Frecciarossa train from Paris to Turin & Milan at Paris Gare de Lyon

A Frecciarossa from Paris to Milan.  Find out more.

 

Interactive map

Click a route or destination

Route map, London to italy by train

 

Book your hotels at Booking.com

small bullet point  See recommended hotels

in Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples,

convenient for arrival by train

 

Train holidays to Italy with Railbookers.com

small bullet point  Find holidays to Italy by train

 

Breakfast in London, lunch in Paris, dinner in Italy

You can travel to Italy by train in a single day, London to Paris by Eurostar in 2h20 from £78 return then Paris to Turin (5h40) or Milan (7h) by TGV or Frecciarossa from €29 each way, with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats, free WiFi, a glass of wine to hand and not an airport security queue in sight.

Next morning, another high-speed train whisks you from Turin to Florence in 2h54 from €19.90, Venice in 3h24 from €19.90 or Rome in 4h10 from €29.90.

Great scenery, room to breath, loads of legroom, no baggage fees, no airport taxes, no seatbelt signs, no 2-hour check-ins at remote airports, under 4s go free and around 80% less CO2 than a flight Watch the video & see for yourself.

This page explains all you need to know to travel to Italy by train, including the cheapest way to buy tickets either online or by phone.

Choose your destination...    

Train times, fares & tickets

small bullet point  London to Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome

small bullet point  London to Turin, Verona, Bologna, Naples

small bullet point  London to Lake Como

small bullet point  London to Lake Garda

small bullet point  London to Pisa, Siena, Lucca

small bullet point  London to Modena, Ravenna, Livorno

small bullet point  London to Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri, Ischia, Elba

small bullet point  London to Salerno & the Amalfi coast

small bullet point  London to Genoa, Cinque Terre & La Spezia

small bullet point  London to Civitavecchia for cruise connections

small bullet point  London to Rimini, San Marino, Ancona, Pescara

small bullet point  London to Foggia, Bari, Brindisi & Lecce

small bullet point  London to Trieste

small bullet point  London to Palermo, Catania, Siracuse & Sicily

small bullet point  London to Sardinia

small bullet point  Starting from other UK towns & cities

small bullet point  London to Italy by Venice Simplon Orient Express

small bullet point  Hotels convenient for arrival by train

Train travel within Italy

small bullet point  Train travel in Italy - a beginner's guide

small bullet point  How to use Trenitalia.com

small bullet point  How to make a day trip to Pompeii

small bullet point  Station guides

    Turin  Milan  Venice  Bologna

    Florence  Rome  Naples

small bullet point  City maps showing stations

    Map of Milan   Map of Venice   Map of Florence

    Map of Rome   Map of Naples   Map of Turin

International trains to & from Italy

small bullet point  Other European cities to Italy by train

small bullet point  Trains from Rome to other European cities

small bullet point  Trains from Florence to other European cities

small bullet point  Trains from Venice to other European cities

small bullet point  Trains from Milan to other European cities

small bullet point  Trains from Naples to other European cities

small bullet point  Paris to Turin & Milan by TGV high-speed train

Other useful information

small bullet point  Country information - currency, dial code...

small bullet point  General information for European train travel

small bullet point  Luggage on trains & Left luggage at stations

small bullet point  How to cross Paris by metro, taxi or transfer

small bullet point  Taking your bike - Taking your dog

small bullet point  Taking your car

small bullet point  Child age limits & travel with kids

small bullet point  Eurail passes - the pass for overseas visitors

small bullet point  Interrail passes - the pass for Europeans

small bullet point  Travel in a wheelchair

small bullet point  Holidays & tours to Italy by train

small bullet point  Hotels in Italy

small bullet point  Travel insurance, Curve Card & VPN

small bullet point  Car hire in Italy

small bullet point  Cruises from Venice & Cruises from Rome

Video guides

small bullet point  London to Paris by Eurostar video

small bullet point  Crossing Paris by metro video

small bullet point  Paris to Italy by daytime TGV video

Route map


Useful country information

 Train operators in Italy:  

Trenitalia (Ferrovie dello Stato) www.trenitalia.com (advice on using it).  NTV Italo: www.italotreno.it.

 Buy Italian train tickets:

 

www.italiarail.com or www.raileurope.com in €, £, $

 Other useful links:

 

Train times for almost any journey in Europe Eurostar times & fares.  To check for problems affecting trains from Paris to Italy (in French) see www.sncf.com/fr/horaires-info-trafic.  Paris métro: www.ratp.fr.  Circumvesuviana Railway (Naples-Pompeii-Sorrento): www.eavsrl.it.  Bus & metro: Rome  Milan.  Venice waterbuses: www.actv.it.

 Railpasses:

 

Beginner's guide to European railpasses    Buy a rail pass online

 Time zone:

 

GMT+1  (GMT+2 from last Sunday in March to last Saturday in October).     

 Dialling code:

 

+39

 Currency:

 

£1 = approx 1.15 euros  Check current exchange rates

 Tourist information:

www.enit.it    www.tripadvisor.com     Recommended guidebooks

 Hotels & guesthouses:

Recommended hotels convenient for arrival by train      Escorted tours to Italy by train

 Motorail & car hire:

How to take your car to Italy with Motorail    Car hire in Italy

 Page last updated:

13 March 2024.  Train times valid 10 December 2023 to 14 December 2024.


Which route to choose?

 

Rome

Take the train to Italy..!  The Trevi Fountain, Rome.

Rome's famous Trevi fountain is just 20 minutes walk from the Stazione Termini, where you arrive by train from Paris & London.

 

Florence

Take the train from London to Italy.  The view from the top of the Duomo in Florence....

The best view of Florence is from the top of the Duomo's dome.  €8, 463 steps, no lift, just 10 minutes walk from Florence SMN station.

 

Venice

Take the train to Italy..!  The Rialto bridge, Venice...

The Rialto Bridge, just 15 minutes walk from Santa Lucia station.  This photo was taken on a short break to Italy, without flying.

  Santa Lucia railway station in Venice...

Venice Santa Lucia station on the Grand Canal, a stroll from the Rialto Bridge & St Mark's Square.  Or take a vaporetto (water bus), or (if you're loaded) a water taxi.

There's a choice of train routes from the UK to Italy, some fast & direct, some slower but amazingly scenic.  Browse the list below and click on whichever appeals most.  By all means go out one way & come back another, or stop off on the way, as each train is ticketed separately.

Back to top


  Table for two on the train to Italy
 

To Italy in an armchair.  A cosy table for two in 1st class on the Paris-Turin-Milan TGV.

Watch the video

Buy train tickets to Italy

Option 1, by Eurostar & TGV

IMPORTANT UPDATE:  On 27 August 2023, a landslide in the Alps blocked the Paris-Milan line. All direct Paris-Milan TGV & Frecciarossa services are cancelled until further notice, at least until the end of 2024.  See the landslide on video.  You can still travel from Paris to Milan via Switzerland, so while the direct line remains blocked, use option 4 instead See timetable of alternative Paris-Milan trains.

FURTHER UPDATE:  From 10 January 2024, a temporary service will operate:

Paris Gare de Lyon depart 14:48, Turin Porta Susa 21:46, Milan Porta Garibaldi 23:10.

Milan Porta Garibaldi depart 14:10, Turin Porta Susa depart 15:41, Paris Gare de Lyon 23:14.

This TGV is shown as direct but incorporates a bus transfer around the landslide.

Breakfast in London, lunch in Paris, dinner in Italy.  Every day, three high-speed TGV trains run by SNCF French Railways link Paris with Turin & Milan, with connections to Florence, Venice, Rome & Naples.  Leave London in the morning, have lunch in Paris, reach Turin or Milan in the evening, stay overnight then take a high-speed train to Florence, Venice, Rome or Naples next day.  Or leave London in the evening, stay overnight in Paris and travel from Paris to anywhere in Italy next day.

This route is usually the most inexpensive way to reach Italy by train, as Paris-Milan starts at just €29 each way.  It's a scenic option, shown in dark blue on the route map above, see the video guide, although not as scenic as the more expensive route via Switzerland in option 4 or the ultimate scenic Bernina Express route in option 5.

Milan is a great city, with the best onward connections to other Italian cities, but Turin is even better and well worth a stopover.  It could be Italy's most under-rated city even if you're not a fan of the 1969 Michael Caine film The Italian Job.  Why not take an earlier Eurostar and have lunch at the famous Train Bleu restaurant at the Gare de Lyon before catching your TGV to Italy?  Perfect!

small bullet point  Summary timetable southbound

small bullet point  Summary timetable northbound

small bullet point  Train times in detail, London to Italy

small bullet point  Train times in detail, Italy to London

small bullet point  How much does it cost?

small bullet point  How to buy tickets

small bullet point  What's the journey like?

Summary timetable southbound

 London ► Italy  (Paris-Milan TGVs currently suspended)

 Eurostar (30 min check-in):

Mondays to Fridays

Fridays

Saturdays

Sundays

 London St Pancras depart:

08:01

09:31

20:01

20:01

09:31

20:01

20:01

09:31

20:01

 Paris Gare du Nord arrive:

11:20

12:50

23:18

23:18

12:50

23:18

23:18

12:50

23:18

 Cross Paris by metro & take TGV:

 

 

hotel

hotel

 

hotel

hotel

 

hotel

 Paris Gare de Lyon depart:

  12:46**

14:45

 06:39*

09:43*

14:45

06:39*

09:43*

14:45

06:39*

 Turin Porta Susa arrive:

  18:15**

20:23

 12:23*

15:23*

20:23

12:23*

15:23*

20:23

12:23*

 Milan Porta Garibaldi arrive:

  19:49**

21:49

 13:49*

16:50*

21:49

13:49*

16:50*

21:49

13:49*

Change in Turin for Bologna, Florence, Rome, Naples, Verona & Venice, see the Journeys in detail section below.

