The comprehensive and eco-friendly public transport system in South Tyrol/Südtirol includes train and bus services as well as a cableway system enabling visitors to arrive at their destination of choice. Linking the urban centers, the South Tyrol railway network includes the Brennerbahn line, the Vinschgerbahn, the Pustertalbahn and the Meraner Linie railway line.
The favourite means of transport for locals and guests alike is the colourful Vinschgau Train (Vinschgerbahn), which connects Merano with Mals in Vinschagu / Val Venosta. After it was put back into operation in 2005 after a 15-year break, probably few people have imagined the enormous success of this railway line. First put into operation in 1906, the Vinschgau Train was particularly popular with European aristocrats, who spent their summer holidays in Merano and enjoyed meeting for coffee in the "Schnalsthaler Bahnhofrestaurant" (where the Staben adventure train station is located today). After the Austrian k.u.k. era (many stations still date from this period) the Italian railways took over the operation and continued it until 1990. During this time the Vinschger Railway was affectionately called "Littorina". After the Province of South Tyrol took over the railway line between Merano and Malles and renewed the tunnels, tracks and material, the new Vinschgau Train ran through the valley for the first time on 05.0.2005 and since then has transported every year over 2 million tourists, commuters, locals, schoolchildren and cyclists. In order to further increase the frequency of travel and make it even more environmentally friendly, work is currently underway on the electrification of the railway.
The train schedules are updated on a seasonal basis and are available at the railway stations, the SAD bus station Info Offices or online at
www.suedtirolmobil.info.