 A TGV Duplex at Paris Gare de Lyon |
This page explains how to travel by train from Paris to other cities all over Europe and how to buy tickets the cheapest way. Information current for 2023.
Tip: If leaving from the Gare de Lyon, have a meal before your train at the fabulous Train Bleu restaurant or use the Big Ben bar as your VIP waiting lounge. If leaving from the Gare du Nord, I recommend the Brasserie Terminus Nord across the road.
Before you buy your tickets
Take a moment to read these tips for buying European train tickets. They answer the usual questions, "Do I need to 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.
European train travel FAQ
Paris
station guides
Paris to anywhere else in France
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You can buy tickets for suburban & regional trains at the station, they usually have fixed prices that don't change and no reservation is necessary or possible. This includes RER (Paris suburban trains) and TER (Trains Exprθs Regionaux).
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However, almost all French long-distance trains including high-speed TGVs & Intercitιs require compulsory reservation and a ticket always comes with a reserved seat. Like airlines they offer cheap inflexible fares if you book well in advance, much more expensive flexible fares if you buy closer to departure date. So book ahead! All tickets for these trains come with the necessary reservation automatically included.
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Buy tickets at either www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee) or www.raileurope.com (in , £ or $, small booking fee, about Raileurope) or www.thetrainline.com (in , £ or $, small booking fee, about Trainline).
You usually print your tickets or can show them on your phone, or you can collect tickets from any main French station. Anyone from any country can use these sites.
When booking 1st class tickets on TGVs & Intercitιs, www.sncf-connect.com & www.thetrainline.com allow you to choose your seat from a seat map.
See this comparison table, which website to use for French train tickets
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See the Train Travel in France page for a beginner's guide to train travel within France.
Paris to Nice from 25, see the Paris to Nice page
The impressive 300 km/h TGV Duplex trains from Paris to Nice take as little as 5h40 centre to centre with fares from 25. A flight takes 4 hours of train, airport, flight, airport & bus, as well as pumping up to 10 times the CO2 emissions into the upper atmosphere. As an experience, there's no comparison: After speeding down the scenic Rhone Valley at up to 300 km/h (186 mph), they slow right down and pass Marseille with the Chateau d'If visible out in the bay. After St Raphael, the train skirts the Cote d'Azur past rocky headlands, yacht-filled bays and millionaires' villas. THIS is the way to arrive! For more information, see the Paris to Nice by train page. And there's a sleeper option, too. Scenery photo courtesy of Mike Sloan.
Paris to Corsica
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Toulon by TGV Duplex, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon around 09:59 arriving Toulon 14:11.
In theory you can leave Paris later, but you need to allow for getting from station to ferry terminal and for the ferry check in and for any delay, so I'd stick with a late morning train. The train has a cafe bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Have an early dinner in Toulon.
Fares start at 25 in 2nd class or 45 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets at either www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee) or www.raileurope.com (in , £ or $, small booking fee, about Raileurope) or www.thetrainline.com (in , £ or $, small booking fee, about Trainline).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
Tip: www.sncf-connect.com & www.thetrainline.com allow you to choose your seat from a seat map when booking 1st class tickets.
Tip: Check ferry times before booking your train.
In Toulon, it's a 1.6km 21-minute walk from station to the Corsica Ferries terminal, see walking map, or take a taxi.
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Step 2, sail overnight from Toulon to Ajaccio or Bastia on Corsica with Corsica ferries, typically sailing around 20:00 and arrives around 07:00.
There's a range of comfortable cabins available with shower & toilets. Fares start at around 33 plus cost of cabin.
Check times, fares & buy tickets at the Direct Ferries website or see www.corsica-ferries.co.uk.
Paris to London in 2h20 from 57
Option 1, Paris to London by Eurostar in 2h20
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Eurostar links Paris Gare du Nord with London St Pancras almost every hour or so through the day in as little as 2h15 centre to centre.
See the London to Paris by Eurostar page for information about Eurostar, the Eurostar journey, tips for choosing the best seats & video guide.
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Fares start at 57 one-way or 99 return. Eurostar has airline-style pricing so book early for the cheapest fare.
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Buy tickets at either www.eurostar.com, www.sncf-connect.com or www.thetrainline.com.
You print your own ticket or can download the Eurostar app and show it on your phone. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.
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Buy onward tickets from London to other British towns & cities at www.thetrainline.com.
You collect tickets from the self-service ticket machines or in many cases you can print them out or show it on your phone.
If you're booking a train-specific Advance fare and your onward train leaves from St Pancras, Kings Cross or Euston, I'd allow at least 1 hour between Eurostar arrival and any onward train to allow for delay, even though it only takes 3 minutes to walk across the road to Kings Cross or 10 minutes to walk to Euston. I'd allow 90 minutes if booking a train-specific Advance fare and your onward train goes from Paddington, Waterloo or Liverpool Street as then you'll need to change stations by Underground or taxi.
Option 2, by train & ferry
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You can still travel from Paris to London by train, ferry and train, either in a day via Calais/Dover or Dieppe-Newhaven, or via routes with a longer sea crossing such as Caen-Portsmouth which offers a 'sleeper' service where you can sleep on the ferry overnight. See the London-Paris by train & ferry page for details.
Paris to Dublin from £88.50
Option 1, Paris to Dublin via a direct France-Ireland ferry
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Step 1, take a train from Paris to Cherbourg.
On most days you'll find a train leaving Paris St Lazare around 10:50 arriving in time to connect with a 16:30 ferry.
However, you should book the ferry first & confirm sailing time, then book a train that arrives at least 2-3h beforehand, remembering the 1-hour ferry check-in.
Fares start from 20 if you book ahead and commit to a specific train, or costs around 55 if you turn up and buy on the day.
Check train times & prices from Paris to Cherbourg at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee). You print your own ticket or can select a mobile ticket to show on your phone.
In Cherbourg, it's a 3.2 km 10-minute taxi ride or a 2.9 km 37-minute walk from the station to the ferry terminal, see walking map.
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Step 2, sail from Cherbourg to either Rosslare or Dublin
Irish Ferries (www.irishferries.com or www.directferries.com) sail from Cherbourg to Dublin every 2-3 days all year. The ferry typically sails at 16:30 and arrives 10:45 next morning. Fares from around 51 + mandatory private cabin. Cabins start from around 74 for a 4-berth with shower & toilet. You can easily buy tickets at www.directferries.com in multiple languages, in £ or .
This is the easiest route to use, their luxurious new superferry WB Yeats carries foot passengers on this route, a wonderful cruise with bars, restaurants & cosy private cabins. Their smaller ferry Epsilon doesn't carry foot passengers. Check schedules at www.irishferries.com.
Stena Line (www.stenaline.co.uk or www.directferries.com) sail every few days from Cherbourg to Rosslare, foot passengers carried. Sailings are overnight, times vary. A range of comfy private cabins is available. Trains link Dublin Connolly, Wicklow, Wexford & Rosslare Harbour, see www.irishrail.ie.
Option 2, Paris to Dublin via London
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Step 1, travel from Paris Gare du Nord to London St Pancras by Eurostar in 2h20 from 57. Book this at www.eurostar.com.
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Step 2, take the train & ferry service from London Euston via Holyhead to Dublin Ferryport as shown on the London to Ireland page.
The fares is either £44.50 or £50, one or other of these prices always applies. Book this at www.tfwrail.wales, see my advice here.
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It's an inexpensive, fun and interesting way to go. You can do the journey in a single (long) day, taking a morning Eurostar to London then an afternoon London-Dublin service (see the London-Dublin timetable here), or split it over different days with an overnight stop in London.
I'd recommend at least 90 minutes in London between trains to ensure a robust connection, even though it only takes 5-10 minutes to walk down the main road between St Pancras and Euston stations.
You print your own Eurostar ticket or can show it on your phone in the Eurostar app. You collect your London to Dublin SailRail ticket from the ticket machines at London Euston.
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You'll find more info about Eurostar on the London to Paris by Eurostar page, and more info about the London to Dublin train & ferry journey on the London to Ireland page.
Paris to Brussels, Antwerp or Liege from 29
Option 1, by Eurostar (formerly Thalys) high-speed train
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High-speed Eurostar (formerly Thalys) trains run from Paris Gare du Nord to Brussels Midi every hour or so in 1h22, city centre to city centre.
It's faster than flying and a lot more relaxing. Thalys trains go direct from Paris to Antwerp & Liege, too.
The trains run at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) on the high-speed line. They're carpeted & air-conditioned with power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. They have 3 classes: Standard (2nd class), Comfort (1st class) & Premium (1st class with at-seat food & wine included in the fare and access to lounges in Paris & Brussels). See more information about Eurostar (formerly Thalys).
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Fares start at 29 in standard class, 55 in comfort class or 115 in premium class.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead. If you buy on the day it costs 99 full-flex in standard class, ouch! All tickets come with a seat reservation and are only valid on the specific train you book. The cheapest fares mean limited or no refunds or changes to travel plans.
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Buy tickets at www.eurostar.com (easy to use, in or £, no booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee) or www.thetrainline.com (in , £ or $, easy to use, small booking fee).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket (A4 paper, Letter size is fine) or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
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Tip: Check what the price is for a journey from Paris to Rotterdam or Aachen on the same train, as it's often cheaper than the fare to Brussels. If so, buy to Rotterdam/Aachen and simply get off in Brussels!
Option 2, Paris to Brussels on regional trains for a fixed-price 47
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It's possible to travel from Paris to Brussels using a comfortable French TER regional train from Paris Nord to Maubeuge (a locomotive-hauled express train of older but excellent Corail cars), a Belgian regional train from Maubeuge across the border to Charleroi Sud, and an air-conditioned Belgian Intercity train from Charleroi Sud to Brussels.
It takes 4h30 with 2 changes (as opposed to just 1h22 by direct high-speed Eurostar (formerly Thalys)), but no reservations are required, it cannot sell out, and there's an affordable fixed-price fare that can even be bought on the day. Bring your own food & drink as there's no catering.
Why would you want to use this instead of Eurostar? If Eurostars are fully-booked, you can still use this route. If Eurostar wants over 100 for even a standard class Paris-Brussels ticket, you use this route for around 50, even buying tickets on the day. If you have an Interrail or Eurail pass and want to avoid the 25 reservation fee charged by Eurostar or passholder places have sold out, you can use this route with no reservation and no extra fees, just hop on and show your pass!
The service shown below started on 11 December 2022, when an increased Charleroi-Maubeuge cross-border service was introduced. Charleroi Sud was renamed Charleroi Central on 11 December 2022.
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Mondays-Fridays:
Paris Nord depart 07:19, Maubeuge depart 09:44, Charleroi Central depart 10:54, arriving Brussels Midi 11:45 & Brussels Central 11:53.
Paris Nord depart 13:19, Maubeuge depart 15:44, Charleroi Central depart 16:54, arriving Brussels Midi 17:45 & Brussels Central 17:53.
Paris Nord depart 17:19, Maubeuge depart 19:44, Charleroi Central depart 20:54, arriving Brussels Midi 21:45 & Brussels Central 21:53.
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Saturdays:
Paris Nord depart 10:19, Maubeuge depart 12:54, Charleroi Central depart 14:05, arriving Brussels Midi 14:56 & Brussels Central 15:03.
Paris Nord depart 14:19, Maubeuge depart 16:54, Charleroi Central depart 18:05, arriving Brussels Midi 18:56 & Brussels Central 19:03.
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Sundays:
Paris Nord depart 10:19, Maubeuge depart 12:54, Charleroi Central depart 14:05, arriving Brussels Midi 14:56 & Brussels Central 15:03.
