Take Eurostar & TGV high-speed train from London to Nice, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, Avignon, Strasbourg, Perpignan or anywhere in France

A double-deck 186 mph TGV Duplex about to leave Paris for Nice.  Far better than flying...

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      Click here for journeys starting in another city

      Recommended hotels in Nice

      Information current for 2023

Travelling from Cannes or Antibes?  This page shows departure times from Nice, but all trains heading west towards Marseille, Lyon or Paris call at Antibes 14-25 minutes after leaving Nice and Cannes 25-35 minutes after leaving Nice so you can pick up the train there.  Going east towards Italy, Nice-Ventimiglia local trains come from Cannes or Antibes so you can pick them up there, as shown on the Nice-Italy page.

Travelling from Monaco or Menton?  Trains heading east from Nice to Italy all call at Monte Carlo 15-20 minutes after leaving Nice and Menton 35-40 minutes after leaving Nice.  If you're going west towards Marseille, Lyon or Paris, catch a local train every 30 minutes from Monte Carlo to Nice, allowing plenty of time for connections.  Although there's usually at least one through train between Monte Carlo & Paris each day.

bullet pointBefore you buy your tickets

Take a moment to read these tips for buying European train tickets.  It answers all the usual questions, "Must I book in advance or can I just buy at the station?", "Can I stop off?", "Are there Senior fares?" and that old favourite, "Should I buy an $800 railpass or just buy a €35 point-to-point ticket online?".  Click here to understand how far ahead you can buy train tickets.

bullet pointEuropean train travel FAQ

An introduction to European train travel

 

Senior fares (over 60)

 

Guide to Eurail passes (overseas visitors)

Important tips for buying European train tickets

Youth fares (under 26)

 

Guide to Interrail passes (for Europeans)

How to check European train times

Child fares & child age limits

 

Couchettes & sleepers on night trains

Do I need to book in advance?

Luggage on European trains

 

Train seat numbering plans

How far ahead can I book?

Luggage storage at stations

 

Wheelchairs & special needs

Can I stop off on the way?

Taking a bike by train

 

Real-time service updates

Should I travel 1st or 2nd class?

Taking a car by train

 

Hotels & accommodation

How long to allow for connections?

Taking dogs & pets by train

 

Changing stations in Paris by metro or taxi

How early to arrive at the station?

Maps of the European rail network

 

What to do when things go wrong...


Nice to Paris by TGV from €25...

Nice to Paris by sleeper train from €19...

Nice to Cannes, Juan les Pins, Monte Carlo, Menton by local train...
Nice to Marseille, Avignon, Lyon, Perpignan, Toulouse & other destinations in France
The view from the train...
Coastal views from the train between Toulon and Nice

Trains from Nice to Paris skirt the Cote d'Azur between Nice & St Raphael, past rocky headlands, yacht-filled bays and millionaires' villas.  This is the way to arrive!  Photo courtesy of Mike Sloan.

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Nice to London...
Eurostar e320   Eurostar e320 first class seats

A Eurostar e320 at London St Pancras...

 

Standard Premier/Business Premier. Larger photo.

Eurostar e320 2nd class   Eurostar e320 cafe-bar

Standard class seats.  Larger photo.

 

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

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Nice to Dublin & Ireland...
Irish Ferries' WB Yeats

Sail from Cherbourg to Dublin aboard Irish Ferries' WB YeatsWB Yeats photos courtesy of Irish Ferries.

Irish Ferries' WB Yeats club cabin   Irish Ferries' WB Yeats deluxe cabin

Club cabin on the WB Yeats with shower & toilet.

 

Deluxe cabin on the WB Yeats with shower & toilet...

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Nice to Brussels or Bruges...

Option 1, Nice to Brussels using the Nice-Paris overnight train - the most time-effective option...

InterCite de Nuit 1st class couchette, 4-berth   InterCite de Nuit 2nd class couchette, 6-berth   French couchette car corridor

1st class 4-berth couchettes, as recently refurbished.  Courtesy of @Bristol_Phil.  Photo in 2nd class courtesy Dan Chester.

 

2nd class 6-berth couchettes

 

Couchette car corridor.  Courtesy Dan Chester.

InterCite de Nuit 2nd class upper berth couchettes   InterCite de Nuit couchette

Upper berths, 2nd class, showing compartment lighting & temperature controls above door.  Courtesy of Dan Chester.

 

Each couchette is provided with pillow, lightweight sleeping bag, bottled water & kit with ear plugs and eye mask.

A Thalys train from Amsterdam to Paris

A Thalys at Paris Nord.  See panorama photos inside a Thalys trainMore info about Thalys.

1st class (Comfort & Premium) seating on Thalys   2nd class seats on a Thalys train from Paris to Amsterdam

Comfort & Premium seats, 2+1 across the car.  Larger photo.

