Trains from Venice

 

small bullet point  Venice Santa Lucia station guide

small bullet point  Map of Venice showing stations

small bullet point  Suggested hotels in Venice

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      Click here if your journey starts in another city

This page explains how to travel by train from Venice to other cities all over Europe, and how to buy tickets the cheapest way.  Information current for 2024.

bullet pointBefore you buy your tickets

Take a moment to read these tips for buying European train tickets.  They answer all the usual questions, "Do I need to book in advance or can I buy at the station?", "Can I stop off?", "Are there Senior fares?" and that old favourite, "Should I buy an $800 railpass or a €35 point-to-point ticket?".  How far ahead can you buy train tickets?

bullet pointEuropean train travel FAQ

An introduction to European train travel

 

Senior fares (over 60)

 

Guide to Eurail passes (overseas visitors)

Important tips for buying European train tickets

Youth fares (under 26)

 

Guide to Interrail passes (for Europeans)

How to check European train times

Child fares & child age limits

 

Couchettes & sleepers on night trains

Do I need to book in advance?

Luggage on European trains

 

Train seat numbering plans

How far ahead can I book?

Luggage storage at stations

 

Wheelchairs & special needs

Can I stop off on the way?

Taking a bike by train

 

Real-time service updates

Should I travel 1st or 2nd class?

Taking a car by train

 

Hotels & accommodation

How long to allow for connections?

Taking dogs & pets by train

 

Changing stations in Paris by metro or taxi

How early to arrive at the station?

Maps of the European rail network

 

What to do when things go wrong...

Which station in Venice?

Venice Santa Lucia is the main station in Venice, often abbreviated to Venezia SL, located in the city of Venice itself on the banks of the Grand Canal, 20 minutes walk from the Rialto Bridge and 27 minutes walk from St Mark's Square.  Trains reach the station by running over a causeway across the lagoon.  On this page, 'Venice' means Venice Santa Lucia unless it says otherwise.  Map of Venice showing stationsVenice Santa Lucia station guide.

Venice Mestre is an industrial area on the mainland at which most trains call on their way into or out of Venice S.L.  So always make sure you buy tickets to or from Venice Santa Lucia, unless you specifically want Mestre.


Venice to other Italian towns & cities from €9.90, www.italiarail.com
Venice to Florence, Rome & Naples
Venice to Verona
Venice to Trieste
Venice to Pompeii, Sorrento, Amalfi
Venice to Palermo, Catania, Siracuse & Sicily

Option 1, Venice to Sicily by daytime train.  Venice to Sicily in one epic day

Option 2, Venice to Sicily using a Rome-Sicily sleeper train - the time-effective option

Intercity train to Sicily on board the ferry

Train on a ferry! A Rome-Sicily train on board the train ferry on the Straits of Messina.  Courtesy Discoverbyrail.com.

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Venice to London from €74

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Venice to Paris from €48.90

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Venice to Lyon from €44.90

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Venice to Nice, Cannes, Monte Carlo
Frecciarossa 500 at Milan Centrale

Step 1, take a high-speed Frecciarossa from Venice to Milan in 2h17 at up to 250 km/h (155 mph).  This is a Frecciarossa 700 at Milan CentraleMore about Frecciarossas.

Frecciarossa 700 standard class   Frecciarossa 700 business class

Standard class seats on a Frecciarossa 700.

 

Business (1st) class on a Frecciarossa 700.

Italian InterCity train

Step 2, take an Intercity train from Milan to Ventimiglia in around 3h45.  Here, a train is boarding at the magnificent Milan Centrale More about Trenitalia Intercity trains.

2nd class   1st class

2nd class.  Larger photo.

 

1st class.  Larger photo.

TER train at Juans-les-Pins station

Step 3, take a TER local train from Ventimiglia to Monaco, Nice & Cannes.  Ventimiglia to Nice takes an hour along the coast.  Here, a TER rolls into Juan les Pins station, between Nice & Cannes.

Coastal scenery between Nice & Ventimiglia

Coastal scenery from the upper deck of the TER from Ventimiglia to Nice & Cannes.

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Venice to Brussels, Bruges & Belgium from €64

Option 1, Venice to Brussels with overnight stop in Lyon - easy & time-effective

Paris to Florence by Frecciarossa: A Frecciarossa 1000 at Milan Centrale

Milan to Lyon by Frecciarossa:  A Frecciarossa 1000 at Milan Centrale.  Interior photos courtesy of Nicholas Brooke.

Frecciarossa 1000 standard class   Frecciarossa 1000 Premium class seats

Standard class, with seats arranged 2+2 across the car width.  Larger photo.

 

Premium class, identical to Standard but in leather.  Sold as Standard on this route.  Larger photo.

Frecciarossa 1000 Business class seats   At-seat meal on Frecciarossa 1000

Business class seats 1+2 across car width, with tables for 2, tables for 4 & complimentary prosecco. Larger photo.

 

In business class you can order a simple meal at your seat, around €18.

Frecciarossa 1000 executive class   Frecciarossa executive meeting room

Executive class at one end of the train Larger photo.

 

The Executive class meeting room.  Larger photo.

Scenery in Italy, en route from Paris to Florence by train

Take a good book, a bottle o' red, and enjoy the scenery from Milan to Lyon with your feet up.  These are mountains in Italy, between Turin and Lyon, courtesy of www.discoverbyrail.com.

Scenery in France, en route from Paris to Florence by train

And these are mountains in France.

Option 2, Venice to Brussels with overnight stop in Turin

Option 3, Venice to Brussels using the Innsbruck-Cologne sleeper - scenic and time-effective

EuroCity train arrived at Innsbruck

Step 1, Venice to Innsbruck by Austrian EuroCity train, seen here at Innsbruck.  More about these EuroCity trains.

2nd class seats in an open-plan car   Austrian first class seats

2nd class seats, some in open-plan saloons like this, some in 6-seat compartments.

 

1st class leather seats.  You'll also find seats in classic 6-seat compartments.

Mountains on the Brenner route between Verona & Innsbruck.

The Nightjet sleeper at Innsbruck

Step 2, Innsbruck to Cologne by Nightjet sleeper train.  Above, a Comfortline sleeping-car on the Nightjet train about to leave Innsbruck.  More about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photo Video of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car.

A high-speed ICE3 train at Cologne Hbf

Step 3, Cologne to Brussels by ICE.  Above, an ICE3 at Cologne HbfMore about ICE trains.

2nd class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train   1st class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

2nd class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

 

1st class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

Erdinger Weissbier on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE train   Restaurant car on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

Proper china, metal cutlery.  I recommend the Erdinger Weissbier!  See current month's menu.

 

Restaurant car:  This is the small 12-seat restaurant area on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

Option 4, Venice to Brussels with overnight stop in Munich - Easy, scenic, ideal if you prefer day trains to sleepers

Option 5, Venice to Brussels using the Venice-Stuttgart Nightjet sleeper train - a time-effective option

The Nightjet train from Vienna to Venice, arrived at Venice Santa Lucia

Venice to Stuttgart by Nightjet.  Above, the Nightjet at Venice Santa Lucia.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photo Video of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car.

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Venice to Amsterdam from €79.80

Option 1, Venice to Amsterdam in a single day - daily except Saturdays

Incredibly, it's now possible to get from Venice to Amsterdam in a single day using top-quality high-speed trains, with some wonderful views of Italian & Swiss lakes.  It's a long day, so consider using a sleeper (options 2, 4 & 5) or breaking up the journey with an overnight stop in Munich (option 3).  But here's how to cross Europe in comfort by train in a single day.

ETR610 EuroCity train at Milan Centrale

An ETR610 at Milan Centrale, as used on the direct Milan-Frankfurt EuroCity train.  More about these EuroCity trains.

1st class on an Astoro train   Restaurant car on an Astoro train

1st class seats.  Larger photo.

