Italy’s new ‘beer train’ sleeper service will take passengers from Rome to Munich for Oktoberfest

Italy has just introduced a new sleeper ‘beer train’  which will take travellers from Rome to Munich, right into Oktoberfest. 

The Munich Express, also called the Espresso Monaco, is operated by state-owned FS Treni Turistici Italiani. Its special Bavarian-themed night train will take passengers on an epic 16-hour journey, complete with dancing, beers and dining. 

“Forget the stress of driving and unnecessary stops: with us, the fun begins as soon as you get on board,” FS Treni Turistici Italiani said in a press release. 

Travellers can enjoy traditional nibbles, fresh draft beer and Bavarian music, before turning in for the night in couchettes, seats or sleeping cars. Oktoberfest lovers can book double or single cabins from Rome, or even a four-berth sleeper for the whole family. 

The journey itself is a picturesque one through Florence, Verona, Bologna and the Alps.

The service will run on two dates, 26 September and 3 October, with the train leaving the Termini station in Rome at 8pm each Friday, arriving in Munich at 2:30pm on Saturday.  Passengers can catch the return train on Sunday afternoon at 2:30pm, to be back in Rome by early Monday morning at 6:30am.  

Day travellers can board from a number of other cities such as Trento, Verona, Bressanone, Bolzano, Vipiteno, Fortezza, Brennero and Colle Isarco. 

Fares for the Munich Express Oktoberfest special start from €99 each way, with passengers able to book with Railbook. However, travellers who book a round trip will get a discounted rate of €89 each way. 

Travellers skipping Munich’s crowds for Berlin this year

Despite Italy’s efforts to promote travel to the Munich Oktoberfest, many vacationers are planning on giving the city’s crowds a miss this year and heading to the ‘Berliner Oktoberfest’ instead. 

New research by online travel agency Thomas Cook highlights a surprising shift in travel to Germany, with more travellers picking Berlin’s Oktoberfest for its affordability, compared to Munich’s festival, complete with oompah bands, steins and Bavarian flavour. 

However, although visitors don’t want to shell out for Munich’s Oktoberfest, they’re not holding back from spending big on luxury four and five-star stays. 

“Thomas Cook customers are showing a strong appetite for authentic cultural experiences, and Oktoberfest is a perfect example of a trip that blends tradition with travel,” Nicholas Smith, Holidays Digital director at Thomas Cook, said in a press release. 

“What’s interesting this year is that while Munich is the birthplace of the festival, more of our customers are choosing to celebrate in Berlin - enjoying the same Bavarian traditions but in a more accessible and affordable setting.”