Public Transport in Naturns
Buses and trains in Naturns: comfortable and eco-friendly
South Tyrol, being a mountainous region, relies on the efficiency of
public transportation and has therefore developed an integrated transport system. Local transportation is mainly provided by trains, buses, and shuttle services. In the mountains, cable cars, gondolas, and chairlifts also play an important role.
The Vinschgaubahn railway: History and present of a historic railway line.
The preferred means of transport for both locals and visitors is the colorful Vinschger Bahn railway, or "Vinschgaubahn," which connects Merano with Malles, located in the Vinschgau valley. After being reactivated in 2005, following a 15-year stop, few would have predicted the great success of this railway line. Inaugurated for the first time in 1906, the Vinschger Bahn railway was especially favored by European nobility, who spent their summer holidays in Merano and enjoyed meeting for coffee at the 'Schnalstal Station Restaurant' (now the "Erlebnisbahnhof Staben" station is located there).
After the Austro-Hungarian era (many stations still date back to this period), the Italian railways took over the operation of the line and continued managing it until 1990. During this time, the Vinschger Bahn railway was affectionately referred to as the "Littorina". After the province of Bolzano took over the railway line between Merano and Malles, renewing tunnels, tracks, and equipment, the new Vinschger Bahn railway began operating in the valley on October 5, 2005, and since then has been transporting over 2 million tourists, commuters, residents, students, and cyclists every year. To further improve the frequency of services and reduce environmental impact, the electrification of the railway is currently underway.
Timetables and information on the Vinschgaubahn railway and buses
Visitors can obtain information about current timetables, prepaid cards, and local public transport at all train stations, at the information offices of "SAD Nahverkehr AG", or at www.suedtirolmobil.info.
Information: Closure of the Venosta Valley railway
Attention:
Until 29 March 2026, the entire section between Merano and Malles will remain closed. From 29 March 2026, the Val Venosta Railway will resume service on the Merano–Laas section, initially once per hour. From 18 April 2026, the train is expected to run again at half-hourly intervals.
Once the work has been completed, the new Venosta Valley Railway will offer significant advantages for all passengers. From the end of December 2026, there will be a direct connection from Mals to Innsbruck without the need to change trains.