 

Standard seats, 2+2 across.  Larger photo.

Option 2, Nice to Brussels using a direct Marseille-Brussels TGV train - the easiest option, avoids changing trains & stations in Paris...

Option 3, Nice to Brussels via Paris - a wider choice of departures, often cheaper fares, if you don't mind crossing Paris...

Option 4, Nice to Brussels with overnight stop in Paris...

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Nice to Amsterdam...

Option 1, Nice to Amsterdam using the Nice-Paris overnight train - the most time-effective option...

InterCite de Nuit 1st class couchette, 4-berth   InterCite de Nuit 2nd class couchette, 6-berth   French couchette car corridor

1st class 4-berth couchettes, as recently refurbished.  Courtesy of @Bristol_Phil.  Photo in 2nd class courtesy Dan Chester.

 

2nd class 6-berth couchettes

 

Couchette car corridor.  Courtesy Dan Chester.

InterCite de Nuit 2nd class upper berth couchettes   InterCite de Nuit couchette

Upper berths, 2nd class, showing compartment lighting & temperature controls above door.  Courtesy of Dan Chester.

 

Each couchette is provided with pillow, lightweight sleeping bag, bottled water & kit with ear plugs and eye mask.

A Thalys train from Amsterdam to Paris

A Thalys at Paris Nord.  See panorama photos inside a Thalys trainMore info about Thalys.

1st class (Comfort & Premium) seating on Thalys   2nd class seats on a Thalys train from Paris to Amsterdam

Comfort & Premium seats, 2+1 across the car.  Larger photo.

 

Standard seats, 2+2 across.  Larger photo.

Option 2, Nice to Amsterdam in a day...

Option 3, Nice to Amsterdam with an overnight stop in Paris - time-effective, with minimal impact on the working day...

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Nice to Luxembourg...

Option 1, Nice to Luxembourg using a direct Marseille to Luxembourg TGV - avoids the need to change stations in Paris...

Option 2, Nice to Luxembourg via Paris...

2nd class on a Paris-Milan TGV   TGV from Paris arrived at Luxembourg

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

 

TGV arrived at Paris Gare de l'Est...

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.

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Nice to Geneva, Zurich & Switzerland from €44...

Option 1, Nice to Switzerland via Lyon - usually the best route if you're heading for Geneva, Lausanne or Montreux...

Option 2, Nice to Switzerland via Milan - usually the best route if you're heading for Lugano, Lucerne, Brig, Interlaken, Zermatt or Zurich...

Lake Lugano, seen from a Milan to Zurich train

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

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Nice to Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome & Italy from €27.90...

Option 1, Nice to Italy in a single day...

Option 2, Nice to Italy with an overnight stop in Genoa or Milan - the time-effective way...

TER train at Juans-les-Pins station

Step 1, take a TER local train from Cannes or Nice to Ventimiglia on the Italian border.  Here, a TER rolls into Juan les Pins station, between Nice & Cannes - the TERs also call here.

Coastal scenery between Nice & Ventimiglia

Coastal scenery from the upper deck of the TER from Cannes & Nice to Ventimiglia...

Italian InterCity train

Step 2, take a Trenitalia Intercity train from Ventimiglia to Milan.  Here, a train has arrived at the magnificent Milan Centrale...

2nd class   1st class

2nd class.  Larger photo.

 

1st class.  Larger photo.

A Frecciarossa 1000 at Milan Centrale

Step 3, take a high-speed Frecciarossa from Milan to Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples.  This is a Frecciarossa 1000 at Milan CentraleMore information about Frecciarossas & explanation of the 4 classes.

Frecciarossa 1000 standard class   A Frecciarossa 1000 train at Milan Centrale

Standard class, 2+2 across width.  Larger photo.

 

Executive class, 1+1 across width.  Larger photo

Frecciarossa 1000 Business class seats   At-seat meal on Frecciarossa 1000

Business class seats 1+2 across car width, with tables for 2 and tables for 4 and complimentary prosecco. Larger photo.

 

In business class you can order a meal at your seat, around €18.  More information about Frecciarossas.

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Nice to Sicily...

There are many ways to travel from Nice to Sicily with various possible stopovers on the way.  But the simplest is as follows:

Coastal view from the Palermo to Milan sleeper train

Room with a view...  The sleeper travels overnight from Milan to southern Italy, then along the coast in daylight, often right next to the water, before being shunted onto a ferry to cross the Straits of Messina to Sicily.  Courtesy Philip Dyer-Perry.

2-bed sleeper, night mode, on the Milan-Sicily sleeper  

Milan-Sicily train on board the train ferry

2-berth sleeper.  It converts to a sofa by day.  Larger photo

 

Yes, the train goes onto a ferry!  This is the Milan-Sicily sleeper train on board the train ferry crossing the Straits of Messina. Photos courtesy of Andrew Harris.

