Night VS day train from Rome to Munich??

I think the question should focus more on your comfort and schedule. If you've never done a night train, be aware that the train will be making stops throughout the night, and a really good nights sleep is probably not going to happen. You will probably arrive in Munich at 6:30 a little groggy and need to drop bags at your hotel and will not be able to get in your room until the afternoon. Also the added cost of a sleeping compartment is about the same as a hotel room in Rome or Munich, so you really won't save any money.

Unless you have LOT's of time on your trip, and want to make the train ride an integral part of your vacation, I'd seriously consider flying. 10 hours is a very long train ride. And as noted above, overnight trains can be very uncomfortable. I've taken a lot of them and I do love the "romance" of overnight trains. But most people don't really sleep well if at all, and you do end up in a strange city early in the morning feeling very tired and grubby, with no hotel to clean up in or nap. I end up writing off the next day for any serious touring.

I'd like to fly and I would gain a day which is important to us, wanting to make the Christmas Markets.

Veuling airlines, I get mixed reports on and the seats are tight and my wife is not huge, but not small either, Lufthansa has a direct flight with no stops, but the price is tough, so the Wife and I get to discuss if we want to spend $1300 on plain tickets or $260 for an overnight train. I could take the train the next day, and I'm wondering if the scenery going from Rome to Munich is really nice?

Dan

What airlines have your searched? Iberia is usually low cost. Alitalia is another option. Is this a one-way ticket? While technically against the rules, many people buy a cheaper round-trip ticket and "miss" their return flight.

Also, it's a 1.5 hour flight. Why does it matter how big the seats are?

Vueling is a discount airline. You don't pay for customer service or any frills. But they get you to your destination. On a direct flight, less than 2 hours, I'm not sure why it would matter much.

If you are concerned about the seating on a plane, exactly how much space do you think you will have on a train?

@SamSn - in my experience all of the train seats I've had on European trains were roomier than airplane seats (of course I fly economy, not the upgraded seating). If nothing else, at least you can get up and walk around as needed. So, in that respect I much prefer trains to planes.

I enjoy trains but I'll take 1.5 hours on a plane over 10 hours on a train.

For me, if the choice is between a direct flight and a long train ride, a lot of things would have to be considered, among them: 1. difference in cost, 2. distance to and ease of getting to the airport vs train station, 3. how scenic the train ride is, 4. what time I would arrive at my destination, and 5. what I might be missing with less sightseeing time at destination. I don't think the seats would be a big part of the decision.

1.5 hours on a plane is easily 4 or 5 hours counting travel time to/from airports, security requirements, baggage retrieval.

Wife is not small framed and she gets concerned about being a cramped seat and if the wife is not happy....you know the rest of the story.

A flight is my firs choice, but $600 per ticket is rich vs a train. But then 10 hours. Need to check some other airlines!

Hi, I just posted on your thread re Rome Train Station. There's no way I'd spend 10 hours on a train. Vacation time is valuable! Check: skyscanner.com or cheapoair.com. Airitalia is my favorite, and I've been lucky to find very inexpensive seats for inter-European flights. Just remember to look at "carry on" restrictions. ONE carry-on means ONE. So, put your purse inside of your carry-on. (or you will pay to check your 'real' carry on so you can keep your purse with you. When you book your ticket, declare all checked luggage, because last minute luggage check fees can be high! If you do this correctly, it will save you a full day of vacation by skipping the 10 hour train ride, and a lot of $$ on the airline ticket.

But can you check one bag and carry one?

Airitalia was out of site. highest one yet! $1720 is more than I paid for my tickets to Rome and back to the USA from Munich!

Amazes me to see prices from $100, $800 on major carriers and now this price! CRAZY!