a sleeper cabin train being replaced with a cabin with SEATS, and i was so relieved we did not have to compromise on that since we had the couchette. We have been lucky so far but I do prepare for the worst. Still, looking forward to travelling again in a little under a month

[@vincentl.5658]

Hey @Tom , actually the Train is build by Siemens in the Vienna Production. I use to work there. It wasn’t easy to manufacturer because of the high complexity of the design, but the Team made it at the end. If you wanna have a look, feel free to reach out to the plant management they might be able to show you the amazing production complexity. I also don’t like the pricing but train pricing is an overall problem in Germany and Austria.

[@ryleesmith1480]

Having just done an overnight in coach on Amtrak, I’d love to see something like this make its way to the USA. The cost of a roomette is hard to swallow and it would be great to have a middle ground option that is still designed for sleeping in.

[@Samoa959]

Thank you for thst review! I went to visit friends in Berlin a few months ago. Travelled up from Switzerland by day train, came home in a night jet, but in a normal first class coach, as there was only one place in a 6 beds room available at the time of booking (the woman's face at the travelling agency telling me "you don't want this"). Veeery long 10 hours. Light wasn't dimmed, couldn't find a relaxing position to find some sleep. So, I was really looking forward to these new cabins. Ticket for first class ticket was very affordable. But I think, in the future, I would rather take the normal day train, as it is way faster, or invest in an overly expensive single cabin where I would hope to find at least a little bit of sleep despite the negative facts you mentioned. Ear plugs seem to be worth of investing in.

[@leonidasse]

This is the best train ride review I have ever watched. Brief, concise, crispy and down to the business. And without tapping on anything while presenting the cabin lol Two things: regarding the OEBB Nightjet staff the things have been getting worse and worse over the past years. Rude, inattentive, reluctant and full-of-attitude staff used to be a rather rare exception; it has now become almost a rule. And let’s stop stepping into their shoes by being sympathetic at the difficulties of their job. It is their job. Their job is to be helpful, welcoming, attentive and kind towards passengers. Full stop right there. I recently had to ask twice for the welcoming kit in my sleeping compartment just to be informed they had run out of… EUR 220 the ticket Vienna-Zurich. Second thing: the pricing. Sorry OEBB and the whole green BS of yours. I used to be travelling by train, especially nightjet, very frequently also because of the environment, saving on the accommodation etc. Now with your pricing policy I’m back to the airports. Congratulations 👏🏼

[@stevielegrand]

Great review, Tom: clear, concise and full of information. You are very British in the way you do not want to criticise the train staff for their clearly awful service.

[@tsundoku5939]

I had the opposite situation - I booked a four people room and we were next to the mini cabins, which were all occupied by a group of students who were very loud at night and blocked the entire hallway with their huge luggage. ÖBB definitely failed to advertise the cabins for customers travelling light. One thing I also noticed is that the sinks in the wash room is built into the wall so I couldn't lean over it comfortably to spit out water which was a bit annoying. And three or four times during the night there were really loud announcements and all of the lights randomly turning on, so I didn't really sleep much either.

[@wtsri]

I travelled on a OBB nightjet service from Bregenz to Vienna just three days ago in one of these mini cabins. I paid EUR 54 and, for this price, I found it just about acceptable. The cabin is very narrow and difficult to get comfortable when sleeping. The feeling of personal space is a big plus, however. The staff was OK, considering the working conditions and general Austrian "friendliness standards".

[@MaraMara89]

I wish we would have capsules like that going to polish seaside. I am living in south of Poland and train ride to sea is at least 8 hours. And I was traveling in sleeping cart only once - it is quite scary to travel by myself like that, so usually I go with normal seats, which means I reach my destination quite dead (I love seaside and I try to go at least twice a year, but it is a lot of logistic). My one travel in couchette/sleeping cart was also quite sleepless as some guys had party - they was drinking and listening to loud music :/ I don't get why someone would book that type of seats and went with stereo music o.O

[@drdewott9154]

The minicabins sound like a great idea... at couchette price levels... Like at most 90 euros. Its a decent product by the looks of it, but definitely overpriced, and I wonder if you could've gotten a decent amount of the same benefits just by having an old couchette car but with a privacy blind between the bunk and the rest of the compartment. Also some better luggage storage would be nice, Like at least room for a check-in sized bag and a carry on, if we're gonna use airplane terms. That luggage hold looks like it only has room for a school bag.

