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.
Attention: Starting from February 16, 2025, there will be a partial closure of the Vinschger Bahn railway between Malles and Laas. From October 26, 2025, the entire section between Merano and Malles will be closed. The reason for the closure is the electrification work, as well as the testing and approval procedures for both the new electrified line and the new trains.