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Nice to Barcelona, Madrid & Spain...

Option 1, Nice to Barcelona in a single day...

Option 2, Nice to Barcelona & Madrid with overnight stop in Marseille - breaks up the trip & you see a little of Marseille...

Mt Canigou in the Pyrenees

Mt Canigou & the Pyrenees...  One of the highest peaks in the mighty Pyrenees, the 2,784m (9,137 feet) high Mt Canigou dominates the skyline on the right all the way from Perpignan to Girona, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canigou.

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Nice to San Sebastian...

Option 1, Nice to San Sebastian in a day...

Option 2, Nice to San Sebastian with overnight stop in Barcelona...

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Nice to Ibiza & Mallorca...

Option 1, Nice to Menorca or Alcudia (Mallorca) via Toulon - the most convenient way when running, several times a week, April-October...

Option 2, Nice to Ibiza & Mallorca via Barcelona - daily all year round...

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Nice to Lisbon, Porto, Faro & Portugal...

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Nice to Andorra...
Bus station next to Toulouse Matabiau station   Bus station next to Toulouse Matabiau station

Travel from Toulouse to Andorra by bus, seen at bus stand 15.  The bus station is next to the rail station.

 

Bus station in Toulouse Matabiau forecourt.  Photos courtesy of Andrew McIntyre.

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Nice to Munich, Cologne, Frankfurt, Berlin & Germany...

Option 1, Nice to Munich or Berlin using the Genoa-Munich sleeper - the time-effective option...

TER train at Juans-les-Pins station

Step 1, take a TER local train from Cannes or Nice to Ventimiglia on the Italian border.  Here, a TER rolls into Juan les Pins station, between Nice & Cannes - the TERs also call here.

Coastal scenery between Nice & Ventimiglia

Coastal scenery from the upper deck of the TER from Cannes & Nice to Ventimiglia...

Italian InterCity train

Step 2, take a Trenitalia Intercity train from Ventimiglia to Genoa.  Above, an Intercity at Milan Centrale...

2nd class   1st class

2nd class.  Larger photo.

 

1st class.  Larger photo.

The Nightjet sleeper from Munich to Rome

Step 3, take the Nightjet sleeper train from Genoa to MunichMore information about Nightjet trains.

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 photo Video 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 couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car...

Option 2, Nice to Cologne, Dusseldorf or Frankfurt in a day, via Paris...

Option 3, Nice to Frankfurt, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Berlin with overnight stop in Marseille...

Frankfurt to Marseille TGV

The direct TGV Duplex from Marseille to Frankfurt, arrived at Frankfurt am Main Hbf...

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

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, this is upper deck seating.  There's a mix or tables for 4 and unidirectional seating.  360º photo.

First class on board a TGV Duplex   A TGV Duplex at Frankfurt

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

 

The TGV to Marseille, boarding at Frankfurt am Main Hbf.  You enter on the lower deck, with 9 stairs up to top deck.

Option 4, Nice to Munich or Berlin with overnight stop in Verona - a scenic option with coastline and mountains...

The restaurant car on a EuroCity to Munich, seen at Verona.  You don't need to book a table, 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...

Austrian second class seats   Austrian second class seats   Austrian first class seats

Second class seats, mostly in 6-seat compartments with side-corridor like this, but some cars are open-plan saloons...

 

First class leather seats.  On a few trains you'll find 6-seat compartments too....

Hilltop fortresses seen from the Brenner Pass train

Watch out for hilltop fortresses...  See the Brenner Pass scenery video here.

Scenery (and vineyards!) on the Brenner route   Scenery on the Brenner route

Vineyards, mountains and castles south of Brenner as the train heads from Verona to Innsbruck...

Mountains on the Brenner route...

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Nice to Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck & Austria...

Option 1, Nice to Salzburg & Vienna using the Genoa-Vienna nightjet sleeper train- the time-effective option...

TER train at Juans-les-Pins station

Step 1, take a TER local train from Cannes or Nice to Ventimiglia on the Italian border.  Here, a TER rolls into Juan les Pins station, between Nice & Cannes - the TERs also call here.

Coastal scenery between Nice & Ventimiglia

Coastal scenery from the upper deck of the TER from Cannes & Nice to Ventimiglia...

Italian InterCity train

Step 2, take a Trenitalia Intercity train from Ventimiglia to Genoa.  Above, an Intercity at Milan Centrale...

2nd class   1st class

2nd class.  Larger photo.

 

1st class.  Larger photo.

The Nightjet sleeper at Vienna

Step 3, Genoa to Salzburg or Vienna by Nightjet sleeper trainMore information 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 photo Video 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 couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car...

Option 2, Nice to Austria with an overnight stop in Venice - a scenic option to Vienna or Salzburg...