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How much does it cost?
Paris to Maubeuge costs 35.50 in 2nd class, there is no 1st class. Fixed price.
Maubeuge to Brussels costs 11.20 in 2nd class or 17.80 in 1st class. Fixed price.
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How to buy tickets
Book from Paris to Brussels Midi or Brussels Central at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee).
Important tip: To find this slower route, click the little via link under the from/to boxes and enter Maubeuge as a via station.
In the search results, look for journeys with 2 changes via Maubeuge & Charleroi Sud.
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How to buy tickets in two stages with no booking fee
Step 1, buy a Paris-Maubeuge ticket at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com. Print out your ticket or show it on your phone.
Step 2, buy a Maubeuge-Brussels ticket at the Belgian Railways international website www.b-europe.com.
Look for a journey with 1 change marked IC. Ignore journeys marked TGV or bus or with more than 1 change. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Paris to Bruges or Ghent from 35
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Take a Eurostar (formerly Thalys) high-speed train from Paris Gare du Nord to Brussels Midi in 1h22 and make one easy change onto a half-hourly Belgian InterCity train from Brussels Midi to Bruges in around 55 minutes or Brussels Midi to Ghent St Pieters in around 30 minutes.
Eurostars run at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) on the high-speed line. They're carpeted & air-conditioned with power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. They have 3 classes: Standard (2nd class), Comfort (1st class) & Premium (1st class with at-seat food & wine included in the fare and access to Thalys lounges in Paris & Brussels). See more information about Eurostar (formerly Thalys).
Changing trains at Brussels Midi only takes 5 minutes, you step off one train, walk via the escalators and passageway under the tracks to another platform and step onto your onward train. On the Belgian domestic train there are no reserved seats, you sit where you like. They run every half hour, so don't obsess about making a specific connection, if you miss one train there'll be another in half an hour!
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Buy tickets from Paris to Bruges or Ghent at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket (A4 paper, Letter size is fine) or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
Paris to Amsterdam from 35
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High-speed Eurostar (formerly Thalys) trains link Paris Gare du Nord with Amsterdam Centraal every hour or two in 3h18, centre to centre.
These trains are not only faster than flying, it's far more relaxing. Nobody in their right mind flies this route.
They run at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) on the high-speed line, they're carpeted & air-conditioned with power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. They have 3 classes: Standard (2nd class), Comfort (1st class) & Premium (1st class with at-seat food & wine included and access to Thalys lounges in Paris & Brussels). See more information about Eurostar (formerly Thalys).
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Fares start at 35 in standard class, 72 in comfort class or 135 in premium class.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead. If you buy on the day it costs 130 full-flex in standard class, ouch! All tickets come with a seat reservation and are only valid on the specific train you book. The cheapest fares mean limited or no refunds or changes to travel plans.
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Buy tickets at www.eurostar.com (easy to use, in or £, no booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee) or www.thetrainline.com (in , £ or $, easy to use, small booking fee) or the Dutch Railways website www.nsinternational.nl (in , no booking fee, can book to any Dutch station).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket (A4 paper, Letter size is fine) or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
Going elsewhere in the Netherlands? www.thetrainline.com & www.nsinternational.nl can book through to any Dutch station, not just Amsterdam, adding a Dutch domestic ticket to the booking as one easy transaction.
Paris to Luxembourg from 39
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High-speed TGV Duplex trains link Paris Gare de l'Est with Luxembourg in just 2h14 up to 6 times a day.
The trains have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. I recommend an upstairs seat for the best views, any seat number over 60 is upper deck.
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Fares start at 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at either www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee) or www.raileurope.com (in , £ or $, small booking fee, about Raileurope) or www.thetrainline.com (in , £ or $, small booking fee, about Trainline).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
Tip: When booking 1st class tickets, www.sncf-connect.com and www.thetrainline.com allow you to choose your seat from a seat map.
Paris to Geneva, Lausanne, Bern, Basel, Zurich from 29
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TGV-Lyria high-speed trains link Paris Gare de Lyon with Geneva (3h10), Lausanne (3h40), Basel SBB (3h03) & Zurich HB (4h03).
They have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see more information about TGV-Lyria.
It's quicker than flying and much more relaxing. TGV-Lyria trains are double-deck with 3 classes: Standard class (2nd class), standard premiere (1st class) and business premiere (separate 1st class seating with flexible tickets and a hot meal & drinks included in the fare).
Change at Basel SBB for Bern, Interlaken, Lucerne, Lugano. Change at Geneva or Lausanne for Montreux, Brig & Zermatt. Change at Zurich HB for Chur, St Moritz, Davos or Klosters.
The Paris-Geneva route is the most scenic of the TGV-Lyria routes. After 2 hours dashing along the high-speed line past pretty French villages at 186mph the train slows right down and for the last hour winds through the French hills of the Haut-Bugey Line and over the dramatic Cize-Bolozon viaduct across the Ain gorge, see the Paris-Geneva photos here.
Tip: Why not have a meal at the remarkable Train Bleu restaurant at the Gare de Lyon before taking a TGV-Lyria to Switzerland?
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Fares start at 29 in standard class, 51 in standard premiθre or 184 in business premiθre.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead. No refunds, no changes to travel plans with the cheapest tickets.
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How to buy tickets for TGV-Lyria with no onward Swiss train
If you are going to a destination directly served by TGV-Lyria, in other words from Paris to Geneva, Lausanne, Basel or Zurich, buy tickets at either the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee) or www.raileurope.com (in , £ or $, small booking fee, about Raileurope) or www.thetrainline.com (in , £ or $, small booking fee, about Trainline).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
Tip: When booking 1st class tickets, www.sncf-connect.com and www.thetrainline.com allow you to choose your seat from a seat map.
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How to buy tickets from Paris to anywhere in Switzerland, including an onward Swiss train
If you're going further into Switzerland, for example Paris to Zermatt, Interlaken, Bern, Luzern or St Moritz, book at www.thetrainline.com.
Why Thetrainline.com in this case? Trainline has a connection to both the SNCF (French Railways) and the SBB (Swiss Railways) ticketing system so can sell cheaper Swiss Supersaver fares & Saver Day Pass for the Swiss part of the journey. Raileurope & www.sncf-connect.com only connect to the SNCF system so can only sell expensive full-flex fares for the Swiss section.
Booking opens up to 60 days ahead: Although booking for TGV-Lyria opens 4 months ahead, onward Swiss trains only open 60 days ahead.
If booking more than 60 days ahead, either wait or consider booking the TGV-Lyria from Paris to Basel, Zurich, Geneva or Lausanne first, to lock in the cheapest advance-purchase price. Then book the onward Swiss train separately when booking opens 60 days ahead.
You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
The Paris-Geneva route has the nicest scenery of all the TGV-Lyria routes. The TGV leaves the high-speed line and slows right down to join the Haut-Bugey Line for the last hour or so into Geneva. After a short tunnel the train crosses the spectacular Cize-Bolozon viaduct over the Ain gorge (above), the major structure on the Haut-Bugey line. The best view from the viaduct is on the left hand side of the train, pictured above.
The train snakes through the hills on the wonderfully scenic Haut-Bugey line.
More scenery as the Paris-Geneva TGV-Lyria heads through the hills along the river valley between Bourg en Bresse & Bellegarde. This great view is on the right hand side, although you can't pick sides when booking.
Nearing Switzerland, the train passes a lake, probably the Lac de Nantua, left hand side.
Paris to Turin & Milan
Option 1, Paris to Turin & Milan by French Railways TGV - direct trains, 3 per day
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Every day, 3 French Railways high-speed TGV trains link Paris Gare de Lyon with Turin Porta Susa (5h40) & Milan Porta Garibaldi (7h) from 29, see the Paris to Milan by train page for details.
Option 2, Paris to Turin & Milan by Trenitalia Frecciarossa - direct trains, 2 per day.
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Every day, 2 Italian high-speed Frecciarossa trains link Paris Gare de Lyon with Turin Porta Susa (5h40) & Milan Centrale (7h) from 29, see the Paris to Milan by train page for details.
Option 3, Paris to Milan via Switzerland
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You can also take a TGV-Lyria from Paris Gare de Lyon to either Geneva, Lausanne, Basel SBB or Zurich HB from 29, then a EuroCity train through the Alps to Milan Centrale from 29. There are many possible departures, I'd allow at least 45 minutes between trains.
This route usually works out more expensive than options 1 or 2, but can be just as fast, Paris-Lausanne in 3h40, Lausanne-Milan in 3h19. There's some great scenery through the Alps, although nothing as spectacular as the Bernina route.
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Find trains using www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, both of which are capable of booking both the Paris-Switzerland train and the Switzerland-Milan train.
Option 4, Paris to Milan via the fabulous alpine Bernina route - slower but incredibly scenic & well worth considering
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Take a TGV-Lyria high-speed train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Zurich HB, stay overnight in Zurich, then take the spectacular narrow-gauge Bernina route from Zurich to Tirano & Milan. See the Bernina Express page for details.
Paris to Verona & Venice
Paris to Florence
Paris to Rome & Naples
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See the Paris to Rome by train page or the Paris to Naples by train page.
Paris to Genoa, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Livorno
Option 1, Paris to Genoa, Cinque Terre, La Spezia, Pisa & Livorno in a day - early departure, every day
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Milan by high-speed Frecciarossa, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 07:25 daily, arriving Milan Centrale at 14:07.
It's a scenic & relaxing journey on a modern air-conditioned train with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see for yourself on the Paris-Milan by train page. It's an initial dash at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) along the Paris-Lyon high-speed line, but south of Lyon the train slows right down and snakes through the mountains into Italy.
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Step 2, travel from Milan to Genoa & beyond by air-conditioned Intercity train leaving Milan Centrale at 16:05, arriving Genoa Piazza Principe 17:44, Monterosso (Cinque Terre) 19:05, La Spezia 19:21, Pisa 20:17 & Livorno 20:35.
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How much does it cost?
Paris to Milan starts at 29 in standard (2nd) class, 36 in business (1st) class or 165 in Executive class.
Milan to Genoa, La Spezia, Monterosso, Pisa, Livorno starts at 19.90 in 2nd class or 29.90 in 1st class.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, whichever you prefer.
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead, it's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone. About Raileurope. About Thetrainline.
Option 2, Paris to Genoa & Cinque Terre in a day - late morning departure on Saturdays & Sundays
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Milan by high-speed TGV, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 09:43 Monday-Friday*, arriving Milan Porta Garibaldi 16:50.
This departure also runs on weekdays at certain periods, check online.
It's a scenic & relaxing journey on a modern air-conditioned train with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see for yourself on the Paris-Milan by train page. It's an initial dash at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) along the Paris-Lyon high-speed line, but south of Lyon the train slows right down and snakes through the mountains into Italy.
Transfer from Milan Porta Garibaldi to Milan Centrale by train, taxi or on foot.
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Step 2, travel from Milan to Genoa, La Spezia or Monterosso (Cinque Terre) by Intercity train leaving Milan Centrale at 19:05, arriving Genoa Piazza Principe 20:44, La Spezia 22:21, Pisa Centrale 23:17 & Livorno 23:35.
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How much does it cost?
Paris to Milan starts at 29 in 2nd class, 44 in 1st class.
Milan to Genoa, La Spezia, Pisa or Livorno starts at 19.90 in 2nd class or 29.90 in 1st class.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, whichever you prefer.
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. For the TGV you print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone. The onward Italian train is ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone. About Raileurope. About Thetrainline.
