Europe's Cheapest Overnight Train: A Traveler's Harrowing Account

Europe - Ekhbary News Agency

BERLIN/VIENNA – A recent travel exposé has brought to light the harsh realities of ultra-budget European rail travel, as a journalist recounts a harrowing 12-hour overnight train journey from Berlin to Vienna that left them utterly exhausted and vowing never to repeat the experience. The trip, undertaken in October 2022 aboard an OBB Nightjet service, was booked as the cheapest accommodation available, costing a mere $40 for a regular seat carriage shared with five other passengers.

The traveler, aiming to maximize daytime exploration by opting for night travel, initially saw the $40 ticket as an unbeatable deal, especially when factoring in a pre-purchased Eurail pass, which reduced the effective cost of the train segment to just $14. However, the economic choice came at a significant personal cost. "I got exactly zero hours of sleep," the journalist stated, describing the 12-hour ordeal in a cramped compartment designated car 254.

Unlike previous overnight train experiences in the US, this European journey was the first in a shared seating carriage. The accommodations, designed for six passengers, offered deeply reclining seats that almost lay flat but lacked full horizontal capability. Crucially, no pillows or sheets were provided for guests in these seating cars, a detail confirmed by an OBB Nightjet representative who noted that such amenities are reserved for bunk-style sleeping cars, which are recommended for longer hauls.

The journalist observed significant discomfort throughout the journey, citing insufficient legroom for each traveler and the constant motion of the train as primary obstacles to sleep. Despite finding ample luggage space, the lack of proper sleeping provisions and the shared environment created an intolerable situation. Even after relocating to a less crowded cabin with only two other occupants, true rest remained elusive due to the persistent bumps and the apprehension of being disturbed.

Upon arrival in Vienna at 7 a.m., the journalist's initial plans for immediate exploration were thwarted by profound exhaustion. The immediate priority shifted to finding any available hotel for rest, underscoring the detrimental impact of the sleepless night on the overall travel experience. OBB Nightjet, a prominent rail operator connecting Austria, Italy, France, and the Netherlands, emphasized that "the quality of travel depends not only on the carriages, but also on the route," and confirmed that new cars introduced in 2023 offer improved amenities like more power outlets, addressing a common traveler complaint.

This account serves as a cautionary tale for budget-conscious travelers considering overnight train options in Europe. While the allure of low prices and efficient travel is strong, the experience highlights the critical trade-off between cost and comfort. The journalist concluded with a firm resolve: "Next time, I'll book a flight or take a train with private cabins," advising future travelers to carefully weigh the potential for discomfort against the perceived savings. For more travel insights, visit Ekhbary Portal.