ÖBB and SBB renew rail cooperation until 2036 as night train traffic grows

Austria's ÖBB and Switzerland's SBB have extended their passenger rail cooperation for another decade, covering more than 30 daily direct services between the two countries and six international night train routes from Zürich. The agreement, signed on 4 November 2026, extends the existing partnership until 2036. It covers daytime long-distance services and overnight connections, with Zürich and Vienna serving as important hubs for international passenger rail traffic. Cross-border rail travel between Austria and Switzerland has grown considerably during the current cooperation period. Passenger numbers on daytime and overnight services between the two countries have increased by approximately 55% over the past ten years. Daytime connections include six Railjet services per direction between Zürich, Innsbruck and Salzburg, five of which also serve Vienna. Direct trains also link Zürich with Budapest and Bratislava. The EuroCity Transalpin between Zürich and Graz remains part of the network, operating via Innsbruck, Kitzbühel and Schwarzach-St. Veit with an SBB panoramic coach. The cooperation also covers EuroCity services between Zürich and Bregenz, including connections extending to Munich. Six night train routes from Zürich The overnight network has experienced particularly strong growth. Since 2016, passenger numbers on the six jointly offered night train routes from Switzerland have risen by approximately 150%. The cooperation covers connections from Zürich to Amsterdam, Berlin, Hamburg, Prague, Graz and Vienna. Two additional overnight routes from Zürich, serving Budapest and Zagreb, operate with other partners. The development of this network has also been accompanied by ÖBB's investment in new rolling stock. Its Siemens-built Nightjet trains of the new generation entered service between Zürich and Hamburg in December 2025, followed by Zürich and Vienna in June 2026. From 9 December 2026, the new-generation Nightjet trains will also operate between Zürich and Amsterdam. The seven-car trainsets feature sleeping cars, couchette accommodation with individual mini cabins, seating accommodation and accessible facilities. ÖBB has been introducing the new Nightjet fleet across its European overnight network, while its cooperation with SBB provides the framework for international services originating in Switzerland.