Option 3, Paris to Genoa & Cinque Terre in a day - afternoon departure on weekdays
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Milan by high-speed TGV, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 12:46 Monday-Friday*, arriving Milan Porta Garibaldi 19:49.
* There are certain periods when this departure is replaced by the 09:43 departure shown in option 2, check online to see which is running.
It's a scenic & relaxing journey on a modern air-conditioned train with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see for yourself on the Paris-Milan by train page. It's an initial dash at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) along the Paris-Lyon high-speed line, but south of Lyon the train slows right down and snakes through the mountains into Italy.
Transfer from Milan Porta Garibaldi to Milan Centrale by train, taxi or on foot.
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Step 2, travel from Milan to Genoa, La Spezia or Monterosso (Cinque Terre) by Intercity train leaving Milan Centrale at 21:10, arriving Genoa Piazza Principe 22:44, Monterosso (Cinque Terre) 00:05 & La Spezia 00:25.
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How much does it cost?
Paris to Milan starts at 29 in 2nd class, 44 in 1st class.
Milan to Genoa, La Spezia or Monterosso starts at 19.90 in 2nd class or 29.90 in 1st class.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, whichever you prefer.
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. For the TGV you print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone. The onward Italian train is ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone. About Raileurope. About Thetrainline.
Option 4, Paris to Genoa, Cinque Terre & Pisa with an overnight stop in Milan
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Milan by Frecciarossa, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 15:12 and arriving Milan Centrale at 22:07.
The Frecciarossa has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. It's a scenic & relaxing journey on a modern air-conditioned train with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see for yourself on the Paris-Milan by train page. It's an initial dash at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) along the Paris-Lyon high-speed line, but south of Lyon the train slows right down and snakes through the mountains into Italy.
Fares start at 29 in standard class, 36 in business class or 165 in Executive class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
By all means take the competing French TGV if it has cheaper prices, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 14:45 and arriving Milan Porta Garibaldi 21:49. Just remember that the TGVs arrive at Milan Porta Garibaldi so you'd need to transfer to Milan Centrale by train, taxi or on foot.
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Stay overnight in Milan: Affordable hotels with good or great reviews just outside Milan Centrale include the Hotel Bristol, Hotel Bernina, 43 Station Hotel, B&B Hotel Milano Central Station, Guesthouse Teodora. Pricier more upmarket hotels include HD8 Hotel, Glam Hotel, Made to Measure Business, Starhotel Echo or Starhotel Anderson.
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Day 2, travel from Milan to Genoa, Monterosso (Cinque Terre), La Spezia, Pisa or Livorno by any suitable train.
Find times using www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.
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How much does it cost?
Paris to Milan starts at 29 in 2nd class, 44 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Milan to Genoa, La Spezia, Monterosso, Pisa or Livorno starts at 19.90 in 2nd class or 29.90 in 1st class.
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How to buy tickets
Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, whichever you prefer.
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. For a TGV you print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone. For Frecciarossa and onward Italian trains it's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone. About Raileurope. About Thetrainline.
Paris to Sicily
Option 1, Paris to Sicily via Milan - the simplest option, using Italy's most epic sleeper train
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Milan by high-speed Frecciarossa, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 07:25 daily arriving Milan Centrale at 14:07.
It's a scenic & relaxing journey on a modern air-conditioned train with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see for yourself on the Paris-Milan by train page. It's an initial dash at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) along the Paris-Lyon high-speed line, but south of Lyon the train slows right down and snakes through the mountains into Italy. Enjoy an afternoon in Milan and have an early dinner.
Fares start at 29 in standard (2nd) class, 36 in business (1st) class or 165 in Executive class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, whichever you prefer. Booking opens up to 4 months ahead, it's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone. About Raileurope. About Thetrainline.
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Day 1, travel from Milan to Sicily on Italy's most epic train ride, the direct sleeper train to Sicily leaving Milan Centrale at 20:10 every night and arriving next day (day 2) at Catania 14:32, Siracuse 15:48 with another portion for Palermo arriving 16:56.
Both the Milan-Palermo and Milan-Siracuse portions of this train have 4-berth Comfort couchettes and a sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments. The Milan-Catania-Siracuse portion also has an Excelsior sleeping-car with several deluxe compartments with en suite toilet & shower.
The train is ferried across the Straits of Messina to Sicily on a train ferry, a unique experience and one of the few places in the world where trains go onto ships. See the Trains to Sicily page for more information, photos & travel tips.
Fares start at 39.90 with a couchette, 59.90 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper, 89.90 with a single-bed sleeper all to yourself.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead, you print your ticket or can show it on your phone.
Option 2, Paris to Sicily via Rome or Naples
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Rome as shown here or Paris to Naples as shown here using any option you like.
You can either stay overnight in Rome or Naples, or connect with a sleeper. However, if making a same-day connection with a sleeper you should allow hours not minutes between trains in Rome, in case of any delay coming from Paris.
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Step 2, travel from Rome or Naples to Sicily by direct train, either a daytime train or a sleeper, as shown on the Rome & Naples to Sicily page.
All these Rome-Sicily trains are ferried across the Straits of Messina to Sicily on a train ferry, a unique experience and one of the few places in the world where trains go onto ships. See the Trains to Sicily page for more information, photos & travel tips.
Paris to Barcelona from 39
Option 1, Paris to Barcelona, Girona, Figueres by high-speed train from 39
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Two double-deck TGV Duplex trains link Paris with Barcelona every day all year round, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 09:42 & 14:42, taking around 6h30 to Barcelona Sants, see the Paris-Barcelona timetable here.
These TGVs also call at Figueres Vilafant station (for the excellent Salvador Dali museum) & Girona.
These impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex trains have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. I recommend an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.
It's a scenic ride, the train passes Beziers cathedral, flamingos on the lakes between Montpelier & Narbonne, the historic Fort de Salses right by the tracks before Perpignan, with great views of the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees, see more photos & information about the journey.
A flight from Paris to Barcelona will take up to 5 hours once you include ground transportation, check-in and airport security hassle, it's more interesting and relaxing to take a Paris-Barcelona TGV train from city centre to city centre while you chill out on board, in reality it takes hardly any longer.
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Fares start at 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at either www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee) or www.raileurope.com (in , £ or $, small booking fee, about Raileurope) or www.thetrainline.com (in , £ or $, small booking fee, about Trainline).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
Tip: www.sncf-connect.com & www.thetrainline.com allow you to choose your seat from a seat map when booking 1st class tickets.
Tip: www.thetrainline.com & www.raileurope.com can also book onward trains in Spain, www.sncf-connect.com can't.
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For full details of times, fares, how to buy tickets, photos, video and a money-saving tip, see the Paris-Barcelona TGV page.
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Travel tip: Why not have a meal at the remarkable Train Bleu restaurant at the Gare de Lyon before taking the afternoon TGV to Barcelona?
Option 2, Paris to Barcelona by overnight train via Latour de Carol
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The Paris-Barcelona Elipsos sleeper train was discontinued in 2013, but you can still travel overnight, using the French overnight train from Paris to Latour de Carol, then a local train through the scenic Pyrenees to Barcelona Sants. Departure from Paris around 21:00, arrival in Barcelona around 14:00 next day.
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See the Paris to Barcelona by sleeper train page for full details, prices, tips & how to buy tickets.
Option 3, Paris to Barcelona by overnight train via Perpignan/Cerbθre
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This is very similar to option 2, but uses the Paris-Perpignan-Cerbθre overnight train rather than the Paris-Latour one, so you go along the coast rather than directly through the Pyrenees. This night train runs daily in summer, but usually only Fridays & Sundays in winter. Departure from Paris around 21:00, arrival in Barcelona around 14:00 next day.
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See the Paris to Barcelona by sleeper train page for full details, prices, tips & how to buy tickets.
Paris to Madrid
Option 1, Paris to Madrid in a day - the fastest option, from 77
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Barcelona by TGV Duplex, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 09:42 and arriving Barcelona Sants at 16:31.
This impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. I recommend an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.
It's a scenic ride, the train passes Beziers cathedral, flamingos on the lakes between Montpelier & Narbonne, the historic Fort de Salses right by the tracks before Perpignan, with great views of the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees, see more photos & information about the journey.
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Step 2, travel from Barcelona to Madrid by high-speed AVE, leaving Barcelona Sants at 18:25 & arriving Madrid Atocha 20:55.
The AVE has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. On Saturdays, you leave Barcelona at 18:00 & arrive Madrid at 21:12.
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How much does it cost?
Paris to Barcelona starts at 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class.
Barcelona to Madrid starts at 38 in Standard class or 45 in Comfort class.
Fares work like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
You can book this journey as a Paris-to-Madrid transaction at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, both easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee. These websites connect to both SNCF and Renfe ticketing systems so you can buy tickets for both trains together in one place.
Booking for the TGV opens up to 4 months ahead, Booking for Spanish trains normally opens 60 days ahead, but this varies.
Alternatively, you can book the Paris to Barcelona TGV at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com in , then book the Barcelona to Madrid AVE separately at the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com also in , although booking this way obviously takes more effort. Renfe also has some quirks to negotiate and may reject some overseas credit cards, see this advice on using it.
Option 2, Paris to Madrid in a day via San Sebastian - a slower but cheaper route, from 42
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Hendaye by TGV Duplex Ocιane, leaving Paris Gare Montparnasse at 07:11 and arriving Hendaye at 11:47.
The TGV Duplex travels at up to 300km/h, with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Personally, I'd book the earlier 07:52 from Paris and have lunch in San Sebastian. I recommend an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number over 60 is upstairs.
Fares start at 25 in 2nd class or 45 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, both easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone. You can also book at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com, in , no booking fee.
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Step 2, transfer from Hendaye to San Sebastian by Euskotren metro, every 30 minutes, journey time 37 minutes
Simply walk out of Hendaye station and turn right, the little Euskotren station is in a corner of the main station forecourt. Buy a ticket for 2.75 at the Euskotren station from the machines or staffed counter and hop on the next half-hourly Euskotren metro from Hendaye to San Sebastian Amara station, journey time 37 minutes. See the Paris to San Sebastian page for more information, photos & tips.
In San Sebastian it's a 10-minute walk from Euskotren's Amara station to the mainline Renfe station, see walking map.
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Step 3, travel from San Sebastian to Madrid by Intercity train, leaving San Sebastian Renfe station at 15:17 arriving Madrid Chamartin 20:10.
On Sundays there's also a 17:03 Alvia train to Madrid, if you'd like more time in San Sebastian.
The modern air-conditioned Intercity train has a cafe-bar & power sockets at all seats, a pleasure to travel in. There's great scenery winding down out of the Pyrenees. These trains also have an interesting party trick: Half way through the journey they pass slowly through a shed, and axles adjust from Iberian gauge (5'6") to standard gauge (4'8½") before taking the modern high-speed line to Madrid.
Fares start at 17 in 2nd class (standard) or 22 in 1st class (comfort).
Book this train at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com and print your own ticket. You can avoid paying a booking fee by using Renfe.com, but this is much more fiddly to use and may reject some overseas payment cards.
Option 3, Paris to Madrid with an overnight stop in Barcelona - the fastest route, but with an overnight stop, from 46
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Barcelona by TGV Duplex, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 14:42 and arriving Barcelona Sants at 21:27.
This impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. I recommend an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.
It's a scenic ride, the train passes Beziers cathedral, flamingos on the lakes between Montpelier & Narbonne, the historic Fort de Salses right by the tracks before Perpignan, with great views of the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees, see more photos & information about the journey.
