 A German ICE train at Berlin... |
This page explains how to travel by train from Berlin to other European cities & how to buy the cheapest tickets, usually online direct from the operators with print-at-home or collect-at-station tickets & no booking fees. It doesn't matter where you live, in Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada or Asia, you can buy train tickets as shown on this page and save money over expensive railpasses or travel agent mark-ups.
If you have a first class ticket you can use the 1st class lounge at Berlin Hbf
Before you buy your
tickets...
Take a moment to read these important tips for buying European train tickets. They answer all the usual questions, such as "Do I need to book in advance or can I just buy at the station?", "Can I stop off?", "Are there Senior fares?" and that old favourite, "Should I buy an $800 railpass or just go online & buy a 35 point-to-point ticket?". And most important, click here to understand how far ahead you can buy train tickets.
European train travel
FAQ...
Berlin to Munich, Cologne, Hamburg, Frankfurt & other German destinations...
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www.bahn.de will book German long-distance daytime trains from Berlin Hbf to anywhere in Germany.
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A seat reservation is usually optional, for a small extra charge - if you don't want one you can sit in any unreserved seat. You usually print out your own tickets, or tickets can be sent to any address worldwide for a small fee. I recommend registering when prompted, rather than booking as a guest, so you can always log in and check or re-print all your bookings.
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With only one or two minor exceptions, German domestic trains are never reservation compulsory so you can always just turn up, buy a ticket and get on the next train without a reservation - although you will usually have to pay the flexpreis on the day of travel.
However, if you pre-book there are cheap advance-purchase sparpreis (savings) fares for 19, 29, 39 etc. for long-distance journeys, so buy in advance if you want to save money.
Booking usually opens 92 days ahead and sometimes up to 180 days ahead, except when the mid-June or mid-December timetable changes get in the way.
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See the train travel in Germany page for a beginner's guide to train travel in Germany, including how to buy tickets online or by phone and an explanation of the Schφnes-Wochenende-Ticket and Lander tickets.
Berlin to London from 59...
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See the London to Germany page for train times and more information, for travel by high-speed trains Berlin-Cologne-Brussels-London.
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The German railways website www.bahn.de sells Sparpreis London tickets from Berlin to London from 59 upwards, and you simply print out your own ticket. Availability is limited as DB only has a small quota on Eurostar, so book early. Booking usually opens 92 days ahead, but can open further ahead than this. On the other hand, the mid-December timetable change can reduce this booking horizo..
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If you don't see any attractive prices, split the journey and book Berlin to Brussels at www.bahn.de from 39, then Brussels to London at www.eurostar.com from £39, making sure you allow for the 30 minute Eurostar check-in at Brussels. If you use the UK version of the Eurostar website, you can book beyond London, to 130 UK towns and cities, more cheaply than buying a separate ticket for the UK leg of the journey.
Berlin to Paris from 39...
Option 1, by daytime trains in a single chill-out day riding the rails across Europe...
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You can book daytime trains from Berlin to Paris from as little as 39 in 2nd class or 69 in 1st class at the German Railways website www.bahn.de. That's city centre to city centre with zero check-in and no added booking fees, no baggage fees, no extra costs to get to and from remote airports.
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You'll see various departures, the best ones have just one easy change at Mannheim, for example on a typical date:
Berlin Hbf depart 08:30 by ICE, change Mannheim onto a 200mph TGV Duplex, arrive Paris Gare de l'Est at 16:50 (17:01 Saturdays).
Berlin Hbf depart 12:30 by ICE, change Mannheim onto a 200mph TGV Duplex, arrive Paris Gare de l'Est at 20:41.
Berlin Hbf depart 14:35 by ICE, change Mannheim onto another ICE, arrive Paris Gare de l'Est at 22:58.
Just check times for your date at www.bahn.de and look for a suitable 1-change option with a fare shown.
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If you'd prefer the slightly faster route with 1 change via Cologne onto a Thalys high-speed train, simply use www.b-europe.com instead. This has a connection to both Thalys' and DB's ticketing systems, so can book both trains at the cheapest prices as one transaction with print-at-home tickets. Simple! Alternatively, you can of course book a Berlin-Cologne train at www.bahn.de then book a Cologne to Paris Thalys train separately at either www.b-europe.com or www.thalys.com. For example:
Berlin Hbf depart 07:04 by Intercity train, change at Cologne onto Thalys, arrive Paris Gare du Nord at 16:08.
Berlin Hbf depart 13:49 by ICE, change at Cologne onto Thalys, arrive Paris Gare du Nord at 22:17.
Option 2, by high-speed trains with overnight stop - a time-effective option...
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You can travel from Berlin to Paris time-effectively by train without having to fly. This breaks up the trip nicely.
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Day 1, take the 18:03 ICE train from Berlin Hbf to Mannheim arriving 22:28. Or by all means book an earlier train, they leave regularly.
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Stay overnight in Mannheim. Inexpensive hotels just outside the station with great reviews include the Station Hotel, Mannheim InterCity Hotel & the Hotel Kurpfalzstuben.
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Day 2, take a morning ICE train from Mannheim to Paris. On Mondays-Fridays the 06:39 from Mannheim arrives Paris Gare de l'Est at 09:51, with breakfast on board. On Saturdays a 07:39 arrives Paris Gare de l'Est 10:38. On Sundays a 07:39 arrives Paris Gare de l'Est at 10:38. By all means take a later train, if you'd like a more leisurely breakfast in your hotel, for example there's an 09:40 from Mannheim on Mondays-Saturdays arriving Paris Gare de l'Est at 12:50.
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The cheapest way to book this is to book it as one journey from Berlin to Paris from 39 in 2nd class or 69 in 1st class at www.bahn.de using the Add intermediate stops feature - I have set up this special link for you including the necessary stopover in Mannheim, just increase the stopover time if you'd like a later departure from Mannheim in the morning, or change both the departure time & stopover time if you'd like an earlier train from Berlin to Mannheim. Obviously, look for the 1-change options in the search results.
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Alternatively, you can also stop overnight in Cologne.
Book Berlin to Cologne by ICE train in 4h17 from 29 at www.bahn.de. You can leave as late as 19:49 arriving after midnight, but I'd take an earlier train and have a pleasant evening in Cologne. In Cologne, the cathedral is right next to the station, for dinner try the excellent Brauhaus Sion (www.brauhaus-sion.de), 5 minutes walk from Cologne Hauptbahnhof, or the Malzmuehle restaurant (www.muehlenkoelsch.de), 10-15 minutes walk from Cologne Hauptbahnhof.
Stay overnight in Cologne. Hotels near Cologne Hauptbahnhof with good or great reviews include the Breslauer Hof Am Dom, Hotel Domspitzen, CityClass Hotel Europa am Dom, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom.
Then book Cologne to Paris by Thalys in 3h21 at www.b-europe.com. The 06:44 Thalys from Cologne arrives Paris Gare du Nord at 10:05, or there's an 08:44 arriving 12:05.
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A Mannheim to Paris ICE3 at Paris Gare de l'Est... |
2nd class seats... |
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Bistro-restaurant car... |
1st class seats... |
Option 3, by direct overnight sleeper train, every Thursday night...
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The Berlin-Paris City Night Line sleeper train was sadly discontinued in 2014 to a general outcry. However, how would you like to travel overnight from Berlin to Paris aboard the famous Moscow-Paris Express? RZD (Russian Railways) will allow you to book the Paris-Berlin sector on their high-quality sleeper train, which was re-timed in 2015 to offer a convenient overnight option between Berlin & Paris.
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It runs once a week on Thursday nights, leaving Berlin Hbf at 21:09 and arriving Paris Gare de l'Est at 09:16 the following day.
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The train features excellent modern air-conditioned Russian sleepers with 2nd class 4-berth & 1st class 2-berth compartments, VIP deluxe Russian sleepers with 1 or 2 berths, shower & toilet, and a Polish restaurant car is available throughout. See the illustrated guide on the Paris-Moscow Express page.
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How much does it cost? See the Paris-Moscow Express page for details.
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How to buy tickets? See the Paris-Moscow Express page for details
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Option 4, Berlin to Paris with an overnight stop in Amsterdam...
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This is a slightly more round-about route, but Amsterdam is such a great place for a stop and the journey so easy & convenient, it's worth considering. The stations are all incredibly central, you can stroll from Amsterdam Centraal to most city centre hotels.
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Day 1, travel from Berlin Hbf to Amsterdam Centraal by InterCity train in 6h14 from 39 in 2nd class or 69 in 1st class. You can leave Berlin as late in the day as 16:23. Click here to see the Berlin to Amsterdam timetable and photos of the train & sights to see along the way.
Book this at German Railways www.bahn.de and print your own ticket.
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Stay overnight in Amsterdam. Suggested hotels with good or great reviews: The The Park Plaza Victoria Hotel is across the road from Amsterdam Centraal station and gets great reviews. Other mid-range hotels include the Hotel Luxer, 7 minutes walk from the station & Hotel Sebastians, 10 minutes walk from the station. Cheaper hotels include the fun floating boat hotel AmiciA, just 15 minutes walk from the station. If you want to push the boat out, the top end famous Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam is 10 minutes walk from the station.
Incidentally, there's no reason why you can't do the journey in one day if you like, with a few hours in Amsterdam. But an overnight stop breaks up the trip nicely.
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Day 2, travel from Amsterdam Centraal to Paris Gare du Nord by 186 mph Thalys high-speed train in 3h09 from 35 in 2nd class or 79 in 1st class. There is a departure every couple of hours through the day, if you caught the first departure you could reach central Paris as early as 09:44. The trains have WiFi, power sockets at all seats and cafe-bar. 1st class fares include food and wine served at your seat.
