Italy launches Oktoberfest train from Rome to Munich

Published on Aug 27, 2025, 1:07 pm CDT

5 min read

Italy's state-backed FS Treni Turistici Italiani will run a Bavarian-themed Rome-Munich sleeper over two Oktoberfest weekends, adding food, music, and draft beer to the journey. The Munich Express, also called Espresso Monaco, departs Rome in the evening and arrives in Munich the next afternoon, with couchettes, seats, and sleeping cars available. Early-bird fares start at €99 each way, with a round-trip discount.

Key Points

Why it matters: New night train links Rome to Oktoberfest with themed service and low promo fares.
Travel impact: Two Friday departures, Sunday returns, plus intermediate boarding in northern Italy.
What's next: Oktoberfest runs September 20 to October 5, shaping demand and sell-outs.
Early-bird pricing from €99, or €89 each way when booked round trip before September 7.
Railbook handles all reservations for seats, couchettes, and sleeping cars.

Snapshot

FS Treni Turistici Italiani's Munich Express brings travelers straight into Oktoberfest with on-board Bavarian entertainment, draft beer, and dining. Departures from Roma Termini on September 26 and October 3 are scheduled at 800 p.m., arriving to München Hbf at 230 p.m. the following day. Return trains leave Munich at 230 p.m. on September 28 and October 5, getting into Rome at about 630 a.m. Monday. Travelers in northern Italy can board at Verona, Trento, Bolzano, Bressanone, Fortezza, Vipiteno, Colle Isarco, and Brennero. Fares start at €99; round-trips price from €178, with a limited-time early-bird offer.

Background

The 190th Oktoberfest runs from September 20 to October 5 on Munich's Theresienwiese, drawing millions for traditional tents, parades, and fairground rides. The limited-run sleeper aligns its two weekends with peak festival dates, providing a rail alternative to long highway drives and scarce hotel availability. FS Treni Turistici Italiani, a unit within Italy's FS Group, has been expanding enthusiast and heritage offerings, pairing classic rolling stock with themed service. Company channels describe the Espresso Monaco as part of a broader move to strengthen Italy-Germany rail links in coming years.

Latest Developments

Rome-Munich sleeper schedule and intermediate stops

Both festival weekends follow the same pattern. The train departs Roma Termini at 800 p.m. on Friday, arriving München Hbf at 230 p.m. Saturday, then returns at 230 p.m. Sunday with a Rome arrival at about 630 a.m. Monday. Travelers can also join in northern Italy at Verona, Trento, Bolzano, Bressanone, Fortezza, Vipiteno, Colle Isarco, and Brennero, a convenient option for those already near the Alps. Stars and Stripes notes the service's appeal for Italy-based communities heading to the festival.

Fares, cabins, and how to book the night train

FS channels advertise an early-bird launch fare from €99 each way, or €89 per direction when booked as a round trip, with availability across second-class seats, 4- and 6-berth couchettes, and single or double sleeping cabins. Railbook handles all reservations and lists detailed timetables and price ladders, including specific berth and sleeper pricing tiers. Inventory is limited and the early-bird window closes September 7, according to the operator and the booking portal. Expect higher prices as departure nears.

Berlin's Oktoberfest gains budget-minded travelers

While Munich is the festival's birthplace, Thomas Cook reports more customers opting to celebrate Oktoberfest in Berlin this year, citing accessibility and affordability, even as many still book four- and five-star stays. The agency frames this as part of demand for authentic cultural experiences. These findings were carried in a Euronews report on August 27.

Analysis

For travelers eyeing a peak-weekend tent at the Wiesn, this sleeper train solves several pain points. It shifts the party to the journey, reduces highway fatigue, and delivers an afternoon arrival that syncs with late-day tent seating, all while removing the need to park in Munich. Cabin choice will determine comfort; a double sleeper maximizes rest, while a 4- or 6-berth couchette offers value for friends or families. Seats are the budget play, but rest will be limited. Given typical hotel compression around the Theresienwiese, pairing the night train with lodging near München Hbf can cut transfers and maximize time on the grounds. The intermediate stops add flexibility for northern Italy, where rail connections are strong. The Berlin trend underscores a split market, with some travelers chasing Munich tradition and others trading icon status for easier prices and availability. Either way, timed rail can reduce the risk of missed tent slots and simplify the logistics of Europe's busiest fall festival.

Final Thoughts

With two targeted weekends, clear timetables, and early-bird fares, the Munich Express offers a timely rail alternative to crowded roads and expensive flights. Book early through Railbook if you need a specific cabin, and plan tent reservations in line with afternoon arrivals. For those prioritizing budget, Berlin's celebrations remain a viable fallback. For those craving the original Wiesn atmosphere, this sleeper is a festive, low-stress way to arrive at the Theresienwiese, making the case for an Oktoberfest train.