[@morat242]

The lower berths at least have some storage space if you lift the bunk.

[@to_loww]

Those are the couchette price levels.

[@egorkhristov2467]

You think these trains are designed for those who have a check-in bag volume of luggage to haul around? Nah, mate, these trains are designed for those who ain’t got nothing. And anyways by the looks of it booking a flight will be cheaper and more comfortable than crawling into one of those coffins for the night. I guess it’s a good fit for students and such, but otherwise I don’t see how this makes sense for anyone else: If you’re a family you just book a proper compartment on a regular train. If you’re on a work trip you probably book a flight or go by high speed trains. Or at the very least book a proper compartment because you can afford to pay extra and not have to contort yourself into the bottom bunk. And if you just need to get from A to B and are not dirt poor you will most likely do the same after your first night in one of those coffins.

[@to_loww]

@@egorkhristov2467 The Nightjet (Next Gen) _is_ a high speed train (same top speed as an ICE-T). And a trip from Vienna or Innsbruck to Hamburg would take you nine hours in an ICE. If you are a family you can book the regular couchette compartments. And are there coffins where you can comfortably sit upright? I don't think so.

[@0106johnny]

@@egorkhristov2467 Air travel is heavily subsidized, so basically nothing can compete with it.

[@the_b737guy7]

Thanks for sharing your experience, after seeing several videos from different people who were complaining about the lack of service I have to admit that I decided to spend some more money and booked a proper private compartment.

[@jasonullah7716]

I use the nightjet quit often from and towards Berlin. As I am passing almost through whole Germany, i enjoy to rest good enough to spend the whole day for work in Berlin with no need of extra accommodation for the nights I am traveling. The prices are around 60-90€, which I find fair compared to day trains starting from 30€

[@DerekHardwick]

I take the ÖBB regularly, and it's a mixed bag. Sometimes it's great (and by great I mean I can sleep pretty well and arrive on time). The staff can be great or terrible, sometimes it's a language barrier, and I think too much responsibility is put on them for both meal service and cleaning all the bedding up before arriving simultaneously (maybe this should be self pick-up / drop-off or something). Most of my issues have actually been with DB, with ÖBB cancellations due to issues with German railways (malfunctions, strikes, etc) that affected my trip. Or, like you, other passengers being noisy or getting up like 10000 times, turning lights on, etc. Now I'm kind of 'that guy' and will go next door and tell people (nicely) to keep it down, which usually works (sometimes groups need an excuse to shut up and go to bed). I haven't taken these new trains, but looking around the old ones I feel like someone at ÖBB could spend some time actually riding them and change just a few things which would make the experience much better. Soundproofing is something you can do only do on a renovation, but sound mitigation is a lot easier. Make sure everything that could possibly squeak is well-oiled. Don't use metal chains for security locks, make sure they are rubber coated. Make sure the doors have rubber stops so they aren't loud when closing, and make sure they don't rattle. Make sure the vents can be closed. Replace the reading lights in shared rooms with very dim red lights that only allow you to see when finding something or getting in an out of bed (thus stimulating sleeping, not hanging out with the lamps on). Make sure the curtains close all the way and can be velcro'd to the window. Etc, etc. These things cost almost nothing and can be done in a regular maintenance cycle, not a major retrofit.

[@orange25i]

Well, I can't see how a single compartment, even with thin walls, can be louder than sleeping in an open space with 6 strangers, like in the old trains. It is an enourmous improvment. If he doesnt like the new trains, he would be horrified by the old ones. However I think open 6 person compartments used to be and still are the norm all over the world. So I really do think that he is reviewing this product in a complete vacuum ...

[@40zerozero]

I went from Hamburg to Innsbruck last week, the staff on board was very friendly and helpful, the mini cabin works good for me, at least I was able to sleep

[@MehmetAtalay-on9yr]

I travelled for the first time in the mini cabin, and the only thing that annoyed me was the ventilation. Crew was okay and I don‘t need a big pillow. In ears with noise cancellation are essential. I paid 125 Euros 4 days in advance which is fine, when you compare it to an approx. 60 Euro ICE ticket and 100 Euro hotel room.