Scenery from the train on the Semmering Railway

Scenery between Venice & Vienna.  More photos & information about the Venice to Vienna journey.

Option 3, Nice to Austria with an overnight stop in Verona - a scenic option to Innsbruck, Salzburg or Vienna...

The restaurant car on a EuroCity to Munich, seen at Verona.  You don't need to book a table, 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...

Austrian second class seats   Austrian second class seats   Austrian first class seats

Second class seats, mostly in 6-seat compartments with side-corridor, some cars are open-plan saloons.

 

First class leather seats.  On a few trains you'll find 6-seat compartments too....

Hilltop fortresses seen from the Brenner Pass train

Watch out for hilltop fortresses...  See the Brenner Pass scenery video here.

Scenery (and vineyards!) on the Brenner route   Scenery on the Brenner route

Vineyards, mountains and castles south of Brenner as the train heads from Verona to Innsbruck...

Mountains on the Brenner route...

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Nice to Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Oslo & Stockholm...

Option 1, Nice to Denmark, Norway & Sweden using the Genoa-Munich sleeper...

TER train at Juans-les-Pins station

Step 1, take a TER local train from Cannes or Nice to Ventimiglia on the Italian border.  Here, a TER rolls into Juan les Pins station, between Nice & Cannes - the TERs also call here.

Coastal scenery between Nice & Ventimiglia

Coastal scenery from the upper deck of the TER from Cannes & Nice to Ventimiglia...

Italian InterCity train

Step 2, take a Trenitalia Intercity train from Ventimiglia to Genoa.  Above, an Intercity at Milan Centrale...

2nd class   1st class

2nd class.  Larger photo.

 

1st class.  Larger photo.

The Nightjet sleeper from Munich to Rome

Step 3, take the Nightjet sleeper train from Genoa to MunichMore information about Nightjet trains.

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 photo Video 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 couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car...

Hamburg-Copenhagen train at Copenhagen station

Step 4, Munich to Hamburg by ICE & Hamburg to Copenhagen by Intercity train.  This is an Intercity train at Copenhagen.  More about Hamburg to Copenhagen trains.

2nd class seats on an IC3 train from Hamburg to Copenhagen   1st class seats on an IC3 train from Hamburg to Copenhagen

2nd class seats on an IC3 train.  Larger photo.

 

1st class seats on an IC3 train.  Larger photo.

An X2000 train at Stockholm Central

Copenhagen to Stockholm by tilting 200km/h X2000, seen at Stockholm CentralMore about X2000 trains.

1st class seats on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train 2nd class seats on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train

1st class on an X2000.  Larger photo.

 

2nd class on an X2000.  Larger photo.

Bistro seating area on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train   Bistro seating area on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train

Bistro seating on an X2000 train. Larger photo.

 

Bistro on an X2000 train. Larger photo.

On the Oresund link!

Crossing the impressive Öresund bridge from Denmark to Sweden...

Option 2, Nice to Denmark & Sweden with overnight stops in Marseille & Hamburg - if you prefer day trains & hotels to sleepers...

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Nice to Helsinki & Finland...

Option 1, Nice to Helsinki using a Finnlines ferry from Germany - the easiest option...

Finnlines ferry Travemunde-Helsinki

Finnlines operate the Finnstar, Finnmaid & Finnlady on the Travemünde-Helsinki route.  Photo courtesy of Hubert Bartkowiak.  Photos below courtesy of Chris Russell.

Cabin on Finnlines ferry Travemunde-Helsinki   Gym on Finnlines ferry   Sauna on Finnlines ferry

Standard cabin.  Larger photo.

 

Gym with a view...

 

Sauna...

Option 2, Nice to Helsinki by train to Stockholm, then ferry...

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Nice to Prague & the Czech Republic...

Option 1, Nice to Prague using the Genoa-Vienna sleeper - a time-effective option...

  • Step 1, travel from Nice to Ventimiglia by TER local train, leaving Nice Ville at 13:21 and arriving Ventimiglia at 14:13.

    The fare is €8, though promotional fares of €5 or €7.50 are sometimes available.  2nd class only.

    Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.comBooking opens up to 4 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.  Allow at least 45 minutes between trains in Ventimiglia.

  • Step 3, travel from Genoa to Vienna by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Genoa Piazza Principe at 19:50 arriving Vienna Hbf 08:52.

    This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.

    Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, a bit more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.

    Tip:  If you have a sleeper ticket, and/or a 1st or business class ticket for the onward train, you can use the ÖBB 1st class lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with free WiFi and complimentary tea & coffee.

TER train at Juans-les-Pins station

Step 1, take a TER local train from Cannes or Nice to Ventimiglia on the Italian border.  Here, a TER rolls into Juan les Pins station, between Nice & Cannes - the TERs also call here.

Coastal scenery between Nice & Ventimiglia

Coastal scenery from the upper deck of the TER from Cannes & Nice to Ventimiglia...

