Which Night Train to go to Vienna?

Fall asleep in Paris, wake up in Vienna! That’s the promise written in bold red and blue letters on the side of the ÖBB Nightjet at Paris Gare de l’Est. But the Paris–Vienna night train isn’t the only option for reaching the Austrian capital while sleeping. Discovery Trains also tried the Zurich–Vienna route.

Our comparison will help you make the right choice.

 

Schedules: Paris 1 – Zurich 0

For travelers from Paris—or many parts of France with good connections to the capital—it’s obviously easier to depart from Gare de l’Est than to travel all the way to Zürich Hauptbahnhof. The Paris–Vienna Nightjet leaves at 7:58 p.m. and arrives at 10:00 a.m. the next morning: ideal timing for a comfortable overnight ride.

If you’re considering the Zurich–Vienna night train, you’ll first need to get to Zurich. That means taking the TGV Lyria (four departures a day, about 4 hours of travel time), then continuing your journey with the Zurich–Vienna Nightjet.

Zurich Hauptbahnhof, where TGV Lyria arrives and Nightjet trains depart to Vienna (Austria). © Discovery Trains

Good news: the transfer in Zurich is very easy. If you take the last TGV Lyria from Paris at 4:22 p.m., you’ll arrive about an hour before the Nightjet departure—perfect for a smooth, stress-free connection. If you leave Paris earlier, you’ll even have time to explore charming Zurich and store your luggage at the station.

In all cases, the Zurich–Vienna Nightjet departs at 9:40 p.m. and arrives in Vienna at 8:00 a.m.

Frequency: Paris 0 – Zurich 1

When it comes to frequency, the Zurich–Vienna route stands out. The Zurich Nightjet runs every night, while the Paris–Vienna train operates only three times a week: departures from Paris on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and returns from Vienna on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

This daily service gives travelers from Zurich much more flexibility, making it easier to organize a trip on your own terms. In contrast, the limited Paris–Vienna schedule forces you to adapt to the train’s operating days. For example, if you leave Paris on a Monday (arriving Tuesday), your return options are Thursday (2 nights in Vienna) or Sunday (5 nights), making a 3- or 4-night stay impossible.

Thanks to its daily departures, the Zurich–Vienna Nightjet offers total freedom when planning your stay—whether it’s a quick city break or a longer Viennese immersion.

Train Renovation: Paris 0 – Zurich 1

From the outside, there’s no visible difference between the Paris–Vienna and Zurich–Vienna Nightjets. Both wear ÖBB’s sleek midnight blue livery with red accents. But once aboard, the contrast is striking.

Austria’s national railway has launched a wide-reaching renovation program, prioritizing key markets like Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. France, unfortunately, is still waiting. That means the Paris–Vienna trains use older, unrefurbished cars, while Zurich passengers enjoy fully modernized coaches.

So by departing from Zurich, you get newer, more comfortable trains, with up-to-date features—just like those on the Hamburg or Amsterdam routes. On the Paris–Vienna route, the coaches are still older models awaiting their turn for renovation.

Sleeper Compartment Comfort: Paris 0 – Zurich 1

The 4-berth couchette compartments vary noticeably depending on whether they’ve been renovated. The upgraded compartments come with many practical improvements that greatly enhance comfort.

Left: older couchette (Paris–Vienna). Right: renovated couchette (Zurich–Vienna). © Discovery Trains

• Individual power outlets for each bunk—including upper berths (older trains have just one outlet for the bottom bunk).
• Secure interior locks (in older cars, only a chain lock is available).
• Fold-out trays for upper bunks, allowing you to enjoy breakfast without balancing it on your knees. (Note: in the older coaches, there’s a foldable plank under the lower bunks that can be set up as a communal table.)
• Touchscreen control panels for temperature, lighting, and toilet availability (versus a simple dial in older cars).
• Automatic lighting when entering or leaving the cabin.
• Improved partitioning between the corridor and the compartment (full wall and door in the renovated cars, sliding panels with curtains in the older ones).
• Sturdier ladders for climbing into the upper bunks.

All in all, the renovated cars offer a much more modern and user-friendly experience. While the older ones are still clean and perfectly functional, they don’t match the comfort level of the new design.

Left: older corridor (Paris–Vienna). Right: renovated corridor (Zurich–Vienna). © Discovery Trains

Bunk Comfort: Paris 0 – Zurich 1

One of the biggest differences between old and renovated Nightjet trains is the available space. On the older cars, the 4-berth compartments are actually former 6-berth compartments with two bunks left unused. In contrast, the renovated coaches were purpose-built for 4 passengers, offering significantly more room.

This makes a real difference. In older cars, the middle bunk must stay down, which drastically reduces headroom. You can’t sit up comfortably on the lower or upper bunks, forcing you to slouch or lie down awkwardly.