 

Restaurant car.  Larger photo.

Lunch on an ETR610 train   1st class seats on an Astoro train

Lunch in the restaurant car.

 

2nd class.  Larger photo 360 degree photo.

Lake Maggiore, seen from the train

Lake Maggiore, seen over lunch in the restaurant car.

Option 2, Venice to Amsterdam via the scenic Brenner Pass then the Innsbruck-Amsterdam Nightjet sleeper train - comfortable, scenic & time-effective.

EuroCity train arrived at Innsbruck

Step 1, Venice to Innsbruck by Austrian EuroCity train, seen here at Innsbruck.  More about these EuroCity trains.

2nd class seats in an open-plan car   Austrian first class seats

2nd class seats, some in open-plan saloons like this, some in 6-seat compartments.

 

1st class leather seats.  You'll also find seats in classic 6-seat compartments.

Mountains on the Brenner route between Verona & Innsbruck.

The Nightjet sleeper at Innsbruck

Step 2, Innsbruck to Amsterdam by Nightjet sleeper train.  Above, a Comfortline sleeping-car on the Nightjet train about to leave Innsbruck.  More about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photo Video of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car.

Option 3, Venice to Amsterdam with overnight stop in Munich - easy, scenic, ideal if you prefer day trains to sleepers.

EuroCity train from Munich to Innsbruck & beyond

A EuroCity train at Munich Hbf.  More about these EuroCity trains.

2nd class seats in an open-plan car   Austrian first class seats

2nd class seats, some in open-plan saloons like this, some in 6-seat compartments.

 

1st class leather seats.  You'll also find seats in classic 6-seat compartments.

Hilltop fortresses seen from the Brenner Pass train

Watch out for hilltop fortresses.  See the Brenner Pass scenery video.

Scenery (and vineyards!) on the Brenner route   Scenery on the Brenner route

Vineyards, mountains and castles south of Brenner as the train heads from Verona to Innsbruck.

Mountains on the Brenner route.

Option 4, Venice to Amsterdam using the Venice-Stuttgart Nightjet sleeper train - a comfortable and time-effective option

The Nightjet train from Vienna to Venice, arrived at Venice Santa Lucia

Venice to Stuttgart by Nightjet.  Above, the Nightjet at Venice Santa Lucia.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photo Video of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car.

Option 5, Venice to Amsterdam with overnight stop in Paris

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Venice to Luxembourg

Option 1, Venice to Luxembourg using the Venice-Stuttgart Nightjet sleeper train - the most time-effective option

The Nightjet train from Vienna to Venice, arrived at Venice Santa Lucia

Venice to Munich by Nightjet.  Above, the Venice-Munich Nightjet at Venice Santa Lucia.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photo Video of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car.

Option 2, Venice to Luxembourg with overnight stop in Zurich

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Venice to Geneva, Zurich, Lucerne, Basel, Zermatt & Switzerland from €18

Choose between fast, comfortable & scenic (using mainline trains, either option 1 direct or option 2 with a change in Milan) and slow, comfortable, fabulous world-class highlight-of-your-trip scenic (option 3, via the narrow-gauge Bernina Express).

Option 1, Venice to Switzerland by direct train, twice a day - first see if these direct trains suit your schedule

Option 2, Venice to Switzerland with a change in Milan - if the direct trains don't suit you

ETR610 EuroCity train at Milan Centrale

An ETR610 train used on Milan-Switzerland EuroCity trains and the direct Venice-Geneva & Venice-Zurich trains.  More about Switzerland-Italy EuroCity trains.

1st class on an Astoro train   Restaurant car on an Astoro train

1st class seats.  Larger photo.

 

Restaurant car.  Larger photo.

Lunch on an ETR610 train   1st class seats on an Astoro train

Lunch in the restaurant car.

 

2nd class.  Larger photo 360 degree photo.

Lake Maggiore, seen from the train

This is Lake Maggiore, seen from the restaurant car of the 11:25 Milan to Basel EuroCity train over an excellent lunch of salmon tagliatelle & excellent Swiss red wine.

Sion castle, see from the train to Venice

Sion castle, as seen from a Venice to Geneva train.  This route train passes through the famous Simplon Tunnel, opened in 1906, on the very route used by the celebrated Simplon Orient Express of Agatha Christie fame.

Lake Lugano, seen from a Milan to Zurich train

This is Lake Lugano, seen from a Venice-Milan-Zurich EuroCity train.

Option 3, Venice to St Moritz, Chur, Zurich via the scenic narrow-gauge Bernina route

This is much slower and more effort to book, but it's the best Swiss Alps train ride of all, an amazing experience, over the fabulous narrow-gauge Bernina Railway.  Watch the video:  Milan to Zurich via the Bernina Pass.

First class seats   Bernina Express panormaic cars

Bernina Express 1st class seats.

 

the Bernina Express uses panoramic carriages.

The train descends from the Bernina Pass

The Bernina Express descends from the Bernina Pass.

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Venice to Barcelona, Madrid & Spain

Option 1, Venice to Barcelona & Spain via Lyon - the easiest & usually cheapest option

Option 2, Venice to Barcelona & Spain with overnight stop in Geneva.

ETR610 EuroCity train at Milan Centrale

Venice to Geneva by EuroCity train, seen here at Milan Centrale More about these EuroCity trains.

1st class on an Astoro train   Restaurant car on an Astoro train

1st class seats.  Larger photo.

 

Restaurant car.  Larger photo.

Lunch on an ETR610 train   1st class seats on an Astoro train

Lunch in the restaurant car.

 

2nd class.  Larger photo 360 degree photo.

Lake Leman, seen from a Geneva-Milan train

The view from the train:  Lake Leman on a wintry day.

TGV Duplex at Paris Gare de Lyon

To Barcelona by TGV.  More about the TGV to Barcelona.

TGV Duplex cafe-bar   TGV Duplex upper deck 2nd class seats

Cafe-bar on upper deck in car 4, serving tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine, beer, snacks & microwave-style hot dishes.

 

2nd class seats on the upper deck.  There's a mix or tables for 4 and unidirectional seating.  360Ί photo.

First class on board a TGV Duplex   An TGV Duplex at Paris Est.

1st class upper deck seats, club duo on the left, a club quatre on the right.  360Ί photo.

 

A TGV Duplex.  The 1 near the door indicates 1st class, a 2 indicates 2nd class.

Lunch from the cafe-bar on the train to Barcelona   The hilltop cathedral at Beziers

Dinner from the cafe-bar.

 

View from the train, passing Bιziers.

Mt Canigou in the Pyrenees

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/CanigouMore about the Paris-Barcelona journey.

Option 3, Italy to Barcelona by luxury cruise ferry

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Venice to Lisbon & Portugal

Option 1, Venice to Lisbon via Barcelona & Madrid

  • Day 1, travel from Venice to Madrid as shown in the Venice to Madrid section.

    You travel from Venice to Geneva, stay overnight, then travel from Geneva to Barcelona on day 2 and catch an evening train to Madrid.

Option 2, Venice to Faro & the Algarve using a bus from Seville

  • Day 2, travel from Seville to Faro by bus.  Buses run from Seville Plaza de Armas to Faro several times daily, journey time around 3h40, fare around €16-€20.

    Buses are run by Damas, Eva-Bus & Alsa amongst others, you can check times & buy tickets for various bus companies all in one place at Omio.com.  You print your own ticket.

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Venice to Andorra

  • Step 3, travel from Toulouse Matabiau station to Andorra la Vella by bus.  Andbus run several buses per day taking 4 hours, fare €36.

    There's a bus leaving Toulouse Matabiau station (bus stand 15) at 13:45 arriving Andorra 17:45. 

    Book the bus at www.andorrabybus.com or Omio.com.  I'd allow at least an hour between train and bus in Toulouse, just in case of delay.

