I spent 11 hours with 3 strangers in a shared cabin on a sleeper train in Europe for $84. 6 surprises made me regret my choice.

Joey HaddenMar 6, 2024, 22:12 IST

Insider's reporter tried out a sleeper cabin on a train in Europe traveling from Vienna 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.

When I decided to visit Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland for the first time in just two weeks back in 2022, I wanted to take trains and maximize my time exploring each country.

When I realized that my train ride from Vienna, Austria, to Venice, Italy, would be 11 hours long, I thought traveling through the night seemed like the best way to leave my days free, and sharing a sleeper cabin with strangers helped me do it on a budget.

For $84, my ticket included a bunk in a shared cabin and a light breakfast. I was excited to move through the night and free my days for adventure.

But a few surprises along the way made me think that, ultimately, this ride wasn't worth the time saved.

I traveled from Austria to Italy 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

When I arrived at the Vienna train station, I paid $10 to access the OBB Lounge. I was surprised that it was completely empty aside from me — 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 it was completely empty aside from me — 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 my cabin would be small, but once on board, 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 Business Insider.

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

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

A year after my trip, I booked another overnight ride in a Nightjet private cabin. It was totally worth the upgrade.

Inside a private cabin on a Nightjet train.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I drove 40 hours round trip to Disney World to avoid pricey airfare. I saved $300, but I'm not sure I'd do it again.

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I spent 11 hours with 3 strangers in a shared cabin on a sleeper train in Europe for $84. 6 surprises made me regret my choice.

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

When I arrived at the Vienna train station, I paid $10 to access the OBB Lounge. I was surprised that it was completely empty aside from me — 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 my cabin would be small, but once on board, 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 Business Insider.

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

A year after my trip, I booked another overnight ride in a Nightjet private cabin. It was totally worth the upgrade.