Italian InterCity train

Step 2, take a Trenitalia Intercity train from Ventimiglia to Genoa.

2nd class   1st class

2nd class.  Larger photo.

 

1st class.  Larger photo.

The Nightjet sleeper at Vienna

Step 3, take the Nightjet sleeper train from Genoa to Vienna...  More information 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 photo Video of deluxe room

 

The 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 couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car...

Option 2, Nice to Prague with an overnight stop in Venice - the scenic option, if you prefer day trains & hotels to sleepers...

Scenery from the train on the Semmering Railway

Scenery between Venice & Vienna.  More photos & information about the Venice to Vienna journey.

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Nice to Bratislava & Slovakia...

Option 1, Nice to Bratislava using the Genoa-Vienna sleeper - the time-effective option...

  • Step 1, travel from Nice to Ventimiglia by TER local train, leaving Nice Ville at 13:21 and arriving Ventimiglia at 14:13.

    The fare is €8, though promotional fares of €5 or €7.50 are sometimes available.  2nd class only.

    Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.comBooking opens up to 4 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.  Allow at least 45 minutes between trains in Ventimiglia.

  • Step 3, travel from Genoa to Vienna by Nightjet sleeper train. leaving Genoa Piazza Principe at 19:50 arriving Vienna Hbf 08:52.

    This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.

    Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, a bit more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.

    Tip:  If you have a sleeper ticket, and/or a 1st or business class ticket for the onward train, you can use the ÖBB 1st class lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with free WiFi and complimentary tea & coffee.

TER train at Juans-les-Pins station

Step 1, take a TER local train from Cannes or Nice to Ventimiglia on the Italian border.  Here, a TER rolls into Juan les Pins station, between Nice & Cannes - the TERs also call here.

Coastal scenery between Nice & Ventimiglia

Coastal scenery from the upper deck of the TER from Cannes & Nice to Ventimiglia...

Italian InterCity train

Step 2, take a Trenitalia Intercity train from Ventimiglia to Genoa.  Above, an Intercity at the magnificent Milan Centrale...

2nd class   1st class

2nd class.  Larger photo.

 

1st class.  Larger photo.

The Nightjet sleeper at Vienna

Step 3, take the Nightjet sleeper train from Genoa to ViennaMore information 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 photo Video 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 couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car...

The train from Vienna to Bratislava...   Inside the hourly train from Vienna to Bratislava...

Step 4, Vienna to Bratislava by hourly regional express train. More about these Vienna-Bratislava trains.

Option 2, Nice to Bratislava with an overnight stop in Venice - the scenic option...

Scenery from the train on the Semmering Railway

Scenery between Venice & Vienna.  More photos & information about the Venice to Vienna journey.

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Nice to Budapest & Hungary...

Option 1, Nice to Budapest using the Genoa-Vienna sleeper - another time-effective option...

  • Step 1, travel from Nice to Ventimiglia by TER local train, leaving Nice Ville at 13:21 and arriving Ventimiglia at 14:13.

    The fare is €8, though promotional fares of €5 or €7.50 are sometimes available.  2nd class only.

    Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.

    Booking opens up to 4 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.  Allow at least 45 minutes between trains in Ventimiglia.

  • Step 3, travel from Genoa to Vienna by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Genoa Piazza Principe at 19:50 arriving Vienna Hbf 08:52.

    This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.

    Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, a bit more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.

    Tip:  If you have a sleeper ticket, and/or a 1st or business class ticket for the onward train, you can use the ÖBB 1st class lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with free WiFi and complimentary tea & coffee.

  • Step 4, travel from Vienna to Budapest by railjet train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 09:42 & arriving Budapest Keleti at 12:19.

    Fares start at €19.90 in 2nd class, €29.90 in 1st class or €44 in business class (= premium 1st).  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    These swish Austrian railjet trains have a restaurant car with draught beer on tap, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see more information about railjet.  Why not book book a later train & spend some time in Vienna?  Trains to Budapest leave every hour, left luggage lockers are available.

    Buy a ticket from Vienna to Budapest as a second transaction at www.thetrainline.com (or www.oebb.at).

    Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket.  Easy!

TER train at Juans-les-Pins station

Step 1, take a TER local train from Cannes or Nice to Ventimiglia on the Italian border.  Here, a TER rolls into Juan les Pins station, between Nice & Cannes - the TERs also call here.

Coastal scenery between Nice & Ventimiglia

Coastal scenery from the upper deck of the TER from Cannes & Nice to Ventimiglia...

Italian InterCity train

Step 2, take a Trenitalia Intercity train from Ventimiglia to Genoa...

2nd class   1st class

2nd class.  Larger photo.

 

1st class.  Larger photo.

The Nightjet sleeper at Vienna

Step 3, take the Nightjet sleeper from Genoa to Vienna..More information 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 photo Video 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 couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car...

