I posted on here a while back about transportation advice -- so far everything has worked out wonderfully as far as booking. I am still going to attempt to get the SparSchiene ticket for Venice to Innsbruck, but does anyone have any other ideas of how to get there? Its been my biggest headache so far.
I'd prefer to not have to do a night train, we have free lodging in Innsbruck so it wouldn't save us money, so I don't think its worth the discomfort.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19086 posts
In addition to "SparSchiene" tickets from Austrian Rail, there are also discounted Sparnight tickets for night trains, and discounted Europa-Spezial tickets for day trains, all from German Rail. There are four direct EuroCity day trains that go from Verona to Innsbruck in 3½ hrs (at 7:05, 9:05, 13:05 and 15:05). The Europa-Spezial tickets are €39 from Verona to Munich, but you can always get off in Innsbruck to look around and just forget to get back on in time. Of course, take your luggage with you to keep your eye on it. ;o)
You can find these trains listed on the German Rail website. To see those fares, use Verona to Munich. One of those trains used to start in Venice but it looks like it no longer does. You'll have to take an Italian train to Verona.
So far I have found two ways to get from Venice to Verona, by Italian Eurostar or by regional train. The regional trains seem to take about 2 hours but get to Verona shortly before the EC for Innsbruck leaves. The more expensive Eurostar makes the trip in half the time, but you have a long wait in Verona. Bottom line, the connecting trains always seem to leave Venice 2 hrs before the other train leaves Verona, so the whole trip will take about 5½ hrs.
Posted by
OP
St. Louis, MO, USA
225 posts
Thanks! I definitely think I'm going to do the Venice to Verona then Verona to Innsbruck.
Do you think it is possible to make the 17 min inbetween trains or should I wait for the later one?
Also, I was wondering if anyone had an opinion on if I should buy the ticket to Verona now (it is pretty reasonable) or wait until I'm there?
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5500 posts
The ticket from Venice to Verona will be quite reasonable, even if you buy it there. I did this journey about a year and a half ago and bought the ticket in Italy. I don't remember the exact price, but it was less than 20 Euro. There are frequent trains, some fast, some regional.
Posted by
OP
St. Louis, MO, USA
225 posts
I've heard this trip is quite scenic, would you suggest just taking it slow and enjoying the view?
I forgot to mention that I will be traveling May 1st, which is a holiday. Does this effect whether or not I should buy ahead of time? The Venice-Verona is only 13 euros. I have yet to find a way to buy the Verona to Innsbruck.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19086 posts
If you go by train from Venice to Innsbruck you will have to go via Verona. But catching the EC from Verona with that Europa-Spezial price is going to be the most economical.
If it were Germany, I would say that 17 min between trains would be a lifetime, and in Italy, if the train from Venice is on time, I'd say the same. However, I understand that in Italy it is not such a sure thing. It might be a wise idea to take an earlier train. The Europa-Spezial fare is date and train specific and not refundable. In Germany, if you have a train specific fare and you miss the train because another train is late, they'll put you an the next train, but I don't think EuroCity takes responsibility for Italian trains.
I never purchase tickets in Germany prior to the day of travel unless it means I get a discount. You can always go to the station the day before and buy you ticket to be sure. EuroStar tickets automatically come with a reservation; regional trains are non-reservable.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19086 posts
"I have yet to find a way to buy the Verona to Innsbruck"
Go to the German Rail Query page. Put in Verona to Munich. Make the date at least 3 days, but not more than about 90 days, ahead. On the right side of the resulting schedule page, it should show the full fare and a box for purchase, and also, only for the non-stop EuroCity trains, it should show a Saving fare with a box marked "availability". If you click availability, it will ask for ages, and then come back to the same schedule page. Click availability a second time, and it will show you what fares are still available and give you the option to purchase tickets at that fare. You use your credit card for the purchase and they will send you the ticket as a .pdf file that you can print out at home. You will need the credit card with you on the train to show as ID.
You might also check the Austrian Rail website, www.oebb.at. It does show SparSchiene fares for day trains from Venice to Innsbruck. Those train might come all the way from Venice and be less expensive since they only go to Innsbruck. ???