A Christmas train ride just like the Polar Express—who hasn’t dreamed of that at least once? You can get at least a little closer to that dream this Advent when the Espresso Monaco hits the tracks again. It won’t take you to the North Pole, but it will take you to some of Europe’s most beautiful Christmas markets. So hop on board, get into the Christmas spirit, and set off on a nighttime train ride across national borders.
From Italy to the Christmas Market
Last year, the Italian railway company FS Treni Turistici Italiani launched a night train between Italy and Bavaria. It celebrated its premiere during last year’s Oktoberfest, and during Advent it rolled through the countryside once again. Now the Espresso Monaco is back, taking its passengers from Rome through South Tyrol and Austria to Munich and back again.
As things stand, the Christmas train runs on two weekends, departing from Rome on Fridays and returning on Sundays. The idea behind this is to allow visitors from Italy to visit Munich’s Christmas markets during their days off. Thanks to the overnight train connection, they only have to pay for one night’s lodging. But of course, you can also take the Espresso Monaco from Munich to Italy on Sundays if you’re planning a trip to the Dolomites or want to go gift shopping in Rome.
When the Espresso Monaco runs
Unlike last year, the Espresso Monaco is already on the road this November. It will make its first trip on Friday, November 27, from Rome to Munich, returning on Sunday, November 29. It will be back on the tracks the very next weekend—the first weekend of December—coinciding with St. Nicholas Day on December 4 and 6. Along the way, the train will stop in Bolzano, Trento, Kufstein, and Innsbruck, among other places.
To get you in the Christmas spirit during your trip, festive music plays on board, and there are seasonal treats available in the restaurant and at the bar. The perfect decorations round out the overall experience. The exact departure times for the Espresso Monaco and the cost of a ticket are still unclear at this time. Seats in the passenger car are expected to be the most affordable, but you’ll be more comfortable in a sleeper cabin, which also includes breakfast.
