Connecting the canals of Amsterdam to the financial and Alpine gateway of Zurich, the Amsterdam to Zurich ÖBB Nightjet (NJ 402/NJ 403) is one of Northern Europe’s most heavily booked overnight trains. Departing Amsterdam Centraal in the evening, it travels through Utrecht, the German Rhineland, and Basel before arriving at Zürich Hauptbahnhof.
For travelers heading onward to Swiss ski resorts (like Zermatt, St. Moritz, or Grindelwald), this overnight connection saves an entire daylight travel day.
Timetable & Route Schedule
| Station | Departure / Arrival Time | Travel Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam Centraal | 20:28 (Departure) | Board early; pick up Dutch stroopwafels for snacks |
| Utrecht Centraal | 20:59 | Final Netherlands pickup |
| Cologne Hbf (Germany) | 23:45 | Views of illuminated Cologne Cathedral from bridge |
| Basel SBB (Switzerland) | 06:20 | Breakfast delivered to your compartment |
| Zürich Hauptbahnhof (HB) | 08:05 (Arrival) | Direct seamless transfers to Interlaken & Lucerne |
Private Sleeper vs Couchette on the Amsterdam-Zurich Line
- Private Sleeper Cabin (Recommended): Includes a private washbasin, real mattresses, and 6 à la carte breakfast items delivered by your steward. Deluxe cabins feature private en-suite shower and toilet.
- 4-Berth Couchette: Comfortable for families or groups of 4 friends. Includes clean sheets, blanket, and water.
- Seating Carriage: Strongly discouraged for this 11-hour trip; lights remain dimmed but active, and seats do not fully recline.