Berlin to Venezia / Venice / Venedig by train

Departing from Berlin:

These trains usually depart from the lower level (tief) in Berlin Hbf.

They also call at Berlin Gesunbrunnen station - which is to the north of the city centre and at Berlin Sudkreuz - which is to the south.

Connections are available at Berlin Sudkreuz from S-Bahn trains from the eastern and western edges of the city centre, as well as S-Bahn (local) trains from Brandenburger Tor and Postdamer Platz and Anhalter stations.

Check your connections in Berlin on this public transport map.

Final Destination: Munchen

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The train journey from Berlin to Munich/Munchen:

These trains all call at: Berlin Südkreuz; LEIPZIG and Nurnberg

Some trains also call at: Bamberg

These trains* take the newly opened high speed line between Halle and Bamberg, which has cut the journey time of trains between Berlin and Munchen/Munich by nearly two hours!

This is the most frequent service of ICE trains between the two cities, but they divert off of what is now the direct route in order to call at Leipzig - where they REVERSE direction.

These trains with a journey time of between 4hr 32min and 4hr 47min also take the high speed line between Nurnberg and Ingolstadt.

As indicated above, the new ICE-4 trains are being used for most of these Berlin - Munich journeys with a journey time of around 4hr 30mins - 4hr 45mins (the trains on this route which travel via Leipzig, but not Augsburg)

Other departures now comprise 2 x ICE-T trains joined together, so there has been a significant increase in the number of seats available per day on this route.

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The alternative train services:

In addition to these trains that call at Leipzig, there are three other train services to choose from on the Berlin - Munich/Munchen route

(1) The faster, but less frequent ICE -Sprinter services

These trains via Leipzig tend to be cheaper, but if the price and timings of those 'Sprinter' trains suit, they become the logical choice for this journey.

(2) Slower ICE trains, with a journey time of more than 5 hours, which do take the high speed line between Leipzig and Bamberg, but don't take the high speed route between Nurnberg and Munchen - and instead travel via Augsburg.

They don't tend to be any cheaper - though if those trains do happen to be much cheaper on your travel date, they're obviously worth considering.

(3) Other ICE trains which take a completely different route via Frankfurt (Main), a route that is so much slower that tickets can't be booked for journeys by those trains.

But if you will be using a rail pass, take care to avoid those trains.

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If you are new to travelling by train in Germany, we recommend taking a look at our German Train Travel Guide.
It is packed with info and useful links to help ensure you’ll have a stress-free trip.

Final Destination: Venezia St Lucia

The German name for Venice/Venezia is Venedig

These trains also call at:  Munchen-Ost, Verona, Vicenza, Padova/Padua and Venezia Mestre

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Type of Scenery: Mountain

Star Rating: *****

This is one of the most spectacular journeys undertaken by European express trains.

So if the timings suit we highly recommend making this journey by day instead of taking the overnight train.

The part of train journey between Rosenheim and Verona is one of the most incredible in Europe, but sit on the right of the train (when facing the direction of travel) to see the best of the stunning views.

Though the first of the scenic highlights, when the train follows the River Inn from Kuftstein into Innsbruck, is on the left.

But the most incredible part of the journey is that between Innsbruck and the border at Brennero.

And as can be seen in that video, the best of the views on this part of the train ride can be seen on the right.

Between Brennero and Verona the railway route primarily travels through a massive valley, by the River Adige and on this part of the journey, there are some great views to be had from either side of the train.

But the reason why ShowMeTheJourney featured this particular train ride on that Best Express Train Journeys list, is because it doesn't solely feature the incredible passage through the Alps - it ALSO concludes with a flourish!

In order to reach journey's end at Venezia S. Lucia station, the train has to cross the Venetian lagoon.

So as there won't be any hurry to leave the train on arrival, ShowMeTheJourney recommends savouring every last moment by remaining in your seat until you pull into the station.

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If you'll be heading to historical Venice:

The train will call at Venezia Mestre station BEFORE it arrives at Venezia St Lucia.

If you're heading to the historic heart of Venice/Venezia take care NOT to leave the train at Venezia Mestre.
Remain on the train until it arrives at Venezia St Lucia.