Starting December 4, 2025, passengers traveling on the Zurich–Hamburg route will benefit from the new state-of-the-art Nightjet trains developed by ÖBB and operated in cooperation with SBB. The new trains offer a higher level of comfort, a modern design, and introduce the “Mini Cabin,” a new concept of individual space that offers more privacy than any other configuration available to date in European night services.
The inaugural train of the new generation, traveling to Hamburg, was named “City of Zurich”, symbolically marking the Swiss city’s opening to Europe and the promotion of sustainable rail mobility.
Enters service on Zürich–Hamburg, followed by Vienna and Amsterdam
SBB and ÖBB will use the new Nightjets on all routes between Zürich and Hamburg starting in December 2025. Throughout 2026, the trains will also be gradually introduced on the following routes:
- Zürich–Vienna
- Zurich–Amsterdam
The aim is to improve the quality of night services, making international night travel more comfortable, safer, and more attractive to a wider audience.
Véronique Stephan (SBB), Sabine Stock (ÖBB), and Andreas Hauri (Zürich City Council) attended the train’s christening ceremony. “City of Zürich bears the name of our city throughout Europe—a symbol of openness, climate-friendly mobility, and international connections,” said Hauri.
Mini Cabins: privacy and comfort for solo travelers
One of the most important new features of the new generation Nightjet is the introduction of “Mini Cabins”, a micro-room for solo travelers who want private space at an affordable price. Amenities include:
- folding breakfast table
- reading lamp
- mirror
- smart storage spaces
- the possibility of connecting two cabins for passengers traveling together
Sabine Stock (ÖBB) emphasized that passengers “appreciate the modern design, increased comfort, and new level of privacy provided by the Mini Cabins.”
Fixed beds, cabins with private bathrooms, and digital access
The new night trains offer high standards of comfort:
- Fixed beds in sleeping cars and couchettes for a more peaceful journey.
- Comfort Plus cabins equipped with private bathrooms and showers, as well as a separate space for relaxation or work.
- Digital access via NFC, similar to the systems used in hotels.
- USB charging and wireless charging in all cabins.
- Wi-Fi and improved mobile signal for working at night.
- Dedicated space for bicycles and sports equipment.
- Accessible cabin for people with reduced mobility, with low-floor ramp and adapted toilet.
Outside the compartments, the video surveillance system and the new passenger information system enhance safety and the travel experience.
ÖBB and SBB Nightjet trains, including the new Nightjet 2.0 generation, are manufactured by Siemens Mobility.
A step forward for sustainable rail mobility
SBB and ÖBB consider the launch of this generation of trains to be a key moment for the future of night transport in Europe. The new Nightjets contribute to:
- increasing the attractiveness of long-distance rail transport
- reducing short-haul flights
- developing low-emission cross-border mobility
“This is an important step towards expanding international services and making sustainable mobility more attractive,” said Véronique Stephan (SBB).
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