Book this at www.b-europe.com and print your own ticket.
Berlin to Brussels or Bruges from 39.90..
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Superb ICE trains link Berlin and Cologne every hour or so in just 4h17, ICE & Thalys trains then link Cologne with Brussels Midi in just 1h52. ICEs have a bistro-restaurant car for meals, Thalys have a cafe-bar. For example, on a typical day:
Berlin Hbf depart 06:52, change at Cologne, Brussels Midi arrive 13:35.
Berlin Hbf depart 10:52, change at Cologne, Brussels Midi arrive 17:35.
Berlin Hbf depart 14:52, change at Cologne, Brussels Midi arrive 21:35.
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Fares from 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class
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You can check times & buy tickets from Berlin to Brussels, Bruges or anywhere in Belgium at www.b-europe.com (Belgian Railways) with print-at-home tickets. This can book journeys using either the Thalys or ICE between Cologne and Brussels.
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The German railways website www.bahn.de can also book tickets from Germany to Brussels, Bruges & other stations in Belgium, but only using their own ICE trains between Cologne and Brussels, not Thalys.
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An ICE3 at Brussels Midi. More ICE information. |
ICE3 2nd class. ICEs is one of the most comfortable trains in Europe... |
ICE3 1st class, with real leather seats. All seats have power sockets. |
Berlin to Amsterdam from 39.90: See the Berlin to Amsterdam page...
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Comfortable air-conditioned InterCity trains link Berlin Hbf and Amsterdam Centraal every two hours, city centre to city centre in 6h24.
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A flight would take the best part of 5 hours, centre to centre, with airport hassle and nothing to see. The trains have plenty of space for luggage and a bistro car, so treat yourself to a meal and a beer or two as you roll across Europe...
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Fares start at just 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class if you book in advance at the German Railways website www.bahn.de. You print your own ticket. I recommend registering when prompted, rather than booking as a guest, so you can always log in and check or re-print all your bookings.
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See the Berlin to Amsterdam InterCity train page for a timetable, photos and information including photos of the things to look out for from the train on the way. It's an interesting ride!
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An Amsterdam to Berlin InterCity train... |
The bistro car... |
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1st class seats... |
2nd class seats... |
Berlin to Luxembourg from 39...
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Berlin to Luxembourg takes around 7h55 by train with fares from 39 in 2nd class or 69 in 1st class.
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Check times and buy tickets at the German railways website www.bahn.de. In the search results, look for journeys involving just 1 change at Koblenz, or sometimes 2 changes. Avoid journeys involving 2 or 3 changes and a bus. You print your own ticket.
Berlin to Basel, Zurich, Geneva & Switzerland from 39...
Option 1, Berlin to Basel & Zurich by Nightjet sleeper train - the most time-effective option...
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Every night, an excellent Austrian Railways (ΦBB) Nightjet sleeper train links Berlin with Basel & Zurich, leaving Berlin Hbf at 22:59 and arriving next morning at Basel SBB at 07:20 and Zurich at 09:05, with connections for anywhere in Switzerland.
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It has sleeping-cars with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, and deluxe compartments with 1, 2 or 3 beds and en suite toilet & shower. A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.
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Fares from 39 in a seat, 59 with a couchette in 6-berth, 69 with couchette in 4-berth, 99 in a 2-bed sleeper or 139 in a single bed sleeper.
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Book this train online at www.bahn.de, you simply print your own ticket. Booking normally opens 90 days in advance, sometimes longer, and you simply print out your own ticket. You can also book this train at www.oebb.at also with print at home tickets.
Option 2, Berlin to Switzerland by direct daytime trains...
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Several times a day, comfortable and spacious German ICE trains link central Berlin with Basel, Bern & Interlaken, with connections for cities all over Switzerland.
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Berlin-Basel takes 7h12 centre to centre, a chill-out journey with a good book and perhaps lunch in the bistro car.
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Fares from 39 in 2nd class or 69 in 1st class.
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Check times & buy tickets online at the German Railways website www.bahn.de with print-at-home tickets. It can book you to almost any station in Switzerland for one inclusive price. Look in the search results for trains marked ICE with 0 changes if going to Basel, Zurich, Bern or Interlaken, or ideally with just 1 change if going beyond those stations.
Option 3, Berlin to Switzerland by day trains with overnight stop in Frankfurt - a time-effective option...
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Day 1, take any train you like from Berlin Hbf to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf in 3h39. You can leave Berlin as late as 18:30 by ICE train arriving Frankfurt 22:48, but by all means take an earlier train.
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Stay overnight in Frankfurt. Hotels just outside the station with great reviews include the Hotel Hamburger Hof, The Frankfurt, and the inexpensive Hotel Topas.
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Day 2, take any morning train you like from Frankfurt (Main) to Basel, Zurich or anywhere in Switzerland. If you are an early riser, the 05:50 ICE train will get you to Zurich at 10:00 - but by all means have a leisurely breakfast and take a later departure!
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Book from Berlin to anywhere in Switzerland from 39 in 2nd class or 69 in 1st class at www.bahn.de using the Add intermediate stops feature to add a stopover in Frankfurt. I have set up this special link to include the necessary stopover in Frankfurt, just enter your Swiss destination and date. Increase the stopover time if you'd like a later departure from Frankfurt in the morning, or change both the departure time & stopover time if you'd like an earlier train from Berlin to Frankfurt.
If you find this too tricky, simply use bahn.de to book Berlin-Frankfurt and then Frankfurt to anywhere in Switzerland as two separate journeys, but one ticket with a stopover is usually cheaper.
Berlin to Venice from 49...
Option 1, by evening train to Munich, overnight stop, then scenic daytime train to Venice, from 49. This is the option I'd recommend for the best scenery.
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Step 1, take any ICE high-speed train you like from Berlin to Munich. Journey time 6h14 (shortly to be reduced when a new section of high-speed line opens) and you can leave Berlin Hbf as late as 18:27 arriving Munich Hbf at 00:50, but by all means take an earlier train for a pleasant evening in Munich. ICE trains are very comfortable indeed, with a bistro or restaurant car for dinner.
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Stay overnight in Munich. Hotels near the station with good reviews include the Sofitel Munich Beyerpost, Eden Hotel Wolff, InterCity Hotel or (budget) the Pension Locarno. For a Bavarian meal and a beer or two in the evening, try www.augustinerkeller.de at Arnulfstrasse 52, to the north side of Munich Hbf.
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Step 2, now take the daily direct EuroCity train leaving Munich at 11:34 and arriving at Venice Santa Lucia, on the banks of the Grand Canal itself, at 18:10. This train travels via the lovely scenic Brenner Pass, see the Brenner Pass video here. The train has an elegant restaurant car, treat yourself to lunch as the mountains roll by.
There's also a 07:34 EuroCity train from Munich to Verona daily, extended direct to Venice on Saturdays & Sundays arriving 13:56, change at Verona on weekdays. Or you can take the 09:34 from Munich arriving Venice 16:40, although this requires a change of train in Verona on all days.
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Fares start at 49 in 2nd class or 79 in 1st class for the whole Berlin-Venice journey if you book ahead as explained below.
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To buy tickets, use the German railways website www.bahn.de to book from Berlin Hbf to Venice, clicking Add intermediate stops and entering Munich in the via box and (say) 13:00 in the hh:mm stopover box - I've set up this special link with the necessary parameters for you, just enter your date of travel. Look carefully in the search results to find a journey with 1 change marked ICE, EC and an arrival in Venice at 18:10. If you want an earlier or later train between Berlin & Munich simply adjust the Berlin departure time and the Munich stopover duration.
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Munich to Venice by EuroCity train... |
EuroCity 2nd class, mainly 6-seat compartments but some open-plan seating. There's also a restaurant car... |
EuroCity 1st class, open-plan. Sometimes available in 6-seat compartments. |
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Vineyards & mountains... Scenery on the Brenner route. |
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Option 2, by ICE train to Munich, then Nightjet sleeper train from Munich to Venice...
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Step 1, travel from Berlin to Munich by superb daytime ICE train leaving Berlin around 16:28 and arriving Munich around 22:39.
Fares from 29 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class.
By all means take the earlier ICE and have dinner in Munich between trains - for a Bavarian meal and a beer or two, try www.augustinerkeller.de at Arnulfstrasse 52, to the north side of Munich Hbf.
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Step 2, travel by excellent Austrian Nightjet sleeper train leaving Munich at 23:35 and arriving Venice Santa Lucia at 08:24.
Fares start at 59 with a couchette in a 6-berth, 69 with a couchette in a 4-berth, 99 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper with washbasin or 129 in a single-bed sleeper with washbasin. The sleeper & couchette fares include a light breakfast, served in your compartment.
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To buy tickets, use the German Railways website www.bahn.de to book from Berlin to Venice as one transaction. In the search results, look for the option with 1 change marked ICE, EN. You simply print your own ticket.
Alternatively, you can book Berlin-Munich at www.bahn.de, then book Munich to Venice at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at.
Berlin to Florence, Rome, Milan, Verona or anywhere else Italy from 39...
Option 1, by ICE train from Berlin to Munich then Nightjet sleeper train to Milan, Bologna, Florence & Rome...
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Step 1, travel from Berlin to Munich by superb ICE train leaving Berlin Hbf around 12:27 and arriving Munich Hbf around 18:38.
Fares from 29 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class.
By all means take the earlier 11:30 train from Berlin to have time for dinner in Munich, for Bavarian food and a beer or two try www.augustinerkeller.de at Arnulfstrasse 52, to the north side of Munich Hbf.
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Step 2, travel by excellent Austrian Nightjet sleeper train leaving Munich at 20:10 and arriving Florence SMN at 06:19 & Rome Termini at 09:22. A separate portion heads for Milan Centrale, arriving 09:10.