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Stay overnight in Barcelona. The Hotel Barcelo Sants is the top choice here, it's part of Barcelona Sants station so easy to use when arriving & departing by train, with great reviews & good feedback from Seat61 users. See other suggested hotels near the station.
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Day 2, travel from Barcelona to Madrid by high-speed AVE on any departure you like in just 2h30.
Or choose a competing Iryo train, or lo-cost Avlo or Ouigo trains, the different competing train services are explained on the Barcelona & Madrid by train page.
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How much does it cost?
Paris to Barcelona starts at 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class.
Barcelona to Madrid starts at 38 in Standard class or 45 in Comfort class. Lo-cost trains start at just 7.
Fares work like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
Book at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, both easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee. These websites connect to both SNCF and Renfe ticketing systems so you can buy tickets for both trains together in one place. www.thetrainline.com can also book the competing Iryo, Avlo & Ouigo trains.
Booking for the TGV opens up to 4 months ahead, Booking for Spanish trains normally opens 60 days ahead, but this varies.
First book Paris to Barcelona & add to basket, then book Barcelona to Madrid for the following day & add to basket, then check out.
Alternatively, you can book the Paris to Barcelona TGV at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com in , then book the Barcelona to Madrid AVE separately at the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com also in , although booking this way obviously takes more effort. Renfe also has some quirks to negotiate and may reject some overseas credit cards, see this advice on using it.
Option 4, Paris to Madrid with overnight stop in San Sebastian
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Hendaye on the Spanish border by TGV Duplex Ocιane, using any departure you like.
On Mondays-Fridays you can take any departure up to the 16:11 TGV from Paris Gare Montparnasse arriving Hendaye at 20:47.
On Saturdays & Sundays you can also use the 18:11 TGV from Paris Montparnasse arriving Hendaye 22:47, as Euskotren run later late-night trains from Hendaye to San Sebastian on those evenings, check that there are late enough trains at www.euskotren.eus.
The TGV Duplex Ocιane has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Fares start at just 25 in 2nd class or 45 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, both easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee. Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
You can also book at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com, in , no booking fee.
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Day 1, transfer from Hendaye to San Sebastian by Euskotren metro, every 30 minutes, journey time 37 minutes.
Simply walk out of Hendaye station and turn right, the little Euskotren station is in a corner of the main station forecourt. Buy a ticket for 2.75 at the Euskotren station from the machines or staffed counter and hop on the next half-hourly Euskotren metro from Hendaye to San Sebastian Amara station, journey time 37 minutes. The last train leaves Hendaye around 22:30 on weekdays, but later trains run at weekends. See the Paris to San Sebastian page for more information, photos & tips.
In San Sebastian it's a 10-minute walk from Euskotren's Amara station to the mainline Renfe station, see walking map.
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Stay overnight in San Sebastian - a lovely city, well worth a longer stop. The Pension San Ignacio Centro is just 10 minutes walk from San Sebastian Renfe station and gets great reviews. If you want somewhere in the old town try the Pension Garibai or Pension Alameda.
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Day 2, travel from San Sebastian to Madrid by Alvia train, leaving San Sebastian Renfe station at 09:02 arriving Madrid Chamartin 13:56.
If you need to be in Madrid earlier, on Mondays-Fridays an Intercity train leaves San Sebastian at 05:02 arriving Madrid Chamartin at 09:57.
If you'd like a day in San Sebastian, an afternoon Intercity train leaves San Sebastian at 15:17 arriving Madrid Chamartin at 20:10.
These smart air-conditioned Alvia trains have a cafe-bar and power sockets at all seats, a pleasure to travel in. There's great scenery winding down out of the Pyrenees. These trains also have an interesting party trick: Half way through the journey they pass slowly through a shed, and axles adjust from Iberian gauge (5'6") to standard gauge (4'8½") before taking the modern high-speed line the rest of the way to Madrid.
Fares start at 17 in 2nd class (standard) or 22 in 1st class (comfort). Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com and print your own ticket. Booking for Spanish trains normally opens 60 days ahead, but it varies. You can avoid paying a booking fee by using Renfe.com, but this is much more fiddly to use and may reject some overseas payment cards.
Option 5, Paris to Madrid using an overnight train to the Spanish border
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Step 1, travel overnight from Paris to Latour de Carol in the heart of the Pyrenees or from Paris to Cerbθre on the Spanish border by French sleeper train, leaving Paris Gare d'Austerlitz at 21:40. Then take a local train from Latour or Cerbθre to Barcelona Sants arriving at lunchtime.
See the Paris to Barcelona by sleeper train page for full details, prices, tips & how to buy tickets.
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Step 2, travel from Barcelona Sants to Madrid Atocha in just 2h30 on any afternoon AVE train you like.
I'd allow at least 1 hour between trains in Barcelona.
Check times and buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, in , see my advice before using it).
Paris to Malaga, Seville, Cordoba, Granada, Cadiz from 79
Option 1, Paris to Andalucνa with overnight stop in Barcelona
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Barcelona by TGV Duplex, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 14:42 and arriving Barcelona Sants at 21:27.
This impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. I recommend an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.
It's a scenic ride, the train passes Beziers cathedral, flamingos on the lakes between Montpelier & Narbonne, the historic Fort de Salses right by the tracks before Perpignan, with great views of the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees, see more photos & information about the journey.
Fares start at 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Stay overnight in Barcelona. The Hotel Barcelo Sants is the top choice here, it's part of Barcelona Sants station so easy to use when arriving & departing by train, with great reviews & good feedback from Seat61 users. See other suggested hotels near the station.
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Step 2, now travel from Barcelona to Andalucνa by AVE high-speed train.
For Granada: Leave Barcelona Sants at 06:45 by AVE S112 high-speed train arriving Granada at 13:10.
For Malaga: Leave Barcelona Sants at 08:35 by AVE-S112 high-speed train arriving Malaga Maria Zambrano at 14:51.
For Cordoba & Seville: Leave Barcelona Sants at 08:35 by AVE-S112 high-speed train arriving Cordoba 13:42 & Seville Santa Justa 14:32.
Or spend the morning in Barcelona and take the afternoon 15:15 AVE to Malaga, Cordoba & Seville.
Advance-purchase fares for all these trains start at around 45.
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How to buy tickets
You can book this journey at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, both easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee. About Raileurope. About Thetrainline. These sites connect to both the SNCF & Renfe ticketing systems so you can buy the tickets for both trains together in one place, in plain English.
Step 1, book Paris to Barcelona looking for the direct afternoon TGV, and add to basket.
Step 2, book Barcelona to Cordoba, Malaga, Seville or Granada for the next day, add to basket & check out, paying for both tickets together.
Booking for the TGV opens up to 4 months ahead, you print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone. Booking for Spanish trains normally opens 60 days ahead, but this varies. You print your own ticket. More info on when train bookings open.
Alternatively, you can book the Paris to Barcelona TGV at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com in , no booking fee), then book the Barcelona to Seville/Malaga/Cordoba AVE separately at the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, in , may reject some overseas credit cards, see this advice for using it).
Option 2, Paris to Andalucνa using a French overnight train
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Step 1, travel overnight from Paris to Latour de Carol in the heart of the Pyrenees or from Paris to Cerbθre on the Spanish border by French sleeper train, leaving Paris Gare d'Austerlitz at 21:40. Then take a local train from Latour or Cerbθre to Barcelona Sants arriving at lunchtime.
See the Paris to Barcelona by sleeper train page for full details, prices, tips & how to buy tickets.
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Step 2, travel from Barcelona to Cordoba, Seville or Malaga by AVE-S112 train leaving Barcelona Sants 15:15, arriving in the evening.
Fares start at around 45.
Book this train at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, in , see my advice before using it).
Paris to Valencia or Alicante from 65
Option 1, Paris to Valencia or Alicante by high-speed train in a single day
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Barcelona by TGV Duplex, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 09:42 & arriving Barcelona Sants 16:31.
This impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. I recommend an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.
It's a scenic ride, the train passes Beziers cathedral, flamingos on the lakes between Montpelier & Narbonne, the historic Fort de Salses right by the tracks before Perpignan, with great views of the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees, see more photos & information about the journey.
Fares start at 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Step 2, travel from Barcelona to Valencia or Alicante by fast EuroMed train, leaving Barcelona Sants at 18:15 & arriving Valencia Joaquin Sorolla at 21:02 and Alicante at 23:12.
Fares from Barcelona to Alicante start at 26.
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How to buy tickets
You can book this journey as one simple Paris-to-Valencia/Alicante transaction at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, both easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee. About Raileurope. About Thetrainline. These sites connect to both the SNCF & Renfe ticketing systems so you can buy the tickets for both trains together in one place, in plain English.
Booking for the TGV opens up to 4 months ahead, for Spanish trains normally 60 days ahead, but this varies. In the search results, look for the option with just 1 change. You print your own tickets.
Alternatively, you can book the Paris to Barcelona TGV at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee), then book the Barcelona to Valencia/Alicante train separately at the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (in , much more fiddly, may reject some overseas credit cards, see this advice on using it.
Option 2, Paris to Valencia or Alicante by high-speed trains with overnight stop in Barcelona
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Barcelona by high-speed TGV Duplex, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 14:42 & arriving Barcelona Sants 21:27.
This impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. I recommend an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.
It's a scenic ride, the train passes Beziers cathedral, flamingos on the lakes between Montpelier & Narbonne, the historic Fort de Salses right by the tracks before Perpignan, with great views of the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees, see more photos & information about the journey.
Fares start at 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Stay overnight in Barcelona. The Hotel Barcelo Sants is the top choice here, it's part of Barcelona Sants station so easy to use when arriving & departing by train, with great reviews & good feedback from Seat61 users. See other suggested hotels near the station.
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Step 2, now travel from Barcelona to Valencia or Alicante by EuroMed train. Take any departure you like, one leaves Barcelona Sants at 08:15 Mondays-Fridays arriving Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 10:55 & Alicante 12:45 or at 10:15 every day arriving Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 12:55 & Alicante 14:48. By all means spend a morning in Barcelona and book a later train instead, they leave regularly throughout the day.
Fares from Barcelona to Alicante start at 26.
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How to buy tickets
You can book this journey at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, both easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee. About Raileurope. About Thetrainline. Booking for the TGV opens up to 4 months ahead, for Spanish trains normally 60 days ahead, but this varies.
Step 1, book Paris to Barcelona on the train you want, and add to basket. Step 2, book Barcelona to Valencia or Alicante for the following day, add this to your basket and check out, paying for both tickets as one transaction. You print your own tickets.
Alternatively, you can book the Paris to Barcelona TGV at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee), then book the Barcelona to Valencia/Alicante separately at the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (in , much more fiddly, may reject some overseas credit cards, see this advice on using it.
Option 2, Paris to Valencia or Alicante using a French overnight train to the Spanish border & onward trains
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Step 1, travel overnight from Paris to Latour de Carol in the heart of the Pyrenees or from Paris to Cerbθre on the Spanish border by French sleeper train, leaving Paris Gare d'Austerlitz around 21:00. Then take a local train from Latour or Cerbθre to Barcelona Sants arriving at lunchtime.
See the Paris to Barcelona by sleeper train page for full details, prices, tips & how to buy tickets.
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Step 2, travel from Barcelona to Valencia or Alicante by EuroMed train, leaving Barcelona Sants at 16:10, arriving Valencia Joaquin Sorolla at 18:50 & Alicante at 20:37. Fares start at 23.
Check times and buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, in , see my advice before using it).