Bus station next to Toulouse Matabiau station   Bus station next to Toulouse Matabiau station

Travel from Toulouse to Andorra by bus, seen at bus stand 15.  The bus station is right next to the rail station.

 

Bus station in Toulouse Matabiau forecourt.  Photos courtesy of Andrew McIntyre.

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Venice to Berlin from €39.90

Option 1, Venice to Berlin in a single day - a chill-out day via the scenic Brenner Pass

  • Step 1, travel from Venice to Verona by Frecciarossa, leaving Venice Santa Lucia at 06:48 arriving Verona Porta Nuova at 08:00.

    Frecciarossas have 4 classes, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  More about Frecciarossas.  A later departure from Venice is theoretically possible, but I'd want at least 45 minutes in Verona between trains in case of delay.

    Fares start at €9.90 in 2nd class or €19.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  • Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com:

    Set up an enquiry from Venice to Berlin, click More options, enter Verona (any station) as a via station and set duration to 45 minutes.  Now run the enquiry, looking in the search results for journeys with 2 changes that match the times above. 

    Booking opens up to 4 months ahead, in fact up to 6 months for the Verona-Germany section.  There's a small booking fee.  You print your own tickets or can show them on your phone.

EuroCity train from Munich to Innsbruck & beyond

A EuroCity train at Munich Hbf.  More about these EuroCity trains.

2nd class seats in an open-plan car   Austrian first class seats

2nd class seats, some in open-plan saloons like this, some in 6-seat compartments.

 

1st class leather seats.  You'll also find seats in classic 6-seat compartments.

Scenery (and vineyards!) on the Brenner route   Scenery on the Brenner route

Vineyards, mountains and castles south of Brenner as the train heads from Verona to Innsbruck.

Mountains on the Brenner route.  See the Brenner Pass scenery video here

Option 2, Venice to Berlin using the Venice-Munich Nightjet sleeper train - the time-effective option

  • Step 1, travel from Venice to Munich by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Venice Santa Lucia at 21:05 and arriving Munich Ost at 05:50.

    This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There's a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has several couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation.

    Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, same prices).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket.

    Transfer from Munich Ost to Munich Hbf by frequent S-Bahn train, journey time 8 minutes.

  • Step 2, travel from Munich to Berlin by ICE train, leaving Munich Hbf at 07:56 and arriving Berlin Hbf at 11:42.

    ICE trains have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

    Fares start at €39.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.

    Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

The Nightjet train from Vienna to Venice, arrived at Venice Santa Lucia

Step 1, Venice to Munich by Nightjet sleeper train.  Above, the Nightjet at Venice Santa Lucia.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photo Video of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car.

ICE second class   High-speed ICE train from Cologne to Berlin

2nd class seats.  Larger photo.

 

Step 2, Munich to Berlin by ICE.

ICE2 restaurant car   ICE2 bar car

Restaurant car.  Larger photo.

 

Bar car.  Larger photo.

ICE2 at Berlin   ICE first class

Boarding an ICE at Berlin Hbf.

 

1st class seats.  Larger photo.

Option 3, Venice to Berlin using the Zurich-Berlin sleeper

  • Step 1, travel from Venice to Milan by Frecciarossa, leaving Venice Santa Lucia at 11:48 and arriving Milan Centrale at 14:15.

    The Frecciarossa has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

    Fares start at €19.90 in 2nd class or €29.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or www.trenitalia.com (in €, requires Italian language place names, see advice on using it).  Booking opens up to 4 months ahead.  It's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.

  • Step 2, travel from Milan to Zurich by EuroCity train, leaving Milan Centrale at 15:10 and arriving Zurich HB at 18:27.

    Update: A freight train derailed in the Gotthard Base Tunnel in August 2023, in 2024 trains are still being diverted over the original (very scenic) Gotthard line taking an extra hour.  Whilst this continues, arrival in Zurich HB may be at 19:27, check times online.

    The EuroCity train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  It's a lovely run through the Alps, past Italian and Swiss lakes and passing through the world's longest railway tunnel, the Gotthard Base Tunnel.  Have dinner in Zurich, I can recommend the steak-frites and a beer at the Brasserie Federal on the main concourse at Zurich HB.

    Fares start at €29 in 2nd class or €49 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or www.trenitalia.com (in €, requires Italian language place names, see advice on using it).  Booking opens up to 4 months ahead.  It's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.

  • Step 3, travel from Zurich to Berlin by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Zurich HB at 20:59 and arriving Berlin Hbf at 07:20.

    This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has two air-conditioned double-deck sleeping-cars (1 & 2 bed compartments with washbasin, 1 & 2 bed deluxe compartments with shower & toilet, plus a few 3-berth compartments with washbasin), couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments & ordinary seats.  The sleeper & couchette fares include a light breakfast with tea or coffee in the morning.  More about Nightjets.

    Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, same prices).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket.

    Tip:  You can check the train formation, check car numbers & see in what order cars for different destinations are marshalled using www.vagonweb.cz.  Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Switzerland & click nj.

The Nightjet sleeper from Berlin to Zurich

Zurich to Berlin by Nightjet sleeper train.  More about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on Munich-Amsterdam sleeper

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car.

Option 4, Venice to Berlin with overnight stop in Munich - same as option 1 but with an overnight stop

  • Fares from Venice to Berlin start at €39.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.

    Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  • Buy tickets from Venice to Berlin at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.

    To get the overnight stop in Munich, click Stopovers and enter Munich Hbf with a suitable length of stay, say 11 hours.  Adjust as necessary to get the trains you want either side of Munich.  A little trial & error may be needed!

    Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

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Venice to Munich from €39.90

Option 1, Venice to Munich by EuroCity train - the scenic daytime option!

  • Fares start at €37.90 in 2nd class or €65.90 in 1st class.

    Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  • Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.

    Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

  • You can leave Venice earlier if you change trains in Verona - a good idea in winter, to see the scenery in daylight.

    You can travel from Venice to Verona Porta Nuova by hourly Frecciarossa trains, then from Verona Porta Nuova to Munich Hbf by Austrian EuroCity train, these leave every twp hours.  So you can leave Venice earlier or later than the direct 13:35 train if you like.  Just make sure you allow at least 45 minutes between trains in Verona in case of any delay as you will be on separate tickets.

    Venice to Verona by Frecciarossa train starts at €9.90, Verona to Munich by EuroCity train starts at €39.90.

    To check train times & book a journey with a change of train in Verona, go to www.raileurope.com and enter Venice Santa Lucia to Munich Hbf.  But before running the enquiry, click More options and enter Verona Porta Nuova as a via station with a stopover duration at least 45 minutes.  Raileurope.com connects to both the Trenitalia & German ticket systems so can sell both tickets as one transaction.  Look for options with 1 change.  Easy!

    Alternatively, you can book from Verona Porta Nuova to Munich or any other German destination at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.  Then book a suitable connecting train from Venice Santa Lucia to Verona Porta Nuova at www.italiarail.com or www.trenitalia.com.  Price should be the same as Raileurope.

EuroCity train from Munich to Innsbruck & beyond

A EuroCity train at Munich Hbf.  More about these EuroCity trains.

2nd class seats in an open-plan car   Austrian first class seats

2nd class seats, some in open-plan saloons like this, some in 6-seat compartments.

 

1st class leather seats.  You'll also find seats in classic 6-seat compartments.

Hilltop fortresses seen from the Brenner Pass train

Watch out for hilltop fortresses.  See the Brenner Pass scenery video.

Scenery (and vineyards!) on the Brenner route   Scenery on the Brenner route

Vineyards, mountains and castles south of Brenner as the train heads from Verona to Innsbruck.

Mountains on the Brenner route.