A railjet train from Vienna to Budapest, arrived at Budapest Keleti

Step 4, Vienna to Budapest by railjet, seen here arrived on platform 9 at Budapest Keleti stationMore information about railjets.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Railjet restaurant car

Business class.  About business class.

 

Restaurant.  In 1st & business you're served at your seat.

First class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy (2nd) class.

Option 2, Nice to Budapest with an overnight stop in Venice - the scenic option, if you prefer day trains & hotels to sleepers...

Scenery from the train on the Semmering Railway

Scenery between Venice & Vienna.  More photos & information about the Venice to Vienna journey.

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Nice to Brasov, Bucharest & Romania...
  • Step 1, travel from Nice to Budapest via the Genoa-Vienna Nightjet sleeper train, as shown in the Nice to Budapest section above.

  • Step 2, travel from Budapest to Romania by sleeper train Ister leaving Budapest Keleti at 19:10, arriving Brasov 08:40 & Bucharest Nord 11:19.

    This comfortable sleeper train has an air-conditioned Romanian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, a Romanian couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  There's no restaurant car (although a bar-bistro is usually attached within Romania) so take a picnic and bottle of wine.  There's wonderful almost Alpine scenery through the Carpathian mountains between Brasov and Bucharest, a real treat...

    Fares start at €39 with a couchette in 6-berth, €46 with a couchette in 4-berth, €69 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, €84 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or €162 with a single-bed sleeper all to yourself.  All prices per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at the Romanian Railways website bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro.  Click EN top right for English.  Booking opens 60 days ahead.  For Bucharest type Bucuresti.  It can book seats, couchettes or sleepers.  For Hungary to Romania journeys you print your own ticket.

    You can also book at the Hungarian Railways website www.mav-start.hu, see my advice on using it.  For Bucharest type Bucuresti.  You show your ticket in the MAV app on your phone.

2-berth sleeper on the Ister   The Ister at Bucharest Nord

1, 2 or 3-bed sleeper with washbasin.  Larger photo.

 

The sleeping-car (vagon de dormit) on the westbound Ister at Bucharest.  Sleepers convert from beds to private sitting rooms for day use.  Courtesy of DiscoverByRail.

Couchette car on the Ister EuroNight train from Budapest to Bucharest   Romanian couchette car from Vienna to Bucharest

The vagon cuseta (couchette car) on the westbound Ister, boarding at Bucharest.  Couchettes convert from bunks at night to seats by day.  Courtesy of @AndyBTravels, DiscoverByRail.com .

 

4 or 6-berth couchettes.  Larger photo.

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Nice to Ljubljana & Zagreb...
  • Stay overnight in Venice.  For a hotel that won't break the bank, but is 2 minutes walk from the station with good reviews, try the Hotel Maggior Consiglio or for a little more, the Hotel Abbazia.

  • Day 2, travel from Venice to Ljubljana or Zagreb by train as explained on the Venice to Ljubljana page.

    The fixed-price fare is around €24.

    No reservations are necessary for any of this journey, just turn up, buy a ticket and go.  There are two departures every day.

2nd class seats on the train from Venice to Ljubljana   The train from Trieste to Ljubljana

Inside the ETR563.  Larger photo.

 

The train to Ljubljana about to leave Trieste.  Courtesy of Marc Williams.

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Nice to Belgrade & Montenegro...

If you're going to Montenegro...

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Nice to Sofia

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Nice to Warsaw, Krakow & Poland...
  • Step 1, travel from Nice to Ventimiglia by TER local train, leaving Nice Ville at 13:21 and arriving Ventimiglia at 14:13.

    The fare is €8, though promotional fares of €5 or €7.50 are sometimes available.  2nd class only.

    Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.comBooking opens up to 4 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.  Allow at least 45 minutes between trains in Ventimiglia.

  • Step 3, travel from Genoa to Vienna by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Genoa Piazza Principe at 19:50 arriving Vienna Hbf 08:52.

    This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.

    Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, a bit more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.

    Tip:  If you have a sleeper ticket, and/or a 1st or business class ticket for the onward train, you can use the ÖBB 1st class lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with free WiFi and complimentary tea & coffee.

  • Step 4, travel from Vienna to Warsaw by EuroCity train Polonia with restaurant car, leaving Vienna Hbf 14:10 arriving Warsaw Centralna 21:29.

    For Krakow, change at Katowice, arriving Krakow Glowny at 21:12.

    Fares start at €29.90 in 2nd class or €39.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, a bit more fiddly, same prices).  Booking to Warsaw opens up to 6 months ahead.  Booking to Krakow with a change of train in Poland opens 60 days ahead, but you can buy the Vienna-Katowice ticket up to 6 months ahead and add the connecting ticket later at the Polish Railways website www.intercity.pl.  You print your own ticket.

