We will be traveling from Munich to Venice and then traveling around for a few days in Italy on the trains there (I'm thinking Venice to Florence area, and then to Rome). I've seen some posts regarding the train from Munich to Venice, but what would be the recommended way to do this if we want to travel by train in Italy as well? Is there a pass that would allow us travel in Italy along with the Munich-Venice part of the trip? I'm having a hard time figuring out the Eurorail and the best train options. Thank you again!
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19274 posts
Not knowing your specific itinerary in Italy, it is hard to say, but I think the general consensus is that distances are short there, fares are low, and a rail pass doesn't usually pay. You are probably better off buying point-point tickets. Also, the fastest trains require a passholder supplement which can be nearly as much as the fare.
As for Munich to Venice, for day trains, German Rail has a promotional fare, Euro Sparpreis Italien, which is usually €32,50 one way per person. Note, for a railpass you would have to have at least three countries (Germany, Austria, and Italy) to cover this trip.
You need to figure out where you will be traveling, find the fares on www.trenitalia.com, and then compare that to the cost of railpasses PLUS extra supplements.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
I agree with Lee that a railpass will not be cost effective for your routes.
According to the timetables at www.bahn.de, the Euro Sparpreis Italien fare is only offered on the direct Munich-Venice train that departs at around 11:30. For other times of the day, at least one change is required and the fare is a little over €90.
If you book the direct night train well in advance at http://buchung.nachtzugreise.de, you can get a SparNight fare of €79 for a bed in a double sleeper. Couchette fares are even less, but for comfort and privacy I'd recommend the sleeper if you can get the SparNight fare.
Posted by
White Bear Lake, MN, USA
479 posts
Tim, I have taken the night train from Salzburg to Venice. I believe that train from Munich is the same one.
This is a great night train. I got on in Salzburg at about 1:00 AM (so, not exactly perfect there) and got off in Venice at about 10:00 AM. The car changes trains in Villach, so you don't even have to wake up to make a transfer. If you're a sound sleeper you won't even notice.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Jarrod, for the record, the Munich-Venice night train arrives in Venice at 07:36 and it does NOT stop in Salzburg. However, IMO, taking any night train in Europe is a great way to travel!
Posted by
White Bear Lake, MN, USA
479 posts
Thanks, Tim, that train obviously takes a different route through the mountains.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19274 posts
"...the Euro Sparpreis Italien fare is only offered on the direct Munich-Venice train that departs at around 11:30." Only? Seems that one train would be enough.
However, there are four other trains from Munich to Verona for which you can also get the €32,50 fare. From Verona to Venice is €6 to €14 depending on your choice of trains.
Posted by
OP
Martinsburg, WV, USA
6 posts
We were thinking we'll probably take the direct night train from Munich to Venice, that Tim mentioned. We'd really prefer to travel through the night and not waste any of the limited time that we have traveling during the day.
What is the difference b/t a sleeping car with 1 double compartment, and a sleeping car with 2 single compartments? My girlfriend and I are traveling together and would like to just have a car to ourselves to sleep. Should we take the one with 1 double compartment? Thanks again!