Option 2, Venice to Munich by Nightjet sleeper train - The time-effective overnight option

  • Every evening, a direct Nightjet sleeper train leaves Venice Santa Lucia at 21:05 and arrives Munich Ost at 05:50 next morning.

    This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There's a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has several couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation.

  • Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  • Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways own site www.oebb.at (in €, same prices).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket.

The Nightjet train from Vienna to Venice, arrived at Venice Santa Lucia

Venice to Munich by Nightjet.  Above, the Venice-Munich Nightjet at Venice Santa Lucia.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photo Video of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car.

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Venice to Frankfurt, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Hamburg & Germany

Option 1, Venice to Frankfurt, Cologne, Dusseldorf or Hamburg in a day via the scenic Brenner Pass - a scenic daytime option

  • Step 1, travel from Venice to Verona by Frecciarossa, leaving Venice Santa Lucia at 06:48 and arriving Verona Porta Nuova at 08:00.

    Frecciarossas have 4 classes, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see the Frecciarossa page.  A later departure from Venice is possible, but I'd allow plenty of time in Verona in case of delay.

    Fares start at €9.90 in 2nd class or €19.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  • Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com:

    Set up an enquiry from Venice to your German destination, click More options, enter Verona (any station) as a via station and set duration to 45 minutes.  Now run the enquiry, looking in the search results for journeys with 2 changes that match the times above.

    Booking opens up to 4 months ahead, in fact the Verona to Germany part opens up to 6 months ahead.  There's a small booking fee.  You print your tickets or can show them on your phone.

    Alternatively, you can book the Venice to Verona train at www.trenitalia.com (you'll need to use Italian place names) then book from Verona to Germany at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.

EuroCity train from Munich to Innsbruck & beyond

A EuroCity train at Munich Hbf.  More about these EuroCity trains.

2nd class seats in an open-plan car   Austrian first class seats

2nd class seats, some in open-plan saloons like this, some in 6-seat compartments.

 

1st class leather seats.  You'll also find seats in classic 6-seat compartments.

Scenery (and vineyards!) on the Brenner route   Scenery on the Brenner route

Vineyards, mountains and castles south of Brenner as the train heads from Verona to Innsbruck.

Mountains on the Brenner route.  See the Brenner Pass scenery video.

Option 2, Venice to Frankfurt, Cologne, Dusseldorf or Hamburg in a day via Switzerland - another scenic daytime option

  • Step 2, travel from Milan to Frankfurt by EuroCity train leaving Milan Centrale at 11:20 and arriving Frankfurt (Main) Hbf at 18:44.

    Update: A freight train derailed in the Gotthard Base Tunnel in August 2023, in 2024 trains are still being diverted over the original (very scenic) Gotthard line taking an extra hour and with fewer departures.  Until this is resolved, possibly September, the direct Milan-Frankfurt EuroCity train is cancelled.  You will need to change trains in Zurich, the journey may take an extra hour or two.

    The EuroCity train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  It uses the Gotthard route, past Lake Como and Lake Lugano, via the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world's longest railway tunnel See photos and video of the Gotthard route here.

    Change in Frankfurt for Cologne, Dusseldorf and so on.  It's even possible to reach Hamburg or Berlin shortly after midnight.

    Fares from Milan to Germany start at €59.90 in 2nd class or €119.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book from Milan to anywhere in Germany at int.bahn.de or www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, looking for the 11:20 departure.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.

ETR610 EuroCity train at Frankfurt Hbf

The Milan-Frankfurt train at Frankfurt Hbf.  There's a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Photo courtesy of @Nordkommission.

Frecciargento train 2nd class seats   Frecciargento train 1st class seats

2nd class on a Trenitalia ETR610.

 

1st class on a Trenitalia ETR610.

Lake Maggiore, seen from a Milan to Basel train

Lake Maggiore, seen from the train.

Option 3, Venice to Frankfurt, Cologne, Dόsseldorf or Hamburg by EuroCity train to Innsbruck then Nightjet sleeper train - scenic & time-effective

  • Step 1, travel from Venice to Innsbruck by EuroCity train, leaving Venice Santa Lucia at 13:34 and arriving Innsbruck Hbf at 18:36.

    This is a wonderful journey, over the causeway across the lagoon from central Venice to the mainland, over to Verona and up the wonderfully scenic Brenner Pass, see the Brenner Pass photos & video.

    Fares start at €19.90 in 2nd class or €39.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the German Railways website int.bahn.de (in €, no fee).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.

    Tip:  If you have a sleeping-car ticket, you can use the ΦBB lounge at Innsbruck Hbf between trains, with tea, coffee & free WiFi.

  • Step 2, travel from Innsbruck to Germany by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Innsbruck Hbf at 20:44 arriving next morning at Cologne Messe-Deutz at 06:53 & Dόsseldorf 07:23, with a separate portion to Hamburg Hbf arriving 08:47.

    The Innsbruck-Cologne-Dόsseldorf portion has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There's a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The train has several couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to accommodation.

    The Innsbruck-Hamburg portion is a new-generation Nightjet train with 1 & 2 bed sleepers all with shower & toilet, 4-berth comfort couchettes, individual mini cabins and ordinary seats, see the new generation Nightjet page for a guide to accommodation.

    The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.

    Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways own site www.oebb.at (in €, same prices).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket.

EuroCity train arrived at Innsbruck

Step 1, Venice to Innsbruck by Austrian EuroCity train.  This is a EuroCity train at Innsbruck.

2nd class seats in an open-plan car   Austrian first class seats

2nd class seats, some in open-plan saloons like this, some in 6-seat compartments.

 

1st class leather seats.  You'll also find seats in classic 6-seat compartments.

Mountains on the Brenner route between Verona & Innsbruck.

The Nightjet sleeper at Innsbruck

Step 2, Innsbruck to Cologne, Dόsseldorf or Hamburg by Nightjet sleeper train.  Above, the Nightjet train is about to leave Innsbruck.  More about Nightjet trains.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photo Video of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car.

Option 4, Venice to Stuttgart by Nightjet sleeper train, onwards by daytime ICE train - another time-effective option

  • Step 1, travel from Venice to Stuttgart by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Venice Santa Lucia at 21:05 and arriving Stuttgart Hbf at 08:38.

    This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation.

    Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket.

  • Step 2, travel from Stuttgart to Frankfurt, Cologne, Dόsseldorf or Hamburg by ICE train, allowing at least 60 minutes in Stuttgart.

    If you leave Stuttgart after 09:40 you'd reach Cologne 12:05, Dόsseldorf 12:35, Hamburg 16:14.

    ICE trains have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

    Fares start at €37.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book from Stuttgart to anywhere in Germany at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.

    Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

The Nightjet train from Vienna to Venice, arrived at Venice Santa Lucia

Venice to Stuttgart by Nightjet.  Above, the Nightjet at Venice Santa Lucia.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photo Video of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car.

Option 4, Venice to Germany with overnight stop in Munich - same as option 1 but with an overnight stop

  • Fares from Venice to Germany start at €37.90 in 2nd class or €65.90 in 1st class.

    Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  • Buy tickets from Venice to anywhere in Germany at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.

    To get the overnight stop in Munich, click Stopovers and enter Munich Hbf with a suitable length of stay, say 11 hours.  Adjust as necessary to get the trains you want either side of Munich.  A little trial & error may be needed!

    Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

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Venice to Vienna & Austria from €28.30

Option 1, Venice to Vienna by railjet train - the scenic daytime option

A railjet train about to leave Vienna

A Venice-Vienna railjet at Venice Santa LuciaMore about Venice-Vienna railjets.

Railjet restaurant car   Business class seats on a railjet train

Restaurant.  In 1st & business you're served at your seat.

 

Business class.  About business class.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy class.

The railjet travels over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  See the Vienna to Venice page for more information, photos & video.