[@finn3721]

absolutely great review! really like the honest and still serene style you do your videos in

[@mdhazeldine]

If you compare this to a hotel, it's always going to seem bad, but if you compare it to a night flight on a plane, I guess it seems much better. 2hrs sleep on a plane would be quite good for me! Mind you, having drunk people next door is never going to go well. Maybe they should provide everyone with ear plugs like they do on planes.

[@2904cc]

They do, at least when I rode the Nightjet to Rome several times last year. And they warn (and kick out) loud people, "no loud conversations after 22:00 please".

[@fietsenOveral4650]

Something to keep in mind with the capsules is that they are a ~33% reduction in capacity for the same cabin space compared to the old couchette. I think it's even a reduction in capacity over the old full shared cabins. In both of those cases, it is/was possible to stack 3 beds high. I wouldn't mind a cheaper journey, but living in NL + compared to other rail products, it doesn't feel that pricey. It can easily cost much more to do the same trips with high speed trains, and there you only get a seat and no privacy. Also in terms of target market + alternatives, for some travelers, there is just no way to get a (nearly) fully private space in a moving vehicle for 1 person.

[@kirkrotger9208]

It feels like most of the problems aren't with the mini cabins themselves, but the way the service has been handled by OBB.

[@zornitsamitkova7990]

Thank you for this video. Very realistic and objective review. I took the Nightjet with my boyfriend earlier this year and the awkward feeling you explained is completely true. The vibe was really not welcoming, we were left in the middle of the night in some small village in Germany (our final destination was Innsbruck as well) due to a technical problem, without any explanation whatsoever, we did not get any breakfast and it was overall a bad experience I would not recommend. We were staying in a 4-person sleeping cabin, which was overall ok, but the entire fiasco with the train breaking at 3am was just the cherry on top. 😅

[@unusualcat535]

0:36 Leipzig, yayyyyy Leipzig never gets mentioned ever thank you for including it! (:

[@Nadia1989]

TL,DR: long comment ahead. I recently had a nightjet trip that had some issues. I was notified a couple hours before there was a shortage of coaches and my assigned berth was not available. I went to the ÖBB office and they told me a sleeper coach broke, and due to the relocation of passengers to other compartments I could be demoted from a 4 berth couchette to a seat. Not nice. Then once we got on the train the personnel offered me a 6 berth couchette compartment to myself. Eh, not bad. Then, more bad news, they told all passengers we wouldn't reach our final destination because of... * checks notes * "issues with other country's train company". Fine, I say, it's not their fault. Finally, three hours into the trip, and just before falling asleep, someone bangs on the door. Turns out my compartment was not private at all, and I had to share it with two other (lovely, respectful) people. The employees were polite at the beginning, but by the morning they had done a 180 and were rude and eager to be anywhere but on the train. They also demanded the bedding right after breakfast, and by the time we arrived they were nowhere to be seen. In short, when there are no bumps on the road (or should I say "rails"?) the experience is excellent, but when it doesn't, it depends on the employees and whatever mood they are in that particular day. For example, I had similar situation with Regiojet, and they automatically sent me an email with my new seat, and also offered free water for everyone. There must be something going on between ÖBB and Newrest, the company in charge of the service, because my experience with them was more or less the same you and the other youtuber had. It would be a shame if it went against the brand they've built for themselves.

[@ggbirdymill1618]

Very enjoyable review! I really hope the people in charge for the ÖBB are watching these videos and listen. These issues shouldn't be big deal breakers they couldn't fix.

[@Desmaad]

It does look like they took a cue from Japan. Their ferries often have capsule compartments in them, as do their sleeper services.

[@straightpipediesel]

Japan doesn't have capsules on its sleeper train (Sunrise Express/Izumo): it's either private stand-up compartments or a giant row of open beds without dividers between them. The whole thing is a tourist attraction anyway.

[@fuglbird]

In the nineties my wife and I took the train from Aarhus to Salzburg. DB 2 person sleeper from Hamburg to München. No delays and polite service. That was the last time we used trains for our holidays. No porters at the train stations as in the good old times. Hauling luggage out of the train, finding the departure platform, getting the luggage there, finding the right section of the platform and finally loading your luggage in time killed if for us. We rather drive the 1300 km in our car, take a plane or a direct bus.

[@PatrickLeFloch]

Thanks!

[@thornton]

Thank you! 😊😊

[@amochswohntet99]

OMFG I love this implementation of the idea. This IS the FUTURE. absolut!!