In the Zurich–Vienna coaches, however, you have enough space to sit upright and enjoy your breakfast with ease.

Onboard Services: Paris 1 – Zurich 1

No matter which train you choose, onboard services are quite similar on both routes:

• A travel kit, including a sheet liner (sleep sack), a mini pillow, a blanket, and a bottle of water
• A light breakfast, served on a tray, with coffee, two small rolls, butter, jam, and milk

You’ll also find:

• A compartment for passengers with reduced mobility and accessible restrooms
• A women-only compartment
• And on renovated trains (i.e., Zurich–Vienna), a bicycle storage area, which is not available on the older Paris–Vienna coaches

Restrooms: Paris 1 – Zurich 1

In couchette compartments, there are no private sinks, showers, or toilets. Restrooms are located at both ends of each car. On renovated coaches (Zurich–Vienna), the toilets are newer and more modern—but even those on older trains (Paris–Vienna) are clean and functional.

However, the older Paris–Vienna coaches have one extra feature: a small washroom separate from the restrooms, where you can brush your teeth or freshen up in private in the morning. This amenity no longer exists on the renovated trains. A small but useful advantage.

Double/Triple Compartments: Paris 1 – Zurich 1

In addition to standard couchettes, ÖBB Nightjet trains offer another category: Sleeping Cars. In this case, both Paris–Vienna and Zurich–Vienna use the same non-renovated cars, so the experience is identical.

These Sleeping Cars, available in double or triple configurations, come in two versions:

• Basic: with a sink only
• “Sleeping Car Plus”: with private toilet and shower

They offer several nice perks:

• A small wash area or full bathroom, depending on the version
• Secure door locks, for added privacy and peace of mind
• An upgraded amenity kit, often including a small bottle of sparkling wine for an extra touch of comfort

Despite the lack of renovation, these compartments remain a great option for those seeking greater privacy and comfort than what couchettes offer.

Sleep Quality: Paris 0 – Zurich 1

Let’s be honest—night trains aren’t completely silent. You’ll hear the train’s movement, track noise, and station announcements along the way. If you’re a light sleeper, we definitely recommend bringing earplugs, no matter the route.

But there’s a major difference in border procedures.

On the Paris–Vienna route, passport checks are frequent. Border agents often board the train, and passengers are asked (via loudspeaker) to prepare their documents—sometimes with flashlights, typically around 9:30 p.m. and again after 11:00 p.m.

On the Zurich–Vienna route, there are no passport controls at night, making for a much more restful and uninterrupted sleep. A huge plus if you’re hoping for a peaceful night on board.

Reliability: Paris 0 – Zurich 1

One of the most important criteria for choosing your route is reliability. While no train is 100% immune to disruptions, the Paris–Vienna Nightjet—like the Paris–Berlin route—has faced a higher-than-average cancellation rate lately.

This isn’t ÖBB’s fault, but rather a result of ongoing construction on the German railway network, which the Paris–Vienna train crosses. This leads to:

1. Frequent delays and cancellations
2. Late ticket availability, since ÖBB must wait for the final construction timetable

By contrast, the Zurich–Vienna Nightjet doesn’t pass through Germany. Your journey takes place entirely within Austria and Switzerland, which means fewer disruptions, more reliable schedules, and tickets available up to six months in advance—a real advantage when planning a trip.

Ticket Prices: Paris 0 – Zurich 0

You might think a direct Paris–Vienna train would be cheaper than one with a connection—but not necessarily. In fact, Zurich–Vienna Nightjet tickets are often more affordable than Paris–Vienna ones.

Once you factor in the TGV Lyria fare from Paris to Zurich, the total cost is about the same. So price shouldn’t be the key deciding factor between the two.

Discovery Trains’ Verdict

It’s a close match when it comes to planning your train journey to Austria. The Paris–Vienna Nightjet remains the most convenient for travelers wanting a direct route with no transfers—that’s a major advantage for many.

However, the Zurich–Vienna route wins points for its renovated trains, daily departures, and higher reliability, offering a more comfortable and flexible travel experience.

In the end, it comes down to your priorities: simplicity or upgraded comfort. Either way, Discovery Trains can help you choose the perfect route, or even combine both for a tailor-made Viennese getaway. Don’t forget to indulge in a cup of famous Viennese hot chocolate once you arrive!

P.S. A brand-new generation of ÖBB Nightjet trains is already in service. These next-gen carriages are even more modern and comfortable than the current renovated ones. They currently operate on routes such as Vienna–Hamburg, Innsbruck–Hamburg, Vienna–Rome, and Vienna–Bregenz. By the end of 2025, they’re also expected to serve the Vienna–Zurich line—a major point in favor of the Swiss option!