Italy is Germany’s most popular international train destination, and for good reason. Munich to Venice is under 7 hours; Munich to Milan is about 4.5 hours. Both are comfortable alternatives to flying.
Munich to Venice
The EuroCity (EC) train runs several times daily from Munich Hauptbahnhof through Innsbruck and the Brenner Pass to Verona and Venice Santa Lucia. The Brenner route is scenically excellent — you cross the Alps through mountain valleys and emerge into northern Italy. Book via Deutsche Bahn or Trenitalia. Reserve seats, especially for the Italian portions. Prices from €30–80 depending on timing.
Munich to Milan
Direct trains run via Innsbruck and the Brenner, or via Zurich (longer but comfortable). The Munich–Milan journey brings you to Milano Centrale, from where you can connect to Florence, Rome, or the Italian coast. Milan is also a natural base for Lake Como day trips.
Night Train Option
The Nightjet (Austrian Federal Railways ÖBB) runs overnight trains from Munich and Vienna to Italian cities including Venice, Rome, and Milan. A couchette berth starts around €50 and saves a hotel night. Book early — popular summer routes sell out months in advance.
Venice in 36 Hours
Arrive at Santa Lucia station (on the Grand Canal — immediately scenic). The main tourist circuit (Rialto, Piazza San Marco, Doge’s Palace) takes a full day. The second day: take the vaporetto to Murano and Burano for glass-blowing and colourful houses. Eat cicchetti (Venetian tapas) at bacari (wine bars) around the Rialto — these are where the locals eat, not the tourist restaurants on the main squares.