Option 2, Venice to Vienna by Nightjet sleeper train - the time-effective option

  • An excellent Nightjet sleeper train leaves Venice Santa Lucia at 21:05 every night, arriving Vienna Hbf at 07:58 next morning.

    This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation.

  • Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  • Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways own site www.oebb.at (in €, same prices).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket.

The Nightjet sleeper at Vienna

A comfortline sleeping-car on a Nightjet sleeper train at Vienna Hbf.  More about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photo Video of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car.

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Venice to Salzburg from €21.90

Option 1, Venice to Salzburg via the scenic Tauern route - the daytime option, fastest route

  • Fares start at €21.90 in 2nd class or €59.90 in 1st class.

    Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

A railjet train about to leave Vienna

A Venice-Vienna railjet at Venice Santa LuciaMore about Venice-Vienna railjets.

Railjet restaurant car   Business class seats on a railjet train

Restaurant.  In 1st & business you're served at your seat.

 

Business class.  About business class.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy class.

The railjet travels over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  See the Vienna to Venice page for more information, photos & video.

Option 2, Venice to Salzburg via Innsbruck scenic Brenner route - the daytime option, alternative route

  • To find journeys & buy tickets use www.raileurope.com.

    This can sell both Italian and Austrian tickets and has a stopover duration feature.  Set up an enquiry from Venice to Salzburg, click More options and enter Verona Porta Nuova as a via station with a stopover duration of at least 45 minutes.  That gets you a robust connection where the tickets change over.  You print your own tickets or can show them on your phone.

Option 3, Venice to Salzburg by Nightjet sleeper train - the time-effective option

  • A Nightjet sleeper train leaves Venice Santa Lucia at 21:05 arriving Salzburg Hbf at 04:04 (ouch!)  But you don't need to get up that early.

    The sleeper costs the same whether you get off in Salzburg Linz, St Pφlten or Vienna, so book it to either Linz (06:04) or St Pφlten (07:09).  Then there's no need to get up at 4am.

    The comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation.

    Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book the Nightjet at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, same fares).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.

  • On arrival in Linz or St Pφlten, hop on an hourly double-deck Westbahn train back to Salzburg Hbf, 1h05 from Linz, 2h02 from St Pφlten.

    You can either take the next train and pay the standard price to the conductor, €31.90 from Linz or €53.90 from St Pφlten, or you can pre-book a much cheaper ticket, only good for the specified departure.  The sleeper might be late, so if booking a cheaper ticket I'd allow at least 1 hour in Linz or St Polten.  Check Westbahn prices at www.thetrainline.com or www.westbahn.at.

The Nightjet train from Vienna to Venice, arrived at Venice Santa Lucia

Venice to Linz or Vienna by Nightjet.  Above, the Nightjet at Venice Santa Lucia.  More about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photo Video of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car.

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Venice to Innsbruck from €19.90

Option 1, Venice to Innsbruck by direct train - the best option, if the afternoon departure suits you

  • Fares start at €19.90 in 2nd class or €39.90 in 1st class.

    Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  • Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.

    Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

    You can also book using www.thetrainline.com (easiest to use, in €, £ or $, overseas cards no problem) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, same prices).  These use the Austrian ticketing system, prices may differ from the German system.

Option 2, other departures with a change in Verona - if you want a morning departure

  • You take an Italian Frecciarossa train from Venice Santa Lucia to Verona Porta Nuova, then an Austrian EuroCity train to Innsbruck, these run every two hours.  I'd allow at least 45 minutes between trains in Verona where you switch tickets.

  • Venice to Verona starts at €9.90 in 2nd class or €19.90 in 1st class.

    Verona to Innsbruck starts at €19.90 in 2nd class or €39.90 in 1st class.

    Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

  • Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com.

    This can sell both Italian and Austrian tickets and has a stopover duration feature.  Set up an enquiry from Venice to Innsbruck, click More options and enter Verona Porta Nuova as a via station with a stopover duration of at least 45 minutes.  That gets you a robust connection where the tickets change over.  You print your own tickets or can show them on your phone.

EuroCity train arrived at Innsbruck

A EuroCity train at Innsbruck.  More about these EuroCity trains.

2nd class seats in an open-plan car   Austrian first class seats

2nd class seats, some in open-plan saloons like this, some in 6-seat compartments.

 

1st class leather seats.  You'll also find seats in classic 6-seat compartments.

Scenery (and vineyards!) on the Brenner route   Scenery on the Brenner route

Vineyards, mountains and castles south of Brenner as the train heads from Verona to Innsbruck.

Mountains on the Brenner route.  See the Brenner Pass scenery video here.

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Venice to Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Stockholm & Scandinavia

Option 1, Venice to Copenhagen & Stockholm using the Zurich-Hamburg sleeper - the most time-effective option

  • Step 1, travel from Venice to Milan by Frecciarossa, leaving Venice Santa Lucia at 11:48 and arriving Milan Centrale at 14:15.

    The Frecciarossa has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

    Fares start at €19.90 in 2nd class or €29.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or www.trenitalia.com (in €, requires Italian language place names, see advice on using it).  You print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.

  • Step 2, travel from Milan to Zurich by EuroCity train, leaving Milan Centrale at 15:10 and arriving Zurich HB at 18:27.

    Update: A freight train derailed in the Gotthard Base Tunnel in August 2023, in 2024 trains are still being diverted over the original (very scenic) Gotthard line taking an extra hour.  Whilst this continues, arrival in Zurich HB may be at 19:27, check times online.

    The EuroCity train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  It's a lovely run through the Alps, past Italian and Swiss lakes and passing through the world's longest railway tunnel, the Gotthard Base Tunnel.

    Have dinner in Zurich, I recommend steak-frites & a beer at the Brasserie Federal on the main concourse at Zurich HB.

    Fares start at €29 in 2nd class or €49 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or www.trenitalia.com (in €, requires Italian language place names, see advice on using it).

    Booking opens up to 90 days ahead.  It's ticketless, you print your booking reference or show it on your phone.

  • Step 3, travel from Zurich to Hamburg by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Zurich HB at 20:59 and arriving Hamburg Hbf at 07:53.

    This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has two air-conditioned double-deck sleeping-cars (1 & 2 bed compartments with washbasin, 1 & 2 bed deluxe compartments with shower & toilet, plus a few 3-berth compartments with washbasin), couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments & ordinary seats.  The sleeper & couchette fares include a light breakfast with tea or coffee in the morning.  More about Nightjets.

    Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, same prices).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.

    Tip:  You can check the train formation, check car numbers & see in what order cars for different destinations are marshalled using www.vagonweb.cz.  Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Switzerland & click nj.

  • Step 5, travel from Copenhagen to Sweden by train.

    For Stockholm, travel from Copenhagen to Stockholm by X2000 train leaving Copenhagen at 14:19 and arriving Stockholm Central at 19:37.

    For Gothenburg, travel from Copenhagen to Gothenburg Central by Φresund train, these leave every hour taking 3h50.

    For Malmo, travel from Copenhagen to Malmφ Central by Φresund train every 20-30 minutes taking 39 minutes.

    All these trains cross the water from Denmark to Sweden over the impressive Φresund fixed link

    Fares from Hamburg to Sweden start at €56.90.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book from Hamburg to Stockholm, Gothenburg or Malmφ at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.

    Gothenburg is listed as Gφteborg Central.  If you don't see any affordable fares, split the booking, book Hamburg to Copenhagen at int.bahn.de and booking Copenhagen to anywhere in Sweden at either Omio.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, small fee) or www.sj.se (in SEK).

    Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.

Giruno train

Milan to Zurich by EuroCity train More about these EuroCity trains.

1st class on Giruno   Restaurant car on Giruno

Giruno, 1st class.  Larger photo.

 

Restaurant car with bar counter. Larger photo.

Lake Lugano, seen from a Milan to Zurich train

Lake Lugano, seen from a Milan to Zurich train on the Gotthard route.

