Please sign in to post.

day or night train from Munich to Venice

We are trying to decide whether to make this a day trip (scenery?) or take the night train to save time. Any suggestions?

Posted by
15043 posts

I have a hard time sleeping on a train at night, so I'd travel during the day. It's a 6 and 1/2 hours trip though, but it should be relaxing. Just load up on wine.

Posted by
32173 posts

JR, I prefer taking that trip in the daytime, as the Brenner Pass is very scenic. The train will stop for about 10 minutes at the Brennero border station, as they have to change locomotives. You'll need to be clear on the rail stations you're using. Munich is fairly straightforward, as you'll be departing from the Hauptbahnhof (main station). Your destination station will be Venezia Santa Lucia. The change at Verona Porta Nuova should be easy, although the station can be a bit confusing at times depending on which tracks you're arriving and departing from (I got a refresher in that again in September when I transited through Verona). I'd suggest a departure at 09:31, as it only has one change at Verona Porta Nuova. Travel time on that train will be 7H:09M. Cheers!

Posted by
8094 posts

I vote for a day train. There's so much to see.

Posted by
6733 posts

Have you ever tried to sleep on a train? Some folks can, others just can't no matter how hard they try. If you're one of those who doesn't, expect your next couple of days to be pretty miserable.

Posted by
11613 posts

I agree with the daytime trip, mostly because I like to see the countryside I'm traveling through, but I can't sleep on trains and then I get a little grumpy. Not a good way to start a trip to Venice.

Posted by
1156 posts

Thanks for the info everyone! We were just afraid to give up the daylight hours of travel with shch a short window of time for spending there, but it sounds like the scenery would be worth it. We were looking at the economy three person room. If it's nothing more than a hard surface with a mat and flat pillow, then no, can't imagine anyone sleeping well. Do they have to be made up in beds at night or can you just keep them as seating.

Posted by
19654 posts

I've done the CNL train both ways, Munich-Venice. They have 3 person cabins available. We traveled 2 in an economy cabin and were quite comfortable. I suspect that the 3 person cabin may be with 3 high bunks, which may be kind of tight. Since you board at 11:00 pm, you'll go straight to your room and beds will already be made up. They wake you about an hour before arrival and give you a box breakfast and coffee (or tea, the conductor/steward will get your order when you board). In the economy cabins, there is a shower/toilet at one end of the car and a toilet at the other end. Each cabin has a sink/vanity. Info at www.citynightline.net

Posted by
14482 posts

Hi, Either the day or night train would do since there is a direct day train. If my main reason were to save time, I would take the CNL night train. Of the night trains the CNL is the one I've found most comfortable.

Posted by
1156 posts

Just looked at the new schedule for the night train from Munich to Venice. They now go through Salzburg, then down through Villach, Treviso then to Munich. Seems a bit out of the way - trip now takes a lot longer. And pricier.