*  Following day, overnight hotel in Paris necessary.  Why not book an earlier Eurostar and have dinner in Paris?

** The 12:46 Paris-Milan TGV is randomly replaced by a 09:43 on certain dates in 2023 with no connection from London, that's SNCF timetabling for you.

Always check times for your date at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com as times can vary.  Booking usually opens 4 months ahead.

How much does it cost?   How to buy tickets   What's the journey like?   Paris-Milan TGV video guide   Map of Milan showing stations

Summary timetable northbound

 Italy ► London  (Paris-Milan TGVs currently suspended)

 Milan or Turin to Paris by TGV:

Mondays to Fridays

Saturdays

Sundays

 Milan Porta Garibaldi depart:

06:00

   14:10**

16:10

06:00

12:10

16:10

06:00

12:10

16:10

 Turin Porta Susa depart:

07:36

15:41

17:38

07:36

13:38

17:38

07:36

13:38

17:38

 Paris Gare de Lyon arrive:

13:16

21:14

23:19

13:16

19:16

23:19

13:16

19:16

23:19

 Cross Paris by metro & take Eurostar

 

hotel

hotel

 

hotel

hotel

 

 

hotel

 Paris Gare du Nord depart:

15:12

 07:12*

 07:12*

15:12

08:12*

08:12*

15:12

21:12

 07:12*

 London St Pancras arrive:

16:39

 08:30*

 08:30*

16:30

09:30*

09:30*

16:30

22:30

 08:30*

For connections from Bologna, Florence, Rome, Naples, Verona & Venice, see the Journeys in detail section below.

* Following day, overnight hotel in Paris necessary.  By all means book a later Eurostar and have a leisurely breakfast in Paris.

** The 14:10 Milan-Paris TGV is randomly replaced by a 12:10 on certain dates in 2023, that's SNCF timetabling for you.

Check times for your specific date at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, as times can vary.  Booking usually opens 4 months ahead.

How much does it cost?   How to buy tickets   What's the journey like?   Paris-Milan TGV video guide   Map of Milan showing stations

Train times in detail, London to Italy

London ► Italy in a single day, leaving 07:55 Monday-Friday

London ► Italy in a single day, leaving 09:24 every day

London ► Italy with overnight stop in Paris

Train times in detail, Italy to London

Italy ► London in a single day, leaving Milan 06:00 or Turin 07:36

Italy ► London in a single day, leaving Milan 12:10 or Turin 13:38 on Sundays

Italy ► London with overnight stop in Paris, leaving Milan 12:10 or Turin 13:38 Saturdays

Italy ► London with overnight stop in Paris, leaving Milan 14:10 or Turin 15:41 Monday-Friday

Italy ► London with overnight stop in Paris, leaving Milan 16:10 or Turin 17:38 every day

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets

  Buy train tickets to Italy at Raileurope.com
 

For hotels:

www.booking.com allows you to book your accommodation before train bookings open, at no risk with free cancellation.  Any hotel with a review score over 8.0 is unlikely to disappoint.

See hotel recommendations for Italy.

Booking.com logo

Or buy at Thetrainline.com

Or book each train separately

Or use an Interrail pass

Or have your trip arranged as a package

Escorted tours to Italy by train

How to buy tickets by phone

What's the journey like?

1. London to Paris by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in at London St Pancras as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedureSt Pancras station guide Paris Gare du Nord station guideHow to cross Paris by metro or taxi.

A Eurostar e320 train at London St Pancras   Eurostar e320 first class seats

Eurostar e320 at St Pancras.  More about Eurostar.

 

1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Eurostar e320 2nd class seats   Eurostar e320 cafe-bar

Standard class.  Larger photo.

 

One of two cafe-bars, cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

Lunch in Paris at the Train Bleu restaurant?

The trains to Italy leave from the magnificent Gare de Lyon in central Paris.  Why not have lunch (or at least a drink in the bar) at the fabulous Train Bleu Restaurant inside the Gare de Lyon (pictured above right) before catching the train to Turin or Milan?  Paris Gare de Lyon station guide.

Paris Gare de Lyon, from where the TGV trains to Barcelona leave   The Train Bleu restaurant at Paris Gare de Lyon

2. Paris to Turin or Milan by TGV

SNCF (French Railways) operates three daily 186 mph TGV trains from Paris to Turin & Milan.  Previously operated by Artesia, a consortium of Trenitalia & SNCF, they are now operated entirely by SNCF, officially via a new Italian subsidiary, Società Viaggiatori Italia.  On leaving Paris they sprint over the high-speed line at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) as far as Lyon St Exupéry, but they then slow right down to meander through the scenic Alpine foothills on conventional lines via Chambéry, crossing into Italy at Modane and heading through Turin to Milan.  These TGVs have 1st & 2nd class seats and are air-conditioned with interiors designed by Christian Lacroix.  There's free WiFi, power sockets for laptops and mobiles at every seat, baby-changing facilities and designated spaces for passengers in wheelchairs.  There's a cafe-bar serving drinks, snacks & light meals, or feel free to bring your own food & wine along for the journey.  You can now buy Paris metro tickets from the bar car, too.  1st class TGV passengers can use the Grand Voyageurs 1st class lounge at Paris Gare de Lyon.

TGV train from Paris to Milan about to leave Paris Gare de Lyon

The afternoon TGV to Turin & Milan at Paris Gare de Lyon.  There's no check-in, just be on board at departure.

2nd class on a Paris-Milan TGV   Food on board the TGV from Milan to Paris

2nd class with mix of unidirectional seats & tables for 4.  Seats 2+2 across car width. Larger photo.

 

The cheese platter bought from the cafe-bar as the mountains swept by.

Cafe-bar on the Paris-Milan TGV   1st class on the Paris-Milan TGV

Cafe-bar selling tea, coffee, beer, wine, cold snacks & microwaved dishes.  Larger photo.

 

1st class with mix of unidirectional seats, solo seats, tables for 2 & for 4.  Seats 2+1 across car width.  Larger photo.

The fields of rural France from the train to Italy   Rural France

The TGV leaves Paris behind & speeds across rural France at up to 186 mph, past fields, woods, pretty villages.

Mountains from the TGV train to Italy

South of Lyon it slows right down through the Alpine foothills.

Scenery from the TGV from Paris to Milan   More scenery from TGV from Milan to Paris

The TGV crosses the Alps via Chambéry and Modane, passing through the 13.6 km (8.5 mile) long Fréjus Rail Tunnel, also known less accurately as the Mont Cénis tunnel.  The tunnel transit takes just 7 minutes, during which the train enters Italy.  Opened in 1871, this the oldest of the large tunnels through the Alps, and was the longest tunnel in the world from 1871 until 1882 when the Gotthard tunnel opened on the Zurich-Milan route.

More snow-capped mountains from the TGV train to Italy

River seen from the train to Italy   Castle on mountain top seen from the train

More mountains.

Now we're in Italy, leaving the Alps behind.

Scenery from the train between Oulx and Turin   Scenery from the train between Oulx and Turin

Scenery between Oulx and Turin.  Photos courtesy of DiscoverbyRail.com.

TGV from Paris at Turin Porta Susa   Turin Porta Susa station

The train arrives at Turin Porta Susa.  It continues to Milan Porta Garibaldi stationPhotos courtesy of Discoverbyrail.com

3. Turin to Venice, Florence, Rome or Naples by Frecciarossa

Take a Frecciarossa 500 or 1000 from Turin to Florence, Rome or Naples, or a Frecciarossa 700 to Verona or Venice,  All have cafe-bar, power sockets a all seats & free WiFi.  See the Frecciarossa page for more details & photos.

Frecciarossa 500 at Milan Centrale

A Frecciarossa 500 at Milan Centrale.  These run between Turin, Milan, Florence, Rome & Naples.

Or try the competition, NTV's Italo

Trenitalia now has competition.  A private company called NTV now runs Italo trains between Milan and Bologna, Florence, Rome and Naples, in competition with State-run operator Trenitalia.  On Italo there are 3 classes:  Smart (2nd class), Prima (1st class) & Club (premium 1st), all with Poltrona Frau leather seats and free WiFi.  More about Italo.  Buy tickets at www.italotreno.it.

'Smart' (2nd class) seats on NTV's new Italo train   One of NTV's new Italo trains at Rome Tiburtina

Smart class (2nd class) on Italo.

 

An Italo train at Rome Tiburtina.  More about Italo.

Video guideParis to Milan by TGV

Back to top


Option 2, by Eurostar & Frecciarossa

  Frecciarossa train at Milan Centrale
 

A Frecciarossa at Milan Centrale

Buy train tickets to Italy

IMPORTANT UPDATE:  On 27 August 2023, a landslide in the Alps blocked the Paris-Milan line. All direct Paris-Milan TGV & Frecciarossa services are cancelled until at least the end of 2024.  See the landslide on video.  You can still travel from Paris to Milan via Switzerland, so while the direct line remains blocked, use option 4 instead See timetable of alternative Paris-Milan trains.

