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Bruges to Verona -- do I really have to fly?

Posted by on

Hi. My party of 3 has to get from Bruges, Belgium to Verona, Italy at the end of May. It's a bear of a train journey. I had found a terrific Nightjet train south from Germany that would've been perfect, but construction on the tracks for two weeks -- right when we need it -- ruined that option. The night trains that run south through France are offline due to a rockslide. I passionately hate the idea of flying, because it's such a hassle, among other objections.

Should we just drive? Is that an insane idea? Do I need to just accept that we will lose a full day in travel? Should I just give in to the idea of flying?

Posted by
1380 posts

Traveling from the U.S.,
Fly, fly, fly. It will be a VERY long drive, one I would do over two days. And if you are renting a car in Belgium and dropping it off in Italy, you will be hit with a very expensive drop-off charge, likely about 1000 euros. Compared to the drive, flying would not be a hassle.

Posted by
1613 posts

Bruges to Verona is 1200 km’s. Without any stops for gas to rest etc, it’s at the very least a 14 hour drive. Driving such a distance is a hassle, flying such a distance isn’t.

Posted by
21218 posts

A drive would take about the same time as rail. The rail trip is not that daunting, just long at 14 hours. Bruges to Brussels to Frankfurt to Munich to Verona Tickets bought now are about 150 EUR per person. Compare with flying.

Lufthansa can do it in half that time for the same price, considering travel time to Brussels airport, check in time, 2 hour transfer in Frankfurt, bus into Verona.

Posted by
7051 posts

You can take the Amsterdam-Zürich night train. It will most likely not be affected by a rockslide in France or construction in Bavaria. And maybe the Amsterdam-Innsbruck night train will be running on your travel date.

Posted by
34 posts

Great replies from everyone, as usual. Thank you!! Oh, and Badger — the Amsterdam-Innsbruck train (which I didn’t know about before you mentioned it) is running on our date. Brilliant.

Posted by
7051 posts

Great! In that case I think the Amsterdam-Innsbruck train will be perfect for you.

Posted by
2532 posts

EC Vauban, we miss you.

The traditional train route from Belgium to Italy was via Luxembourg, and Basel. And at one time there was even a night train from Brussels to Verona (and other places.)
Those direct trains all lost a lot of customers with the advent of low cost airlines, and high speed trains. So by train Brussels - Milano is now actually faster than it was with the direct train in the 90ies. Even though now you do have to change trains a few times.

There should be direct flights from Brussels to Milan, and from there you can easily get to Verona.

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