Paris to Bilbao
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Step 1, travel from Paris Gare Montparnasse to Hendaye on the Spanish border by high-speed TGV Duplex Ocιane.
This takes only 4h36 and there are a range of departures through the day, all with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Fares start at 25 in 2nd class or 45 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book from Paris to Hendaye 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. There's a small booking fee.
You can also book at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com, in , no booking fee.
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Step 2, travel from Hendaye to San Sebastian Amara by Euskotren metro.
Walk out of Hendaye station, turn right and walk over to the little narrow-gauge Euskotren station. Take the metro service from Hendaye (Hendaia in Spanish) to San Sebastian Amara station. This runs every 30 minutes from early until late and takes around 35 minutes. No reservation is necessary or even possible, just turn up and go. Remember that San Sebastian is Donostia in Basque, and San Sebastian-Donostia Amara station is often shown as simply Amara. You can check Euskotren times at www.euskotren.eus.
Click here to see the illustrated guide to travelling by TGV and Euskotren from Paris to San Sebastian. But instead of buying a ticket from Hendaye to Amara, you can buy a through ticket from Hendaye to Bilbao for around 6.
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Step 3, travel from San Sebastian Amara to Bilbao Matiko by Euskotren.
Change trains at Amara onto the hourly narrow-gauge Euskotren train from San Sebastian Amara to Bilbao Matiko. This runs every hour, at xx:50 past each hour at the time I write this. The last train leaves Amara at 19:50 so you'll need to leave Paris at lunchtime at the latest.
You can check times at www.euskotren.eus, remembering that San Sebastian to Bilbao will be listed as Amara-Donostia to Bilbao Matiko as those are the station names. The adult one-way fare is shown as 'ida'. The journey time is 2h35 to Matiko station (the end of the line, 18 minutes walk from the Guggenheim Museum) or just 2h29 to Zazpi Kaleak station which is further from the Guggenheim (22 minutes walk) but closer to both the old quarter and the 19th century new town.
Paris to San Sebastian from 29
Paris to Santiago de Compostela, Vigo, A Coruna
Option 1, Paris to Galicia with an overnight stop in San Sebastian
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Hendaye on the Spanish border by TGV Duplex Ocιane, leaving Paris Montparnasse at 12:11 arriving Hendaye at 16:47, or leaving Paris Montparnasse at 16:11 (Mon-Fri & Sun) arriving Hendaye at 20:47.
The TGV Duplex Ocιane has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. You may not have heard of Hendaye, but it has had its moments, Hendaye station is where Hitler met Franco on 23 October 1940. You'll be treading the same platforms.
Fares start at 25 in 2nd class or 45 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares so book ahead.
Buy a ticket at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone. You can also book at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee).
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Day 1, transfer from Hendaye to San Sebastian by Euskotren metro, every 30 minutes, journey time 37 minutes.
Simply walk out of Hendaye station and turn right, the little Euskotren station is in a corner of the main station forecourt. Buy a ticket for 2.75 at the Euskotren station from the machines or staffed counter and hop on the next half-hourly Euskotren metro from Hendaye to San Sebastian Amara station, journey time 37 minutes. You can check Euskotren times at www.euskotren.eus. See the Paris to San Sebastian page for more information, photos & tips.
In San Sebastian it's a 10-minute walk from Euskotren's Amara station to the mainline Renfe station, see walking map.
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Stay overnight in San Sebastian. The Pension Regil is close to the old town with great reviews, 10 minutes walk from the Renfe station, 7 minutes walk from the Amara Euskotren station. If you want something in the old town itself, try the Pension Garibai or Pension Alameda. If you want to push the boat out, San Sebastian's most venerable hotel (which I can recommend personally, having stayed there) is the Hotel de Londres y Inglaterra, on the sea front.
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Day 2, travel from San Sebastian to Madrid by air-conditioned Alvia train, leaving San Sebastian (Renfe station) at 09:02 arriving Madrid Chamartin at 13:56.
The high-speed Alvia trains have a cafe-bar and standard & comfort class seats. It's a lovely run down out of the Pyrenees onto the plains. For the first part of the journey the train uses classic lines, then it passes slowly through a shed and automatically changes track gauge from Spanish 5'6" broad gauge to standard gauge 4' 8.5". It then joins the high-speed line for a final dash at up to 250km/h (155 mph) to Madrid.
Fares start at 23, fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (keeping both bookings together in one place) or use the Spanish Railways website renfe.com, although this is more fiddly and may reject some overseas credit cards. Booking for Spanish trains normally opens 60 days ahead, but this varies. You print your own ticket.
Have a late lunch in Madrid.
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Day 2, travel from Madrid to Galicia by air-conditioned Alvia train.
An Alvia train leaves Madrid Chamartin at 16:00 and arrives Vigo Urzaiz at 20:12.
Another leaves Madrid Chamartin at 17:45 & arrives Santiago de Compostela at 21:28 & A Coruna at 21:59.
The high-speed Alvia trains have a cafe-bar and standard & comfort class seats.
Fares start at 23, fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (keeping both bookings together in one place) or use the Spanish Railways website renfe.com, although this is more fiddly and may reject some overseas credit cards. Booking for Spanish trains normally opens 60 days ahead, but this varies. You print your own ticket.
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Alternatively, there's a later departure from San Sebastian, depending on the day of the week. An Intercity train leaves San Sebastian (Renfe station) at 11:58 every day arriving Vitoria/Gasteiz at 13:43. This is a guaranteed connection into the Barcelona-Galicia Alvia train leaving Vitoria/Gasteiz at 14:03 every day. On Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays it goes to Vigo Guixar arriving 23:35. On Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays it goes to Santiago de Compostela (arriving 22:27) and A Coruna (arriving 22:59).
Option 2, with overnight stop in Barcelona - Easier than option 1, though it takes a fraction longer and costs a little more.
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Barcelona by TGV Duplex, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 14:42 and arriving Barcelona Sants at 21:27.
This impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. I recommend an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.
It's a scenic ride, the train passes Beziers cathedral, flamingos on the lakes between Montpelier & Narbonne, the historic Fort de Salses right by the tracks before Perpignan, with great views of the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees, see more photos & information about the journey.
Fares start at 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Stay overnight in Barcelona. The Hotel Barcelo Sants is the top choice here, it's part of Barcelona Sants station so easy to use when arriving & departing by train, with great reviews & good feedback from Seat61 users. See other suggested hotels near the station.
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Day 2, travel from Barcelona to Galicia by direct high-speed air-conditioned Alvia-S130 train with cafe-bar & free WiFi.
On Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays it leaves Barcelona Sants at 09:30 and goes to Vigo Guixar, arriving 23:35.
On Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays it leaves Barcelona Sants at 09:30 and arrives Santiago de Compostela 22:27 & A Coruna 22:59.
Fares start at 25 in Standard class or 29 in Comfort class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
You can book this journey in one place at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, both easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee. About Raileurope. About Thetrainline. You print your own tickets.
Step 1, book from Paris to Barcelona looking for the direct afternoon TGV, and add to basket.
Step 2, book Barcelona to Santiago de Compostela, A Coruna or Vigo for the following day, looking for the direct Alvia train, add to basket & check out, paying for both TGV and Alvia tickets together.
Booking for the TGV opens up to 4 months ahead, for Alvia trains normally 60 days ahead, but it varies. More about when bookings open.
Alternatively, you can book the Paris to Barcelona TGV at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com in , no booking fee), then book the Barcelona to Galicia Alvia train separately at the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, in , may reject some overseas credit cards, see this advice for using it).
Paris to Ibiza & Mallorca
Option 1, Paris to Menorca or Mallorca by ferry from Toulon - the most comfortable & convenient option, several times a week April-October.
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Toulon by TGV Duplex, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 09:59 and arriving Toulon at 14:11.
The TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Fares start at 25 in 2nd class or 45 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy a ticket 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. Obviously, book the ferry first to confirm dates & times, then book the train.
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Step 2, cruise overnight from Toulon to Menorca or Alcudia (Mallorca) with Corsica Ferries.
Sailings operate several times a week, April to October, typically sailing around 18:00 & arriving around 09:00, some going to Menorca and others to Alcudia. Their comfortable ships have bars, restaurants, and private cabins with en suite toilet & shower.
Fares start at around 25 for a foot passenger + a private cabin from around 32, Fares & cabin charges vary by date.
Check times, fares & buy tickets at the Direct Ferries website or see www.corsica-ferries.co.uk.
The Mega Express Two (on the right) is one of the ferries used from Toulon to Mallorca & Menorca. Photographed in Nice.
Option 2, Paris to Ibiza or Mallorca via Barcelona
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Barcelona by TGV Duplex, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 09:42 and arriving Barcelona Sants at 16:31.
The impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. It's a scenic & comfortable journey, see an account of the sights you see on the way.
Fares start at 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, both easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee. Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone. Alternatively, you can book at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee).
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In Barcelona, it's a 4 km 46-minute walk from Barcelona Sants to the Trasmed and Balearia ferry terminal at the foot of La Rambla, near the Columbus monument, see walking map. A taxi costs around 20 & takes 13 minutes or take metro line L3 from Barcelona Sants to Drassane metro station (see www.tmb.cat), from where the Balearia terminal is 7 minutes walk, the Trasmed terminal is 9 minutes walk. Map of Barcelona showing station and Trasmed/Balearia ferry terminals.
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Step 2, sail overnight from Barcelona to Ibiza or Palma de Mallorca by ferry.
Ibiza: Trasmed operate an overnight ferry from Barcelona to Ibiza on most nights of the week sailing at or around 22:00, arriving 07:00. Times and dates vary, check times and buy tickets at the Direct Ferries website or www.trasmed.com. Check-in for the ferry closes 30 minutes before sailing time. You can pre-print your boarding pass to save time at the terminal. Balearia also operate an overnight ferry to Ibiza on most nights of the week, sailing times vary but it typically sails at 22:00, arriving in Ibiza town (Ibiza Ciudad) at 06:00. Check times and buy tickets at the Direct Ferries website or www.balearia.com.
Mallorca: There are two overnight ferries from Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca, both with restaurants, bars & cosy en suite cabins, both usually sailing from Barcelona around around 22:00 and arriving in Palma around 07:00. One ferry is run by Trasmed (www.trasmed.com), the other run by Balearia (www.balearia.com). You can check times & buy tickets at the Direct Ferries website.
Option 3, Paris to Ibiza or Mallorca using a French overnight train
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Step 1, travel overnight from Paris to Latour de Carol in the heart of the Pyrenees or from Paris to Cerbθre on the Spanish border by French sleeper train, leaving Paris Gare d'Austerlitz around 22:00. Then take a local train from Latour or Cerbθre to Barcelona Sants arriving at lunchtime. Spend a pleasant afternoon exploring Barcelona.
See the Paris to Barcelona by sleeper train page for full details, prices, tips & how to buy tickets.
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In Barcelona, it's a 4 km 46-minute walk from Barcelona Sants to the Trasmed and Balearia ferry terminal at the foot of La Rambla, near the Columbus monument, see walking map. A taxi costs around 20 & takes 13 minutes or take metro line L3 from Barcelona Sants to Drassane metro station (see www.tmb.cat), from where the Balearia terminal is 7 minutes walk, the Trasmed terminal is 9 minutes walk. Map of Barcelona showing station and Trasmed/Balearia ferry terminals.
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Step 2, sail overnight from Barcelona to Ibiza or Palma de Mallorca by ferry.
