Published January 5, 2025 · 7 min read
Nightjet, operated by ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways), uses a tiered pricing system. Understanding these tiers—Sparschiene, Sparschiene Komfort, and Standard—is key to booking the right ticket for your needs and budget.
Sparschiene is ÖBB's advance-discount fare. Prices start as low as €9 on some routes if you book months ahead. The catch? These tickets are non-refundable and tied to a specific train and date. If you miss your connection, the ticket is lost.
Pro tip: Sparschiene fares are released in batches. The cheapest tickets disappear first, so book early and set a price alert to catch the next batch.
Sparschiene Komfort costs slightly more but includes refundability and seat selection. It's a good middle ground if you want a deal but don't want to risk losing your entire fare if plans change. Refund fees apply, typically €7–€19 depending on how close to departure you cancel.
Standard tickets offer full refundability and greater flexibility on train changes. This is the ÖBB product most similar to traditional first-class rail travel. Prices are significantly higher but justified if you need peace of mind for a complex itinerary.
If your travel date and route are fixed: go Sparschiene. If you want some flexibility: Sparschiene Komfort. If you need full flexibility or are booking last-minute: Standard. The price difference between tiers can be €30–€60, so choose wisely.
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