On 18 December 2021, Trenitalia launched a twice-daily Paris-Turin-Milan Frecciarossa 1000 high-speed train, in competition with SNCF's 3 daily TGVs.  In terms of price, speed, facilities and timings the Frecciarossas are pretty similar to the TGVs (see a blow-by-blow comparison here), but the Frecciarossa is the newer and more glamorous train with an interior styled by Pininfarina.  It offers 4 classes, including the luxurious Executive class.

The Frecciarossa arrives at the well-connected (and magnificent) Milan Centrale, not the secondary Milan Porta Garibaldi used by the TGV, so with the Frecciarossa I recommend changing in Milan rather than Turin.

London to Venice is 1,645 km (1,022 miles) by train via this route.  London to Florence is 1,685 km (1,047 miles).  London to Rome is 1,946 km (1,209 miles).

If you want to avoid crossing Paris

The Frecciarossa stops in Lyon, so you can travel London to Lyon with a simple same-station change in Lille, stay overnight, then travel from Lyon to Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome or Naples next day, with no need to cross Paris!  See the journey via Lyon below.

small bullet point  Train times London to Italy

small bullet point  Train times Italy to London

small bullet point  How much does it cost?

small bullet point  How to buy tickets

small bullet point  What's the journey like?

London ► Italy in a single day

London ► Italy with overnight stop in Paris

London ► Italy with overnight stop in Lyon

Italy ► London in a single day

Italy ► London with overnight stop in Paris

Italy ► London with overnight stop in Lyon

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets

Or use an Interrail pass

Or have your trip arranged as a package

What's the journey like?

1. London to Paris by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in at London St Pancras as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedureSt Pancras station guide Paris Gare du Nord station guideHow to cross Paris by metro or taxi.

A Eurostar e320 train at London St Pancras   Eurostar e320 first class seats

Eurostar e320 at St Pancras.  More about Eurostar.

 

1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Eurostar e320 2nd class seats   Eurostar e320 cafe-bar

Standard class.  Larger photo.

 

One of two cafe-bars, cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

Lunch in Paris at the Train Bleu restaurant?

The trains to Italy leave from the magnificent Gare de Lyon in central Paris.  Why not have lunch (or at least a drink in the bar) at the fabulous Train Bleu Restaurant inside the Gare de Lyon (pictured above right) before catching the train to Turin or Milan?  Paris Gare de Lyon station guide.

Paris Gare de Lyon, from where the TGV trains to Barcelona leave   The Train Bleu restaurant at Paris Gare de Lyon

2. Paris to Turin or Milan by Frecciarossa

Trenitalia's Frecciarossa 1000 has 4 classes, Standard, Premium, Business and Executive.  There's a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  It's capable of 360 km/h (223mph) but in service it's limited to 300km/h (186 mph) on the French & Italian high-speed lines, shown in red on the route map here.  The scenery is the same as for the competing TGV, see photos of the scenery here.

A Paris-Milan Frecciarossa at Paris Gare de Lyon

Frecciarossa 1000 at Paris Gare de Lyon.

Frecciarossa 1000 standard class   Frecciarossa 1000 premium class

Standard class.  Above right, Premium class seats, sold as Standard class on the Paris route.

Frecciarossa 1000 Business class   Luggage rack on Frecciarossa 1000

Business class

 

There are luggage racks in all classes.

Frecciarossa 1000 cafe-bar   Room for bags between seat backs

Cafe-bar:  Wine, beer, tea, coffee, snacks & hot dishes.

 

Space for bags between the seats.

Frecciarossa 1000 executive class   Frecciarossa 1000 executive class meeting room

Executive class, 10 luxurious seats at one end of the train.

 

Executive class meeting room.

Frecciarossa 1000   Frecciarossa 1000 executive class

Frecciarossa 1000

 

Executive class, that's my seat with the prosecco...

Scenery in France, en route from Paris to Rome by train

Take a good book, a bottle o' red, and enjoy the scenery from Paris to Rome with your feet up.  These are mountains in France.

Scenery in Italy, en route from Paris to Rome by train

And these are mountains in Italy.  Scenery between Oulx and Turin, courtesy of www.discoverbyrail.com.

3. Milan to Venice, Florence, Rome or Naples by Frecciarossa

Take a Frecciarossa 500 or 1000 from Milan to Florence, Rome or Naples, or a Frecciarossa 700 to Verona or Venice,  All have cafe-bar, power sockets a all seats & free WiFi.  See the Frecciarossa page for more details & photos.

Frecciarossa 500 at Milan Centrale

A Frecciarossa 500 at Milan Centrale.

Back to top


Option 3, London to Venice by sleeper

The direct Paris-Venice Thello sleeper was suspended in March 2020 due to the pandemic and then discontinued permanently.  But there's a direct TGV from Paris to Stuttgart and a high-quality Austrian Nightjet sleeper from Stuttgart to Venice - if you're going to Venice, this option may suit you.

London ► Venice

Venice ► London

How much does it cost?

Each train is ticketed separately, so add up the price for each leg of the journey.  On the sleeper train, berths are sold individually, so one ticket means one bed, the other beds in your compartment will be sold to other passengers.  For sole occupancy, simply book 1 ticket in a single-berth sleeper, 2 tickets in a 2-berth sleeper, 4 tickets in a 4-berth couchette & so on.

 1. London to Paris

     by Eurostar

 From £52 one-way, £78 return 2nd class.

 From £97 one-way, £168 return 1st class.  Child fares 

 

 2. Paris to Stuttgart

     by TGV

 From €39.90 each way in 2nd class

 From €69.90 each way in 1st class.

 The price varies like air fares, so book ahead.

 If you book at int.bahn.de, accompanied children under 15 go free.

 

 3. Stuttgart to Venice

 by Nightjet sleeper train

 one-way per person per bed

In a seat

In a couchette

In the sleeping-car

6-berth

4-berth

3-berth

2-berth

1-berth

3-berth

+ shower

2-berth

+ shower

1-berth

+ shower

 Fares start at:

€29.90

€49.90

€59.90

€79.90

€99.90

€139.90

€89.90

€129.90

€179.90

How to buy tickets

Another way to book tickets

How to buy tickets by phone

What's the journey like?

1. London to Paris by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedureSt Pancras station guide Gare du Nord station guide.

A Eurostar e320 train at London St Pancras   Eurostar e320 first class seats

Eurostar e320 at Paris Nord.  More about Eurostar.

 

1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Eurostar e320 2nd class seats   Eurostar e320 cafe-bar

Standard class.  Larger photo.

 

One of two cafe-bars, cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

2. Paris to Stuttgart by TGV Duplex   See the video guide

In Paris it's an easy 7 minute 500m walk from the Gare du Nord to the Gare de l'Est for the TGV to Germany.  Sit back with a glass of red and enjoy the ride - book an upper deck seat for the best views.  The train is equipped with power sockets for laptops & mobiles at all seats in both classes, and a cafe-bar serves drinks, snacks & microwaved hot dishes.  The train soon leaves the Paris suburbs behind and speeds across a vast wide open plateau of woods & farmland at up to 320 km/h (199 mph), past picturesque French villages of the Champagne region.  An hour or two later, the train leaves the high-speed line and slowly meanders through pretty wooded hills, the countryside eventually flattening out towards Strasbourg.  On leaving Strasbourg, look out for Strasbourg cathedral on the left with its famously missing second tower.  Minutes afterwards you rumble across the river Rhine into Germany, before heading on to Stuttgart.  Paris Gare de l'Est station guide.

TGV Duplex at Paris Gare de l'Est

TGV Duplex at Paris Est. These impressive 320 km/h double-deck trains link Paris & Stuttgart, a relaxing journey with reading book & glass of wine.  Book an upstairs seat for the best views.

TGV Duplex cafe-bar   TGV Duplex upper deck 2nd class seats

Cafe-bar on upper deck in car 4, serving tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine, beer, snacks & microwaved hot dishes.

 

2nd class seats on the upper deck.  There's a mix or tables for 4 and unidirectional seating.  360º photo.

First class on board a TGV Duplex   An TGV Duplex to Munich at Paris Est.

1st class on upper deck, a club duo on the left, a club quatre on the right.  360º photo.

 

A TGV Duplex.  The 1 near the door indicates 1st class, a 2 indicates 2nd class.

3. Stuttgart to Venice by Nightjet sleeper

This is an Austrian Railways (ÖBB) Nightjet train, with sleeping-car, couchettes & seats.  The sleeping-car has nine 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3 bed deluxe compartments with private shower & toilet.  The sleeper berths come fully made up with sheets and duvets, all sleeper passengers get mineral water in the evening and a light breakfast served in their compartment next morning.  Towels & toiletries are provided, including shampoo and shower gel in the deluxe sleepers.  In the more economical couchettes, you can book a couchette in a cheaper 6-berth compartment or a less-crowded 4-berth compartment, each provided with sheet, blanket, pillow & small bottle of water, and couchette passengers get a tea or coffee in the morning.  More pictures & information about Nightjet trains.

The Nightjet sleeper train from Munich to Venice at Munich Hbf

The Nightjet sleeper train to Venice at Munich HbfMore about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on Munich-Amsterdam sleeper

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Couchette car on a Nightjet train.

Sunrise as the sleeper train crosses the causeway into Venice

Sunrise as the Nightjet to Venice crosses the causeway over the lagoon into Venice.  Courtesy of Andreas Wiedenhoff.

The Nightjet train from Vienna to Venice, arrived at Venice Santa Lucia

The Nightjet sleeper train arrived at Venice Santa Lucia.  More nightjet information.