Ibiza: Trasmed operate an overnight ferry from Barcelona to Ibiza on most nights of the week sailing at or around 22:00, arriving 07:00. Times and dates vary, check times and buy tickets at the Direct Ferries website or www.trasmed.com. Check-in for the ferry closes 30 minutes before sailing time. You can pre-print your boarding pass to save time at the terminal. Balearia also operate an overnight ferry to Ibiza on most nights of the week, sailing times vary but it typically sails at 22:00, arriving in Ibiza town (Ibiza Ciudad) at 06:00. Check times and buy tickets at the Direct Ferries website or www.balearia.com.
Mallorca: There are two overnight ferries from Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca, both with restaurants, bars & cosy en suite cabins, both usually sailing from Barcelona around around 22:00 and arriving in Palma around 07:00. One ferry is run by Trasmed (www.trasmed.com), the other run by Balearia (www.balearia.com). You can check times & buy tickets at the Direct Ferries website.
Paris to Gibraltar
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Barcelona by TGV Duplex, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 09:42 and arriving Barcelona Sants at 16:31.
The impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. It's a scenic & comfortable journey, see an account of the sights you see on the way.
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Day 1, travel from Barcelona to Madrid by AVE-S103 high-speed train, leaving Barcelona Sants at 18:25 daily except Saturdays arriving Madrid Atocha 20:55. On Saturdays, leave Barcelona Sants 18:00 arriving Madrid Atocha at 21:12.
There's a cafe bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
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Stay overnight in Madrid. The classic Hotel Mediodia is across the road from Atocha station with good reviews, or try the NH Hotel Madrid Atocha or Only YOU Hotel Atocha, also across the road from the station.
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Day 2, travel from Madrid to Algeciras, leaving Madrid Atocha at 07:35 by AVE, change at Antequera-Santa Ana, arriving Algeciras at 12:48.
The AVE has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. The regional train is air-conditioned. There's great scenery both on the high-speed line between Madrid and Antequera through the mountains and on the classic line twisting through the hills to Algeciras, the Spanish town across the bay from Gibraltar. See a video of the journey here.
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Day 2, take a bus or taxi from Algeciras to la Linea & walk into Gibraltar.
A taxi from Algeciras railway station to La Linea costs 24.75 and takes about 22 minutes. Taxis don't use the meter on this run, and aren't normally allowed to cross the border into Gibraltar.
To go by bus, cross the roundabout outside Algeciras railway station and enter the San Bernado bus station, then take bus M-120 to La Linea for around 2.50. Bus M-120 runs every 30 minutes Mon-Fri at xx.00 and xx.30 past each hour or every 45 minutes at weekends, journey time about 45 minutes to La Linea, for bus information see siu.ctmcg.es.
La Linea is the Spanish town outside the border crossing to Gibraltar, and La Linea's bus stop and taxi rank are right outside the entrance to Gibraltar. Walk through the Spanish then UK passport checkpoints into Gibraltar (5-10 minutes). Then either (a) keep walking straight ahead of you into Gibraltar town, it's takes about 15 minutes to the centre or (b) take a frequent local Gibraltar bus from the border into town or (c) look for the taxi stop on the right just after the passport check and wait for a taxi to your hotel for a few pounds - Gibraltar taxis will accept euros. The walk from the border to Gibraltar's Main Street takes you across Gibraltar airport's runway, though they stop cars and pedestrians when an aircraft is landing or taking off! Map of Algeciras - La Linea - Gibraltar area.
Alternative via San Roque-La Linea station: The closest station to Gibraltar is actually San Roque-La Linea, and all trains to Algeciras call here around 20 minutes before arriving at Algeciras. So if you prefer, you can get off here and take a taxi to La Linea, or walk the 1.6 km (1 mile) to the Bar La Redonda bus stop on the main road on the M-120 bus route from Algeciras to La Linea. Buses run to La Linea every 30 minutes weekdays, every 45 minutes weekends. Taxis are usually available outside San Roque station, San Roque to the La Linea/Gibraltar border is about 16 km (10 miles) and it takes just over 30 minutes depending on traffic.
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How much does it cost?
Paris to Barcelona starts at 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class.
Barcelona to Madrid starts at 38 in Standard class or 45 in Comfort class.
Madrid to Algeciras starts at 25 in Standard class or 38 in Comfort class.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy the train tickets
You can buy all your tickets together at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, both easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee.
First book from Paris to Madrid, add this to your basket, then book Madrid to Algeciras for the following day, add to your basket & check out.
Booking for the TGV opens up to 4 months ahead, but for the Spanish trains just 60 days ahead, but it varies. You print your own tickets.
Alternatively, you can book from Paris to Barcelona at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee) then book Barcelona to Madrid and Madrid to Algeciras at the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (in , much more fiddly, may reject some overseas credit cards, see this advice on using it).
Paris to Lisbon & Portugal
Option 1, Paris to Lisbon via Barcelona & Madrid - the fastest option
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Barcelona by 320 km/h TGV Duplex leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 09:42 and arriving Barcelona Sants at 16:31.
This double-deck TGV has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. It's a comfortable & scenic journey, see an account of the sights to see from the train on the way.
Fares start at 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class. Fares work like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, both easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee. These websites connect to both SNCF and Renfe ticketing systems so you can buy tickets for both trains together in one place.
Booking for the TGV opens up to 4 months ahead. You print out your ticket or can choose a mobile ticket to show on your phone.
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Day 1, travel from Barcelona to Madrid by AVE high-speed train, leaving Barcelona Sants at 18:25 and arriving Madrid Atocha at 20:55.
The AVE has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. More information about trains from Barcelona to Madrid.
On Saturdays, you leave Barcelona Sants at 18:00 and arrive Madrid Atocha at 21:12.
Fares start at 38 in Standard class or 45 in Comfort class. Fares work like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com. Booking for Spanish trains normally opens 60 days ahead, but this varies.
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Stay overnight in Madrid. The classic Hotel Mediodia is across the road from Atocha with good reviews, or try the NH Hotel Madrid Atocha or Only YOU Hotel Atocha, also across the road from the station.
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Day 2, travel from Madrid to Lisbon by daytime trains as shown on the Madrid to Lisbon page.
Option 2, Paris to Lisbon via San Sebastian, Vigo & Porto - slower, but can be cheaper
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Hendaye by TGV Duplex Ocιane, leaving Paris Gare Montparnasse at 16:11 Mondays-Fridays & Sundays, arriving Hendaye at 20:47. On Saturdays, leave Paris Gare Montparnasse at 18:11, arriving Hendaye at 22:47. By all means take an earlier train for more of an evening in San Sebastian, Paris-Hendaye trains leave Paris every few hours.
The impressive double-deck TGV Duplex Ocιane has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. I recommend an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck. Hendaye is on the French side of the Spanish border.
Fares start at 25 each way in 2nd class, 40 each way in 1st class. The price varies, book ahead for the cheaper prices.
Book this at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, both easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee. These websites connect to both SNCF and Renfe ticketing systems so you can buy tickets for both trains together in one place.
Booking for the TGV opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
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Day 1, transfer from Hendaye to San Sebastian by Euskotren metro, every 30 minutes, journey time 37 minutes.
Simply walk out of Hendaye station and turn right, the little Euskotren station is in a corner of the main station forecourt. Buy a ticket for 2.75 at the Euskotren station from the machines or staffed counter and hop on the next half-hourly Euskotren metro from Hendaye to San Sebastian Amara station, journey time 37 minutes. You can check times at www.euskotren.eus. See the Paris to San Sebastian page for more information, photos & tips.
In San Sebastian it's a 10-minute walk from Euskotren's Amara station to the mainline Renfe station, see walking map. San Sebastian Renfe station is currently being reconstructed, access to the platforms is around the back, so allow a little extra time.
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Stay overnight in San Sebastian. The Pension Regil is close to the old town with great reviews, 10 minutes walk from the Renfe station, 7 minutes walk from the Amara Euskotren station. If you want something in the old town itself, try the Pension Garibai or Pension Alameda. If you want to push the boat out, San Sebastian's most venerable hotel (which I can recommend personally, having stayed there) is the Hotel de Londres y Inglaterra, on the sea front.
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Day 2, travel from San Sebastian to Vigo on one of these two possible departures:
Morning departure, every day: Travel from San Sebastian (Renfe station) to Madrid by Alvia train, leaving San Sebastian at 09:02 and arriving Madrid Chamartin at 13:56. Then travel from Madrid to Vigo by Alvia train, leaving Madrid Chamartin at 16:00 and arriving Vigo Urzaiz at 20:12. The comfortable high-speed Alvia trains have a cafe-bar, standard & comfort class. Vigo Urzaiz station is a 1.1 km 15-minute walk from Vigo Guixar station, see walking map.
Afternoon departure, Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays only: Spend the morning in San Sebastian. An Intercity train leaves San Sebastian (Renfe station) at 11:58 arriving Vitoria/Gasteiz at 13:43. This is a guaranteed connection into the Barcelona-Galicia Alvia train which leaves Vitoria/Gasteiz at 14:03 on Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays arriving Vigo Guixar at 23:35.
Tip: There's a lovely relaxed cafe-bar at San Sebastian Renfe station, accessible from the forecourt or the near-side platform, just north of the main station building, ideal for a cafe con leche before your train.
San Sebastian to Vigo starts at 23 each way. The price varies, book ahead for the cheaper prices.
Book this at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com. Booking for Spanish trains normally opens 60 days ahead, but this varies.
Tip: If using the daily departure with a change in Madrid, you might need to treat San Sebastian-Madrid & Madrid-Vigo as separate bookings.
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Stay overnight in Vigo. The NH Collection Vigo hotel & cheaper Hotel Atlantico Vigo are both near the station with great reviews.
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Day 3, travel from Vigo to Porto by air-conditioned regional train, leaving Vigo at 08:58 arriving Porto Campanhγ at 10:20. If you'd like to spend some time in Vigo, there's a later train leaving Vigo at 19:56 arriving Porto 21:18.
The fare is 14.95, fixed price.
This can also be booked at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.
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Day 3, if you're travelling to Lisbon you can take any suitable onward train from Porto to Lisbon, for example the 11:40 Alfa Pendular arriving Lisbon Santa Apolonia at 14:30. Fares start at 15. Book this at the Portuguese Railways website www.cp.pt (in ) or at Omio.com (in , £ or $).
Paris to Porto
Option 1, Paris to Porto via Barcelona & Vigo - fastest option, currently running
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Barcelona by TGV Duplex, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 14:42 and arriving Barcelona Sants at 21:27.
This impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. I recommend an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.
It's a scenic ride, the train passes Beziers cathedral, flamingos on the lakes between Montpelier & Narbonne, the historic Fort de Salses right by the tracks before Perpignan, with great views of the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees, see more photos & information about the journey.
Fares start at 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee).
You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone. -
Stay overnight in Barcelona. The Hotel Barcelo Sants is the top choice here, it's part of Barcelona Sants station so easy to use when arriving & departing by train, with great reviews & good feedback from Seat61 users. See other suggested hotels near the station.
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Day 2, travel from Barcelona to Vigo by high-speed air-conditioned Alvia-S130 train with cafe-bar, leaving Barcelona Sants at 09:30 on Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays arriving Vigo Guixar at 23:35.
Fares start at 25 in Standard class or 29 in Comfort class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, only in , may reject some overseas credit cards, see this advice on using it).
Booking for Spanish trains normally opens 60 days ahead, but this varies. You print your own ticket.
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Stay overnight in Vigo. The NH Collection Vigo hotel & cheaper Hotel Atlantico Vigo are both near the station with great reviews.
