I spent 11 hours with 3 strangers in a shared cabin on a sleeper train in Europe. 6 surprises made me regret my choice.

Joey HaddenFeb 17, 2023, 16:46 IST

Insider's reporter tried out a sleeper cabin on a train in Europe traveling from Vienna, Austria, to Venice, Italy.Joey Hadden/Insider

I booked a shared sleeper cabin on an overnight train while traveling from Austria to Italy.
I thought a sleeper train would be the best way to maximize my days while exploring Europe.

I recently traveled on an overnight train from Vienna, Austria, to Venice, Italy, during a two-week trip through four European countries.

The author exits a train in Venice, Italy, in October 2022.Joey Hadden/Insider

I traveled with OBB Nightjet, a train that operates overnight routes between Austria, Italy, France, and the Netherlands.

A Nightjet sleeper car arrives in Venice, Italy, in October 2022.Joey Hadden/Insider

Nightjet trains have seating carriages as well as sleeper cars with bunks of three, four, or six. The latter of which is what I booked.

A sleeper cabin on an OBB Nightjet train.Nightjet - © ÖBB/Harald Eisenberger

My ride from Vienna to Venice wasn't my first experience on a sleeper train, but it was my first time traveling in a shared bunk-style cabin.

Insider's reporter spent 30 hours in an Amtrak bedroom while traveling from Miami to New York.Joey Hadden/Insider

When I arrived at the Vienna train station, I paid $10 to access the OBB Lounge. I was surprised that aside from me, it was completely empty, which was a stark contrast to the crowded station where I couldn't find a seat.

An empty OBB Lounge at Wein Miedling Station in October 2022.Joey Hadden/Insider

When I arrived at the Vienna train station, I paid $10 to access the OBB Lounge. I was surprised that aside from me, it was completely empty, which was a stark contrast to the crowded station where I couldn't find a seat.

When I went to the platform, I was surprised by how confusing it was to board the correct train.

A platform where the train takes off in Austria (L). Car two on a Nightjet train stopped in Venice, Italy (R).Joey Hadden/Insider

I knew that my cabin was going to be small but once onboard, I was still shocked when I saw it for the first time.

Inside the author's shared Nightjet cabin.Joey Hadden/Insider

I expected each bunk to have a curtain for privacy, but the beds were completely exposed. This made me feel less comfortable.

The author felt she had no privacy without curtains at each bunk.Joey Hadden/Insider

I didn't think I'd have to wake up other passengers to use the bathroom. But the room's lock was only accessible from a top bunk where someone was sleeping.

Lighting and lock controls in the sleeper cabin.Joey Hadden/Insider

I thought I'd get a decent amount of rest in the sleeper cabin with a lie-flat bed, but the ride was so bumpy and uncomfortable that I struggled to fall asleep.

The author watches TV on an overnight train from Vienna to Venice, Italy, in October 2022.Joey Hadden/Insider

"Offering our passengers a high level of travel comfort is an important concern for us, "a representative for OBB Nightjet told Insider.

When I got to Venice, I realized I was wrong about my expectations around a shared sleeper cabin. I didn't feel rested, which was the entire reason why I booked it.

The author before (L) and after (R) having coffee during her first morning in Venice.Joey Hadden/Insider

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I spent 11 hours with 3 strangers in a shared cabin on a sleeper train in Europe. 6 surprises made me regret my choice.

I recently traveled on an overnight train from Vienna, Austria, to Venice, Italy, during a two-week trip through four European countries.

I traveled with OBB Nightjet, a train that operates overnight routes between Austria, Italy, France, and the Netherlands.

Nightjet trains have seating carriages as well as sleeper cars with bunks of three, four, or six. The latter of which is what I booked.

My ride from Vienna to Venice wasn't my first experience on a sleeper train, but it was my first time traveling in a shared bunk-style cabin.

When I arrived at the Vienna train station, I paid $10 to access the OBB Lounge. I was surprised that aside from me, it was completely empty, which was a stark contrast to the crowded station where I couldn't find a seat.

When I went to the platform, I was surprised by how confusing it was to board the correct train.

I knew that my cabin was going to be small but once onboard, I was still shocked when I saw it for the first time.

I expected each bunk to have a curtain for privacy, but the beds were completely exposed. This made me feel less comfortable.

I didn't think I'd have to wake up other passengers to use the bathroom. But the room's lock was only accessible from a top bunk where someone was sleeping.

I thought I'd get a decent amount of rest in the sleeper cabin with a lie-flat bed, but the ride was so bumpy and uncomfortable that I struggled to fall asleep.

"Offering our passengers a high level of travel comfort is an important concern for us, "a representative for OBB Nightjet told Insider.

When I got to Venice, I realized I was wrong about my expectations around a shared sleeper cabin. I didn't feel rested, which was the entire reason why I booked it.