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4.6The most popular way to travel from Italy to Germany
Italy and Germany are two destinations that hold a special place in the hearts of travelers worldwide, and for good reason. From the charming canals of Venice to the famed nightlife of Berlin, both countries offer an almost endless array of beautiful cities to explore.
And let's not forget about the world-famous festivals, stunning architecture and art, and the storied history of both countries.
Despite not sharing a border, traveling by train between Italy and Germany is a breeze, letting you enjoy some of the most scenic landscapes in Europe. There are plenty of buses and flights to choose from as well.
Trains from Italy to Germany
If you’re going to travel by train from Italy to Germany, it’s important to note that there are very few direct trains between the two countries. Most of the time, you’ll have to travel to either Milan, Venice, or Verona before continuing across Switzerland or Austria and then into Germany. Luckily, getting to any of these cities is easy thanks to Italy’s extensive train network.
In general, train travel times from Italy to Germany range from around 10 to 20+ hours. For example, if you're traveling from Milan to Berlin, the travel time will take around 12 hours, including two or three transfers. Shorter trips are also available; a trip from Venice to Munich, in Germany’s south, will take 6 to 8 hours.
Buses from Italy to Germany
Getting a bus from Italy and Germany is another popular way to travel between the two countries. Buses can sometimes be cheaper than flying, depending on the route, but it also takes much longer.
Flights from Italy to Germany
Choosing to travel by plane from Italy to Germany comes with a lot of advantages. It’s the fastest option to get to your destination, and with so many airlines offering flights between the two countries, prices can be quite competitive.
The distance from Italy to Germany by flight is shorter than both train and bus. For example, a flight from Rome to Berlin takes just over 2 hours. There are even shorter flights available, like from Milan to Stuttgart, which is just over an hour. Another advantage is that all these options are direct flights, so you don’t have to worry about changing planes.
Cheapest tickets to travel from Italy to Germany
In general, flight tickets from Italy to Germany are the cheapest option for traveling between the two countries. Booking in advance or looking for good deals can often get you a very affordable ticket.
Sometimes, bus tickets from Italy to Germany can be cheaper, especially if you’re only traveling a short distance. Train tickets from Italy to Germany are a bit more expensive but offer a more relaxed way of travel.
How many hours do I need to travel from Italy to Germany?
The average flight time between Italy and Germany depends on your point of departure and chosen destination. However, flights between the major cities in both countries rarely exceed 2 hours.
Traveling from Italy to Germany by train and bus takes longer. Both modes of transport cross the Alps, which can result in slower travel times due to winding mountain routes. In general, expect anywhere between 7 and 20 hours of travel time with these options, depending on your chosen route.
Berlin Reichstag. Source: Unsplash
What companies run services between Italy and Germany?
Train providers
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is one of the main providers of train travel between Italy and Germany. This is Germany’s national railway operator, with routes throughout the country and to the rest of Europe.
Another provider is the Austrian National Railway, or ÖBB, which runs routes between Italy and Germany via Salzburg.
Bus providers
< a href="https://www.omio.com/companies/buses/flixbus">FlixBus is one of Germany’s main bus companies and runs direct routes between Italy and Germany. With good services and affordable tickets, it’s a great choice to travel between the two countries.
The other provider that offers journeys by bus from Italy to Germany is BlaBlaBus. However, these buses take longer as they travel via France.
Airlines
Many different airlines offer flights between Italy and Germany. Big-name airlines such as Lufthansa, Germany’s national carrier, and Alitalia, Italy’s national carrier, both run direct flights between major cities.
There is also a range of smaller, budget airlines that operate flights between Italy and Germany. Airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air all operate flights, although some require a layover. These airlines usually offer the cheapest flight tickets from Italy and Germany.
Rome is home to Italy’s busiest airport, offering plenty of direct flights to Germany. Source:Pexels
The most popular routes from Italy to Germany
Haven’t chosen a specific destination just yet? Here you can find some of the most popular routes from Italy to Germany, including flights, trains, and bus journeys. Travel times are general estimates and can vary. All flight times refer to direct flights, while train and bus journey times refer to the fastest routes.