Fares start at 59 with a couchette in a 6-berth, 69 with a couchette in a 4-berth, 99 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper with washbasin or 129 in a single-bed sleeper with washbasin. The sleeper & couchette fares include a light breakfast, served in your compartment.
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To buy tickets, use the German Railways website www.bahn.de to book from Berlin to Milan, Florence or Rome as one transaction. In the search results, look for the option with 1 change marked ICE, EN. You simply print your own ticket.
Alternatively, you can book Berlin-Munich at www.bahn.de, then book Munich to Milan, Florence or Rome at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at.
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If you're heading to Naples, buy a separate Rome-Naples ticket at www.italiarail.com or the Italian Railways website www.trenitalia.com.
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2-berth regular sleeper with washstand... |
The toilet & shower in a deluxe sleeper... |
A Comfortline sleeping-car, as now used on the Austrian Nightjet trains from Munich to Italy. More information about Nightjets... |
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Austrian couchette car or liegewagen. Couchettes are the economical option, flat bunks with rug & pillow. |
6-berth couchettes, the cheapest option... |
4-berth couchettes, ideal for families... |
Option 2, by Nightjet sleeper train from Berlin to Zurich overnight, then a scenic daytime ride through the Swiss Alps to Italy...
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Step 1, travel from Berlin to Zurich by Austrian Nightjet sleeper train leaving Berlin Hbf at 22:59 and arriving Zurich HB at 09:05 next morning.
Fares for this train start at 39 in a seat, 59 with a couchette in 6-berth, 69 with couchette in 4-berth, 99 in a 2-bed sleeper or 139 in a single-bed sleeper. Deluxe sleepers with shower & toilet are also available. A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment. Booking normally opens 92 days in advance and you simply print your own ticket. Book this online at www.bahn.de and print your own ticket. This train uses ΦBB's double-deck sleeping-cars and conventional single-deck couchette cars.
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Step 2, take a comfortable EuroCity train with restaurant car from Zurich to Milan through the Swiss Alps via the Gotthard route. There's one at 11:09 arriving 14:35.
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Step 3, take onward high-speed Frecciarossa train to Florence, Rome or Naples, or the hourly Frecciabianca to Verona & Venice. For example, you'd reach Florence SMN at 16:59, Rome Termini at 17:55, Venice Santa Lucia at 17:40.
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Buy tickets from Zurich to anywhere in Italy at www.loco2.com (easy to use, prices in or £ with no added fees or mark-up), www.italiarail.com (easy to use, prices in , $ or £, they'll refund the 3.50 booking fee to seat61 users if you email them afterwards at seat61@italiarail.com) or www.trenitalia.com (in and no booking fees, but you'll need to use Italian language place names and it has a few other quirks so see this advice on using it).
All these websites connect directly to the Italian Trenitalia booking system and all are 'ticketless' - you just quote your reference on board each train - at least unless the journey includes a regional train in Italy. The stations you want in the most popular cities are Florence SMN, Rome Termini, Venice Santa Lucia, Verona Porta Nuova, Naples Centrale.
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A double-deck sleeping-car... |
2-berth sleeper. |
4-berth couchettes. |
Option 3, by daytime trains via the Brenner Pass, with an overnight stop in Munich...
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Day 1, take any ICE high-speed train you like from Berlin to Munich. Journey time 6h14 (shortly to be reduced when a new section of high-speed line opens) and you can leave Berlin Hbf as late as 18:27. ICE trains are very comfortable indeed, with a bistro or restaurant car for dinner.
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Stay overnight in Munich. Try the Sofitel Munich Beyerpost, Eden Hotel Wolff, InterCity Hotel or (budget) the Pension Locarno, all these hotels are right next to the station with great reviews.
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Day 2, travel from Munich to Verona by EuroCity train thorough the Brenner Pass, see the Brenner Pass scenery video here. Trains leave every 2 hours or so taking a leisurely 5h25, and all have an elegant restaurant car so treat yourself to lunch!
There's an 07:34 to Verona, or a 09:34 to Verona and Bologna, for example, and an 11:34 direct to Venice.
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Day 2, allow at least 45 minutes between trains in Verona or Bologna, then take an onward Italian train to anywhere you like in Italy. Verona to Florence takes just 2h35, Verona to Rome as little as 2h50 if you choose a direct train.
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Berlin to Verona or Bologna starts at 39 in 2nd class or 69 in 1st class. Verona or Bologna to Florence starts at 19, Verona to Rome at 29, Bologna to Rome at 19 - although bahn.de will often sell you a through ticket from Germany to all main Italian cities from 39.
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To buy tickets, first book from Berlin to Verona or Bologna at the German railways website www.bahn.de, clicking Add intermediate stops and entering Munich in the via box and (say) 13:00 in the hh:mm stopover box. Look carefully in the search results to find a journey that suits, adjusting the Munich stopover time as necessary. I've set up this bahn.de link with the necessary parameters for you. If you want an earlier or later train between Berlin & Munich simply adjust the Berlin departure time and the Munich stopover duration.
Tip: You can often get through fares to Florence or Rome at bahn.de, so when using this bahn.de link it's worth replacing Verona with Rome or Florence and seeing if any fares appear. If they do, booking Berlin to Florence or Rome all in one go will be cheaper & easier than buying a separate onward ticket from Verona/Bologna as described below. If no fares appear, simply book to Verona or Bologna and buy a separate onward ticket as explained below...
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Now buy onward tickets from Verona to Florence, Rome, Milan or Naples separately at either www.italiarail.com (easy to use, recognises English place names, the small booking fee will be refunded if you email them at seat61@italiarail.com with your PNR) or Italian Railways own website www.trenitalia.com (more fiddly to use, requires Italian language place names, no booking fee, read this advice on using it first). I recommend allowing at least 45 minutes to change in Verona in case of any delay.
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Alternatively, you can book all of these trains in one place at www.loco2.com, just add each train to your basket and pay at the end when you check out. Prices in or £, overseas credit cards accepted, with print-at-home or ticketless ticket delivery.
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The restaurant car on a EuroCity from Munich, arrived at Verona. You don't need to book a table, just go along and sit down. Dining on the move as the scenery glides by is one of the pleasures of travelling on trains like this... |
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Second class seats, mostly in 6-seat compartments with side-corridor like this, but some cars are open-plan saloons... |
First class leather seats. On a few trains you'll find 6-seat compartments too.... |
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Mountains on the Brenner route... |
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Vineyards, mountains and castles south of Brenner as the train heads for Trento & Verona... |
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Watch out for hilltop fortresses... See the Brenner Pass scenery video here. |
Option 4, by daytime trains, via the Swiss Alps... Also a scenic ride!
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You can also travel from Germany to Italy via Switzerland.
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So first use www.bahn.de to book from Berlin to Basel with fares from 39 upwards. You print your own ticket.
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Now book an onward journey from Basel to Florence, Venice, Rome or wherever at either www.loco2.com or the Italian Railways website www.trenitalia.com.
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Berlin to Milan via Basel or Zurich is an all-day train ride. If you'd prefer to split it over 2 days with an overnight stop in Basel, no problem.
Berlin to Barcelona & Spain...
Option 1, Berlin to Barcelona by high-speed trains with overnight stop in Paris...
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Day 1, travel from Berlin to Paris by comfortable daytime trains with fares starting at 39 in 2nd class or 69 in 1st class. There are various departures every day, for example you can leave Berlin Hbf at 12:30 by luxurious ICE train, change at Mannheim onto an impressive 200mph TGV Duplex arriving Paris Gare de l'Est at 20:41. But by all means take an earlier train and have a leisurely dinner in Paris.
Check times & prices for your date of travel and buy tickets online at www.bahn.de. You print your own ticket.
You can also check www.b-europe.com which offers additional Berlin-Paris departures as it can sell the Thalys trains on the route via Cologne, whereas bahn.de can only sell non-Thalys options such as the route via Mannheim.
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Stay overnight in Paris. Hotels near the Gare de Lyon with good reviews: Hotel Terminus Lyon (right in front of the station, 3-star); Mercure Paris Gare de Lyon (on the station itself, 4-star); Novotel Paris Gare de Lyon (opposite the station, 4-star); Mistral Hotel (800m from Gare de Lyon, 1-star); Hotel de Reims (5 min walk from Gare de Lyon, 2-star).
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Day 2, travel from Paris to Barcelona by high-speed TGV Duplex from 59 in 2nd class or 99 in 1st class, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 10:07 and arriving Barcelona Sants at 16:34. It's an enjoyable & scenic journey, see the photos & video here.
Book this at www.loco2.com or www.trainline.eu, you print your own ticket.
If you prefer, there's also an afternoon train from Paris to Barcelona, see the Paris-Barcelona timetable here. Also see this advice about getting a cheaper fare by split-ticketing at Perpignan. And from June to August there's also an earlier 07:15 TGV from Paris arriving Barcelona Sants at 13:34.
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For onward train from Barcelona Sants to Malaga, Seville, Cordoba, Valencia, Alicante or Madrid, check times and buy tickets using either the Spanish railways website www.renfe.com or (if you have any problems) alternative sites www.loco2.com or www.petrabax.com/renfe. You'll find cheap Promo and Promo+ fares if you book in advance and print your own ticket. Allow at least 45 minutes between trains in Barcelona for connections. In summer if you take the 07:15 from Paris you'll be able to connect for Malaga, Cordoba or Seville that same afternoon as there's a 15:50 departure from Barcelona. However, if you take the 10:07 from Paris, although you can connect for Madrid, Valencia or Alicante the same day, you will need to stay overnight in Barcelona before taking an onward train to Malaga, Cordoba or Seville.
