Italian long-distance bus operator Itabus (a subsidiary of high-speed rail company Italo) is expanding into Germany. Starting September 10, the carrier will operate two direct cross-border routes connecting Munich with Switzerland and Italy.
Introductory tickets to Italy start from just €20 one-way. Even more striking are the fares into Switzerland: Munich to Lugano (approx. 6 hours) is bookable for just €9.99. Keep in mind that these services run as overnight coaches, arriving early in the morning depending on your final destination.
Here are several sample one-way fares departing from Munich:
- Munich – Innsbruck from €10 (~2h 30m)
- Munich – Chur from €10 (~3h 30m)
- Munich – Lugano from €10 (~6h)
- Chur – Milan from €15 (~3h 30m)
- Munich – Milan from €20 (~7h)
- Munich – Turin from €20 (~9h)
- Munich – Mantua from €20 (~7h)
- Munich – Rome from €40 (~14h)
- Munich – Naples from €40 (~17h)
- and more
You can reduce these fares even further using Itabus promo codes:
- 30% off for 3–5 passengers: Code FRIENDS
- 25% off for 2 passengers: Code VIAGGIAIN2 (valid for Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday trips only)
- 10% off return trips: Code RITORNO10 (when booking round-trip together)
For example, traveling with three people drops the Munich to Lugano fare to just €7 per person.
Route Network
Itabus operates two direct lines connecting Munich across the Alps:
- Route 1: Munich → Chur → Lugano → Milan → Turin
- Route 2: Munich → Innsbruck → Vipiteno (Sterzing) → Bressanone (Brixen) → Bolzano → Verona → Mantua → Bologna → Florence → Rome → Caserta → Naples
While connecting itineraries beyond these stops are technically bookable, total journey times become quite long.
Included Baggage & Amenities
Standard tickets include:
- 1 personal carry-on item (up to 42 x 30 x 18 cm)
- 1 checked bag up to 20 kg (up to 80 x 50 x 30 cm)
- Free onboard Wi-Fi
- Power sockets and USB charging ports at every seat
- Onboard snack & beverage vending machines (charges apply)
Unlike budget operators like FlixBus, Itabus offers two service tiers: standard Comfort and upgraded TOP Class. In TOP Class, you receive extra legroom, adjustable calf/footrests, and complimentary seat reservations. On long overnight hauls (such as Munich to Rome for €58 instead of €40), the upgrade is well worth considering.
Loyalty Program
Unusually for a coach operator, Itabus has its own loyalty club called Itabus Plus. Joining is free and includes a welcome voucher worth €5 off your next ride.
Members earn 1 reward point and 1 tier point for every €1 spent, with 100 points redeemable for a €3 discount voucher.