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ÖBB Nightjet Nightmare

I was traveling on with my family from Basel to Hamburg 13 July 2025. (NJ470) The sleeping cabins were fully booked so we have to book seats.The seats had bad comfort. Hard armrests and the backrest could not be adjusted. No wifi. Bright light in the train during the night even though they switched of half of the flourescent lights late in the evening. There were no soap on the toilets and after a few hours the toilet paper ran out. No one came to refill it.The train were delayed at worst two hours during the night but you didn't know it if you didn't look at DBs homepage when you could reach the cellular network near the cities. No signs, messages in loudspeakers or any information at all onbord the train.On the hompage were clear information on which stations the train would stop, where people were allowed to board and not. During the night the train did several unannounced stops were people did board the train. During the entire travel (12 hours) I only saw staff from DB once. I guess the people who boarded and left the train during the night were free riders. Some passengers were drunk and seemed to be high on drugs and were shouting and arguing with other passengers and tried to take over their reserved seats. The coach didn't have any CCTV. I had to stay awake the whole night to be able to keep my family safe in case of fights or thieves. Finally we arrived at Hamburg 57 minutes late. At the first time we heard a voice in the loudspeakers. Though a pre-recorded voice wishing us a good day. No information at all.If you ever think about boarding this train, bring an assault alarm. Bring soft pillows, blankets, noice cancelling headphones and sleeping masks to be able to sleep. Bring soap, toiletpaper and cleaning wipes to be able to use the toilet. Or just get yourself a hotel room and take the train next morning.

Date of experience: Jul 13, 2025