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TGV Duplex at Paris Gare de Lyon. These 200 mph double-deckers link Paris with Barcelona. Watch TGV Duplex video. |
2nd class table for 4 on TGV Duplex upper deck... |
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1st class seats on the upper deck, with a club duo on the left, a club quatre on the right. |
A TGV Duplex at Barcelona Sants. The red near the door indicates 1st class, pale green indicates 2nd class. |
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Mt Canigou & the Pyrenees... One of the highest peaks in the mighty Pyrenees, the 2,784m (9,137 feet) high Mt Canigou dominates the skyline on the right all the way from Perpignan to Girona, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canigou. More photos of what to see on the Paris-Barcelona train journey. |
Option 2: Berlin to Spain with overnight stop in Marseille
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This avoids having to cross Paris, but still uses high-quality thigh-speed rains throughout. If you get the chance to spend 24h in Marseille, take it!
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Step 1, travel from Berlin to Marseille leaving Berlin Hbf at 08:30 weekdays or 08:39 weekends by ICE train to Frankfurt or Karlsruhe then the direct high-speed TGV Duplex to Marseille St Charles arriving around 21:48, from 39 in 2nd class or 69 in 1st class booked at the German Railways website www.bahn.de. You print your own ticket. You can in theory take the 09:32 from Berlin, but I'd take the 08:32 for a more robust connection, so change duration of transfer from standard to at least 30 minutes.
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Spend the night in Marseille, suggested inexpensive hotels with good reviews just outside Marseille St Charles station: Ibis Marseille Centre Gare St Charles, Holiday Inn Express Marseille St Charles.
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Step 2, travel from Marseille to Barcelona by high-speed AVE leaving Marseille St Charles at 08:03 and arriving Barcelona Sants at 12:38. Fares from 49 in 2nd class or 89 in 1st class.
Book this train at www.loco2.com (can be used by anyone from any country, no booking fee, print-at-home tickets) or www.trainline.eu (can be used by anyone from any country, no booking fee, choice of upper or lower deck, print-at-home tickets).
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Step 3, book onward high-speed trains from Barcelona to Madrid, Seville, Malaga, Alicante etc, using either www.loco2.com (easy) or the Spanish railways website www.renfe.com (more fiddly).
You'll find a direct AVE leaving Barcelona Sants around 15:50 arriving Malaga, Cordoba & Seville in the evening.
Berlin to Lisbon, Porto, Faro & Portugal...
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Day 1, travel from Berlin to Paris by high-speed train in a single day from 39, as shown above.
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Stay overnight in Paris.
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Day 2, take a midday TGV from Paris to Irun on the Spanish border connecting with the overnight Sud Express sleeper train to Lisbon, arriving around 07:30 on day 3. For details of this journey and how to buy tickets, see the London to Lisbon page and simply disregard the London-Paris part. Book this at www.loco2.com.
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Change in Lisbon for trains to Faro, Albufeira and Porto, book these at www.cp.pt.
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The Sud Express, about to leave Irun on the Franco-Spanish frontier, bound for Lisbon... Courtesy of Ron Baker. See panorama photo... |
Gran Clase sleeper, in evening mode with the seats folded out... |
....return from the bar to find the beds made up... |
Gran Clase private toilet & shower... |
Berlin to Vienna from 39...
Option 1, Berlin to Vienna by daytime trains from 39 - the leisurely daytime option...
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The German railways website, www.bahn.de sells train tickets from Berlin to Vienna from just 39 in 2nd class or 69 in 1st class. You print your own ticket.
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In the search results, look for an easy journey with just 1 change. Some journeys (usually the ones marked EC,RJ) take you via Prague, just 4h28 from Berlin to Prague by EuroCity train with restaurant car, then 3h59 from Prague to Vienna by smart modern Railjet train. Other journeys (usually marked ICE) take you through Germany with a change in somewhere like Fulda. The journey via Prague is the nicest, taking you along the scenic Elbe river valley between Dresden and Prague.
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Tip 1: Fancy a stopover in Prague? At www.bahn.de, simply click Add intermediate stops, enter Prague and a duration of up to 48 hours (the maximum stopover possible with a cheap sparpreis fare) or up to 7 hours (the maximum you can stop off and still get from Berlin to Vienna in a day, if you catch the first train from Berlin and last train from Prague to Vienna). You'll now get a cheap fare from 39 upwards from Berlin to Vienna, but with a stopover in Prague included. Bargain! A stopover in Dresden is also possible, instead of or in addition to Prague, booked in the same way.
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Tip 2: Check Austrian Railways www.oebb.at as well, as although fares also start from 39 I've often seen significantly cheaper fares on oebb.at than bahn.de on a given date & train. You also get a print-at-home ticket.
Option 2, Berlin to Vienna by day trains with overnight stop in Prague from 39 in 2nd class or 69 in 1st class...
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This is similar to option 1, but with an overnight stop in Prague, making it time-effective.
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Day 1, take any EuroCity train you like from Berlin to Prague in 4h28. For example the 17:00 from Berlin Hbf arrives Prague Hlavni at 21:28. But by all means take an earlier train and have an evening in Prague.
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Stay overnight in Prague. Hotels near the station with good reviews include the Esplanade Hotel (5-star), Falkensteiner Hotel Maria (4-star), Chopin Hotel (3-star). To stay in the old town, try the Ventana Hotel or Old Town Square Hotel (both 5-star), Grand Hotel Prague, Hotel Rott (both 4-star), Zlatύ kůň Golden Horse (3-star).
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Day 2, take any Railjet train you like from Prague to Vienna in 3h59. The 06:52 from Prague Hlavni arrives Vienna Hbf at 10:51, but by all means take a later train.
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It's cheapest to book this as one Berlin to Vienna journey at www.bahn.de. Simply click Add intermediate stops, enter Prague and a duration of around 9 hours - I have set up this link to do that for you. Vary the departure time and increase the stopover duration to get the trains you want.
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So civilised! A meal in the Czech restaurant car as the Berlin-Prague express snakes along the beautiful Elbe river south of Dresden. Photo courtesy of Philip Dyer-Perry. |
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Option 3, Berlin to Vienna by direct EuroNight sleeper train - the time-effective option...
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An excellent sleeper train called the Metropol leaves Berlin Hbf at 19:01 and arrives Vienna Hbf at 06:55 next morning.
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It has a modern air-conditioned Czech sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed deluxe sleepers with shower & toilet, 1, 2 & 3 bed standard sleepers with washbasin, and a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments. The sleeping-car has a shower at the end of the corridor for standard sleeper passengers, and morning tea or coffee is included in the fare in the sleepers.
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Prices start at 49 with a couchette in 6-berth, 59 with a couchette in 4-berth, 89 in a 2-bed sleeper or 129 in a single-bed sleeper.
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Buy tickets at the German Railways website www.bahn.de looking for the direct EN train with 0 changes. Booking normally opens 92 days in advance and you simply print your own ticket.
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UPDATE FOR DECEMBER 2017: In spite of being popular with passengers, the Berlin-Vienna part of the Metropol is being discontinued from the timetable change on 10 December 2017, the usual railway politics and mishandling. A great shame.
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A Czech sleeping-car of the type used on this train. Photo courtesy of Shaiq Ali Khan |
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Standard sleeper set up as a 2-berth, with blind down & washstand open. Each room can be used with 1, 2 or 3 beds. |
The same sleeper with berths folded away & seats folded out, washstand closed. Very similar to a deluxe, but without the shower & toilet. |
Deluxe sleepers are similar to standard ones, but with a bit more floorspace & compact shower & toilet instead of washstand. |
Just like a hotel, the corridor in a Comfortline sleeping-car. There's a shower at end of the corridor for standard sleeper passengers. |
Berlin to Salzburg, Innsbruck, Hallstatt & Austria from 39...
Berlin to Salzburg or Innsbruck by daytime trains,,,
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The German railways website, www.bahn.de can book tickets from Berlin to Salzburg, Innsbruck, Hallstatt or any station in Austria from 39.
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From Berlin to Salzburg you can travel with just 1 change in Munich. Just use www.bahn.de to find times and buy tickets!
Top tip: Check Austrian Railways www.oebb.at as well, as although fares also start from 39 I've often seen significantly cheaper fares on oebb.at than bahn.de on a given date & train. You also get a print-at-home ticket.
Berlin to Copenhagen from 39...
Option 1, by comfortable daytime trains, daily all year round...
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You can book daytime trains from Berlin to Copenhagen from just 29 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class at www.bahn.de, with departures at 07:06, 10:39, 13:07 & 15:06 all with one easy change in Hamburg, journey time around 7h43. In the bahn.de search results, look for options with 1 change, but avoid anything marked 'BUS' as this is indeed just a downmarket bus.
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Berlin-Hamburg trains are all luxurious ICE trains with bistro-restaurant car. The Hamburg-Copenhagen trains are either ICE trains or Danish IC3 trains branded EuroCity (EC), see the photos below. They use a train ferry between Puttgarten & Rψdby, where the train is shunted onto a ship, one of the few places in Europe (or anywhere else) where this still happens. It's an interesting experience in its own right - you must leave the train and go upstairs into the ship's passenger accommodation during the 50-minute crossing.
Option 2, by Berlin Night Express sleeper train, runs on certain days and dates only...
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This is a privately-run sleeper train linking Berlin and Malmφ overnight in summer only, 3 times a week, with connection by local Φresund Link train to Copenhagen. It has 4-berth & 6-berth couchettes, but no sleepers. It's shunted onto a ferry to cross the water to Sweden.
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See www.berlin-night-express.com for operating dates, times, fares & tickets.