Day 3, travel from Vigo to Porto by express regional train. There are 2 trains per day, leaving Vigo Guixar at 08:58 & 19:56 and arriving at Porto Campanhγ around 1h22 later. The fare is 14.95, fixed-price. Buy a ticket at www.raileurope.com, www.thetrainline.com or www.renfe.com and print it out.
Option 2, Paris to Porto via San Sebastian & Vigo - slower, but can be cheaper. Currently running normally
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Hendaye by TGV Duplex Ocιane, leaving Paris Gare Montparnasse at 16:11 Mondays-Fridays & Sundays, arriving Hendaye at 20:47. On Saturdays, leave Paris Gare Montparnasse at 18:11, arriving Hendaye at 22:47. By all means take an earlier train for more of an evening in San Sebastian, Paris-Hendaye trains leave Paris every few hours.
The impressive double-deck TGV Duplex Ocιane has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. I recommend an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck. Hendaye is on the French side of the Spanish border.
Fares start at 25 each way in 2nd class, 40 each way in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, both easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee. These websites connect to both SNCF and Renfe ticketing systems so you can buy tickets for both trains together in one place. Booking for the TGV opens up to 4 months ahead.
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Day 1, transfer from Hendaye to San Sebastian by Euskotren metro, every 30 minutes, journey time 37 minutes.
Simply walk out of Hendaye station and turn right, the little Euskotren station is in a corner of the main station forecourt. Buy a ticket for 2.75 at the Euskotren station from the machines or staffed counter and hop on the next half-hourly Euskotren metro from Hendaye to San Sebastian Amara station, journey time 37 minutes. See the Paris to San Sebastian page for more information, photos & tips.
In San Sebastian it's a 10-minute walk from Euskotren's Amara station to the mainline Renfe station, see walking map.
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Stay overnight in San Sebastian. The Pension Regil is close to the old town with great reviews, 10 minutes walk from the Renfe station, 7 minutes walk from the Amara Euskotren station. If you want something in the old town itself, try the Pension Garibai or Pension Alameda. If you want to push the boat out, San Sebastian's most venerable hotel (which I can recommend personally, having stayed there) is the Hotel de Londres y Inglaterra, on the sea front.
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Day 2, travel across Spain from San Sebastian to Vigo on one of these two possible departures:
Morning departure, every day: Travel from San Sebastian (Renfe station) to Madrid by Alvia train, leaving San Sebastian at 09:02 and arriving Madrid Chamartin at 13:56. Then travel from Madrid to Vigo by Alvia train, leaving Madrid Chamartin at 16:00 and arriving Vigo Urzaiz at 20:12. The comfortable high-speed Alvia trains have a cafe-bar, standard & comfort class. Vigo Urzaiz station is a 1.1 km 15-minute walk from Vigo Guixar station, see walking map.
Afternoon departure, Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays only: Spend the morning in San Sebastian. An Intercity train leaves San Sebastian (Renfe station) at 11:58 arriving Vitoria/Gasteiz at 13:43. This is a guaranteed connection into the Barcelona-Galicia Alvia train which leaves Vitoria/Gasteiz at 14:03 on Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays arriving Vigo Guixar at 23:35.
Tip: There's a lovely relaxed cafe-bar at San Sebastian Renfe station, accessible from the forecourt or the near-side platform, just north of the main station building, ideal for a cafe con leche before your train.
San Sebastian to Vigo starts at 23 each way. The price varies, book ahead for the cheaper prices.
Book this at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com. Booking for Spanish trains normally opens 60 days ahead, but this varies.
Tip: If using the daily departure with a change in Madrid, you might need to treat San Sebastian-Madrid & Madrid-Vigo as separate bookings.
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Stay overnight in Vigo. The NH Collection Vigo hotel & cheaper Hotel Atlantico Vigo are both near the station with great reviews.
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Day 3, travel from Vigo to Porto by air-conditioned regional train, leaving Vigo Guixar station at 08:58 arriving Porto Campanhγ at 10:20.
If you'd like to spend some time in Vigo, there's a later train leaving Vigo at 19:56 arriving Porto 21:18.
The fare is 14.95, fixed price.
This can also be booked at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com. Booking normally opens 60 days ahead.
Paris to Faro & the Algarve
Option 1, Paris to the Algarve using a bus from Seville to Faro
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Barcelona by TGV Duplex, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 14:42 and arriving Barcelona Sants at 21:27.
This impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. I recommend an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.
It's a scenic ride, the train passes Beziers cathedral, flamingos on the lakes between Montpelier & Narbonne, the historic Fort de Salses right by the tracks before Perpignan, with great views of the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees, see more photos & information about the journey.
Fares start at 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
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Stay overnight in Barcelona. The Hotel Barcelo Sants is the top choice here, it's part of Barcelona Sants station so easy to use when arriving & departing by train, with great reviews & good feedback from Seat61 users. See other suggested hotels near the station.
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Step 2, travel from Barcelona to Seville by AVE-S112 high-speed train leaving Barcelona Sants at 07:32 and arriving Seville Santa Justa at 13:54.
Fares start at around 45.
Book this train at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (much more fiddly, in , may reject some overseas credit cards, see this advice on using it). Spanish trains normally open for booking 60 days ahead, but this varies.
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Step 3, travel from Seville to Faro by bus. Buses run from Seville to Faro several times daily, journey time around 3h40, fare around 17-20.
Buses are run by Damas, Eva-Bus & Alsa amongst others, you can check times & buy tickets for various bus companies all in one place at Omio.com. Look for a bus that starts from Seville Santa Justa station, where the trains arrive, so it's an easy same-station train-bus interchange. You print your own ticket.
Option 2, via Lisbon, the all-train option, slower
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Lisbon as shown above.
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Step 2, travel from Lisbon Oriente to Faro by air-conditioned Intercity train in around 3h30. Check times and buy tickets from 15 at the Portuguese Railways website www.cp.pt. I'd allow at least an hour between trains in Lisbon.
Paris to Andorra
Option 1, Paris to Andorra using a Toulouse-Andorra bus
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Step 1, take a high-speed TGV from Paris Montparnasse to Toulouse Matabiau in around 4h10, with various departures available.
TGVs have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Fares start at 25 in 2nd class or 45 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets at either www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee) or www.raileurope.com (in , £ or $, small booking fee, about Raileurope) or www.thetrainline.com (in , £ or $, small booking fee, about Trainline).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
Tip: www.sncf-connect.com & www.thetrainline.com allow you to choose your seat from a seat map when booking 1st class tickets.
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Step 2, travel from Toulouse Matabiau to Andorra la Vella by bus, taking 4 hours.
There are typically 3 services every day run by Andbus, check times at www.andorrabybus.com. I'd allow at least an hour between train and bus in Toulouse, just in case of delay.
The buses leave from bus stand 15 inside the Gare Routiθre (bus station) immediately outside Toulouse Matabiau station. Simply walk out of the station onto the forecourt and look to your right. The bus station is the modern building with the glass-and-blue-framework upper section, see the photos below.
The fare is around 36 one-way.
Book the bus at www.andorrabybus.com.
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For example:
Leave Paris Montparnasse at 06:39 Mondays-Saturdays arriving Toulouse Matabiau at 13:22. Bus departs Toulouse Matabiau at 15:00 arriving Andorra La Vella 19:00.
Leave Paris Montparnasse at 15:11 daily arriving Toulouse Matabiau 19:23. Bus departs Toulouse Matabiau 20:00 arriving Andorra La Vella 00:00.
Option 2, Paris to Andorra by overnight train to Toulouse then bus, or by overnight train to l'Hospitalet then taxi
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Step 1, travel from Paris to either Toulouse or Andorre-l'Hospitalet by Intercitι de Nuit, leaving Paris Gare d'Austerlitz at 21:40 arriving Toulouse Matabiau at 06:30 or Andorre-l'Hospitalet at 09:42. Exact times may vary.
The train has 1st class 4-berth couchettes, 2nd class 6-berth couchettes & 2nd class seats. More about Intercitιs de Nuit.
Fares start at 29 in a 2nd class couchette or 60 in a 1st class couchette. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
The Paris-l'Hospitalet night train should run daily all year, but there are occasional dates or periods when it doesn't run due to track work, so check for your date of travel. It also has an annoying habit of opening late for booking, less than the expected 4 months ahead, so don't be too impatient. If it's not running to l'Hospitalet on your date of travel, it might still be running from Paris to Toulouse.
Buy tickets at either www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee) or www.raileurope.com (in , £ or $, small booking fee, about Raileurope) or www.thetrainline.com (in , £ or $, small booking fee, about Trainline).
See this advice for booking sole occupancy of a 4 or 6 berth couchette compartment.
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
Tip: If getting off in Toulouse, I can recommend the breakfast buffet at the Pullman Hotel, a few minutes walk from the station.
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Step 2 if you go via Toulouse (slower, longer road journey, but cheaper): Travel from Toulouse to Andorra by bus.
A bus run by Andbus (www.andorrabybus.com) typically leaves Toulouse at 09:45, arriving Andorra la Vella bus station at 14:00. Check times at www.andorrabybus.com, I'd allow at least an hour between train and bus in Toulouse in case of delay.
The bus leaves from bus stand 15 inside the Gare Routiθre (bus station) immediately outside Toulouse Matabiau station. Simply walk out of the station onto the forecourt and look to your right. The bus station is the modern building with the glass-and-blue-framework upper section, see the photos below.
Book the bus at www.andorrabybus.com. The fare is around 36 one-way.
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Step 2 if you go via l'Hospitalet (fastest, more rail & less road, but with expense of a taxi): Enjoy the scenic train ride into the Pyrenees to l'Hospitalet, then travel from l'Hospitalet to Andorra la Vella by road, see the London to Andorra page for taxi details.
Paris to Berlin from 39.90
Option 1, Paris to Berlin by Nightjet sleeper train 3 times a week - the time-effective option, starting10 December 2023
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From 10 December 2023, a Nightjet leaves Paris Gare de l'Est at 19:12 on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays, arriving Berlin Hbf 08:26.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper 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 a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and an ordinary seats car. 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.
It's planned to increase frequency to daily from autumn 2024.
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Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in plain English, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways www.oebb.at (in , same fares). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Option 2, Paris to Berlin using the Karlsruhe-Berlin sleeper train - time-effective option, runs every day
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The most time-effective way from Paris to Berlin is taking an early-evening high-speed TGV to Karlsruhe then the Nightjet sleeper to Berlin, as explained here. It's comfortable, civilised, allows a full business or sightseeing day and Paris followed by a full business or sightseeing day in Berlin, it gives time for dinner in Karlsruhe and saves a hotel bill into the bargain.
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Karlsruhe by TGV Duplex, leaving Paris Gare de l'Est at 17:52 and arriving Karlsruhe Hbf at 20:25.
The impressive 320 km/h TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. I recommend an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck. You've time for dinner in Karlsruhe between trains - if you find a good restaurant let me know!
Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
Have dinner in Karlsruhe: The Erste Fracht Braugasthaus (www.erste-fracht.de) is just across the road from the station's main exit and serves German food & beer, open until late 7 days a week. The Wirtshaus Wolfbrδu (www.wolfbrδu.de) is an 18-minute 1.4 km walk away but has been suggested as better by one seat61 correspondent, see walking map. There is also a decent Indian restaurant, the Maharaja (www.restaurantmaharaja-ka.de) across the road and to the right. There is a MacDonald's inside the station, open until late.
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Step 2, travel from Karlsruhe to Berlin by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Karlsruhe Hbf at 23:07 and arriving Berlin Hbf at 07:20.