TER train at Juans-les-Pins station

Step 1, take a TER local train from Cannes or Nice to Ventimiglia on the Italian border.  Here, a TER rolls into Juan les Pins station, between Nice & Cannes - the TERs also call here.

Coastal scenery between Nice & Ventimiglia

Coastal scenery from the upper deck of the TER from Cannes & Nice to Ventimiglia...

Italian InterCity train

Step 2, take a Trenitalia Intercity train from Ventimiglia to Genoa.  Above, an Intercity at Milan Centrale.

2nd class   1st class

2nd class.  Larger photo.

 

1st class.  Larger photo.

The Nightjet sleeper at Vienna

Step 3, take the Nightjet sleeper train from Genoa to ViennaMore information about Nightjet trains.

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 photo Video of deluxe room

 

The 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 couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car...

Morning EuroCity train from Vienna to Warsaw

Step 4, Vienna to Warsaw by EuroCity train, seen here at Vienna Hbf.  On these PKP Polish Railways cars, the green stripe above the windows indicates 2nd class.  Yellow indicates first class.  Red indicates the restaurant car.  Courtesy of Jennifer Delaney.

2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train   2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

Most 2nd class cars have compartments like this with side corridor & 6-seat compartments, although one or two cars may have open-plan saloons.  All 1st class seats are in 6-seat compartments on these trains.  Click images for larger photos.

Polish restaurant car

Restaurant car...

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Nice to Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn...

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Nice to Kyiv, Lviv & Ukraine...
The Vienna-Kiev sleeping-car at Kiev Pass

The Vienna-Kyiv sleeping-car at Kyiv Pass.  Photos courtesy of Helmut Uttenthaler.

Sleeper to Kiev about to leave Vienna   Ukrainian sleeper corridor   1, 2 or 3 bed Ukrainian sleeper compartment

The Vienna-Kyiv sleeper about to leave Vienna Hbf... Courtesy of Helmut Uttenthaler.

 

The sleeper corridor.  Courtesy Helmut Uttenthaler.

 

1, 2 or 3 bed sleeper compartment.

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Nice to Moscow, St Petersburg & Russia...

Nice to Moscow via Kyiv - avoids Belarus...

  • Step 1, travel to Kyiv as shown in the Nice to Kyiv section above.  It takes 2 nights.

  • Step 2, take one of the Kyiv to Moscow sleeper trains, for example train 6 leaves at 19:36 arriving Moscow Kievskaya station at 10:09.

    These trains were suspended due to Covid-19 and now sanctions & the war in Ukraine...

    The fare is around €92 with a bed in 4-berth kupé or €180 with a bed in a 2-berth spalny vagon.

    You can ask www.polrail.com to book this for you too, or you can book tickets from Kyiv to Moscow at the Ukrainian Railways site booking.uz.gov.ua/en/ booking from Kyiv to Moskva Kievskaya.  You collect tickets at the station in Kyiv.  Feedback appreciated!

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Nice to Athens & Greece
  • Nice to Athens takes less than 48 hours this way, an epic adventure, and a great journey.  Recommended!

  • Day 1, travel from Nice to Ventimiglia by TER local train, leaving Nice Ville at 13:21 and arriving Ventimiglia at 14:13.

    The fare is €8, though promotional fares of €5 or €7.50 are sometimes available.  2nd class only.

    Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.comBooking opens up to 4 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.  Allow at least 45 minutes between trains in Ventimiglia.

  • Day 1, travel from Ventimiglia to Milan by Intercity train, leaving Ventimiglia at 15:10 and arriving Milan Centrale at 18:58.

    Fares start at €19.90 in 2nd class or €26.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.comBooking opens up to 4 months ahead.  It's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.

    See the Nice to Italy by train page for full details of the journey from Nice to Milan with photos, tips & how to buy tickets.  A later departure from Nice at 17:06 is also available.

  • Day 2, sail overnight from Bari to Patras in Greece with Superfast Ferries.

    The ferry sails from Bari at 19:30 on Mondays-Saturdays, arriving Patras at 13:00 next day (Day 3).

    On Sundays the ship sails at 13:30, too early to make connections from Milan.

    You can check sailing times & dates at using the Direct Ferries website or at www.superfast.com or www.ferriesingreece.com.

    You should check in at the Superfast desk on the ground floor of the cruise terminal (Terminal Crociere) at Bari port with passport & booking number to get your boarding pass, ideally 3 hours before departure in summer, although in practice 2 hours or even 1½ hours is normally fine.

    You then walk 500m from check-in to the ferry, board the ferry via the foot passenger gangway at the stern and head up the escalator to the main lounge and reception desk to get your cabin key.