[@napoleonsdauphin]

When do you get your SAG card for that stellar pretend reading and pretend laptop work? Also you've got me all riled up again about Austrian room temperatures. I always find the Railjets to be WAY too hot in winter.

[@napoleonsdauphin]

also wow sounds like some Grade A Viennese customer service.

[@robertp.wainman4094]

It was created by a UK design studio for Siemens and OBB. It looks rather claustrophobic to me - personally I've never had a problem sharing a couchette and have met many interesting folks along the way!

[@2904cc]

The couchettes are still there :-)

[@Roadent1241]

Meanwhile I'm thinking this is on my list of things to try, I love small spaces. What's the opposite of claustrophobic? XD

[@Lucas-kb6hk]

I travelled with the new NightJet a few times now in the mini capsule and actually enjoyed it. The most important thing is to bring ear plugs with you and to be relaxed and take some time while entering the train because granted, it is very chaotic when you enter. Also the staff could be nicer. I have to add that I am usually taking the train between Vienna and Bregenz. Having the Klimaticket I am only paying about 25 Euros for the trip which is great.

[@Dora0022]

I travelled twice with the new Nightjet this year (and have two other journeys with it upcoming) and I‘m surprised by the many bad reviews about the staff. Maybe I was lucky but I had a really good experience with the staff. They were the nicest and most professional train attendants I have ever seen. Hoping that my luck continues.

[@RandomMusik]

Used it once to drive from Vienna to Innsbruck it was cheaper then the normal ride and the stuff was friendly. The only thing that bothered me was that my (not really large) Suitcase didn't fit into the lockable place for it and you can't take it inside your cabin because then you have no space left. Stuff was friendly

[@dmitrymorenov2179]

Dear Tom, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on KZbin. I was about to purchase a ticket for a similar journey with ÖBB but fortunately have now seen your video. I’d better fly with Air Dolomiti.

[@uncipaws7643]

I haven't travelled on the new nightjet yet but my experience with newrest staff is generally positive, they try to be helpful. I usually bring earplugs and don't need a big pillow.

[@dreamervanroom]

To understand the process is a journey I need to understand the other options and their prices. Sitting in a seat, other choices of types of seats with more and less legroom? Is there another kind of cabin? What do these other options cost?

[@dreamervanroom]

As an American, I have no idea so I need you to fill me in. Is $65 the same as a seed or 50% more than seed. Maybe there’s knows three seats available? You see UC I just have no context. Thanks for reading this and I hope maybe it’ll be in the comments are the description.

[@2904cc]

In the new NJ there is normal sitting (ok on old Nightjet, horrible on new nightjets), couchette (4 person compartment or 1 person cabin), and sleeper cabin (I think 2 or 3 persons). The most expensive option is a sleeper (proper bed!) with its own shower.

[@runarandersen878]

Thank you for this honest review. You have my sympathy regarding noisy passengers, it can sometimes decide if you have a great trip or not.

[@Skawagon]

One thing I have to 100% agree with is that the Nightjet pillows are absolutely useless and I am surprised no-one mentions it while reviewing their products. In all I was very excited for this new concept when it was first shown to public, however I got more and more sceptical with some of the design decisions. For one I think it would be much more practical to have the luggage accesible from inside the compartment and only shoes left in separate locker - this would also make the cabin feel more airy for those traveling with smaller luggage. But what absolutely killed me were those in-cabin deviders. When I first saw them I was in disbelief that someone sined off on such a crappy solution - I cannot imagine them insulating any noise from say a snooring dude in next bunk. What however I think the OBB nailed are the four person cuchetts - Smart design, and I can imagine being perfect for a family travel. The pod concept however certainly needs more work.

[@genethebean7597]

My experience with Nightjet service in the past has always been "the cabins are OK, the sleep is OK, the service is for nothing." But, luckily, the attendant only comes by a few times per trip: Twice at the beginning for breakfast orders and bedding and twice for breakfast delivery and clean-up. Our attendants always smell like BO and are constantly grumpy. I'm not sure how they even get on board in the first place. Otherwise, the trip and time savings of going overnight are worth the typical (and exorbitant) 200 euros per cabin.

[@eljanrimsa5843]

With ÖBB, it often feels like the staff sees their job as normal conductors, and hate it when they have to do the extra services and talking with passengers on a night train.