Back to top


Option 4, London to Italy via Switzerland

While the direct Paris-Milan line is blocked by a landslide, this route through the Swiss Alps is a scenic alternative.

The Paris-Milan trains featured in options 1 & 2 are the fastest & cheapest trains between Paris & Italy and that route is pretty scenic.  But you can also travel from Paris to Italy via Switzerland, travelling from Paris Gare de Lyon to either Geneva, Lausanne, Basel or Zurich by TGV-Lyria high-speed train in 3h10-4h05 from €29, then taking a EuroCity train from any of those cities to Milan Centrale in 3h30-4h30, also from €29.  Change at Mussolini's magnificent Milan Centrale for Venice, Florence, Rome or anywhere in Italy.  As with options 1 & 2, you can get from London to Milan in a single day, but a journey from London to Venice, Florence, Rome or Naples requires an overnight stop in either Paris, Switzerland or Milan.

Click here for a summary timetable for London/Paris-Milan journeys via Switzerland.

Incidentally, if it's ultimate Swiss Alpine scenery you're after, go for option 5, the fabulous narrow gauge Bernina Express, at least in one direction.  This is much slower than any of the routes described here, Zurich to Milan on 3 trains in one amazing day instead of one train in 3½ hours - but it's worth it!

TRAVELLING BETWEEN 9 JUNE & 8 SEPTEMBER?  With the route via Modane still blocked, they'd have to be stupid to go ahead and dig up the Simplon route as well, right?  Nope, they're doing trackwork at Stresa as planned which will completely close the Simplon route from 9 June to 8 September 2024.  So in this period, only the journeys shown below via Zurich will work.

small bullet point  Train times, London Italy

small bullet point  Train times, ItalyLondon

small bullet point  How much does it cost?

small bullet point  How to buy tickets

small bullet point  What's the journey like?

London ► Italy (in a day, via Geneva)

London ► Italy (in a day, via Zurich)

London ► Italy (overnight in Paris, via Geneva)

London ► Italy (overnight in Paris, via Zurich)

London ► Italy (overnight in Zurich)

Italy ► London (in a day, via Basel)

Italy ► London (in a day, via Zurich)

Italy ► London (overnight in Paris)

Italy ► London (overnight in Zurich)

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets

Other ways to buy tickets

How to buy tickets by phone

Or have your trip arranged as a package

What's the journey like?

1. London to Paris by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedureSt Pancras station guide Paris Gare du Nord station guideHow to cross Paris by metro or taxi.

A Eurostar e320 train at London St Pancras   Eurostar e320 first class seats

Eurostar e320 at Paris Nord.  More about Eurostar.

 

1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Eurostar e320 2nd class seats   Eurostar e320 cafe-bar

Standard class.  Larger photo.

 

One of two cafe-bars, cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

2. Paris to Geneva, Lausanne, Basel or Zurich by TGV-Lyria

All TGV-Lyrias are now double-deck TGV Duplex as shown here, with 3 classes:  Standard class (2nd), standard premiere (1st class) and business premiere (1st class with hot meal & drinks included in the fare).  There's a cafe-bar car selling drinks & snacks.  There are power points for mobiles & laptops at all seats in all classes.  Lyria is a consortium of the French and Swiss national railways, see more about TGV-LyriaParis Gare de Lyon station guideGeneva station guide.

TGV-Lyria to Geneva at Paris Gare de Lyon

TGV-Lyria euroduplex train at Paris Gare de Lyon. These 320 km/h double-deck trains now operate all TGV-Lyria services.

TGV Duplex cafe-bar   TGV Duplex 2nd class seats, upper deck

The cafe-bar on the upper deck in car 4, serving tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine, beer, snacks & microwave-style hot dishes.

 

2nd class seats on the upper deck.  There's a mix or tables for 4 and unidirectional seating.  360º photo.

TGV Lyria first class, upper deck   A TGV-Lyria train from Paris to Switzerland

1st class on the upper deck, with a club duo on the left, a club quatre on the right.

 

A TGV-Lyria at Paris Gare de Lyon.  You enter the lower deck, 9 easy stairs to top deck.

3. Geneva, Lausanne, Basel or Zurich to Milan by EuroCity train

Trains from Zurich to Milan are operated by smart Swiss Giruno trains, trains from Geneva to Milan are operated by Italian or Swiss Astoro trains.  Both have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, a pleasure to travel on.  More about these EuroCity trainsGeneva station guideLausanne station guideBasel SBB station guideZurich HB station guideMilan Centrale station guide.

EuroCity train from Zurich to Milan at Zurich HB

A Giruno train at Zurich HB.

1st class on Giruno   Restaurant car on Giruno

Giruno, 1st class.  Larger photo.

 

Restaurant car with bar counter. Larger photo.

2nd class on Giruna   Bar counter in the restaurant car

Giruno 2nd class.  Larger photo

 

Level boarding. Note the destination screen in the door. 

Pretty church & vineyards seen from a Zurich to Milan train   Pretty church & vineyards seen from a Zurich to Milan train

Villages & vineyards on the Zurich-Milan Gotthard route on a wintry day.

Lake Lugano, seen from a Milan to Zurich train

Lake Lugano, seen from a Milan to Zurich train on the Gotthard route.

Back to top


Option 5, via the scenic Bernina Express

This is a much slower option than the others, but you can still leave London on day 1 afternoon, arriving Milan on day 2 in the afternoon, after a slow and fabulous journey on the narrow-gauge Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano through the Swiss Alps.  See the Bernina Express page.

Back to top


Option 6, via Munich & the Brenner Pass

You may prefer some German and Austrian efficiency on your way to Italy, as well as some great scenery, see the Brenner route video.  Travel London to Munich by Eurostar & TGV on day 1, stay overnight, then travel through the Brenner Pass to Italy on day 2.  It may look like a long way round on the route map above, but cheap fares and high-quality German and Austrian-run trains now make this an attractive option.

London ► Italy

Italy  ► London

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets

What's the journey like?

1. London to Paris by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedureSt Pancras station guide Paris Gare du Nord station guideHow to cross Paris by metro or taxi.

A Eurostar e320 train at London St Pancras   Eurostar e320 first class seats

Eurostar e320 at St Pancras.  More about Eurostar.

 

1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Eurostar e320 2nd class seats   Eurostar e320 cafe-bar

Standard class.  Larger photo.

 

One of two cafe-bars, cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

2. Paris to Munich by TGV Duplex  See the TGV Duplex video

Sit back with a glass of red and enjoy the ride - book an upper deck seat for the best views.  The TGV has power sockets for laptops & mobiles at all seats in both classes, and a cafe-bar serves drinks, snacks & microwaved hot dishes.  First class passengers on this route are given a simple but tasty meal box with a small bottle of beer or wine served at their seat, included in the fare.  The train soon leaves the Paris suburbs behind and speeds across a vast wide open plateau of woods and farmland at up to 320 km/h (199 mph), past picturesque French villages of the Champagne region.  After an hour or two, the train leaves the high-speed line and slowly meanders through pretty wooded hills, the countryside eventually flattening out towards Strasbourg.  On leaving Strasbourg, look out for Strasbourg cathedral on the left with its famously missing second tower.  Minutes afterwards you rumble across the river Rhine into Germany, before heading on to Stuttgart and Munich.  Paris Gare de l'Est station guideMunich Hbf station guide.

TGV Duplex at Paris Gare de l'Est

TGV Duplex at Paris Est. These impressive 320 km/h double-deck trains link Paris & Munich, a relaxing journey with reading book & glass of wine.  Book an upstairs seat for the best views.

TGV Duplex cafe-bar   TGV Duplex upper deck 2nd class seats

Cafe-bar on upper deck in car 4, serving tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine, beer, snacks & microwaved hot dishes.

 

2nd class seats on the upper deck.  There's a mix or tables for 4 and unidirectional seating.  360º photo.

First class on board a TGV Duplex   An TGV Duplex at Paris Est.

1st class on upper deck, a club duo on the left, a club quatre on the right.  360º photo.

 

A TGV Duplex.  The 1 near the door indicates 1st class, a 2 indicates 2nd class.

3. Munich to Verona by EuroCity train

These spacious and comfortable EuroCity trains are run by the German & Austrian railways using Austrian carriages.  There's an elegant Austrian restaurant car serving affordable drinks, snacks and meals.  There are power sockets at most though not all seats.  The highlight is passing through the superb scenery of the Brenner Pass between Innsbruck & Verona, with mountains either side of the train, see the video below More photos & information about the Brenner Pass EuroCity trains.

EuroCity train to Verona about to leave Innsbruck

A EuroCity train at Innsbruck, en route for Verona & Italy.  You don't need to book a table in the restaurant car, just go along and sit down.  Dining on the move as the scenery glides by is one of the pleasures of travelling on trains like this.  More photos & information about these EuroCity trains.

2nd class seats in an open-plan car   Austrian first class seats

2nd class seats, some in open-plan saloons like this, some in 6-seat compartments.

 

1st class leather seats.  You'll also find seats in classic 6-seat compartments.

Scenery from the train in the Brenner Pass

Mountains on the Brenner route.  More scenery photos on the Brenner Pass EuroCity page

Scenery on the Brenner route train

More mountains on the Brenner route, between Brixen and Bolzano.

