I am taking a trip with a friend and hoping to reserve a double sleeper on an overnight train from Munich to Venice. I tried using the RailEurope.com site, but they don't list any overnighters. I have seen it on other websites, but for some reason I can't access it there. The Die Bahn site does list one, but they don't list prices. They still allow you to purchase tickets there which is a bit odd considering you have no idea what you'll be charged. That just doesn't seem like a good idea.

So I am wondering... can I (and should I) buy the tickets 2-3 days beforehand at a train station elsewhere (probably Berlin) instead?

Actually, the Bahn (as they tell you on the website) will compute the final charges once they receive your request and mail the tickets to you directly.

I've used them for tickets on several occasions and have found the prices to be reasonable for what you get.

I understand your reluctance to pay before you know the exact costs.

These trains have a standard price which you can find at http://www.nachtzugreise.de/nachtzug...n/preise.shtml
(in Germany only, but you can probably figure it out). Currently they have a special deal for EUR 29/49/69 (seat, couchette, compartment). These don't allow refund or exchanges. Normal prices are under "global preis". According to the site, you can book and then have them email you the tickets (as a PDF): https://buchung.nachtzugreise.de/boo...?aa=1&l=GB

Enjoy your trip,
Paul

RailEurope apparently does not have an agreement that allows them to sell ticket for the trains from Munich to Italy.

The booking site for German night trains is (no www.) http://buchung.nachtzugreise.de. It can be made to display in English. You can book there with a credit card and print the ticket at home. You will need your credit card with you to show the conductor that it is your ticket.

Try the German site for best prices and Raileurope does sell these tickets though they don't always list them - they sell them thru their DER entity, the old German rail franchise in the U.S. that they bought. For a check in U.S. on prices in case you don't do the online booking is to call Byron at BETS 800-441-2387 and check prices - once in a while they (working thru RE) can can be surprisingly competitive but usually better to do online like sanschag and larry advise. The raileurope.com site is notorious for not listing many trains even though they can book them manually.

Thank you all very much for your input. I will try some of your suggestions. I can't wait!!!