[@CHarlotte-ro4yi]

Having traveled in the nightjet from Brussels to Vienna I had a similar experience with the staff. However I also must say that the guy responsible for us did make sure to put the bachelors party in our wagon in order (he basically told them to be quiet or to have to leave at the next station) and he also wasn’t too pushy with the linens towards the end of the journey. Other than that he was a bit ruder than I am used to with train staff.

[@ArtVandelay99]

This was a nightmare journey for me in a mini cabin like that. Train to Vienna arrived in Bologna with 1.5h delay, had to wait in a dodgy unheated station with security guards asking me to leave at midnight because the station was scheduled to close. Train was delayed further for a total of 5 hours in Italy and stopped multiple times in the middle of the fields, lights coming on in the mini cabin every single time. It was like a sleep deprivation torture experiment, all happening inside of an MRI scanner, Which is what the size of this cabin is. Although at 7:30 a.m. we hadn't even crossed the Italian Austrian border the staff still woke everybody up to deliver an extremely precocious breakfast, Vienna 5 hours away still, when all people wanted was to finally catch some final hours of sleep. After crossing the border they announced we need to get off the train in Villach and take another train onwards to Vienna. People who were with kids and made no such travel allowances were panicking, then an announcement came that the cancellation was cancelled and the train would after all move continue to Vienna. Staff were horrendous - unintegrated male middle eastern migrants with no knowledge of how the train worked (the lock I had to use to secure my suitcase got blocked and wouldn't unlock), no knowledge of English, and no manners towards women. Toilets a disaster by the end, with passengers furious about what shitshow this entire journey had become. I should have taken the advice of this review before embarking on this journey. First and definitely last time.

[@batonnetdecannelle]

I've just taken the ÖBB Nightjet, paying 160 euros for a mini cabin. Taking into account that these carriages are newly designed, a surprisingly large number of things are actually not very satisfactory. For instance : - air conditioning: cool air is blown right on your throat and you can't change that. - bed sheet: not clear how to use it. I decided to put the white linen on the bunk bed and cover myself with the orange blanket. Would have reconsidered this setup if I had known that these blankets stay in the cabin and are not washed very frequently. - quite impossible to find a comfortable position for reading or working on a laptop. - locks didn't work properly. As for my cabin, the sliding door couldn't be shut from the inside whereas the locks for luggage and shoes were completely out of order. My neighbour managed to lock herself up and had to make an emergency call to be liberated - zero breakfest options (I'm celiac, and I would have fancied a little bit of sugar in my coffee) - unsatisfactory solution for storing large suitcases. I witnessed people who had to call the staff to cut the wires securing their luggage. - wash room extremely small. You can't bend over. Which might be helpful when brushing your teeth. - staff just soso. I didn't sleep a single minute. However, my review might be too negative. Actually, I started to feel slightly unwell when waiting on the platform in Vienna. 2 hours later, every single part of my body was aching. In the morning in Hamburg, I've tested for Covid: this "T"-Strip on the test device seemed to turn red when it just felt the liquid approaching it. So, eventually, it's been an excellent idea get a (pricey) single cabin!

[@Freiya2011]

You can blend out noise with oropax!😉 To have that is an absolute necessity when travelling.

[@audioupgrades]

Am I right in thinking it would be cheaper to fly from Hamburg to Innsbruck?

[@thornton]

Almost certainly, also taking the day train is only ~9hrs and cheap enough to leave money for a stationary place to sleep :)

[@hfb_blaacc2591]

Yes, which is very much a major economic and environmental issue in many places that really should be adressed.

[@audioupgrades]

@@hfb_blaacc2591 I think people would choose the sleeper if it was either nicer or cheaper than flying. If it is nastier, more expensive and a lot slower, it has nothing going for it.

[@thornton]

agreed, sadly

[@Psi-Storm]

It's really not. I just looked up flights. Eurowings from Hamburg to Innsbruck on a cheap day is 141€ with a carry on or 154€ with just one big suitcase.

[@CainXVII]

In Sweden the trains have a very strange pricing structure too, where demand means higher price and prices go up the closer to a date you get. If you don't book your ticket months in advance you will easily pay €130 for a train ride. And everywhere but the most travelled tracks between the major cities you have to count on delays. I have stopped taking the train because it costs less and goes faster to take a five hour drive, and I can be sure that I actually get there. It's real sad. Once I got ONE STATION from where I live, then the train stopped and I had to change trains TWICE before I even left that station. I almost just hopped on a bus back home. The crew is usually great and very helpful though

[@iorethofgondor]

I have thankfully realized that if you book in advance at MTR you can travel rather cheaply. 185 SEK Stockholm - Skövde IS a rather good price (around 18 Euros). SJ is WAY too expensive unless you book like 3 months in advance (IF you can book that early!)