Double-deck sleeping-car on a Nightjet at Zurich

Zurich to Hamburg by Nightjet.  This is a double-deck sleeping-car at Zurich HB. Courtesy of DiscoverbyRail.com.

   

2-berth sleeper on lower deck.

 

Stairs down to pair of lower compartments.

 

1 or 2-bed sleeper on lower deck with washbasin, viewed through window.  Set up as 1-bed.  Note how compact the compartment is.

    4-berth couchette on Nightjet train

Nightjet couchette car.

 

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

Hamburg-Copenhagen train at Copenhagen

Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train.  From June 2023, these trains are temporarily being operated by former German Railways intercity cars and a Danish electric locomotive, until new trains being built by Talgo arrive in 2024.  The current trains have 1st & 2nd class, power sockets at seats, but no catering so bring your own food & drink.  More about the Hamburg-Copenhagen journey.

2nd clas seats on a DB Intercity train

2nd class seats are almost all open-plan like this.  There are a handful of 6-seat 2nd class compartments in one of the coaches, but only a few.

1st class comparment on a Berlin to Amsterdam train   1st class 6-seat compartment on a Berlin to Amsterdam train

The 1st class car has 6-seater compartments like this. Larger photo Larger photo.

An X2000 train at Stockholm Central

Copenhagen to Stockholm by tilting 200km/h X2000, seen at Stockholm CentralMore about X2000 trains.

1st class seats on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train 2nd class seats on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train

1st class on an X2000.  Larger photo.

 

2nd class on an X2000.  Larger photo.

Bistro seating area on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train   Bistro seating area on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train

Bistro seating on an X2000 train. Larger photo.

 

Bistro on an X2000 train. Larger photo.

On the Oresund link!

Crossing the impressive Φresund bridge from Denmark to Sweden.

Option 2, Venice to Copenhagen using the Innsbruck-Hamburg Nightjet sleeper train

  • Step 1, travel from Venice to Innsbruck by EuroCity train, leaving Venice Santa Lucia at 13:34 and arriving Innsbruck Hbf at 18:36.

    This is a wonderful journey, over the causeway across the lagoon from Venice to the mainland, over to Verona and up the scenic Brenner Pass, see the Brenner Pass scenery video.

    Fares start at €19.90 in 2nd class or €39.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.

    Booking opens up to 6 months ahead,  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

    Tip:  If you have a sleeping-car ticket, you can use the ΦBB Lounge at Innsbruck Hbf between trains, with tea, coffee, soft drinks & free WiFi.

  • Step 2, travel from Innsbruck to Hamburg by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Innsbruck Hbf 20:44 arriving Hamburg Hbf at 08:47 next morning.

    From the timetable change on 10 December 2023 this train is operated by a new generation Nightjet train with 1 & 2 bed sleepers all with shower & toilet, 4-berth comfort couchettes, individual mini cabins and ordinary seats, see the new generation Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers, couchettes & mini cabins.

    Fares start at €59.90 in a mini cabin or 4-berth couchettes, €109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (same prices, in €).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.

    Tip:  You can check the train formation, check car numbers & see in what order cars for different destinations are marshalled using www.vagonweb.cz.  Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Austria & click nj.

  • Step 3, travel from Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 10:53 and arriving Copenhagen at 15:34.

    Fares start at €27.90 in 2nd class or €47.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this at either www.thetrainline.com (keeping all your bookings together in one place) or the German Railways website int.bahn.deBooking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.

EuroCity train arrived at Innsbruck

Step 1, Venice to Innsbruck by Austrian EuroCity train, seen at Innsbruck.  More about these EuroCity trains.

2nd class seats in an open-plan car   Austrian first class seats

2nd class seats, some in open-plan saloons like this, some in 6-seat compartments.

 

1st class leather seats.  You'll also find seats in classic 6-seat compartments.

Mountains on the Brenner route between Verona & Innsbruck.

The Nightjet sleeper at Innsbruck

Step 2, Innsbruck to Hamburg by Nightjet sleeper train.  Above, a Comfortline sleeping-car on the Nightjet train about to leave Innsbruck.  More about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photo Video of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Couchette car on the Nightjet train.

Hamburg-Copenhagen train at Copenhagen

Step 3, Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train.  From June 2023, these trains are temporarily being operated by former German Railways intercity cars and a Danish electric locomotive, until new trains being built by Talgo arrive in 2024.  The current trains have 1st & 2nd class, power sockets at seats, but no catering so bring your own food & drink.  More about the Hamburg-Copenhagen journey.

2nd clas seats on a DB Intercity train

2nd class seats are almost all open-plan like this.  There are a handful of 6-seat 2nd class compartments in one of the coaches, but only a few.

1st class comparment on a Berlin to Amsterdam train   1st class 6-seat compartment on a Berlin to Amsterdam train

The 1st class car has 6-seater compartments like this. Larger photo Larger photo.

Option 3, Venice to Copenhagen using the Venice-Munich sleeper - also a time-effective option

  • Day 1, travel from Venice to Munich by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Venice Santa Lucia at 21:05, arriving Munich Ost at 05:50.

    This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to accommodation.

    Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, same prices).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket.

    Transfer from Munich Ost to Munich Hbf by frequent S-Bahn train, journey time 8 minutes.

  • Day 2, travel from Munich to Copenhagen, leaving Munich Hbf 10:21, changing at Hamburg Hbf and arriving Copenhagen at 21:34.

    Treat this as a chill-out day with a good book and a glass or two of wine (I can recommend DB's Spδtburgunder red).  You travel from Munich to Hamburg by ICE train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  You travel from Hamburg to Copenhagen by comfortable EuroCity train with power sockets at all seats & a refreshment trolley.

    If you're only going as far as Copenhagen, book from Munich to Copenhagen from €37.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class at the German Railways site int.bahn.deBooking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.

Option 4, Venice to Copenhagen by day trains with overnight stop in Munich

Option 5, Venice to Copenhagen, Gothenburg & Stockholm by day trains with overnight stop in Hamburg

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Venice to Oslo & Norway

Option 1, Venice to Oslo with overnight stop in Hamburg - by train all the way

Option 2, Venice to Oslo by train all the way - another option

Option 3, Venice to Oslo via the Kiel-Oslo cruise ferry - the most comfortable way to Oslo

EuroCity train arrived at Innsbruck

Step 1, Venice to Innsbruck by Austrian EuroCity train, seen here at Innsbruck.  More about these EuroCity trains.

2nd class seats in an open-plan car   Austrian first class seats

2nd class seats, some in open-plan saloons like this, some in 6-seat compartments.

 

1st class leather seats.  You'll also find seats in classic 6-seat compartments.

Mountains on the Brenner route between Verona & Innsbruck.

The Nightjet sleeper at Innsbruck

Step 2, Innsbruck to Hamburg by Nightjet sleeper train and transfer to Kiel by regional train.  Above, the Nightjet train about to leave Innsbruck.  More about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photo Video of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car.

Germany to Oslo Color Line ferry at Kiel

Step 3, sail from Kiel to Oslo with Color Line.  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.

Boarding the ferry in Kiel

Boarding the Color Line ferry to Oslo in Kiel.

Kiel to Oslo ferry, Color Class suite   Kiel to Oslo ferry, restaurant

A 5 Star Suite on the ferry.

 

More cruise liner than ferry!  The restaurant.

View from Color Line ferry to Oslo

Wake up to this...

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Venice to Helsinki & Finland

Option 1, Venice to Helsinki using a Finnlines ferry from Germany - the easiest option

Finnlines ferry Travemunde-Helsinki

Finnlines operate the Finnstar, Finnmaid & Finnlady on the Travemόnde-Helsinki route.  Photo courtesy of Hubert Bartkowiak.  Photos below courtesy of Chris Russell.

