I was thinking about taking the train from Munich to Naples. I thought it would be a great way to see the Alps - I also thought traveling thru Italy would be a nice way to see the landscape. It is an 11 hour train ride. We are going in May 2020. Is there a way to take the night train & still see the Alps before dark? Am I crazy to do that train ride?
Posted by
Chicago
7873 posts
This look like the route you want
https://www.seat61.com/trains-and-routes/munich-to-venice-by-eurocity-train.htm#Times,_fares_&_tickets
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11189 posts
Have you determined how many changes you would have to make? Arriving sleep deprived may take some of the 'attraction' off this plan.
Not sure if you would be going 'over' the Alps or 'through' them in numerous tunnels. Check it out.
Given the choice of a 90 minute flight or a 11+ hr train trip with as many as 4 changes, I am taking the plane.
Exam your options closely and then decide.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32212 posts
kf,
The shortest route between Munich and Naples is about 10.5 hours, and even with a trip of that length you should be able to see some nice scenery. That route will probably go through the Brenner Pass, and I always enjoy the scenery during that trip.
Assuming the schedules are much the same next May, I'd probably use a departure from Munich at 07:34, arriving Napoli Centrale at 18:10 (time 10H:36M, one change at Bologna Centrale). That trip will be mostly during daylight hours so you should be able to see lots of scenery. The trip from Bologna to Naples will be via high speed Freccia train at 300 km/h. After checking into your hotel in Naples, you can go out for a nice supper.
Posted by
Washington DC
27156 posts
In 2015 I made the mistake of taking the night train from Rome south to Sicily. I think the problem was the rails. The train constantly jerked from side to side (not the soothing motion I've had on other trains). I got not one minute of sleep, slept through much of the next day and was effectively jetlagged for some time. I do not know that the rails are in the same bad shape north of Rome, but it's not a gamble I'd take with my precious vacation time.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
4882 posts
Agree with Ken that if you're determined to do this by train, the 0734 train makes sense, since it will be a daylight trip and only requires one change. The night train leaves late enough in the evening that you would pass through the Alps in darkness. I've done night trains 3 times and never gotten a decent sleep.
Having done this (as far as Rome), I'll choose to fly in future.