Watch the video: Through the Brenner

Back to top


Option 7, via the Harwich - Hoek van Holland ferry

The ferry alternative!  If Eurostar fares are expensive, or if you want to avoid the Channel Tunnel, for example if you suffer from claustrophobia, you can travel by train & ferry instead.  At first glance, the obvious route seems to be Dover-Calais, and if you want to travel this way, see the London to Paris by train & ferry page.  Once in Paris you can pick up any of the routes to Italy shown above.  However, I don't recommend this route unless you live near Dover as it lacks integrated ticketing and involves awkward bus or taxi transfers between train & ferry on both sides of the Channel.

Instead, I recommend the Harwich to Hoek van Holland route, marked in black on the route map above.  This is the best ferry route to use, with integrated ticketing and trains arriving directly at the ferry terminal.  It's also a great option if you live in East Anglia, with a direct train connection from Cambridge to Harwich connecting with the overnight ferry.  Indeed, you may simply prefer a relaxing cruise overnight on the Stena Line superferry in a luxury en suite cabin with shower, toilet, satellite TV & free WiFi, see the Stena Line Rail & Sail page & watch the video.

London, Cambridge & Harwich ► Italy

Italy ► Harwich, Cambridge & London

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets

Alternatively, stay in Munich & take a daytime train next day

What's the journey like?

1. London to Amsterdam by train & ferry

A train takes you from London's Liverpool Street station directly to the ferry terminal at Harwich.  You walk off the train, into the terminal, get your boarding card & cabin key at the Stena Line check-in desk and walk straight onto the overnight ferry to Hoek van Holland.  The superferry Stena Hollandica is the largest ferry of its kind in the world.  All passengers travel in private cabins with shower, toilet & satellite TV.  There's a self-service restaurant if you want a late dinner, and there are cafes and bars.  There's free WiFi in the public areas on 9 deck.  The journey from London to Holland is explained in detail on the Stena Line Rail & Sail page See the video.

Captain's class cabin on Stena Line ferry   Stena Line ferry at Harwich

Captain's Class cabin on the Harwich-Hoek ferry with double bed, complimentary minibar with sparkling wine, tea & coffee making facilities, hairdryer.  Larger photo.

 

Boarding the Stena Line superferry at Harwich.  She's a floating hotel to Hoek van Holland, with easy rail connections on either side of the Channel.  Restaurants, bars, shop, kennels, cinema.

Restaurant on Stena Line ferry   Cabin on Stena Line ferry

Dinner before bed?

 

Standard outside cabin.  Larger photo.  360º photo.

2. Amsterdam to Stuttgart by ICE

ICEs are German Railways' premier trains, with 1st & 2nd class, a bistro-restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

ICE3 at Amsterdam Centraal

An ICE3M to Frankfurt at Amsterdam.  More about ICE trains.

2nd class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train   1st class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

2nd class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

 

1st class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

Erdinger Weissbier on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE train   Restaurant car on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

Food is served on proper china with metal cutlery.  I recommend the Erdinger Weissbier!  See current month's menu.

 

Restaurant car:  This is the small 12-seat restaurant on an ICE3M.  ICE3 classes 403 & 407 have a larger restaurant area.  Larger photo.

3. Stuttgart to Venice by Nightjet sleeper train

This modern sleeper train is a pleasure to travel on, whether in the privacy of your own sleeper or in economical couchettes.

The Nightjet sleeper train from Munich to Venice at Munich Hbf

The Nightjet sleeper train to Venice.  More photos & information about Nightjet trains.

Nightjet deluxe sleeper, 2-bed   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   4-berth couchette compartment from Cologne to Vienna

2-berth deluxe sleeper.

 

...en suite toilet & shower.

 

4-berth couchettes.

Sunrise as the sleeper train crosses the causeway into Venice

Sunrise as the Munich-Venice Nightjet crosses the causeway over the lagoon into Venice.  Courtesy of Andreas Wiedenhoff.

Back to top


Option 8, via the Portsmouth - Caen ferry

This route is ideal if you live on the south coast.  It's also a good alternative to Eurostar from London if you want to avoid the Channel Tunnel or if Eurostar is expensive (for example, at short notice) - although the train/ferry/train transfers are much easier via Harwich & Hoek van Holland as stations & ferry terminals are integrated, on the Portsmouth-Caen route a taxi transfer is needed between train & ferry in Portsmouth, and a bus or taxi transfer in Caen.

Ferry arrival in Portsmouth at dawn

The luxurious Normandie at Portsmouth.

Back to top


Option 9, by ferry from Newcastle or Hull

You can take a train up to London and travel from London to Italy as described above, of course, and this is often the easiest and fastest option.  If you want to do this, read this advice on buying connecting train tickets up to London.  But DFDS Seaways run an excellent daily overnight cruise ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam, and P&O Ferries sail overnight from Hull to Holland.  Then there's a Nightjet sleeper from Cologne to Innsbruck for onward EuroCity trains through the scenic Brenner Pass to Italy.  So why not by-pass London, and have a day in Amsterdam into the bargain before travelling on to Italy?

Newcastle & Hull ► Italy

Italy ► Hull & Newcastle

Fares & how to buy tickets

What's the journey like?

You sail overnight by cruise ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam (DFDS) or Hull to Rotterdam (P&O), with private en suite cabins, restaurants, bars, cinema, a floating hotel.  If travelling with DFDS from Newcastle, a transfer bus takes you from IJmuiden ferry terminal to Amsterdam Centraal station next morning.  If travelling with P&O from Hull, a transfer bus takes you from Rotterdam Europoort ferry terminal to Rotterdam Centraal, from where frequent Dutch trains run to Utrecht.

Princess of Norway (now Princess Seaways) at Newcastle   A standard cabin on DFDS Seaways Newcastle-Amsterdam ferry.

DFDS Seaways Princess of Norway (now Princess Seaways) about to sail overnight from Newcastle to Amsterdam.  The ferry also has deluxe Commodore class cabins with minibar, satellite TV, shower & toilet.  See the video.

 

A standard Seaways class cabin with shower & toilet on DFDS Princess of Norway from Newcastle to Amsterdam.

P&O Ferries Pride of Rotterdam   Cabin on P&O Ferries Pride of Rotterdam

P&O Ferries Pride of Rotterdam at Rotterdam Europoort.  The ferry also has deluxe class cabins with minibar, satellite TV, shower & toilet.

 

A standard outside cabin with shower & toilet on P&O's Pride of Rotterdam from Hull to Rotterdam.

Back to top


Option 10, by Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

This is the luxury option, from London to Verona or Venice aboard the fabulous Venice Simplon Orient Express.  It's not cheap, but yes, it's definitely worth it if you have the money - London to Venice costs around £3,000 per person one way including sleeper and excellent meals, wine extra.  The VSOE usually runs once weekly from March until October leaving London on Thursday mornings.  Passengers travel in restored 1920s or 1930s British Pullman cars from London to Folkestone with lunch, wine and champagne included in the fare.  At Folkestone, passengers are taken by coach to Calais via the Channel Tunnel.  Beautifully restored 1920s sleeping-cars then take passengers from Calais to Venice via Paris, the scenic Arlberg Pass, Innsbruck, the equally scenic Brenner Pass & Verona, arriving in Venice in the evening the day after leaving London.  For more details of the journey including departure dates, timetable, advice & photos, see the Venice Simplon Orient Express page.

LX-type sleeping-car of the Venice Simplon Orient Express train boarding at Calais

A sleeping-car attendant greets passengers outside his 1929-built LX-series Wagons-Lits. 

Back to top


London to Lake Como

Como is such a popular lakeside destination!!  Como San Giovanni is the mainline station on the Zurich-Milan main line, also linked to Milan Centrale by frequent regional train.  On the other hand, destinations on the eastern side of Lake Como, such as Lecco, Varenna (for the ferry to Bellagio), and Bellano are on a local line linking Milan Centrale with Tirano near the Swiss border.

To reach Como San Giovanni there are two basic options:

To reach Lecco, Varenna (for ferry to Bellagio), Bellano:

For Lake Como ferry services, including the ferries to Bellagio & excursions, see www.navigazionelaghi.it

Back to top


London to Lake Garda

Back to top


London to Pisa, Siena, Lucca, Modena, Ravenna, Livorno

Pisa is famous for its leaning tower, Siena for simply being a fabulous city in the heart of Tuscany.  They are easy to reach by train from London, no flight necessary.

London ► Siena, Pisa, Lucca, Livorno

London ► Modena, Ravenna

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets

What are regional trains like?

Italian regional trains come in many different shapes & sizes.  Below, trains of this type link Florence with Pisa, Livorno & Siena.

Regional train from Florence to Pisa   2nd class seats on a regional train from Florence to Pisa

Back to top


London to Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri, Ischia, & Elba

  Circumvesuviana train from Naples to Pompeii & Sorrento

The Circumvesuviana Railway links Naples, Herculaneum, Pompeii & Sorrento every 30 minutes, see www.eavsrl.it.

  Circumvesuviana train arriving at Pompei Scavi station.

Up Pompeii!  The Circumvesuviana train from Naples arrives at Pompei Scavi Villa di Misteri.  The entrance to the ruins of Pompeii is just across the road, for visitor info see www.pompeiisites.org.

  The SNAV fast ferry from Naples, just arrived at Capri's Grande Marina

The ferry from Naples, arrived at Capri. For ferry information, see www.snav.it

Sorrento, Pompeii & Herculaneum

Capri

Ischia

Elba

Back to top


London to Salerno & the Amalfi coast

  Amalfi

Amalfi, see from a bend in the winding Amalfi coast road.  SITA buses (www.sitabus.it) link Amalfi with both Salerno & Sorrento.