Cabin on Finnlines ferry Travemunde-Helsinki   Gym on Finnlines ferry   Sauna on Finnlines ferry

Standard cabin.  Larger photo.

 

Gym with a view.

 

Sauna.

Option 2, Venice to Helsinki by train to Stockholm, then ferry

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Venice to Prague, Cesky Krumlov & the Czech Republic

Option 1, Venice to Prague via the Venice-Vienna sleeper - comfortable, safe & time-effective with a chance to see Vienna on the way

The Nightjet sleeper at Vienna

Step 1, Venice to Vienna by Nightjet sleeper train.  This is a comfortline sleeping-car on a Nightjet sleeper train arrived at Vienna Hbf.  More about Nightjet trains.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photo Video of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Couchette car on the Nightjet train.

Czech Railjet train to Vienna at Prague Hlavni station

Step 2, Vienna to Prague by smart modern railjet train, with economy, first & business class, restaurant car, free WiFi and draught beer on tap.  More about Vienna-Prague railjets.

Economy seats on a Prague to Vienna Railjet train   1st class seats on a Czech Railjet train

Economy (2nd) class.  Mainly unidirectional seating but with some tables for 4.  All seats have power sockets & free WiFi.  Larger photo.

 

First class.  Mainly unidirectional, with some tables for 2 & tables for 4.  Larger photo

Restaurant car on a Prague-Vienna railjet train   Business class on a Czech railjet train

Restaurant car for snacks, meals, beer, wine, tea & coffee.  You don't need to reserve, just turn up & sit down.  There's waiter-service at tables or order at the counter & take back to your seat.  Larger photo.

 

Business class = premium 1st class.  Just 6 seats at one end of the 1st class car.  Same seats but very different layout from business class on Austrian railjetLarger photo.

Option 2, Venice to Prague in a single day from €48, comfy, scenic

A railjet train about to leave Vienna

A Venice-Vienna railjet at Venice Santa LuciaMore about Venice-Vienna railjets.

Railjet restaurant car   Business class seats on a railjet train

Restaurant.  In 1st & business you're served at your seat.

 

Business class.  About business class.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy class.

The railjet travels over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  See the Vienna to Venice page for more information, photos & video.

Option 3, Venice to Prague by day trains with overnight stop in Vienna - same as option 3 but an overnight stop breaks up the journey nicely

Option 4, Venice to Prague by day trains with overnight stop in Munich - from €37.90, the cheapest option

EuroCity train from Munich to Innsbruck & beyond

This is a EuroCity train at Munich Hbf.  More about these EuroCity trains.

2nd class seats in an open-plan car   Austrian first class seats

2nd class seats, some in open-plan saloons like this, some in 6-seat compartments.

 

1st class leather seats.  You'll also find seats in classic 6-seat compartments.

Hilltop fortresses seen from the Brenner Pass train

Watch out for hilltop fortresses.

Scenery (and vineyards!) on the Brenner route   Scenery on the Brenner route

Vineyards, mountains and castles south of Brenner as the train heads from Verona to Innsbruck.

Mountains on the Brenner route.  See the Brenner Pass scenery video.

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Venice to Bratislava from €42

Option 1, Venice to Bratislava by daytime train - the scenic option

A railjet train about to leave Vienna

Step 1, Venice to Vienna by railjet, seen at Venice Santa Lucia More about Venice-Vienna railjets.

Railjet restaurant car   Business class seats on a railjet train

Restaurant.  In 1st & business you're served at your seat.

 

Business class.  About business class.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy class.

The railjet travels over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  See the Vienna to Venice page for more information, photos & video.

The train from Vienna to Bratislava, at Vienna Huaptbahnhof...   Inside the hourly train from Vienna to Bratislava...

Step 2, Vienna to Bratislava by hourly Regional Express train, seen at Vienna Hbf.  Behind the locomotive is a smart Slovakian air-conditioned intercity coach, the rest of the train consists of non-air-con Austrian City Shuttle carriages, as shown in the photo above right.  Find a seat in the more Slovakian car if you can!  More about these trains.

Option 2, Venice to Bratislava using the Venice-Vienna sleeper train - the time-effective option

The Nightjet sleeper at Vienna

Step 1, Venice to Vienna by Nightjet sleeper train.  This is a comfortline sleeping-car on a Nightjet sleeper train arrived at Vienna Hbf.  More about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photo Video of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Couchette car on the Nightjet train.

The train from Vienna to Bratislava, at Vienna Huaptbahnhof...   Inside the hourly train from Vienna to Bratislava...

Step 2, Vienna to Bratislava by hourly regional express train, seen about to leave Vienna Hbf.  Behind the locomotive is a smart Slovakian air-conditioned intercity coach, whilst the rest of the train consists of more basic non-air-con Austrian City Shuttle carriages, with interiors as shown in the photo above right.  Find a seat in the more comfortable Slovakian car if you can!  More about these trains.

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Venice to Budapest from €68

Option 1, Venice to Budapest using the Venice-Vienna Nightjet sleeper train - safe, comfortable, time-effective

The Nightjet sleeper at Vienna

Step 1, Venice to Vienna by Nightjet sleeper train.  This is a comfortline sleeping-car on a Nightjet sleeper train arrived at Vienna Hbf.  More about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photo Video of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car.

A railjet train about to leave Vienna

Step 2, Vienna to Budapest by railjet.  A railjet at Vienna Hbf.  More about railjets.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Railjet restaurant car

Business class.  About business class.

 

Restaurant.  In 1st & business you're served at your seat.

First class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy (2nd) class.

A railjet train from Vienna to Budapest, arrived at Budapest Keleti

The railjet has landed.  A railjet on platform 9 at Budapest Keleti.

Option 2, Venice to Budapest in a single day - comfortable &, scenic

A railjet train about to leave Vienna

A Venice-Vienna railjet, at Venice Santa Lucia More about Venice-Vienna railjets.

Railjet restaurant car   Business class seats on a railjet train

Restaurant.  In 1st & business you're served at your seat.

 

Business class.  About business class.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy class.

The railjet travels over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  See the Vienna to Venice page for more information, photos & video.

Option 3, Venice to Budapest with overnight stop in Vienna - same as option 2 but an overnight stop breaks up the journey nicely

Option 4, Venice to Budapest with overnight stop in Ljubljana - cheapest option at short notice & a chance to see Trieste & Ljubljana on the way

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Venice to Bucharest, Brasov & Romania

Option 1, Venice to Romania by railjet to Vienna and Dacia Express sleeper train to Sighisoara, Brasov & Bucharest

A railjet train about to leave Vienna

Step 1, Venice to Vienna by railjet, seen here at Venice Santa LuciaMore about Venice-Vienna railjets.

Railjet restaurant car   Business class seats on a railjet train

Restaurant.  In 1st & business you're served at your seat.

 

Business class.  About business class.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy class.

The railjet travels over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  See the Vienna to Venice page for more information, photos & video.

Dacia Express sleeper at Vienna   Dacia Express sleeper at Vienna

Step 2, Venice to Romania by Dacia Express seen here at Vienna Hbf.  This is the sleeping-car.  Sleeper photo courtesy of @PaliparanDotCom.  Larger photo.

Romanian couchette car from Vienna to Bucharest   Dacia Express couchette car

The Dacia Express couchette car, boarding at Vienna Hbf.  Larger photo.

Scenery in Transylvania

Transylvania:  The Dacia Express crosses rural Transylvania.  Courtesy of @PaliparanDotCom.

Dacia Express Carpathian mountains

The Carpathian mountains:  Almost Alpine scenery between Brasov & Bucharest.  Courtesy of @PaliparanDotCom

Option 2, Venice to Romania using the sleeper from Budapest to Brasov & Bucharest - longer, sometimes cheaper, with afternoon in Budapest.

