teer

Hi there,
I am considering taking the night train that leaves Venice around 11pm, and arrives in Munich at 6am(at the beginning of October). I plan to get a couchette or bed. I would like any information you have about this trip. Are the sleeping facilities reasonable? How easy is it to get to the train station in Venice...is it centrally located...and how convenient is the train station in Muncih? Is it centrally located?

elberko

I think you said there are 3 of you traveling. I would recommend a T3, which has 3 beds in a private room.

My family of 3 has done this on another route. Not the best night of sleep, but it feels like an adventure.

Here's a site with some info on that particular train:

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homep...e/t40288ve.htm

elberko

This site is useful for general overnight train info, and pictures:

http://www.seat61.com/Sleepers.htm

TopMan

In terms of the station locations: the main station in Munich is very centrally located and you can get to S-Bahn and U-Bahn network trains one level down from the platforms. You can also catch trams right outside the building. Theoretically the station is with walking distance of the Marienplatz which is about as central as it gets.

In Venice, are you catching the train from Santa Lucia or from Maestre station? If the latter, and you are staying across the lagoon (i.e., in "Venice" as everyone knows it) then you can easily catch a connecting train from Venice S.L. to Maestre to make your connection..these two stations are only 5-10 minutes apart by rail.

If you can afford to do so I would strongly advise against a couchette accommodation...I KNOW you'll be much more comfortable upgraded somewhat than that. "Adventures" are fine but there are some that, like disabling illnesses, can easily be avoided and you'll still go to Heaven.

Have a great trip.

chtiet

If you're going to Munich during Oktoberfest - reserve NOW!! Those trains from Italy fill up to the brim, and if you don't have a reservation, you may even not be able to get on.

Once took the overnight train from Florence to Munich, and there were people everywhere. It was so full with luggage & people standing & sitting all over the place that going to the bathroom was a major challenge...

TopMan

You cannot reserve "now" for the Oktoberfest timeframe..but soon..usually no more than 60 days out.
If you ARE traveling during that period then count the days on a calendar and get the reservation immediately to avoid disappointment..or plan to go during the day.

MaureenB

If you're looking for a hotel in Munich, I highly recommend the Hotel Uhland. We stayed there this past June and loved it. A very charming B&B type hotel in a beautiful mansion-sized building, run by the same family for over 50 years, with lovely newly-redecorated rooms and helpful staff (even free bikes to borrow), in a residential/professional neighborhood. It is an easy 10-minute walk from the main train station, and has several restaurants within easy 5-minute walks. It is across from the park where the Oktoberfest is held, so I'm sure it books up well in advance of that event. Good luck-- if you stay there you'll be pleased. (Good breakfast buffet, too.)

kjenn

teer: We took this train in May, leaving from Santa Lucia station. If you're staying in the actual city of Venice, the train station is very easy to get to either by vaporetto(water bus) or by walking. We checked out of our hotel in the morning, and left our luggage at the train station where they have a baggage check room. We then spent the rest of the day exploring. (Our hotel offered for us to leave our luggage at the desk -another option worth looking into). We had a compartment with 6 beds, 5 of which were filled. We found it to be fun, and reasonably comfortable although you don't have a ton of room. (Make sure to bring water since nothing is available to drink on the train). If you have trouble sleeping, you could bring some sleep med. (Tylenol Simply sleep is good) Overall, I would do it again primarily because it saved us 7 hours of daylight train travel and afforded us more time in Munich. Plus, its not something you get to do every day!! The train station in Munich is convienient, depending on where you're going. We stayed in the Hotel Jedermann (appx 2-3blocks from the station)and loved it. The staff was incredibly helpful, free internet access and a huge breakfast included. The neighborhood lacks charm, but we spent most of the time in central Munich. If you plan to daytrip to Fussen (Castles) or anywhere else, look into the Bayern ticket- 22 euro for a full day (till 3 AM) and you can go anywhere in Bavaria, also includes Salzburg!

ben_haines_london

There is a note on getting the best from sleepers and couchettes at http://www.geocities.com/rexbickers/tipsnighttrains.htm

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