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ICE 2nd class. All seats in both classes have power sockets for laptops & mobiles... |
ICE 1st class, with real leather seats. Staff provide at-seat service of drinks & food. |
A Hamburg-Copenhagen ICE on board the Puttgarden-Rψdby ferry. More info on ICE. |
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A Danish IC3 train. |
2nd class seats... |
Arrived at Copenhagen... |
Berlin to Stockholm, Gothenburg & Malmφ from 39...
Option 1, by daytime trains in a single day, or with overnight stop in Copenhagen...
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You can buy tickets from Berlin to Stockholm, Gothenburg or Malmφ online at www.bahn.de, as DB offer sparpreis tickets from just 39 and print-at-home tickets.
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It's possible to do this journey in a day if you leave Berlin at 07:06, with an easy change in Hamburg and Copenhagen, check times and prices at www.bahn.de remembering to select a morning departure. If bahn.de doesn't come up with the goods, book Berlin-Copenhagen at www.bahn.de then Copenhagen-Stockholm at www.sj.se.
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Or break up the journey with an overnight stop in Copenhagen. To book a journey with a stopover, but still benefit from a cheap sparpreis ticket from Berlin to Stockholm or Gothenburg, click Add intermediate stops, enter Copenhagen and enter a stopover period such as 12:00 in the hh:mm stopover box. You can have any length of stopover up to 48h. Hotels in Copenhagen near the station with good reviews: Nimb Hotel (5-star luxe), Radisson Blu Royal Hotel (5-star), Axel Guldsmeden (4-star), Andersen Bou]tique Hotel, First Hotel Mayfair (3-star), Hotel Ansgar (3-star), City Hotel Nebo (2-star).
Option 2: Berlin to Stockholm by day train to Copenhagen then time-effective overnight sleeper to Stockholm...
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Step 1, travel from Berlin to Copenhagen, leaving Berlin Hbf at 10:39, changing in Hamburg and arriving Copenhagen at 18:19, from 29 booked at www.bahn.de with print-at-home tickets. There's a bistro-restaurant on board the ICE. When you arrive in Copenhagen there's time for dinner.
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Step 2, take an evening Φresund train from Copenhagen to Malmφ Central around 20:50 or earlier, these run every 20 minutes and take just 34 minutes.
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Step 3, then take the overnight sleeper train from Malmφ to Stockholm, leaving Malmφ Central daily except Saturdays usually around 22:08 arriving Stockholm Central around 06:00. There's no sleeper on Saturday nights. The train offers 6-berth couchettes and a comfortable Swedish sleeping-car with 1 & 2 bed compartments.
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Buy tickets from Copenhagen to Stockholm as one transaction at the Swedish railways website www.sj.se. There are some great cheap deals available if you book in advance. SJ.se is sometimes fussy with overseas credit cards, so if you can't get your credit card to work, try agency site www.acprail.com or call SJ telesales on +46 771 75 75 75 (touch tone 6 for English).
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ICE 2nd class. All seats in both classes have power sockets for laptops & mobiles... |
ICE 1st class, with real leather seats. Staff provide at-seat service of drinks & food. |
The Hamburg-Copenhagen ICE on board the Puttgarden-Rψdby ferry. More info on ICE. |
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A 125 mph X2000 train from Copenhagen to Stockholm. |
2nd class seating on the X2000. All seats have power sockets for laptops & mobiles... |
Self-service buffet car on an X2000. More info on X2000 |
Option 3, by Berlin Night Express sleeper train from Berlin to Malmφ, runs in summer on certain days of the week...
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This is a privately-run sleeper train linking Berlin and Malmφ overnight in summer only, 3 times a week. It has 4-berth & 6-berth couchettes, although no sleepers. It's shunted onto a ferry to cross the water to Sweden using the Sassnitz-Trelleborg route.
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See www.berlin-night-express.com for operating dates, times, fares & tickets. The train is operated by Snaltaget, a private operator.
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Book onward X2000 train from Malmφ to Stockholm or Gothenburg at www.sj.se, using alternative www.snalltaget.se if you have any payment problems.
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The Berlin Night Express about to leave Berlin Hbf, see www.berlin-night-express.com. Courtesy of Stephen Barker... |
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The Berlin Night Express after being shunted aboard the Sassnitz-Trelleborg ferry above left and a 4 or 6 berth couchette compartment, above right. Photos courtesy of Stephen Barker. |
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Berlin to Oslo & Norway...
Option 1, via Hamburg & Copenhagen - by train all the way...
Option 2, Berlin to Oslo via the Kiel-Oslo Color Line cruise ferry - the most comfortable way to Oslo...
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Step 1, catch an early morning train from Berlin to Kiel Hbf in 3h24 on any suitable train from 29.
Check times & buy tickets at the German Railways site www.bahn.de.
In Kiel it's just a 5 or 6 minute walk from Kiel Hbf to the Color Line ferry terminal, but allow several hours between trains and ferry for the ferry check-in and in case of any delay.
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Step 2, sail from Kiel to Oslo by luxurious overnight Color Line ferry, with a full range of en suite cabins, suites, bars, restaurants and lounges. The m/v Magic or m/v Fantasy normally sails at 14:00 arriving Oslo at 10:00 next morning.
Check times & buy tickets online at the seat61 Ferry Shop or www.colorline.com.
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This photo is taken from the exit of Kiel station, so you can see how close the ferry is. It's a 5-6 minute walk across the harbour, with a street lift up to a connecting walkway which takes you to the ferry terminal. If you have reserved one of what Color Line call their "5 star suites", check in at the desk rather than the machines and you'll be directed to a special lounge to wait with free tea, coffee, juice, snacks & WiFi. You'll also have priority boarding of the ship. Photos courtesy of Andrew Leo. |
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Boarding the Color Line ferry to Oslo in Kiel... |
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A 5 Star Suite on the ferry... |
More cruise liner than ferry! The restaurant. |
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Wake up to this.... |
Berlin to Helsinki & Finland...
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For Finland, you'll find ferries the best bet. Finnlines sail from Travemόnde or Rostock in Germany to Helsinki, see www.finnlines.com.
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After booking the ferry, use www.bahn.de to find trains from Berlin to Travemόnde or Rostock to connect with the ferry. Remember to allow plenty of time for the ferry check-in.
Berlin to Prague from 19.90...
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Air-conditioned EuroCity trains link Berlin and Prague every couple of hours in around 4h25 with fares from just 19.90 in 2nd class or 39.90 in 1st class. It's the recommended way to travel between these cities, it's as fast or faster than flying, much cheaper and far less hassle.
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South of Dresden, the trains run along the scenic Elbe valley, a lovely run, so make sure you choose seats on the left hand side of the train for the best river views. Most of these trains also have a proper dining-car, why not have a proper sit-down meal while you travel?
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See the Berlin to Prague page for times, fares, tips & how to buy tickets.
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So civilised! A meal in the Czech restaurant car as the Berlin-Prague express snakes along the beautiful Elbe river south of Dresden. Most Berlin-Prague trains use Czech carriages like this, a few use Hungarian air-conditioned carriages. See the Berlin to Prague page for times, fares, tips & how to buy tickets. Photo courtesy of Philip Dyer-Perry. |
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Berlin to Českύ Krumlov for 36 or Karlovy Vary for 35...
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Berlin to Českύ Krumlov takes around 10h11 using a swish EuroCity train from Berlin to Prague along the scenic Elbe river, then on rambling Czech local trains. You may want to break your journey with a stopover in Prague. But if not, you can buy a very cheap train ticket from Berlin to Českύ Krumlov for just 36 (around 940 Czech Koruna) online at the Czech railways website www.cd.cz/eshop, see my tips & advice for using it. Booking usually opens 60 days ahead and you print your own ticket. Bring some beer and a good book and enjoy the ride!
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Berlin to Karlovy Vary takes around 6h01 using a swish EuroCity train from Berlin to Usti Nad Labem, changing there for a Czech train to Karlovy Vary. Book from Berlin to Karlovy Vary online from 35 (890 Czech Koruna at Czech railways website www.cd.cz/eshop. You print your own ticket. You can also try booking this journey at www.bahn.de.
Berlin to Bratislava from 29...
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The two direct EuroCity trains from Berlin to Bratislava can be booked online at www.bahn.de from 29 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class. South of Dresden, the trains run along the scenic Elbe valley, make sure you grab a unreserved seat on the left hand side of the train for the best river views. Most of these trains also have a proper dining-car, why not have a meal while you travel?
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Fancy a few hours stopover in Dresden on the way? To book a Berlin to Bratislava train journey from 29 with a stopover in Dresden, go to www.bahn.de, enter Berlin to Bratislava, click Add intermediate stops, enter Dresden in the via box and the number of hours you want to have in Dresden (max 48 hours) in the 'hh:mm' box. Then run the enquiry and buy the ticket. There are left luggage lockers at Dresden Hbf.
Berlin to Budapest from 29...
Option 1, by daytime train...
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The German railways website www.bahn.de can book tickets from Berlin to Budapest from just 39 in 2nd class or 69 in 1st class.
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A direct EuroCity train leaves Berlin Hbf at 09:04 every day, arriving at Budapest Keleti at 20:35, or there are earlier & later departures with one easy change in Prague.
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You simply print your own ticket. It's a leisurely day with your feet up, there's nice scenery as the train snakes along the river Elbe south of Dresden and these trains have an elegant restaurant car, so treat yourself to lunch!
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Berlin-Budapest EuroCity train at Dresden... |
The Hungarian dining-car.. |
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Lunch in the restaurant car... |
2nd class compartment |
1st class compartment |
Option 2, by EuroNight sleeper train Metropol - the time-effective option which saves a hotel bill too...
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The excellent sleeper train Metropol leaves Berlin Hbf at 19:01 and arrives at Budapest Keleti at 08:37 next morning.