2-berth sleeper on the Ister   The Ister at Bucharest Nord

A 1, 2 or 3-bed sleeper with washbasin.  Larger photo.

 

The sleeping-car (vagon de dormit) on the westbound Ister at Bucharest.  Sleepers convert from beds to private sitting rooms for day use.  Courtesy of @AndyBTravels, DiscoverByRail.com.

Couchette car on the Ister EuroNight train from Budapest to Bucharest   Romanian couchette car from Vienna to Bucharest

The vagon cuseta (couchette car) on the westbound Ister, boarding at Bucharest.  Couchettes convert to seats by day.  Courtesy of @AndyBTravels, DiscoverByRail.com.

 

4 or 6-berth couchettes.  Larger photo.

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Venice to Ljubljana & Slovenia, Zagreb

Option 1, Venice to Ljubljana & Zagreb via Villach - a comfortable option, easily booked

Option 2, Venice to Ljubljana & Zagreb via Trieste - the historic direct route, with no need to pre-book

Scenery between Trieste and Ljubljana

Looking back from the rear of the Austrian EuroCity train as it climbs out of Trieste.  Courtesy Helmut Uttenthaler.

Scenery between Trieste and Ljubljana

Scenery in Slovenia on the way from Trieste to Ljubljana.  More about Venice-Trieste-Ljubljana.

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Venice to Dubrovnik & Split

Option 1, Venice to Split & Dubrovnik by train via Zagreb - overland all the way

  • Step 1, travel overland from Venice to Zagreb by train as shown above.

  • Step 2, take a train from Zagreb to Split (daytime or sleeper) then a bus Split to Dubrovnik (4 hours, lots of buses). 

Option 2, Venice to Split & Dubrovnik by ferry from Ancona or Bari - more time-effective

Ancona to Split ferries in Split Harbour   Deluxe cabin onm Ancona to Split ferry

Blue Line & Jadrolinija ferries in Split Harbour.  Above right, a deluxe cabin on the Blue Line ferry, which comes complete with an en suite jacuzzi.  Courtesy of Andrew Leo.

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Venice to Belgrade

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Venice to Sofia

Option 1, Venice to Sofia via Budapest & Bucharest

Option 2, Venice to Sofia via Belgrade

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Venice to Bar, Budva, Kotor & Montenegro
Montenegro Lines ferry from Bar to Bari

The Montenegro Lines ferry to Bari at Bar ferry terminal.

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Venice to Warsaw, Krakow & Poland

Option 1, Venice to Krakow & Warsaw using the Venice-Vienna sleeper

The Nightjet train from Vienna to Venice, arrived at Venice Santa Lucia

Step 1, Venice to Vienna by Nightjet sleeper train.  Above, the Nightjet at Venice Santa Lucia.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photo Video of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car.

The Danubius from Vienna to Krakow

Step 2, Vienna to Warsaw or Krakow by EuroCity train.  This is the Danubius to Krakow at Vienna Hbf on a winter afternoon.  That's the Czech through car to Wroclaw nearest the camera, the Polish cars to Krakow are ahead of it.  Courtesy of Helmut Uttenthaler.

2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train   2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

Most 2nd class cars have compartments like this with side corridor & 6-seat compartments.

Option 2, Venice to Krakow & Warsaw using the Vienna-Krakow-Warsaw sleeper.  Given the scenery between Venice & Vienna, perhaps the better option!

A railjet train about to leave Vienna

Step 1, Venice to Vienna by railjet, seen here at Venice Santa LuciaMore about Venice-Vienna railjets.

Railjet restaurant car   Business class seats on a railjet train

Restaurant.  In 1st & business you're served at your seat.

 

Business class.  About business class.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy class.

The railjet travels over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  See the Vienna to Venice page for more information, photos & video.

Modern Polish sleeping-car

Step 2, Vienna to Krakow & Warsaw by sleeper train.  This is the modern Polish sleeping-car from Vienna to Krakow & Warsaw, boarding at Vienna Hbf.

Modern Polish sleeper in day mode   Modern Polish sleeper in day mode   A deluxe sleeper on the Amsterdam to Warsaw train   Deluxe sleepers have a private shower & toilet

Standard sleeper in evening/morning mode with seats folded out.

 

Standard sleeper set up as a 3-berth, can also be sold as a single or double.

 

Deluxe sleeper, set up as a 2-berth, showing TV & wardrobe.

 

Deluxe sleeper:  En suite shower & toilet.

Option 3, Venice to Krakow or Warsaw with overnight stop in Vienna - if you prefer daytime trains & hotel to sleepers

A railjet train about to leave Vienna

Day 1, Venice to Vienna by railjet, seen here at Venice Santa Lucia More about Venice-Vienna railjets.

Railjet restaurant car   Business class seats on a railjet train

Restaurant.  In 1st & business you're served at your seat.

 

Business class.  About business class.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy class.

The railjet travels over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  See the Vienna to Venice page for more information, photos & video.

The morning train from Vienna to Krakow

Day 2, Vienna to Krakow by EuroCity train, seen here boarding at Vienna Hbf.

Austrian restaurant car   Meal in an Austrian restaurant car on a Munich-Verona train

Austrian restaurant car.  See larger photo.

Lunch with wine on board.

2nd class seats in an open-plan car   2nd class seats in 6-seat compartments

2nd class seats in an open-plan saloon.  Some of the Austrian Vienna-Krakow cars are like this.  See larger photo.

 

2nd class seats in a compartment.  Other Vienna-Krakow cars are like this. See larger photo.

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Venice to Lviv, Kyiv & Moscow
The Vienna-Kiev sleeping-car at Vienna Hbf

The Vienna-Kyiv sleeping-car at Vienna Hbf.

Sleeper to Kiev about to leave Vienna   Ukrainian sleeper corridor   1, 2 or 3 bed Ukrainian sleeper compartment

The Vienna-Kyiv sleeper about to leave Vienna Hbf. Courtesy of Helmut Uttenthaler.

 

Sleeper corridor.  Courtesy Helmut Uttenthaler.

 

1, 2 or 3 bed sleeper compartment.

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Venice to Athens & Greece

Option 1, Venice to Greece by direct ferry, several times a week

Option 2, Venice to Bari by train, then Bari to Greece by daily ferry - recommended

Superfast ferry from Bari to Patras in Greece

The ferry Superfast II from Bari to Patras, boarding at Bari.  Courtesy of DiscoverByRail.com.

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Venice to Istanbul & Turkey

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Railbookers custom-made tours

If you just want to buy train tickets at the cheapest price, book online as shown on this page.  However, if you want someone to sort out your whole trip for you, arranging all your trains, hotels and transfers, and to look after you if anything affects your arrangements, talk to Railbookers.  Railbookers can tailor-make a train trip around Europe to your own specification.  Just tell them what you want and they'll advise you on the best trains, routes & hotels.  They get good reports and a lot of repeat business!  They now have offices in the UK, North America and Australia.

UK flag  UK call 0207 864 4600, www.railbookers.co.uk.

US flag  US call free 1-888-829-4775, see website.

Canadian flag  Canada call free 1-855-882-2910, see website.

Australian flag  Australia call toll-free 1300 971 526, see website.

New Zealand flag  New Zealand call toll-free 0800 000 554 or see website.


Hotels in Venice

For advice on hotels in Venice, see the Venice Santa Lucia station page.

Find hotels at Booking.comMy favourite hotel search: www.booking.com

Booking.com is my favourite hotel booking site and I generally use it to book all my hotels in one place.  I've come to trust booking.com's review scores, you won't be disappointed with any hotel that scores 8.0 or more.  Crucially, booking.com usually lets you book with free cancellation, which means you can confirm accommodation risk-free before train booking opens and/or you can hold accommodation while you finalise your itinerary and alter your plans as they evolve - a feature I use all the time when planning a trip.  I never book hotels non-refundably!

Backpacker hostels

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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