- Rome to Munich (flight time = 1h 35m; train time = 10h 13m; bus time = 16h 50m): From the Eternal City to the home of Oktoberfest in under 2 hours—what more could you ask for?
- Milan to Berlin (flight time = 1h 40m; train time = 11h 30m; bus time = 16h 15m): This route is perfect for those looking to explore the vibrant capital city of Germany, which can be reached in under 2 hours with a direct flight.
- Florence to Frankfurt (flight time = 1h 35m; train time = 10h 13m; bus time = 17h 40m): Frankfurt is one of the biggest and busiest airports in Europe, making it a convenient starting point for your German holiday. There are direct flights available not just from Florence but from all over Italy.
- Venice to Hamburg (flight time = 3h 15m; train time = 13h 56m; bus time = 21h 20m): One of the most overlooked cities in Germany, Hamburg is a beautiful port city in the north. With a direct flight, you can reach Hamburg from Venice in just over 3 hours to explore its charming canals and historic neighborhoods.
- Rome to Frankfurt (flight time = 2h 10m; train time = 12h 04m; bus time = 20h 10m): After just over 2 hours on a flight from Rome, you can be exploring the bustling city of Frankfurt, a charming and traditionally-German destination to explore.
As you can see, there are plenty of options available for travelers looking to explore Germany from Italy. Whether you prefer to fly, take a train, or ride a bus, there is a route that will suit your needs and budget.
The most popular stations in Italy & Germany
Here are the main travel hubs in Italy and Germany:
- Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport
- Milan Central Train Station
- Milan Malpensa Airport
- Venice Santa Lucia Train Station
- Venice Marco Polo Airport
If you’re traveling from Italy to Germany, you’ll likely end up at one of these important transport hubs:
Best destinations & highlights in Germany
Germany is a vast and diverse country, one that offers a wealth of experiences for all types of travelers. You can spend time in one of its cities and explore museums, art galleries, and the finest restaurants, or drop by a picturesque region and soak up some natural beauty and traditional culture.
If you need a little help choosing your destination, here are some of the highlights in Germany:
- Berlin: The German capital has some of the best nightlife in the country and is one of the most vibrant cities in Europe.
- Munich: Along with its famous Oktoberfest, museums, and restaurants, Munich is home to plenty of incredible architecture as well, not to mention great music, art, sport, and more.
- The Rhine Valley: This region is known for its stunning natural beauty and historic castles, making it a must-see for any fan of art, culture, and history.
- The Black Forest: Explore the hills, lakes, and forests in this enchanting corner of southwest Germany, providing welcome relief from the bustle of the cities.
- Hamburg: Often overlooked in favor of Berlin or Munich, Hamburg has quietly grown into one of the most exciting cities in Germany. An equal match to its neighbors when it comes to food, culture, and nightlife, the city also features a unique maritime character that sets it apart from the rest.
Munich. Source: Unsplash
Best time to travel from Italy to Germany
Depending on what you want to see or do in Germany, there’s a certain time of year that you should go. The peak tourism season runs between June and August when the warm summer weather makes it easy to enjoy your time in Germany.
But summer isn’t the only time you should think about a trip to Germany. If you’re looking to go to festivals and events, then Oktoberfest (in October) in Munich is a big draw; it’s also a time when there are more flights, trains, and buses available from Italy. Germany is also a popular destination for Christmas travel thanks to its wonderful Christmas markets.
If you’re looking for the best overall time to travel from Italy to Germany, then spring or autumn are best. This is when prices are at their lowest since it’s not yet the high season and hasn’t hit the busy Christmas travel period either. There aren’t so many crowds in the popular German destinations, and the weather is mild.
In general, Germany is such a culturally rich country that whatever time of year you choose to travel, you’ll find plenty to see and do.