Hi there, I"m looking at taking a train from Frankfurt to Venice (we are flying into Frankfurt) next month/September. I checked the Bahn website and there are a few options, although I realize it is 10-11 hour trip Anyone done this trip before? It looks like you transfer to at least 2 or 3 trans? Is it super complicated to transfer or worth the time going through the Alps? Also should we pay in advance or just when we get there? Thanks!
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
Yes, you need at least 2 transfers. I would not get myself in the hassle of taking the train just to cross the Alps, unless you break that trip and spare one day for some scenic train like the Bernina Express or the Glacier Express (eastern sector).
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Have, you considered flying on a budget airline from Frankfurt to Venice Marco Polo or Treviso? A couple of hours in the air and you're there.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19240 posts
But note, the budget airline, RyanAir, does not fly out of Frankfurt. They use another airport, hours from Frankfurt, misleadingly called "Frankfurt Hahn". You can go from Frankfurt to Venice via Munich. There are high speed trains at least hourly from Frankfurt to Munich and five direct Eurocity (EC) trains from Munich to Verona, every two hours during the day. From Verona, there are lots of express and regional trains direct to Venice. So, it's very easy to find 2 change connections from Frankfurt to Venice. If you are willing to leave Frankfurt at 7:54 in the morning, the EC that leaves Munich at 11:31 goes all the way to Venice, so you can make the trip with one change. With advance purchase (up to 92 days) it is theoretically possible to book Frankfurt to Venice online from the German Rail (Bahn) website for as low as 39€, although those tickets are limited and, because Frankfurt to Munich is a very popular route, quickly sell out. However, I did find some 59€ and 69€ fares available for Oct. and Nov. If you don't want to leave Frankfurt that early, you could go later, spend the night in Munich, and then take the direct 11:31 train. Or, there is also a direct night train from Munich to Venice leaving Munich at 23:40. Combined with a direct ICE from Frankfurt, that would be a one change connection.
Posted by
Germany, Germany
813 posts
I've done the trip 4 times in the last two years. After the first hour of enjoying the scenery, you wonder (for the next 7 hours) why you didn't fly. I suggest you fly. We took the train as the prices were better than flying for the dates we went. Our transfer time in Munich was 10 min each time, no problem.
Posted by
Stuttgart, Germany
1 posts
Hi, I just bought tickets leaving out Frankfurt Hahn Airport with Ryanair for 12 euros one way and 12 euros return. Driving wise from Frankfurt Main to Frankfurt Hahn is an 1hr 13 mins. We are flying into Venice-Treviso and will get transportation to continue our journey onwards.
Hope you have a splendid time in Venice..I can't wait for our trip!
Posted by
Brangwin, Wa, USA
349 posts
I took a night sleeper train from mainz with one change Milan OK but another route to think about
Posted by
Texan in CA
4412 posts
I've taken this trip (from Munich on); have you considered taking the night train? Plus, that's just the one transfer in Munich...Just a thought. You would definitely need to book that in advance, if you want a sleeping cabin.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9153 posts
Ryan Air airport - Hahn, is not HOURS away from Frankfurt. It is 120 km. or 1.5 hours. Cost is 12 euro to get there on the bus. Just saying.