How to get to Merano: train, plane, car and bus

How to get to Merano

Merano (Meran in German), South Tyrol's spa gem, is a city with Belle Époque charm set among the orchards of the Adige Valley and the mountains of the Texel Group. With its Mediterranean gardens, thermal baths and promenades along the Passirio river, it is a destination that combines Alpine relaxation with Central European elegance.

Getting to Merano by train

Merano station is the terminus of the Bolzano-Merano railway line, operated by Trenitalia and SAD.

• From Bolzano: regional trains every 20-30 minutes, approximately 40 minutes along the scenic Adige Valley
• From Verona: train to Bolzano (about 1 hour 30 minutes), then change for Merano; total approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
• From Milan: Freccia or EC to Bolzano (about 3 hours 15 minutes), then regional to Merano; total approximately 4 hours
• From Munich: direct EC to Bolzano (about 3 hours 30 minutes), then change for Merano
• From Innsbruck: train to Bolzano via the Brenner Pass (about 2 hours), then change for Merano
• From Rome: Freccia to Verona or Bolzano, then regional to Merano; total approximately 5 hours 30 minutes

Merano station is in the city centre, a 5-minute walk from Corso Libertà and the Merano Thermal Baths.

Getting to Merano by plane

Merano does not have its own airport. The reference airports are the same as for Bolzano.

• Bolzano Airport (BZO): approximately 35 km, reachable by train with a change at Bolzano in about 1 hour, or by car in 30 minutes via the MeBo expressway
• Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN): approximately 185 km, then train via Bolzano (about 2 hours 30 minutes)
• Innsbruck Airport (INN): approximately 110 km, then train via the Brenner Pass and Bolzano (about 2 hours 30 minutes)
• Munich Airport (MUC): approximately 310 km, then EC to Bolzano and regional to Merano (about 4 hours 30 minutes)

For those arriving from central-northern Italy, Verona is the most convenient airport. From the German-speaking area, Innsbruck is the quickest option.

Getting to Merano by car

Merano is connected to Bolzano by the MeBo expressway (Merano-Bolzano), free and fast.

• From Bolzano: MeBo expressway, approximately 30 km (25 minutes)
• From Verona: A22 Brenner motorway to Bolzano Sud, then MeBo, approximately 185 km (2 hours)
• From Innsbruck: A13 Brennerautobahn to Bolzano Nord, then MeBo, approximately 110 km (1 hour 20 minutes)
• From Milan: A4 to Verona, A22 to Bolzano, MeBo, approximately 330 km (3 hours 15 minutes)
• From the Stelvio Pass: SS38, approximately 80 km (1 hour 30 minutes of mountain road)
• From Val Passiria (San Leonardo): SS44, approximately 25 km (30 minutes)

Merano's centre is a restricted traffic zone. Main car parks: Parcheggio Terme, station car park, Parcheggio Piazza Mazzini. In high season (Christmas markets, summer), it is advisable to use the Park & Ride with shuttle.

Getting to Merano by bus

• SAD operates intercity connections with Bolzano (every 15-20 minutes), Val Passiria (San Leonardo, Plan, Moso), Val Senales, Naturno, Lana and Val d'Ultimo
• FlixBus connects Merano with some Italian and European cities, especially in high season
• Seasonal buses to the Stelvio Pass and the Timmelsjoch (Passo del Rombo) towards Austria

Getting around Merano

Merano is a compact city, ideal for exploring on foot.

• SASA urban buses with high frequency
• Merano-Avelengo Cable Car (Hafling Seilbahn): from the centre to the sunny plateau in 7 minutes
• Merano 2000 Cable Car (Meran 2000): from the Maia Alta district up to 2,000 metres, ideal for hiking and skiing
• Val Passiria Railway: historic narrow-gauge railway to San Leonardo (partially restored)
• Adige Valley Cycle Path: connects Merano to Bolzano (approximately 30 km, downhill) along the Adige river, also rideable with rental e-bikes
• South Tyrol Mobilcard: valid on all provincial public transport

The Tappeiner, Winter and Summer promenades along the Passirio river are the most beautiful way to discover the city.

Practical tips

Merano is reachable year-round, but in winter mountain roads may require chains or winter tyres. The cycle path from Bolzano to Merano is a magnificent way to arrive in the warm months. The Mobilcard is essential for exploring the surrounding valleys without a car.

To plan your stay, also check our guides on where to stay in Merano, what to see in Merano in 2 days and where to eat in Merano.