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It has a modern air-conditioned Czech sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed deluxe sleepers with shower & toilet, 1, 2 & 3 bed standard sleepers with washbasin, and a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments. The sleeping-car has a shower at the end of the corridor for standard sleeper passengers, and morning tea or coffee is included in the fare in the sleepers.
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Prices start at 49 with a couchette in 6-berth, 59 with a couchette in 4-berth, 89 in a 2-bed sleeper or 129 in a single-bed sleeper.
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Buy tickets online at the German Railways website www.bahn.de. Tickets are sent by post to anywhere in the world, but allow plenty of time for them to arrive.
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UPDATE FOR DECEMBER 2017: In spite of being popular with passengers, the Berlin-Budapest part of the Metropol is being discontinued from the timetable change on 10 December 2017, the usual railway politics and mishandling. A great shame. You'll still be able to take an afternoon train to Prague and pick up the Prague-Budapest sleeper there.
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A Czech sleeping-car of the type used on this train. Photo courtesy of Shaiq Ali Khan |
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Standard sleeper set up as a 2-berth, with blind down & washstand open. Each room can be used with 1, 2 or 3 beds. |
The same sleeper with berths folded away & seats folded out, washstand closed. Very similar to a deluxe, but without the shower & toilet. |
Deluxe sleepers are similar to standard ones, but with a bit more floorspace & compact shower & toilet instead of washstand. |
Just like a hotel, the corridor in a Comfortline sleeping-car. There's a shower at end of the corridor for standard sleeper passengers. |
Berlin to Bucharest, Sighisoara, Brasov & Romania...
Option 1, travelling by sleeper with a day in Budapest...
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Step 1, travel from Berlin to Budapest by overnight sleeper Metropol, leaving Berlin around 19:01 and arriving Budapest Keleti around 08:37. This train has a modern sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments, and 4 & 6 berth couchettes.
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Spend a day enjoying Budapest.
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Step 2, then take the EuroNight sleeper train Ister leaving Budapest Keleti around 19:10 and arriving Sighisoara at 06:56, Brasov at 09:32 & Bucharest Nord at 12:10 next day. This comfortable train has a restaurant car, 4 and 6 berth couchettes and a modern air-conditioned sleeping-car with 1, 2 and 3 bed compartments with washbasin, also deluxe sleepers with 1 or 2 beds and shower/toilet. See photos of the Ister's sleeping-car & couchettes here.
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Fares from Berlin to Budapest start at 49 with couchette or from 89 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper. Book this train online at www.bahn.de, tickets are sent by post to anywhere in the world, but allow plenty of time for them to arrive.
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Fares from Budapest to Bucharest start at 49 in a 2-bed sleeper, you can book this train online at the Hungarian railways website www.mavcsoport.hu, see my advice on how to use mavcsoport.hu & how you collect your tickets.
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UPDATE FOR DECEMBER 2017: In spite of being popular with passengers, the Berlin-Prague part of the Metropol is being discontinued from the timetable change on 10 December 2017, the usual railway politics and mishandling. A great shame. You'll still be able to take a day train to Prague and pick up the sleeper to Budapest there.
Option 2, by daytime trains with hotel in Budapest...
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Day 1, travel from Berlin to Budapest by direct EuroCity train at 09:04 with restaurant car arriving at Budapest Keleti at 20:35. Fares from 39, book online at www.bahn.de. South of Dresden, the trains run along the scenic Elbe valley, make sure you grab a seat on the left hand side of the train for the best river views. These trains also have a proper dining-car, why not have a meal and a beer or two while you travel?
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Stay overnight in Budapest. Find hotels in Budapest.
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Day 2, travel on a direct daytime train leaving Budapest around 07:10 and arriving Bucharest around 22:52. Fares from 29 booked online at at the Hungarian railways website www.mavcsoport.hu, see my advice on how to use mavcsoport.hu & how you collect your tickets.
Berlin to Warsaw from 29.90: See the Berlin-Warszawa Express page...
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Regular Berlin-Warszawa Express trains link Berlin Hbf & Warsaw Centralna in just 5h25 or so, centre to centre. These are smart modern air-conditioned EuroCity trains with restaurant car.
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Buy tickets online at the German Railways website www.bahn.de. Fares from 29.90 in 2nd class or 59.90 in 1st class with tickets sent to any address worldwide for a small fee. Booking for this route opens 60 days before departure.
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The Berlin-Warszawa Express has modern air-conditioned 1st & 2nd class coaches, most with compartments and side corridor like this, others with open-plan seating. |
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Berlin to Krakow from 39...
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Busse? Nein Danke!Train tickets from 39... |
Option 1, by daytime trains via Warsaw from just 39...
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Due to major track rebuilding work, there are no longer any direct trains between Berlin & Krakow. German Railways have laid on a bus, but the nightmare of 8 hours in a bus is to be avoided. Instead, you can travel via Warsaw by comfortable trains as follows:
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Step 1, travel from Berlin Hbf to Warsaw Centralna in 5h25 by excellent Berlin-Warszawa Express train.
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Step 2, then travel from Warsaw Centralna to Krakow by either bullet-nosed InterCity Premium (EIP) train, fast air-conditioned Intercity Express (EIC) train, or older TLK train taking as little as 2h18. I'd allow at least 30 minutes to change in Warsaw, but even so, it's not much slower than the nightmare 8 hour bus journey.
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You can easily buy a ticket from Berlin to Krakow at the German Railways website www.bahn.de - this covers both trains on one ticket from as little as 39.
However, to see this route you need to click
Add intermediate stops
and enter
Warsaw
to force it to find these cheap fares via Warsaw by train not bus.
I have set up this link with the necessary parameters, just enter your date of travel & passenger details.
Why not stop off for a few hours in Warsaw? Perhaps have lunch in the old town between trains... Simply click Add intermediate stops and enter the number of hours you want in the hh:mm box. The Palace of Culture is just across the road from Warsaw Centralna station, and Warsaw's old town square is just 20 minutes walk away. For lunch, I heartily recommend the U Fukiera restaurant on the inner square, www.ufukiera.pl.
If you don't see any cheap fares from Berlin to Krakow using bahn.de for any reason, assuming it's within 60 days of travel, simply book from Berlin to Warsaw at www.bahn.de from 29, allow at least 45 minutes in Warsaw between trains, then book Warsaw to Krakow separately for around 20 at Polish Railways www.intercity.pl.
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Step 1, by Berlin-Warszawa Express from Berlin to Warsaw with air-conditioned 1st & 2nd class coaches, most with compartments and side corridor like this, others with open-plan seating. |
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Step 2, by EIP train Warsaw to Krakow. Courtesy www.vagonweb.cz |
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2nd class seats on a bullet-nosed EIP... |
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Clean & electric EIP train... |
The on board cafe-bar... |
1st class table for two... |
Option 2, by sleeper train via Poznan. A convenient & time-effective option, with dinner in Poznan!
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Step 1, travel from Berlin to Poznan by comfortable air-conditioned Berlin-Warszawa Express, leaving Berlin Hbf at 16:37 and arriving Poznan at 19:23. There's time for dinner in Poznan - or by all means take the earlier 13:37 or 15:37 train and see something of Poznan's pleasant old town. Fares from 19, pre-booked at www.bahn.de.
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Step 2, travel overnight by sleeper train leaving Poznan around 22:36 and arriving Krakow around 06:06 next morning. You can book this train using the Polish railways website www.intercity.pl. The basic fare is around 60 zlotys (15) plus 33 zlotys (8) for a couchette or 141 zlotys (33) for a bed in a 2-bed sleeper).
Option 3, by sleeper train via Stettin - a variation on option 2 above...
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Step 1, travel from Berlin to Stettin (Szczecin) by regional train, leaving Berlin Gesundbrunnen around 17:20 and arriving Szczecin Glowny at 19:13 (there's a connection from Berlin Hbf leaving 16:44). By all means take the earlier 14:51 train from Berlin and see something of Stettin. Fare 34.50 even bought at the station on the day. You can check times & prices at www.bahn.de.
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Step 2, travel overnight by sleeper train leaving Szczecin Glowny around 19:49 and arriving Krakow around 06:21 next morning. You can book this train using the Polish railways website www.intercity.pl. The basic fare is 62 zlotys (15) plus 33 zlotys (8) for a couchette or 141 zlotys (33) for a bed in a 2-bed sleeper).
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Busse? Nein Danke! |
Berlin to Wroclaw from 29...
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Take any departure of the Berlin-Warszawa Express and change at Poznan for a Polish train to Wroclaw Glowny (+ main station).
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For example, the 06:37 Mondays-Saturdays will get you to Wroclaw at 11:38, or the daily 09:37 from Berlin will get you to Wroclaw at 14:44, or there are later departures right up until 17:37 from Berlin arriving Wroclaw at 22:49.
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You can buy tickets from just 29 at the German Railways website www.bahn.de - use this special link which adds 'Poznan' in the via box and so finds the cheap fares by train via Poznan without cluttering up the search results with the downmarket IC bus option, which should be avoided.
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NEW DIRECT TRAIN BERLIN-WROCLAW ON WEEKENDS MAY-SEPT 2016...
Leaves Berlin Lichtenburg 08:31 on Saturdays & Sundays from 1 May to 25 September 2016 arriving Wroclaw Glowny at 13:05. It's a regional Express, so no reservation necessary, you can buy a ticket at the station and hop on. In the return direction, the train leaves Wroclaw Glowny at 19:21 arriving Berlin Lichtenburg at 23:54.
It's not known if this will operate again in 2017.
Berlin to Gdansk & Gydnia from 29...
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An excellent direct EuroCity train leaves Berlin every day at 14:37 direct to Gdansk (the former Danzig) and Gydnia. See the Berlin-Warszawa Express page for details.