[@iorethofgondor]

I never travel in Sweden without some sewing/knitting/etc project though ... and plan LOOOONG changing times :P

[@alexmcwhirter6611]

Thanks Tom for producing such an objective report on the new Nightjet rolling stock. I had thought that these capsules were a brilliant idea and that OEBB was catering to the 'next generation' but, personally, I need a good night's sleep to function the next day and so I would book a normal sleeping compartment (even though it would be more expensive).

[@orange25i]

But a normal sleeping compartment in the previous trains were 6-Person-compartments. I cannot imagine why it would be more relaxing to sleep in an open space with 6 strangers than to sleep alone, albeit with a thin door?

[@alexmcwhirter6611]

@@orange25i Confusionb here ! These mini suites are a totally *new* type of accommodation. The tradtional couchette accommodation is still provided on the latest Nightjet stock ... albeit it's now 4 berths per compartment (rather than 6 berths).

[@truebrit3578]

When I saw initial reviews of this it seemed to me that the focus and development group were likely all under 35. I am in my sixties (you know that age demographic that tends to spend money on travel) and the idea of crawling up or down was anything but attractive. Don’t get me wrong, the new interest in sleeper trains is exciting, but like many internet apps these days, the design mimics the age demographic who likely developed it.

[@2904cc]

Yes, but there are still the other types of compartments, the cabins are in addition.

[@truebrit3578]

@@2904cc yes but as always the only innovation is for younger people.

[@vladsome6026]

I'm from Russia, we travel on sleep trains here for second centrury. From what i see in this video - individual cabins are quite inefficial from space usage. 1) I don't understand why bottom one is so low, in your cabin you need to crawl there - uncomfortble. Here you sit on lower level. Probably it's done for increasing top level, in which you can seat (in here you can't seat here, only lay). 2) I think it's more comfortable to eat with one common table on lower level. You can comfortaly seat here, however in our country it's done on the bed of lower level. What ideas could we borrow from this train? 1) Curtains for your bed maybe is good idea. 2) Private windows (so you can open and close curtains when you want) 3) Board with toilet awailabilty. 4) Rail table - awesome!

[@majorfallacy5926]

Privacy is a luxury, and luxury usually comes at the cost of efficiency. Austria and Germany are considerably richer than Russia so it makes sense.

[@vladsome6026]

@@majorfallacy5926 it's fair point that these countries are richer than Russia, but I don't see luxury in here. If we speak of luxury - you can buy yourself in Russia ticket to 2 person room and enjoy privacy with your wife, it would be way more comfortable than these cells. Or buy 4 tickets in average room to get yourself it whole. However I get your point, that you probably prefer privacy for 24 hours, rather than 1.5 hours per day that we spend sitting along the table.

[@travellingboardingtime]

Thanks for the info. It's lucky that I met the very very good staff on Nightjet. One thing that made me worrying about the new Nightjet is the space. I think it may be not suitable for people with clautrophobia. And cannot adjusting the air con is not a good thing too.

[@stephanie-fh5qv]

You are right, with claustrofobia its impossible.

[@petewiggins]

last week I used the night jet (old style) twice and both times there was one very unfriendly employee. We also had the issue with the bed linen being taken needlessly early even though both trains were more than 1 hour late

[@svenvandevelde1]

My nightjet experience from Brussels to Vienna in a 6 seat cabin where I had the middle seat. No breakfast, no coffee. OBB shows these cabins on their advertisement pictures with only 3 people in the cabin... Price: 50€.

[@hypernewlapse]

This kind of honest reviews are greatly appreciated because as you mention the Simply railways of the world are being given a media tour that doesnt represent what customers experience

[@chloeandludvig]

Thanks for sharing this video Tom!! Only just discovered you when researching my own ÖBB Mini Cabin adventure... Great takeaways and tips here! I'll keep all of this in mind when I book my spot - especially the starting at the stop before Hamburg!!

[@thornton]

Hi Chloe, thanks for your comment, I also watch your channel :) great videos!