Back to top


London to Genoa, Cinque Terre & La Spezia

You can travel via Paris & either Milan or via Nice.  Both options are shown here, though the route via Nice is probably more scenic, possibly cheaper, and you won't have to get up as early!  You can also travel by daytime trains with an overnight hotel stop in either Milan, Turin, Paris or Zurich.

Option 1, by Eurostar & TGV

This is the cheapest, fastest and most comfortable option from London to Genoa.  The whole journey can be done in just one day.

The Paris-Milan line is blocked by a landslide, probably until summer 2024.  In the meantime, travel from London to Milan using option 4 instead, then take a train from Milan to Genoa.

London ► Genoa, Cinque Terre, La Spezia

La Spezia, Cinque Terre, Genoa ► London

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets

Option 2, by Eurostar & TGV via Nice

London ► San Remo, Genoa

Genoa, San Remo ► London

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets

How to buy tickets by phone

Option 3:  By Eurostar and sleeper train via Nice

London ► San Remo, Genoa

Genoa, San Remo ► London

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets

How to buy tickets by phone

Back to top


London to Civitavecchia

Back to top


London to Rimini, S.Marino, Ancona, Bari, Brindisi

London ► Rimini, Ancona, Bari, Brindisi, Lecce

Lecce, Brindisi, Bari, Ancona, Rimini  ► London

How to reach San Marino

How much does it cost?

Fares for the London-Milan part of the journey are shown in the London-Milan section above.

 Milan to Bari

 by train:

 Booked online at www.italiarail.com or www.trenitalia.com:

 2nd class fares from €29.90 each way.

 1st class fares from €39.90 each way.

 Milan to Ancona

 by train:

 Booked online at www.italiarail.com or www.trenitalia.com

 2nd class fares from €19.90 each way.

 1st class fares from €29.90 each way.

You can check these fares & fares for other journeys using www.trenitalia.com Advice for using trenitalia.com.

How to buy tickets

How to buy tickets by phone

Back to top


London to Trieste

Along with Turin, I'd say Trieste is one of Italy's most under-rated cities, figuratively left out in the cold when it comes to the Venice, Florence, Rome tourist trek.  Which is a shame, as like Turin it's a wonderful city to visit with a significant history.

Back to top


  Train to Sicily being shunted onto the ferry
 

Easy does it!  The Milan to Palermo Intercity Notte sleeper is shunted onto the ferry at Villa San Giovanni.  Yes, the trains to Sicily really are direct, and really do get shunted onto a ferry to cross the straits from Villa San Giovanni to Messina.

More about the trains to Sicily.

Watch the train ferry video

London to Sicily

UK to Sicily by train?  No problem.  You can travel all the way by train, experiencing one of Europe's last train ferries where the train is shunted onto a ship for the short sea voyage across the Straits of Messina to Sicily, or you can use an overnight cruise ferry to Sicily from either Genoa or Naples.  Each of these three options is explained below.

Option 1, London to Sicily in 48 hours

This is the fastest option: London to Milan by Eurostar & high-speed TGV on day 1, an overnight hotel in Milan, then Milan to Sicily on day 2.  By all means spread it out more by stopping off in Paris, Milan, Rome or Naples on the way, or travel one way using this fast option and the other way using more leisurely option 2.  It's your call!

London ► Sicily

Sicily ► London

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets

  • All these trains can be booked in one place in plain English at www.raileurope.com, in €, £ or $.  If you are making a round trip, Eurostar is best booked as a return journey because return fares are significantly less than two one-ways.  All the other trains are one-way ticketed so can be safely booked as one-way journeys one at a time and added to your basket, it makes no difference to the price.

  • Step 1, book from London to Milan on day 1 at www.raileurope.com and add this to your basket.

    Booking usually opens 4 months ahead, and you'll get print-at-home or collect-at-station tickets for both the Eurostar and the TGV.  If you want a longer stopover in Paris, perhaps for lunch, simply click More options, enter Paris and enter however many hours you want. There's a small booking fee.

  • Step 2, still on www.raileurope.com, now book from Milan Centrale to Messina, Palermo, Catania or Siracuse for day 2.

    I recommend using the specific station name Milan Centrale here rather than Milan (any station).  www.raileurope.com connects directly to Trenitalia's ticketing system so sells all of Trenitalia's cheap economy & super-economy fare.  It's ticketless, you simply print out the booking reference or show it on your phone.  Add to basket and check out.

  • Alternatively, you can book the Eurostar at www.eurostar.com and the Paris-Milan TGV separately at either www.sncf-connect.com (a bit fiddly, has been known to reject some overseas cards, but no booking fee) or www.thetrainline.com, making sure you allow at least 60 minutes to cross Paris between trains southbound, 90 minutes northbound (as this must include the 30 minute Eurostar check-in).  Both sites give print-at-home tickets.  You can then book your onward trains from Milan to Sicily at either www.italiarail.com (they'll refund the small booking fee to seat61 users if you email them at seat61@italiarail.com with your PNR) or Italian Railways' own site www.trenitalia.com, looking for cheap super-economy or economy fares.  Both sites sell the same tickets at the same prices and both offer ticketless travel, you simply print out the booking reference or show it on your phone.  However, Italiarail.com is in plain English and happily accepts English place names, whereas Trenitalia.com requires Italian-language place names, for example 'Roma' for Rome, 'Napoli' for Naples, 'Firenze' for Florence, 'Venezia Santa Lucia' for Venice and has a few quirks.

How to buy tickets by phone

  • Or book it as a holiday package.  If you're nervous about booking train travel yourself, Byway.travel can book a London-Sicily journey for you as a package, one-way or round trip, including the overnight hotel and starting from any British railway station you like - see their pre-configured one-way & return package to Catania using the journey planner here.

    Byway (Byway.travel) is a new UK-based eco-holiday firm, with a 5-star TrustPilot rating.  They use ITX (inclusive tour) rates, not normal ticket prices.  Byway also includes package protection, a 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption and re-planning and on-demand WhatsApp support while you're away.  They can adjust packages as necessary if you email an enquiry to them.

    They can build a trip to your requirements if you email them or use this contact form.  Please say you heard about them from Seat 61.

What is the InterCity train like?

These InterCity trains are composed of older carriages, but comfortable and fully air-conditioned with 1st & 2nd class in open-plan carriages, 2+2 across the car width in 2nd class, 2+1 in 1st class.  There may be a refreshment trolley, but take your own picnic & wine.  Seat reservation is now compulsory on all InterCity trains. 1st class has power sockets for laptops, 2nd class usually doesn't.

Intercity train to Sicily on board the train ferry

This is the Rome-Sicily Intercity train on board the ferry for the voyage across the Straits of Messina.  You can leave your heavy luggage on the train while you go up on deck for some sea air and a cappuccino.  Courtesy Discoverbyrail.com.

InterCity train, 2nd class   InterCity train, 1st class

2nd class on the Rome-Sicily Intercity.  Larger photo.

 

1st class on the Rome-Sicily Intercity.  Larger photo.

Scenery from the train to Sicily

Vesuvius & the Bay of Naples, seen from the Intercity train soon after leaving Naples.  Courtesy Discoverbyrail.com.

Intercity train to Sicily on board the ferry

Yes, the train really does go onto a ferry! Courtesy Discoverbyrail.com.

Option 2, using the Milan-Sicily sleeper

This is a longer more leisurely 2-night option, with 1 night in a hotel in Paris and one night aboard the Milan-Sicily InterCity Notte sleeper train, an epic journey in your own private room from Northern Italy to the toe of Italy, then over the Straits of Messina to Sicily on board a train ferry - a unique experience.  There's some truly great scenery on the way, through the Alps on the Frecciarossa and along the Italian coastline on the sleeper in daylight.  By all means travel one way using this option, the other way using option 1.

London ► Sicily

Sicily ► London

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets

  • All these trains can be booked in one place in plain English at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.

    If you are making a round trip, Eurostar is best booked as a return journey because return fares are significantly less than two one-ways.  All the other trains are one-way ticketed so can be safely booked as one-way journeys one at a time and added to your basket, it makes no difference to the price.

  • Step 2, also on www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, book the Frecciarossa from Paris to Milan for day 2 and add to your basket.

  • Step 3, still on www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, now book from Milan Centrale to Messina, Palermo, Catania or Siracuse also for day 2.  I recommend using the specific station name 'Milan Centrale' here rather than 'Milan (any station)'.  www.raileurope.com & www.thetrainline.com connect directly to Trenitalia's ticketing system so sell all of Trenitalia's cheap economy & super-economy fares.  It's ticketless, you simply print out the booking reference or show it on your phone.  Add to basket and check out.

  • Alternatively, you can book the Eurostar at www.eurostar.com and the Paris-Milan Frecciarossa separately at either www.italiarail.com (they'll refund the small booking fee to seat61 users if you email them at seat61@italiarail.com with your PNR) or Trenitalia's own site www.trenitalia.com.  Both sites give print-at-home tickets.  You can then book your onward trains from Milan to Sicily at either www.italiarail.com or www.trenitalia.com.  Both sites sell the same tickets at the same prices and both offer ticketless travel, you simply print out the booking reference or show it on your phone.  However, Italiarail.com is in plain English and happily accepts English place names, whereas Trenitalia.com requires Italian-language place names.

