Italy launches ‘beer train’ for Oktoberfest, costing less than £100

The train takes partygoers directly from Rome to Oktoberfest in Munich (Image: Getty)

A night train departing from Rome to take thirsty revellers all the way to Germany leave on a Friday evening, then return its carriages of hungover passengers on Monday. Tickets start from €99 (£85.81) if booked before the 7th September and can also be booked from a variety of other Italian stops.

A variety of comfort options are available on the train, including standard seats or a sleeper car, which is a little more expensive. The Italian tourism initiative running the service, FS Treni Turistici Italiani, says the journey will be ‘comfortable and effortless’.

The train has a flowing supply of beer for the journey (Image: Getty)

The advert states: “Forget the stress of driving and unnecessary stops: with us, the fun begins as soon as you step on board.” And don’t worry, there will be plenty of beer on board to drink to get the party going.

Millions from around the world swarm to Bavaria in Germany for Oktoberfest each year, with the intention of sampling local culture - and getting drunk during the process. The festival gets underway when Munich’s mayor inserts a tap in the first keg at noon on the first Saturday.

Millions flock to Munich each year to sample the local food and drink (Image: Getty)

Between the 20th Sept and the 5th Oct, partygoers don traditional lederhosen and dirndl dresses and head to Munich’s festival grounds to drink in traditional tents, usually from 2 pint mugs of beer, which usually cost around €15 (£13) each.

It started as a celebration of the wedding of Prince Regent Ludwig of Bavaria, the later King Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Saxony Hildburghausen in 1810. To celebrate the wedding, a huge horse race occurred, which then came back the following year with attractions and fairground rides. Now, it is one of the most famous celebrations in the world.