[@chloeandludvig]

@@thornton Oh no way, that's awesome! haha thanks ;) Making my way through all of your train videos now!!

[@Sector8]

Their service could definitely be better. Last week a sleeper train broke down in Utrecht on its way from Amsterdam to Austria. Ended up canceld they just kicked them all out, 400 passengers stranded at Utrecht. No communication whatsoever, and then the NS Dutch railwaystaff had to deal with the problem while OBB did nothing. In the end They managed to send Some busses that would drive to Düsseldorf. I felt so sorry for the passengers and Dutch NS staff

[@Bragi71]

😂 So that is the reason I allways fly and never use a night train.

[@SilverNightKyle]

Cheers to the undignified entrance! 🍻🤣

[@thornton]

It's my speciality

[@smirbelbirbel]

I am taking that exact train model from Linz to Hamburg and back on the regular. As with any train, it's important to book the tickets way in advance. I pay 115,- per way (which is only ~30 more than I would pay for a normal day ticket) and always had good experiences with sleeping/chilling in the mini cabins and sleep a lot. It is often late due to the chaotic German railways which means you usually get 25-50% of your money back. I always look forward to going home with these trains. PTO is much more scarce for me than money these days and the Nightjet means I get to spend a full more day with my family. The staff are usually pretty unprofessional, they seem severely undertrained. I also had the same experience with the bedding being taken away early, although I had no issues when I refused. And I'm sorry you had bad luck with you neighbours.

[@blueband8114]

2017 I got the first class from Munich to Berlin, it was great. 2022 we ordered tickets for Berlin to Dresden. The train was late, and had been replaced by an older train and no first class. Total disappointment.

[@NickTinBeirut]

Must have been on the same train but Roma to Munich. Same deal. My deluxe cabin with ensuite morphed into a couchette compartment. Unreal disappointment.

[@tamar597]

On the other hand, I really enjoyed the European Sleeper from Prague-Berlin-Amsterdam-Brussels. Its super quiet and the beds are great.

[@studybuddy2522]

I took the capsule train two times already and overall really liked it - im sleeping so much better in the capsule I must say

[@phronsiekeys]

The only good thing about that trip that I can see are those lockers and the mountains. If the trip had run on time would you have missed the mountains and spent the ride sleeping most of the time (sans drunks of course)? Because I wouldn't want to spend awake time in that cabin as there is no option to sit up normally. But the mountain views were great!

[@evabee6313]

Well I personally loved the experience and had super friendly staff. The only problems for me where getting in and out of the cabins, especially when there's more people around, and hearing my neighbor snore, but with earplugs it was fine and I had the best sleep ever on a train so far.

[@michaelschafferAT]

I'm not a train person and don't have much interest in it. But it's fascinating how KZbin floods me with videos about the move and especially the negative videos about it. Greetings from Vienna.

[@bethanybrookes8479]

I don't travel much but something I do recommend is to never go anywhere overnight without a pillow. I have a few: an inflatable one that packs away into a size smaller than my fist and fits nicely inside a tshirt or hoodie when inflated, a stuffed seal toy my brother got me thats bigger and more comfortable than the inflatable pillow but smaller than the last option, and finally, just straight up the same pillow I sleep on at home. I pack depending on how I'm travelling, how long I'm staying wherever I'm staying and how much space I have in my luggage, and I may even end up not needing the pillow I brought with me. But it sure as hell has saved me from so many bad nights sleep, even in places where they say it's luxury or whatever. Because those big soft floppy pillows may work for some people, but for me? No. I need firmer or I wake up with a krick in my neck and that's just unpleasant. So yeah, it's always worth bringing your own pillow, anywhere, even if they say pillows are provided, because they may not be the right kind of or even just a good pillow.

[@veganmonter]

When I heard about this service, I was under the impression that this would be slightly more than economy seats. Or I was even thinking that if it was popular enough would replace them. I was mistaken.

[@BryanLikesCandy]

Great review! Regarding the price, you may be interested to know that here in Australia the overnight train from Sydney to Melbourne is comparable in time and distance to your journey. A standard semi-reclining seat cost is comparable to the price you paid for your cubby, and doesn't include a meal. Given that the current fleet is being replaced and the new fleet also won't have any sleeper capabilities, I would happily pay the AUD$250 for such a cabin. But I would also expect better service from the staff.

[@thornton]

Thanks for the tip, I definitely need to go back to Aus one day 😭