The Brenner Pass route

The Brenner Pass route from Munich to Verona, including the Brenner Railway (from Innsbruck onwards), is one of Europe’s most scenic train journeys. Spanning Germany, Austria, and Italy, the route winds through valleys, past steep gorges and hillside towns. Built in the 19th century, the Brenner Railway remains a monument to the Railway Golden age, now offering a smooth, modern ride through Alpine scenery and showcasing the wonder of cross-border travel.

But which trains run this route, what should you expect on board, and what will you see along the way?

Siegele Roland

View of the mountains from Innsbruck HBF. CC BY-SA 3.0.

The Brenner Pass route: the train

The Brenner Pass route is run jointly by ÖBB (Austrian Railways) and DB (German Railways), with two trains per day extending to Bologna, and two per day to Venice. The journey takes approximately. 5hr 3min, and there are around five trains a day. You can choose to break the journey along the way. If you do, you’ll need to purchase additional seat reservations for later services, so it’s best to plan any stops in advance.

Modern Railjet and Eurocity (EC) trains run along the tracks, balancing efficiency and comfort, with spacious seating, quiet carriages, and onboard dining options. First Class offers added legroom, table service for meals, and electrical outlets—ideal for longer journeys. Second Class is equally comfortable, with well-padded seats and large windows perfect for soaking up the views. The trains are known for their punctuality and cleanliness, and since they’re designed for international travel, there are announcements in multiple languages.

Ticket prices for a one-way trip start from €27.99 in 2nd class or €39.99 in 1st class, depending on how far in advance you book (prices fluctuate, so booking in advance is recommended).If you’re travelling with an Interrail/Eurail pass, the journey is included in your pass, but there is a small surcharge for seat reservations.

Due to increased freight traffic through the Brenner Pass, the railway has insufficient capacity. Steep grades, tight bends, and a locomotive change at Brenner (due to differing Austrian and Italian electrical systems) further delay travel. To address this, a new line is planned, featuring the 55 km (34 mi) Brenner Base Tunnel. Expected to open in 2030, the new Brenner Base Tunnel will drastically cut travel times between Austria and Italy but may also mean bypassing views. For now, travellers can enjoy the Alpine views on offer.

PechristenerEurope: McZusatz, Alexrk2

Map of the Brenner Railway between Innsbruck and Verona. CC BY-SA 2.0.

The Brenner Pass route: the journey

The route begins in Munich’s Hauptbahnhof, with trains quickly leaving the city behind for the open Bavarian countryside. As you head south towards Rosenheim, the landscape starts to shift—green pastures dotted with traditional farmhouses give way to more rugged terrain. The train soon crosses into Austria and arrives in the city of Innsbruck, a natural stopping point for those wanting to explore Tyrolean culture or take in the Nordkette mountain range via the Nordkettebahn. While there, climb the Stadtturm watchtower for views across the city, or visit the Tirol Panorama and Kaiserjäger Museum to see the Innsbruck Giant Panorama Painting. For something to eat, Jess (Byway’s Customer Support Manager and resident Tyrolean) recommends Verenas Cafe for vegan treats and Restaurante Weisses Rössl for traditional Tyrolean grub.

Patrick Robert Doyle

Innsbruck.

Leaving Innsbruck, the train embarks on its most iconic leg: the Brenner Pass, one of the major passes of the Eastern Alpine range. The train climbs steadily through narrow valleys and dramatic ridges before reaching Brennero (or Brenner), the highest point of the journey at 1,371 metres above sea level. Expect a short stop here, as Italian border police often board the train to check passports.

Sönke Kraft aka Arnulf zu Linden

View of the Brenner Pass. CC BY-SA 3.0.

Once across the border into Northern Italy, pine forests give way to vineyards and terraced fields as the train approaches Bolzano/Bozen. Known for its wine production, Bolzano sits at the heart of the South Tyrol region and is worth a stop for its Italian-German cultural mix, its access to the Dolomites (if you’re staying over) and its archaeological museum, home to the famous “Ötzi the Iceman.”

Mauricio Munoz

Fields and hills around Bolzano/Bozen.

Continuing south, the train glides past more vineyards and Italian villages with hilltop fortresses in the distance. Trentino’s rugged cliffs and valleys dominate the view as the train stops briefly in Trento, a city known for its Renaissance architecture. From here, the landscape softens, and the air warms as the train approaches Verona.

The final stretch takes you through the flat plains of the Veneto region, with glimpses of the Adige River against a mountainous backdrop before arriving in Verona Porta Nuova. Verona is famous for its Roman amphitheatre and literary connections to Romeo and Juliet. From here, travellers can continue on to Venice, Bologna, or other Italian cities.

Travel through Germany, Austria and Italy via the Brenner Pass route.

Henrique Ferreira

Verona.