    The ship is comfortable, with self-service restaurant, lounge, bar and sun deck.  You can book a deck place (a good & cheap option in summer if you have your own sleeping bag), a reclining seat or various types of cabin, all with private shower & toilet.  Strolling the decks in the morning sun as the ship cruises past the islands of Cephalonia and Ithaca is the nicest part of the trip, and it's a wonderful way to arrive in Greece.

    In Patras, the ferry arrives at the new South ferry terminal a few km from the town centre.  Bus 18 links the port with the Patras bus station every hour on the hour, fare €1.20 or you can hop in a taxi for around €9, journey time 15-20 minutes.

  • Day 3, travel from Patras to Athens by Greek Railways bus/train combo.

    Hellenic Train (Greek Railways) operate an integrated bus/train service from Patras to Athens every hour or two, total journey time 3h02, fare around €18.  No prior reservation is necessary, just buy a ticket to Athens at Patras railway station ticket office.

    For example, at the time I write this, buses leave from outside Patras railway station at 14:15, 15:15, 16:00, 17:15 & 18:15, taking 90 minutes to reach Kiato railway station near Corinthos.  At Kiato they connect with a modern air-conditioned regional train taking 78 minutes to Athens Larissa Station in downtown Athens.  You can check Patra to Athens bus/train times using the journey planner at www.hellenictrain.gr.

Superfast ferry from Bari to Patras in Greece

The ferry Superfast II from Bari to Patras, boarding at Bari.  Photos courtesy of DiscoverByRail.com.

Boarding the ferry from Italy to Greece   Lounge and reception desk on the ferry to Greece

The passenger gangway, onto the ferry.

 

Reception desk & lounge on the ferry.

Lounge & bar on the ferry from Italy to Greece   Self-service restaurant on the ferry from Italy to Greece

Lounge and bar on the Superfast II.

 

Self-service restaurant.

En suite toilet & shower on ferry to Greece   Cabin on ferry from Italy to Greece

Private cabin with en suite toilet & shower.

Scenic views from the ferry from Italy to Greece

The ferry passes Cephalonia & Ithaca then approaches mainland Greece.  This is what travel to Greece should be like!

The ferry from Bari arrives at Patras

The ferry approaches the new port of Patras...

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Nice to Istanbul...

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Hotels in Nice

Recommended hotels in Nice...

Find hotels at Booking.comMy favourite hotel search site: www.booking.com

www.booking.com is my favourite hotel booking site and I generally prefer booking my hotels all in one place here.  You can usually book with free cancellation - this allows you to confirm your accommodation at no risk before train booking opens.  It also means you can hold accommodation while you finalise your itinerary, and alter your plans as they evolve - a feature I use all the time when putting a trip together.  I never book hotels non-refundably.  I have also come to trust their review scores - you won't be disappointed with anything over 8.0.

Tip:  It can pay to compare prices across multiple hotel sites:  HotelsCombined.com is a price comparison site which compares hotel prices on Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, Accor, Agoda and many others.  Though if there's not much in it, I prefer keeping all my bookings together in one place at www.booking.com.

Other hotel sites worth trying...

  • www.tripadvisor.com is the place to find independent travellers' reviews of all the main hotels.

Backpacker hostels...

  • www.hostelworld.com:  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in most cities at rock-bottom prices.

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Travel insurance & VPN

 

Staysure travel insurance

 

Columbus Direct logo

Always take out travel insurance...

Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover.  It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit.  An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Here are some suggested insurers.  Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.

UK flagwww.staysure.co.uk offers enhanced Covid-19 protection & gets 4.7 out of 5 on Trustpilot.

UK flagwww.columbusdirect.com is also a well-know brand.

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

 

Curve card

A Curve card saves foreign transaction fees...

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then charge you a currency conversion fee.  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 at time of writing.  The balance goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.

How it works:  1. Download the app for iPhone or Android.  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to most European addresses including the UK.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, just like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance onto whichever of your debit or credit cards you choose.  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 - I get some commission if you sign up to Curve, but I'm recommending it here because it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card - they'll give you £5 cashback through that link, too.

 

Express VPN

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  VPNs & why you need one explained...

When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure.  A VPN means your connection to the internet is encrypted & always secure, even using unsecured WiFi.  In countries such as China where access to Twitter & Facebook is restricted, a VPN gets around these restrictions.  And lastly, you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geographic restrictions which some websites apply - for example one booking site charges a booking fee to non-European visitors but none to European visitors, so if you're not located in Europe you can avoid this fee by browsing with a UK IP address using a VPN.  VPNs & why you need one explainedExpressVPN is a best buy and I use it myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription, and I get a small commission to help support this site.

 

Anker Powerrbank

Carry an Anker powerbank...

With so much now held on your mobile phone (tickets, reservations, vaccination records, etc) I recommend carrying an Anker powerbank.  This can recharge your phone several times over if you're on the move and can't get to a power outlet.  I never travel without one.

 


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