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You can check times and buy tickets at www.bahn.de.
Berlin to Szczecin (Stettin)
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Regional trains link Berlin Hbf and Szczecin Glowny (main station) regularly through the day with just 1 change of train, journey time 1h56 or so.
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You can check times and buy tickets at www.bahn.de - but avoid any option marked 'BUS' as this is a bus, not a train..
Berlin to Lviv, Kiev & Ukraine from 85...
Option 1, via Prague - the cheapest option but not the fastest, all bookable online...
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Step 1, travel from Berlin to Prague, leaving Berlin Hbf at 17:04 arriving Prague Hlavni at 21:27. By all means take an earlier train and have dinner in Prague, or a whole afternoon.
Book this from 19.90 in 2nd class or 39.90 in 1st class at either www.bahn.de or www.cd.cz/eshop with print-your-own tickets. It's a scenic route, see photos & video guide to the Berlin-Prague train ride here.
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Step 2, travel from Prague to Kiev by direct Ukrainian sleeping-car. leaving Prague Hlavni at 23:09 every day, arriving Lviv at 22:24 next day and Kiev at 07:43 the day after that (in other words, 2 nights from Prague).
The sleeper has cosy 3-bed compartments with washbasin which can be used as 2-berth (1st class) or 3-berth (2nd class), see the photos below. This is an epic and adventurous journey across eastern Europe - the sleeping-car is jacked up at the border to have its bogies changed from standard gauge (4' 8.5") to Russian 5' gauge.
A bed in a 3-bed sleeper from Prague to Kiev costs from 65 (around 1689 CZK) if you book in advance online. Prague to Lviv costs from 51 (around 1340 CZK) including a bed in a 3-bed sleeper if you book in advance online.
You can now usually book this train online at the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz - select English then eshop and book from Prague to Lviv or Kiev. You print your own ticket.
The Czech Railways website only sells 2nd class tickets for 3-bed sleepers, it can't currently sell 1st class tickets for beds in a 2-bed sleeper, but you can book 3 x 2nd class 3-berth tickets and have a whole compartment for single or dual occupancy. Also note that it only sells cheap
First Minute advance-purchase fares, it cannot sell regular full-price fares, so if the advance-purchase ticket have sold out you'll have to either book at the station at full price (places usually available) or via local Czech travel agency http://czech-transport.com at full price with a fee added - Lviv & Kiev are now listed on their online ordering system, so you can order from them online and deliver to your hotel. Feedback would be appreciated.Tips: The sleeping-car to Kiev leaves Prague attached to a sleeper train to Humennι in Slovakia, so look for the destination Humennι on the departure boards at Prague Hlavni. Take your own picnic and bottle of wine or beer as there may not be a catering car.
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The direct sleeping-car to Lviv & Kiev awaits departure from Prague Hlavni... |
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A sleeper compartment with washbasin. Courtesy of Alessandro |
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Option 2, via Warsaw - the fastest option...
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Step 1, take the Berlin-Warszawa Express leaving Berlin Hbf daily except Sundays at 06:37 and arriving Warsaw Centralna at 12:55. Book this train at www.bahn.de from 29 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class. If you want to take the Polonez on Sunday, you'll need to travel to Warsaw the evening before and stay overnight.
You've a few hours to explore Warsaw, see Warsaw Centralna station & city information. Warsaw's historic old town is a 20 minute walk from Centralna station - if you fancy a modest splurge, the celebrated Ufukiera restaurant (www.ufukiera.pl) is excellent and right on the square in the heart of Warsaw's old town. The Palace of Culture (a wedding cake style Soviet skyscraper and distinctive Warsaw landmark, www.pkin.pl) is right next to the station and has a viewing terrace on the 30th floor.
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Step 2, an overnight train called the Kiev Express links Warsaw to Kiev every day, leaving Warsaw Centralna at 16:10 and arriving Kiev around 08:35 next day. This train has comfortable Ukrainian 1, 2 & 3 bed sleepers with washbasin. There's no restaurant car, so take a picnic and perhaps some wine or beer.
The Kiev Express cannot be booked online, so use reliable Polish agency www.polrail.com who have an online ordering system at http://booking.polrail.com. Tickets can be collected in Warsaw or (at extra charge) shipped to any address worldwide. Polrail are also pretty good at arranging the return reservation back from Kiev as they have close contacts with Ukrainian Railways.
Booked with Polrail, the fare is around 101 with a bed in a 3-berth sleeper or 118 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper.
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Step 3, book onward trains from Kiev to Odessa & other places in Ukraine as shown on the Ukraine page.
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Boarding in Warsaw... |
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A sleeper compartment... |
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...with washbasin. |
Berlin to Moscow, St Petersburg & Russia...
Option 1, by twice-weekly Moscow to Berlin Swift sleeper train. New from December 2016...
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Russian Railways RZD started a new twice-weekly sleeper train from Berlin to Moscow in December 2016, using a smart new articulated Talgo train branded Strizh - Russian for Swift.
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It leaves Berlin Ostbahnhof at 18:50 on Sundays & Mondays, arriving at Moscow's Belorussky station next day at either 18:11 (late March to late October) or 19:11 (late October to late March).
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This train has sleeping-cars with 2nd class 4-berth compartments, 1st class 1 or 2 berth compartments with washbasin and deluxe 1 or 2 berth compartments with en suite shower & toilet. There's also a restaurant car.
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Fares around 13,000 rubles (181) with a bed in a 4-berth compartment, 18,000 rubles (251) with a bed in a 1st class 2-bed compartment.
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You can book this train at either www.rzd.ru (a little fiddly, see my advice on using it) or using the Real Russia form on this page (much easier, and no credit card problems, but small mark-up).
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Don't forget to arrange your Russian visa & Belarus transit visa. Read important update about travel to Russia through Belarus.
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The Strizh sleeper train from Berlin to Moscow, seen here boarding in Berlin. It's a Spanish-built articulated Talgo train - note the relatively small size of each car, just one axle between each car. The axles adjust automatically from standard European gauge (4' 8½") to Russian 5' gauge at Brest, as the train passes slowly through a special gauge-changing shed. Courtesy of Stuart Wilks & Jaap van Ginkel. |
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2-berth sleeper with washbasin, in night & daytime modes... |
Complimentary toiletry pack... |
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Option 2, by direct Paris-Berlin-Moscow Express, once a week...
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You can travel from Berlin to Moscow using Russian Railways excellent high-quality Paris-Moscow Express.
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In 2017 it will run once a week leaving Berlin Hbf every Saturday at 07:13, arriving Moscow Belorussky around 10:10 the following day, see the Paris-Moscow Express page.
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The train features modern air-conditioned Russian sleepers with 2nd class 4-berth & 1st class 2-berth compartments, VIP deluxe Russian sleepers with 1 or 2 berths, shower & toilet, and a Polish restaurant car is available throughout. See panorama photo of a standard sleeper.
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How much does it cost? Around 7,841 rubles (125) in 2nd class 4-berth, 11,006 rubles (175) in 1st class 2-berth, 25,982 rubles (410) with sole occupancy of a deluxe sleeper with shower.
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How to buy tickets? You can book online at the Russian Railways website www.rzd.ru, see my advice for using it. You print your own ticket.
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Don't forget to arrange both your Russian visa and Belarus transit visa as the train runs via Belarus.
Option 3, using the 3-times-a-week Warsaw-Moscow sleeper train Polonez...
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Step 1, take the Berlin-Warszawa Express leaving Berlin Hbf daily except Sundays at 06:37 and arriving Warsaw Centralna at 12:55. Book this train at www.bahn.de from 29 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class. If you want to take the Polonez on Sunday, you'll need to travel to Warsaw the evening before and stay overnight.
You've a few hours to explore Warsaw, see Warsaw Centralna station & city information. Warsaw's historic old town is a 20 minute walk from Centralna station - if you fancy a modest splurge, the celebrated Ufukiera restaurant (www.ufukiera.pl) is excellent and right on the square in the heart of Warsaw's old town. The Palace of Culture (a wedding cake style Soviet skyscraper and distinctive Warsaw landmark, www.pkin.pl) is right next to the station and has a viewing terrace on the 30th floor.
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Step 2, travel from Warsaw to Moscow on the sleeper train Polonez, leaving Warsaw Centralna at 15:50 on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays and arriving Moscow Belorussky station next day at 11:45 (late March to late October) or 12:45 (late October to late March).
The Polonez is operated with Russian sleeping-cars, using brand-new Austrian-built cars with 4-berth compartments introduced in December 2014, see panorama photo inside one of these modern sleepers. Eastbound, these 4-bed sleepers only exist on the Polish reservations system as 2nd class 4-berth, so if you want dual or single occupancy you have to buy up multiple berths in one compartment. Westbound there's no problem, as the Russian reservations system is configured book these compartments as 1st class single, 1st class double or 2nd class 4-berth.
A Russian restaurant car is attached between Brest (on the Polish/Belarus border) & Moscow. Next morning, as the train passes through the small station of Borodino, look out for the plaques on the station building marked '1812' and '1942'... Map of Moscow showing Belorussky station.
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Most nationalities except the USA can try http://en.voyages-sncf.com to book the Warsaw-Moscow train, with tickets sent by regular post to most countries except the USA, but you MUST make sure 'Other countries (EUR)' is selected top right, and initially select 'Albania' as your country, only changing this to your actual true country at the end of the booking when entering your postal address. The UK version uk.voyages-sncf.com does not correctly book this train, it tries to sell an open ticket with no reservation.