How to buy tickets by phone

  • It's cheaper and easier to buy online, as you can see for yourself which departures are cheapest for each stage of the journey and you avoid phone booking fees.  Online booking is possible 24/7, but most telephone booking agencies only work office hours on weekdays.  However, if you still want to phone someone, here's a list of UK-based train ticketing agencies with phone numbers & opening hours.

  • Or book it as a holiday package.  If you're nervous about booking train travel yourself, Byway.travel can book a London-Sicily journey for you as a package, one-way or round trip, including the overnight hotel and starting from any British railway station you like.  Byway (Byway.travel) is a new UK-based eco-holiday firm, with a 5-star TrustPilot rating.  They use ITX (inclusive tour) rates, not normal ticket prices.  Byway also includes package protection, a 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption and re-planning and on-demand WhatsApp support while you're away.  They can adjust packages as necessary if you email an enquiry to them.  They can build a trip to your requirements if you email them or use this contact form.  Please say you heard about them from Seat 61.

What's the Milan-Sicily sleeper like?

Milan-Palermo sleeper train arrived at Messina

The Milan to Sicily sleeper train at Messina.  More about the sleepers to Sicily.

Single sleeper on Italian Intercity Notte train   Double sleeper on Italian Intercity Notte train   Triple sleeper on Italian Intercity Notte train

Single sleeper (singolo)

 

Double sleeper (doppio)

 

Triple sleeper (tripla)

Comfort couchette car in Milan, bound for Sicily

Above, a Comfort couchette car on the Milan-Palermo overnight train, boarding at Milan Centrale.

Comfort 4-berth couchettes   Comfort 4-berth couchettes in daytime seats mode

Comfort couchettes, view towards the corridor.

 

Comfort couchettes, daytime seats mode.

Coastal view from the Palermo to Milan sleeper train

Room with a view.  The Milan to Sicily sleeper travels overnight across northern Italy, then runs down the coast to the toe of Italy.  While you travel in a sleeper that converts to a private sitting room.  Remember a picnic & bottle of wine!  Courtesy of Philip Dyer-Perry.

Coastal view from the Palermo to Milan sleeper train

Train on a ferry.  The Milan-Sicily sleeper train is ferried across the Straits of Messina on a ferry.

Travellers' reports

Traveller Andrew Clayton reports:  "We took the daytime InterCity train from Naples to Siracuse, having first loaded up with essential supplies (water, bread, cheese, wine etc.) as there is no catering on the train.  Rather than buy at Naples Centrale where there's only limited food shopping, we went out of the station and found nearby shops that sold all we needed – at much lower prices.  There was attractive scenery - sea and mountains - almost all the way to Villa San Giovanni where the train is loaded onto the ferry to Sicily in two sections.  We were in the last coach and discovered that, if you went to the end, you could look through a glass door to see the coaches go onto the ferry and be tied down. It is safe to leave large luggage on the train during the crossing when most people go up on deck."

Traveller Kathryn Vale reports:  "Our train trip to Palermo was a success: London to Paris by Eurostar, TGV to Toulon then local train to Monte Carlo (all stops to visit family!).  Then Ventimiglia-Genoa and Genoa-Palermo all for €68 including 4 bed 'couchette promiscuo' with juice and newspaper on waking (although no food to buy on board) AND the amazing train on the boat to Messina. We had blue sea on our right shoulder from daybreak in the couchette and all round the coast and some lovely interior trips within Sicily by train too.  The trains were great, the time keeping fine (except the Genoa train which was 40 minutes late, but we caught up on the next day), the staff were helpful - even with not much English/Italian between us!"

Traveller Steve Hutchinson reports:  “We picked up the Rome to Sicily sleeper after having arrived in Rome earlier that morning on the DB sleeper from Munich, enabling an interesting comparison between overnight trains! We had a T3 3-berth sleeper on the Sicily train, which was very comfortable with ample room for our luggage. Despite it being around 30c on departure at 2120 the air conditioning was working quite well, so a comfortable night’s sleep was assured. We woke in the morning as the train was running along the Calabrian coast with amazing views of mountains in the distance. The train then arrived at Villa San Giovanni around 06:00 where it was shunted onto the train ferry. It was effectively split into two portions to fit on the boat. The crossing took about half an hour. We all got off the train and went to the upper deck of the ship to see the views of Sicily on the approach and to get some coffee, which was very welcome! After arriving at Messina the two portions of the train – one for Palermo, the other for Catania and Siracuse - were hauled into the station. This gave the opportunity for anyone who’d got on the wrong portion in the hold of the ferry to change over! There were excellent views of Mount Etna as the Siracuse portion ran along the east coast of the island. The whole journey was amazing; you felt you’d actually travelled and arrived, rather than being delivered in a sterile aircraft. On the return a week later we boarded the sleeper train at Siracuse after an excellent meal at a restaurant round the corner from the station. Arrival at Rome was the following morning around 10:00, after a good night’s sleep”

Traveller Edward Rolands reports:  "We took the overnight train to Sicily, booking a 4 berth “comfort” couchette. Booking in advance at www.trenitalia.com meant it only cost €34.  It had a lot more space than the 6 berth variety and the air conditioning was functioning a lot more effectively too making for a much better nights sleep. We woke up in the morning as the train was pacing along the Calabrian coast with some lovely views of mountains in the distance and cliffs dropping in to the sea. The train then arrives at Villa San Giovanni where it’s shunted on to the ferry, a process which takes about half an hour.  You may be shunted on to the ferry, then shunted off again, then shunted back on again, as the train is broken up so that it fits!  The crossing takes about half an hour and you can get off and go on deck to enjoy the view - and get some basic refreshments.  On arrival at Messina it takes about half an hour to reconstruct the train which will now be in two bits, one for Palermo, one for Catania & Syracuse. Our Siracuse section was shunted into the platform at Messina Centrale first, 5 minutes before its departure time.  However it was held there until the other section was reconstructed and shunted in to another platform, so we ended up leaving over 20 minutes late.  The final section along the Eastern coast of Sicily has some great views of the mountains in the distance and of course Mt Etna. The train arrived at Taormina only 15 minutes late - the staff seemed keen to make up more time as it didn’t hang around before carrying on it’s journey South.  Overall the journey was brilliant and much better than any flight!"

Option 3, by cruise ferry from Genoa

London ► Sicily

This takes 2 nights from London to Palermo, not 1, but it's a more leisurely option with a cruise thrown in.

  • Step 1, travel from London to Genoa as shown above.  Allow plenty of time - hours, not minutes - between train and ferry in Genoa.

  • Step 2, sail from Genoa to Palermo on Sicily on the daily Grandi Navi Veloci cruise ferry, leaving Genoa at 22:00 and arriving Palermo around 18:00 next day.  A range of comfortable cabins, bars & restaurants are available.  Book the ferry online at www.gnv.it.

    One traveller reports the ferry as "Superb, like a cruise ship with cars.  We booked a cabin with a double bed in the prow of the ship, breakfast served in our cabin, swimming pool in the day, a very civilised way to travel!"

Sicily ► London

Option 4, by overnight ferry from Naples

London ► Sicily ► London

  • Step 1, travel from London to Naples by train.

  • Step 2, sail from Naples to Palermo by overnight cruise ferry.  Two companies run daily ferries with comfortable cabins with en suite showers, sailing around 20:00 and arriving around 07:00, in both directions.  See www.tirrenia.it & www.snav.it for times, dates, fares & online booking.

Back to top


London to Sardinia

  A Tirrenia Line ferry arrives in Sardinia

A Tirrenia Line ship arrives in Sardinia.

London to Sardinia by train & ferry

How to buy tickets

Trains between major towns in Sardinia:  See the train travel in Italy page

Back to top


Holidays & tours by train

The following companies can arrange a short break, tour or longer holiday to your own specification, either within Italy or from the UK to Italy by train, leaving on any date you like.  As you're effectively booking a package, not travelling independently, another advantage is that they'll look after you if anything goes wrong, for example a strike or major delay.

Railbookers logoRailbookers, railbookers.co.uk

Railbookers are an experienced train travel specialist who arrange holidays or short breaks with train travel, transfers & hotels all arranged.  If you tell them what you want, they'll advise you on the best trains, routes & hotels and sort it out for you.

Their most popular trips include UK to Venice via the Alps, UK to Lake Como via the Alps, UK to Florence via the Alps, UK to Rome via the Alps, UK to Amalfi Coast via the Alps, all of which are customisable to add extra nights or extra cities, with train travel on the outward or return journey, or by train throughout with no flying necessary, it's up to you.

UK flag  In the UK call 0207 864 4600, www.railbookers.co.uk.

US flag  In the USA call free 1-888-829-4775, www.railbookers.com.

Canadian flag  Canada call free 1-855-882-2910, www.railbookers.com.

Australian flag  Australia call toll-free 1300 971 526, www.railbookers.com.au.

New Zealand flag  New Zealand call toll-free 0800 000 554 or see website.

Byway logoByway, byway.travel

Byway (Byway.travel) is a new UK-based eco-holiday firm with a 5-star TrustPilot rating.  If you're nervous about booking train travel yourself, they'll book a holiday to Italy for you as a package, including train travel from the UK and hotels, starting from any British station you like.

They can build a trip to your requirements, email them or use the contact form.  Please say you heard about them from Seat 61.

Byway includes package protection, a 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption & re-planning and on-demand WhatsApp support while you're away.