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Alternatively, anyone can book the Polonez by contacting highly-recommended Polish train ticketing agency www.polrail.com (their booking system is at http://booking.polrail.com), who can arrange train tickets for international trains starting in Poland with tickets collected in Warsaw or (at extra charge) shipped to any address worldwide. This may well be the cheapest way to book.
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Berlin to Ljubljana, Zagreb, Sarajevo...
Option 1, by Berlin-Munich daytime train then Munich-Zagreb sleeper train - the most comfortable & time-effective option...
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Step 1, travel from Berlin to Munich by ICE high-speed train from 29 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class booked at www.bahn.de.
For example, the 16:28 from Berlin Hbf arrives Munich 22:39, but I'd take an earlier train and have dinner in Munich, for local Bavarian food and a beer or two try www.augustinerkeller.de at Arnulfstrasse 52, to the north side of Munich Hbf.
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Step 2, take the comfortable Croatian sleeper train Lisinski which leaves Munich Hbf at 23:35 and arrives in Zagreb at 08:36 next morning, see the Croatian sleeper video here. The Munich-Zagreb sleeper can now be booked online at either the German Railways website www.bahn.de (with tickets sent to any address worldwide) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (with print-at-home tickets).
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For Sarajevo, take the morning train to Sarajevo, Buy the ticket at the station in Zagreb or on the train, around 30 one-way or 44 return, see here for more details.
Option 2, by Berlin-Budapest sleeper then daytime train...
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Step 1, take the overnight sleeper train Metropol from Berlin to Budapest, booked at the German Railways website www.bahn.de. It leaves Berlin Hbf at 19:01 and arrives Budapest Keleti around 08:37 next morning. It has couchettes and a comfortable sleeping-car with 1, 2 and 3 bed compartments. Fares from 39 with a couchette or 69 with a bed in a cosy 2-bed sleeper if you book in advance at www.bahn.de. Tickets are sent by post to anywhere in the world, but allow plenty of time for them to arrive.
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Step 2 for Ljubljana, enjoy a morning exploring Budapest then take the 13:35 EuroCity train Citadella with restaurant car direct to Ljubljana arriving 21:25. You can buy tickets online from 19 at www.mavcsoport.hu - see my advice for using it and how to collect your tickets.
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Step 2 for Zagreb, enjoy a morning exploring Budapest then take the 14:45 InterCity train Rippl Ronai direct to Zagreb arriving 20:44. You can buy tickets online from 29 at www.mavcsoport.hu - see my advice for using it and how to collect your tickets.
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For Sarajevo, stay overnight in Zagreb and take the morning train to Sarajevo next morning, Buy the ticket at the station in Zagreb, around 30 one-way or 44 return, see here for more details.
Option 3, by daytime trains with overnight hotel in either Munich or Budapest - if you prefer day trains & hotel to sleepers...
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You can take a daytime train from Berlin to Munich from 29 or to Budapest from 39, check times and prices at www.bahn.de.
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Stay overnight in Munich or Budapest. In Munich, try the Sofitel Munich Beyerpost, Eden Hotel Wolff, InterCity Hotel or (budget) the Pension Locarno, all these hotels are right next to the station with great reviews.
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Take a daytime train from Munich to Ljubljana or Zagreb from 39 with great scenery through the mountains of Austria and along the River Sava, booked at www.bahn.de or from Budapest to Ljubljana or Zagreb from 29 booked at www.mavcsoport.hu - see my advice for using it and how to collect your tickets.
Berlin to Belgrade, Sofia, Montenegro, Thessaloniki, Athens & Istanbul...
Option 1, using the Berlin-Budapest sleeper train...
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Step 1, take the overnight sleeper train Metropol from Berlin to Budapest, booked at the German Railways website www.bahn.de. It leaves Berlin Hbf at 19:01 and arrives Budapest Keleti around 08:37 next morning. It has couchettes and a comfortable sleeping-car with 1, 2 and 3 bed compartments, and deluxe sleepers with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with shower & toilet. Fares from 39 with a couchette or 69 with a bed in a cosy 2-bed sleeper if you book in advance at www.bahn.de. Tickets are sent by post to anywhere in the world, but allow plenty of time for them to arrive.
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Step 2, take the 12:05 EuroCity train Avala from Budapest Keleti arriving at Belgrade station at 20:13. The fare is just 15 if booked at www.mavcsoport.hu - see my advice on using it & how to collect your ticket. You can also buy at the station on the day for 15, it's an unlimited special offer fare. This train has air-con Hungarian carriages and a Hungarian restaurant car.
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Step 3 for Greece, take the 18:50 overnight train with couchettes from Belgrade to Thessaloniki arriving 10:07 next morning. The fare is 39 with couchette, bought at the station in Belgrade. There are always places available. Change in Thessaloniki for an InterCity train to Athens. these leave regularly, journey time around 5 hours, with some great scenery, see the Athens page for important updates about this train, photos & how to buy tickets.
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Step 3 for Sofia & Istanbul, stay overnight in Belgrade - I recommend the historic Hotel Moskva - and take the daytime train to Sofia next day, leaving Belgrade station at 09:25 and arriving Sofia Central Station at 20:10. Buy this ticket at the station for around 22, there are always places available, even on the day. It cannot be booked online, and there's no need. 2nd class seats only. There's no catering car so bring your own picnic and wine or beer. Important, please click here to check for updates about the Belgrade-Sofia train.
Then take the 20:40 overnight train from Sofia to Istanbul arriving 07:50, fare around 20, buy this ticket at the international ticket windows at Sofia station. There are almost always places available. See the London to Turkey page for more details & photos, and info on the bustitution that is affecting the Istanbul end of this journey. The connection in Sofia is tight - planning to stopover in Sofia for a night and day is a good idea.
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Step 3 for Podgorica & Bar in Montenegro, stop overnight in Belgrade and take either the daytime or sleeper train from Belgrade next day, see the Belgrade to Montenegro page for details. This is one of Europe's most scenic routes. Change at Podgorica for buses to Budva or Kotor.
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For Istanbul, you can also travel via Bucharest. Take a train from Berlin to Budapest as explained above, booked at www.bahn.de. In Budapest, you can pick up the London-Istanbul route via Bucharest explained in detail on the London to Turkey page.
Option 2, by daytime trains with overnight stop in Budapest...
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Step 1, travel from Berlin to Budapest by EuroCity train, leaving Berlin Hbf around 09:04 and arriving Budapest Keleti at 20:35. Book this from 39 at www.bahn.de and print your own ticket. Slightly earlier or later departures are also available with a change in Prague.
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Stay overnight in Budapest. Find hotels in Budapest.
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Step 3, travel from Budapest to Belgrade by EuroCity train Ivo Andric leaving Budapest Keleti at 08:05 and arriving Belgrade station at 16:32, fare just 15 booked at www.mavcsoport.hu - see my advice on using it & how to collect your ticket. You can also buy at the station on the day for 15, it's an unlimited special offer fare. There's no catering car on this train, so bring provisions and a beer or two. You may prefer to see a bit of Budapest and take the later 12:05 Avala to Belgrade, which has a restaurant car.
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Step 3 for Greece, take the 18:50 overnight train with couchettes from Belgrade to Thessaloniki arriving 10:07 next morning. The fare is 39 with couchette, bought at the station in Belgrade. There are always places available. Change in Thessaloniki for an InterCity train to Athens. these leave regularly, journey time around 5 hours, with some great scenery, see the Athens page for important updates about this route, photos & how to buy tickets.
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Step 3 for Sofia & Istanbul, stay overnight in Belgrade - I recommend the historic Hotel Moskva - and take the daytime train to Sofia next day, leaving Belgrade station at 09:25 and arriving Sofia Central Station at 20:10. Buy this ticket at the station for around 22, there are always places available, even on the day. It cannot be booked online, and there's no need. 2nd class seats only. There's no catering car so bring your own picnic and wine or beer. Important, please click here to check for updates about this Belgrade-Sofia train.
Then take the 20:40 overnight train from Sofia to Istanbul arriving 07:50, fare around 20, buy this ticket at the international ticket windows at Sofia station. There are almost always places available. See the London to Turkey page for more details & photos, and info on the bustitution that is affecting the Istanbul end of this journey. The connection in Sofia is tight - planning to stopover in Sofia for a night and day is a good idea.
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Step 3 for Podgorica & Bar in Montenegro, stop overnight in Belgrade and take either the daytime or sleeper train from Belgrade next day, see the Belgrade to Montenegro page for details. This is one of Europe's most scenic routes. Change at Podgorica for buses to Budva or Kotor.
Hotels in Berlin & other cities
◄◄ Hotel search & price comparison. |
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www.hotelscombined.com checks all the main hotel booking sites at once to find the widest choice of hotels & the cheapest seller. It has been named as the World's Leading Hotel Comparison Site in the World Travel Awards and I highly recommend it, both to find hotels in even the smallest places and to check that another retailer isn't selling the same hotel at a cheaper rate. ►► My recommended booking site: www.booking.comwww.booking.com is my favourite hotel booking site, and unless HotelsCombined throws up major price differences I prefer doing my bookings in one place here. You can usually book with free cancellation - this allows you to confirm your accommodation at no risk before train booking opens. It also means you can hold accommodation while you finalise your itinerary, and alter your plans as they evolve - a great feature I use all the time when putting a trip together.
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Other hotel sites worth trying...
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www.tripadvisor.com is the place to find independent travellers' reviews of all the main hotels.
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www.booking.com is my own preferred hotel booking system (Hotels Combined being a search/comparison system). It has a simple interface, a good selection in most countries worldwide, useful online customer reviews of each hotel, and decent prices, usually shown inclusive of unavoidable extras such as taxes (a pet hate of mine is systems that show one price, then charge you another!).
Backpacker hostels...
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www.hostelworld.com: If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels. Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in most cities at rock-bottom prices.
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