Tailor Made Raill logoTailor Made Rail, tailormaderail.com

Tailor Made Rail also offers packages from the UK to Italy by train which can be customised your own requirements, one-way or round trip, with any stopovers you want.  Indeed, they can organise a trip for you entirely based on your own requirements, they welcome complex itineraries!  As it's a package, they'll take care of you if anything happens on one part of the trip, for example, a national strike.  They're TTA-protected - like ATOL, but not only for agencies that sell air travel.

Call their dedicated seat61 phone line 020 3778 1461 and quote seat 61 when booking.  From outside the UK call +44 20 3778 1461.  Lines open 09:00-17:30 Monday-Friday.  Their website is www.tailormaderail.com/destinations/italy.

Escorted tours

If you prefer to travel with a group of like-minded fellow travellers with a professional tour guide taking care of you, the following companies organise tours by train from the UK to Italy and other European countries, with regular departure dates throughout the year.

Great Rail Journeys logoGreat Rail Journeys, greatrail.com

GRJ is the established market leader in escorted tours to Europe by train.  They offer five-star inclusive escorted tours to Italy, with 1st class train travel and 4* or 5* hotels.  Tours include a 14-day Grand Tour of Italy to Florence, Venice & Rome, a tour to the Bay of Naples, Capri & Amalfi, and to Lake Garda, all with travel from London to Italy and back by train.  Great Rail Journeys also offer holidays by train to other European countries.  Check the tour details & prices online, then call 01904 527120 to book or use their online booking form.

Rail Discoveries logoRail Discoveries, raildiscoveries.com

Rail Discoveries is a sister company of Great Rail Journeys, offering similar train-based escorted tours to Italy, but with 2* or 3* hotels and travel by Eurostar and high-speed TGV in 2nd class.  For example, they offer a 9-day tour to  Florence, Venice and Tuscany  or an 8 day tour to Lake Garda.  Check details & prices at www.raildiscoveries.com and book online or call 01904 730 727.

Back to top


European Rail Timetable & maps

Thomas Cook European Timetable -  click to buy onlineTraveller's Railway Map of Europe - buy onlineThe European Rail Timetable (formerly the Thomas Cook European Timetable) has train & ferry times for every country in Europe plus currency & climate information.  It is essential for regular European train travellers and an inspiration for armchair travellers.  Published since 1873, it had just celebrated 140 years of publication when Thomas Cook decided to pull the plug on their entire publishing department, but the dedicated ex-Thomas Cook team set up a private venture and resumed publication of the famous European Rail Timetable in March 2014.  You can buy it online at www.amazon.co.uk (UK addresses) or www.europeanrailtimetable.eu (shipping worldwide).  More information on what the European Rail Timetable contains.

Rail Map Europe is the map I recommend, covering all of Europe from Portugal in the west to Moscow & Istanbul in the east, Finland in the north to Sicily & Athens in the south.  Scenic routes & high-speed lines are highlighted.  See an extract from the map.  Buy online at www.europeanrailtimetable.eu (shipping worldwide) or at www.amazon.co.uk (UK addresses).

Back to top


Guidebooks

If you have a decent guidebook you'll see so much more and know so much more about what you're looking at.  It's a sound investment when you remember what you're spending on the whole trip!  I think the Lonely Planets or Rough Guides are the best ones out there for the independent traveller.  My own book is an essential handbook for train travel to Europe based on this website called "The Man in Seat 61".  Published in June 2008 and revised April 2010, it's available from Amazon.co.uk with shipping worldwide.

Click the images to buy at Amazon.co.ukAmazon logo

Alternatively, you can download just the chapters or areas you need in .PDF format from the Lonely Planet Website, from around £2.99 or US$4.95 a chapter.

Buy online at Amazon   Lonely Planet Western Europe - click to buy online   Lonely Planet Venice - click to buy online   Lonely Planet Florence - click to buy online   Lonely Planet Rome - click to buy online

Back to top


Recommended hotels

Here are my suggested hotels in key Italian cities, conveniently located for arrival by train and all with good or great reviews.  You are unlikely to be disappointed by any hotel scoring over 8.0 out of 10 on Booking.com.

In Turin

Turin Palace Hotel   Turin Palace Hotel

The lovely Turin Palace Hotel, directly opposite the via Paolo Sacchi side exit from Turin Porta Nuova.

In Milan

In Verona

In Venice

  • Location, location, location!  Some people try to save money by staying on the mainland at Mestre, hotels in Mestre being naturally cheaper.  It's an option, but don't do it if you don't have to.  You want to be a resident in Venice, not a serial day-tripper, so try to find an affordable place in the historic city of Venice itself.

  • Venice Santa Lucia station is walking distance from everywhere in central Venice including the Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco, so a hotel near the station which you can easily walk to with your bags makes a lot of sense.

    Relatively inexpensive places with good reviews near Venice Santa Lucia include Albergo Marin, Hotel Marte, La Loggia della Luna, Albergo ai Tolentini.

    An excellent upmarket choice just 5 minutes walk from Venice Santa Lucia is the small and intimate Hotel Canal Grande - I've stayed there myself.  Also try the Abazzia De Luxe.

    For the least expensive places in central Venice check www.hostelworld.com.  Use the map view to see places in Venice itself.

    Of course, if you have the financial backing for a water taxi, then fine, stay near San Marco or wherever you like.  My son nagged me continually until I caved in and splurged €70 on a water taxi from Santa Lucia station to St Marks.  I have to say that it was the best thing I have ever done in Venice, and that includes a gondola ride!

In Florence

In Rome

  • There are many hotels near Rome Termini.  However, an affordable top choice with a 9/10 review rating is the Hotel Diocleziano, a 5-minute 400m walk from Roma Termini's main entrance, set in a 19th century building next to the Terme di Diocleziano ancient Roman baths.

  • An upmarket option near the station is Hotel Le Petit, an 8-minute 700m walk from the station, also with great reviews.

  • Other hotels near the station with good or great reviews include The Hive Hotel, Dream Station, The Republic Hotel.

In Naples

Hotels close to Paris Gare de Lyon

Hotel Mercure at Paris Gare de Lyon

Entrance to the Mercure Hotel at the Gare De Lyon, right next to the station's famous clock tower.  Handy for early trains!

Find hotels at Booking.comBooking.com for hotels

I generally use Booking.com for hotels for 3 reasons: 

(1) It keeps all my hotel bookings together in one place;

(2) I've come to trust Booking.com's review scores;

(3) Booking.com usually offers a clearly-marked Free cancellation option. 

Free cancellation means you can secure hotels risk-free even before trains open for booking, and if necessary change those bookings if your plans evolve.

If I'm only staying a night or two, I look for a hotel near the station to make arrival & departure easy.  You can enter the station name (e.g. Berlin Hbf) as search location.  If staying longer, I look for a hotel close to the sights, entering the name of a city attraction as the search location, then using map view.

I then look for a hotel with a review score of 8.0 or over, any hotel scoring over that won't disappoint.

AirBnB:  Airbnb.com

www.airbnb.com began in 2008 when two designers who had space to share hosted three travellers looking for a place to stay.  AirBnB is a platform which connects hosts with guests, so you can now book a room in people's homes, or an apartment, flat or house which people want to rent out.  It can be nicer than a hostel, cheaper than many hotels.

Backpacker hostels:  Hostelworld.com

www.hostelworld.com offers online booking of dorm beds or cheap private rooms in backpacker hostels most European cities at rock-bottom prices.  It's one way to cut costs significantly compared to using a hotel every night.

Back to top


Car hireCar rentals logo

Car hire comparison: www.carrentals.co.uk

The award-winning website www.carrentals.co.uk compares many different car hire companies including Holiday Autos, meaning not only a cheapest price comparison but a wider choice of hire and drop off location.

Back to top


Travel insurance & other tips

 

Staysure travel insurance

 

Columbus Direct logo

Always take out travel insurance

You should take out travel insurance with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover from a reliable insurer.  It should cover trip cancellation and loss of cash & belongings up to a reasonable limit.  These days, check you're covered for covid-19-related issues, and use an insurer whose cover isn't invalidated by well-meant but excessive Foreign Office travel advice against non-essential travel. An annual policy is usually cheapest even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Don't expect travel insurance to bail you out of every missed connection, see the advice on missed connections here.  Here are some suggested insurers, I get a little commission if you buy through these links, feedback always welcome.

UK flag  www.staysure.co.uk offers enhanced Covid-19 protection and gets 4.7 out of 5 on Trustpilot.

UK flag  www.columbusdirect.com is also a well-know brand.

US flag  If you live in the USA try Travel Guard USA.

 

Maya.net logo

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a European mobile data package and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list.  There's no need to buy a physical SIM card!  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data.

 

Curve card

Curve card

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month as I write this.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.  And you can get a Curve card for free.

How it works:  1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android.  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than getting a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card, they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

 

Express VPN

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  Why you need a VPN

When travelling you may use free public WiFi which is often insecure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explainedExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using this link you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I also get some commission to help support this site.

 

Anker Powerrbank

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, hotel bookings and Interrail or Eurail passes are often now held on your mobile phone.  You daren't let it run out of power, and you can't always rely on the phone's internal battery or on being near a power outlet.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or Buy from Amazon.com.

Touring cities?  Use hill walking shoes!

One of the best things I've done is swap my normal shoes for hill-walking shoes, in my case from Scarpa.  They're intended for hiking across the Pennines not wandering around Florence, but the support and cushioning for hiking works equally well when you're on your feet all day exploring foreign cities.  My feet used to give out first and limit my day, now the rest of me gives up before they do!

 


Back to top

Back to home page