The excellent Austrian Nightjet train has a Comfortline sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin and 1, 2 & 3 berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet, and couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments. The sleeper & couchette fare includes a light breakfast. See photos & information about Nightjet sleeper trains.
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 to yourself.
Book the nightjet at www.thetrainline.com (in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, about Trainline) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , same prices, more fiddly). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Option 3, Paris to Berlin by high-speed train from 39.90 - in a single chill-out day
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It's a chill-out day riding the rails across Europe with a good book and a beer or glass of red. You take a high-speed TGV Duplex or ICE from Paris to Mannheim or Frankfurt, then a superb German ICE train from Mannheim or Frankfurt to Berlin. There are various departures each day, all on one ticket. Times may vary, but typically:
Leave Paris Gare de l'Est at 07:16 Mondays-Saturdays by TGV Duplex, change Frankfurt (Main) Hbf onto an ICE, arrive Berlin Hbf 16:29.
Leave Paris Gare de l'Est at 09:05 by TGV Duplex, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf onto an ICE train, arrive Berlin Hbf 18:29.
Leave Paris Gare de l'Est at 10:55 by ICE3 train, change at Karlsruhe onto an ICE train, arrive Berlin Hbf 20:32.
Leave Paris Gare de l'Est at 13:54 by TGV Duplex, change at Karlsruhe onto an ICE train, arrive Berlin Hbf 22:31.
Leave Paris Gare de l'Est at 15:21 on Saturdays by ICE3 train, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf onto an ICE train, arrive Berlin Hbf 00:36.
Leave Paris Gare de l'Est at 15:55 except Saturdays by TGV Duplex, change at Karlsruhe onto an ICE train, arrive Berlin Hbf 00:36.
All these trains have a cafe-bar (TGV) or restaurant car (ICE), power sockets at all seats and free WiFi. To see what the stations, scenery & train are like, see the Paris-Mannheim-Frankfurt ICE3 video here.
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Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 upwards in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de. Look for journeys with just 1 change.
Tip: Entering Paris Est instead of the generic PARIS as your starting point is a good idea, it eliminates all the journeys from Paris Gare du Nord using Eurostar (formerly Thalys) to Cologne and onward German trains, this route cannot be through-ticketed and is usually more expensive. I recommend the route out of Paris Est via Mannheim/Karlsruhe/Frankfurt as this gets you a through ticket with better pricing & guaranteed connections.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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Incidentally, I recommend booking with DB at int.bahn.de over booking with French Railways www.sncf-connect.com for two reasons:
First, the German system prices the whole journey from 39.90 even if you have to change trains. The French system can't do this, it'll apply a price from 39.90 to the direct Paris-Karlsruhe train, then add a separate fare, perhaps another 40 for the Karlsruhe-Berlin connection.
Second, bahn.de applies more generous German child age limits, under 6 free, under 15 child rate. In addition, DB have a permanent offer, children under 15 go free when accompanied by a parent, grandparent or guardian using a Sparpreis advance-purchase fare. If you buy from the French, under 4s go free, under 12 get the child rate and there's no kids-go-free deal. So if you have children, buy from the Germans!
Option 4, Paris to Berlin with overnight stop in Mannheim
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This is the same as option 2 but with an overnight stop which breaks up the trip nicely. If you'd prefer an overnight stop in Amsterdam rather than Germany, see option 3 below.
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Day 1, take the 19:07 ICE3 train from Paris Gare de l'Est to Mannheim arriving 22:17.
Just 3h11 at up to 300 km/h (186 mph), with restaurant car for dinner, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Alternatively, on Mondays-Fridays & Sundays you can also take the earlier 17:10 ICE3 train arriving Mannheim at 20:17.
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Stay overnight in Mannheim. Inexpensive hotels just outside the station with great reviews include the Staytion Hotel, Mannheim InterCity Hotel & the Hotel Kurpfalzstuben.
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Day 2, take any morning ICE train you like from Mannheim to Berlin in 4h53, also with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
The 06:32 from Mannheim will get you to Berlin Hbf at 11:29 - have breakfast in the restaurant car - but trains leave every hour through the day, so by all means have a leisurely breakfast and take a later train.
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Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 upwards in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
You can book this as one journey at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
To get the overnight stop in Mannheim, click Stopovers and enter Mannheim Hbf with a length of stay of (say) 9 hours. Obviously, look for the 1-change options in the search results. Adjust the departure time and length of stay to get the trains you want either side of Mannheim.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
Option 5, Paris to Berlin with an overnight stop in Amsterdam
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This is a round-about route, but Amsterdam is such a great place for a stop and the journey so easy, fast & convenient, it's worth considering. The stations are all incredibly central, you can stroll from Amsterdam Centraal to most city centre hotels, and a stroll from Berlin Hbf past the Reichstag building to the Brandenburg Gate takes just 17 minutes.
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Day 1, travel from Paris Gare du Nord to Amsterdam Centraal by Eurostar (formerly Thalys) high-speed train in 3h18.
There's a departure every couple of hours through the day, you can leave Paris as late as 19:25.
These trains run at up to 300 km/h (186 mph), with 3 classes, power sockets & free WiFi. More information about Eurostar (formerly Thalys).
Fares start at 35 in 2nd class (standard) or 72 in 1st class (comfort). Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee, using this means you can book everything in one place) or www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
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Stay overnight in Amsterdam. Suggested hotels with good or great reviews: The Park Plaza Victoria Hotel is across the road from Amsterdam Centraal station and gets great reviews. Other mid-range hotels include the Hotel Luxer, 7 minutes walk from the station & Hotel Sebastians, 10 minutes walk from the station. Cheaper hotels include the fun floating boat hotel AmiciA, just 15 minutes walk from the station. If you want to push the boat out, the top end famous Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam is 10 minutes walk from the station.
Incidentally, there's no reason why you can't do the journey in one day if you like, with a few hours in Amsterdam. But an overnight stop breaks up the trip nicely.
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Day 2, travel from Amsterdam Centraal to Berlin Hbf by InterCity train in 6h25 with a departure every 2 hours, see the timetable here.
The train has a bistro car, power sockets at all seats and most cars now have WiFi. It's a very pleasant way to spend the morning, you can arrive in downtown Berlin at lunchtime, see the Amsterdam to Berlin timetable and photos of the train & sights to see along the way.
Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com or at the German Railways website int.bahn.de (in , no booking fee). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone or laptop.
Paris to Hamburg from 39.90
Option 1, Paris to Hamburg in a single chill-out day
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You can travel from Paris to Hamburg city centre to city centre in a day, for example:
Leave Paris Gare de l'Est at 07:20 by TGV Duplex, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf & arrive Hamburg Hbf 15:36.
Leave Paris Gare de l'Est at 09:07 by TGV Duplex, change at Mannheim onto an ICE & arrive Hamburg Hbf 17:36.
Leave Paris Gare de l'Est at 10:55 by ICE3 train, change at Karlsruhe onto another ICE & arrive Hamburg Hbf 19:36.
Leave Paris Gare de l'Est at 13:10 by ICE3 train, change at Mannheim onto another ICE & arrive Hamburg Hbf 21:39.
You travel from Paris to Karlsruhe or Mannheim on either a top quality high-speed ICE3 train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, or an impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. On TGV Duplex I recommend an upstairs seat for the best views, and seat number >60 is upper deck.
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Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de, look for journeys with 1 change rather than 2.
Tip: Entering Paris Est instead of the generic PARIS as your starting point is a good idea, it eliminates all the journeys from Paris Gare du Nord using Eurostar (formerly Thalys) to Cologne and onward German trains, this route cannot be through-ticketed and is usually more expensive. I recommend the route out of Paris Est via Mannheim/Karlsruhe/Frankfurt as this gets you a through ticket with better pricing & guaranteed connections.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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Incidentally, I recommend booking with DB at int.bahn.de over booking with French Railways www.sncf-connect.com for two reasons:
First, the German system prices the whole journey from 39.90 even if you have to change trains. The French system can't do this, it'll apply a price from 39.90 to the direct Paris-Mannheim train, then add a separate fare, perhaps another 40 for the Mannheim-Hamburg connection.
Second, bahn.de applies more generous German child age limits, under 6 free, under 15 child rate. In addition, DB have a permanent offer, children under 15 go free when accompanied by a parent, grandparent or guardian using a Sparpreis advance-purchase fare. If you buy from the French, under 4s go free, under 12 get the child rate and there's no kids-go-free deal. So if you have children, buy from the Germans!
Option 2, Paris to Hamburg using the Freiburg-Hamburg Nightjet sleeper train
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The most time-effective way from Paris to Hamburg is taking an early-evening high-speed TGV to Freiburg then the Nightjet sleeper to Hamburg as explained below. It allows a full business or sightseeing day and Paris followed by a full business or sightseeing day in Hamburg, it gives time for dinner in Freiburg and saves a hotel bill, too.
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Freiburg by TGV Duplex, leaving Paris Gare de l'Est at 17:25 and arriving Freiburg (Breisgau) at 20:26.
The 320km/h double-deck TGV Duplex has 1st & 2nd class seats, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. I recommend an upstairs seat for the best views, and seat number >60 is upper deck.
Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, small booking fee) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.
Have dinner in Freiburg. Suggested restaurants include Die Wirtschaft zum Meyerhof (www.grosser-meyerhof.de) 11 minutes walk from the station, see walking map or the Restaurant Drexlers (drexlers-restaurant.de), 7 minutes walk from the station, see walking map. Or Tom's (toms-freiburg.de), 9 minutes walk away, see walking map. Check opening hours, they don't open every day.
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Step 2, travel from Freiburg to Hamburg by Nightjet, leaving Freiburg (Breisgau) at 22:58, arriving Hamburg Hbf 07:54 & Hamburg Altona 08:10.
The comfortable Austrian-run Nightjet sleeper train has two double-deck sleeping-cars with 1 & 2-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet, compact 1 & 2-berth compartments with washbasin, and a few 3-berth compartments with washbasin. The sleeper attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train also 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 accommodation, travel tips & photos.
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 fares). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.
Paris to Munich from 39
Option 1, Paris to Munich by direct TGV, every afternoon
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An impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex links Paris with Munich every day.
On Mondays-Fridays & Sundays it leaves Paris Gare de l'Est at 15:55 arriving Munich Hbf at 21:36.
On Saturdays it leaves Paris Gare de l'Est at 17:52 arriving Munich Hbf at 23:26. Times may vary, so check them online at int.bahn.de.
There's a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see the TGV Duplex video here. I recommend an upstairs seat for the best views, any seat number greater than 60 is upper deck.
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Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de, looking in the search results for a journey with 0 changes.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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Tip: You can also buy tickets at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com, but here's some advice:
When booking the direct Munich-Paris TGV, check both sites! I've seen int.bahn.de want 44.90 non-refundable when www.sncf-connect.com wanted only 39 for exactly the same train, refundable less 15 up to 3 days before departure. And www.sncf-connect.com would let me hold the ticket at that price without payment for a week while I completed my planning. So I bought from www.sncf-connect.com! Also, www.sncf-connect.com normally lets you choose an exact seat from a plan when travelling 1st class on the TGV, a feature not available when using int.bahn.de.
If you have kids, it's better to use int.bahn.de as then the more generous German child age limits apply, under 6 free, under 15 child rate. Furthermore, DB have a permanent offer, children under 15 go free when accompanied by a parent, grandparent or guardian using a Sparpreis advance-purchase fare. If you buy from the French, under 4s go free, under 12 get the child rate and there's no kids-go-free deal. So if you have children, it's a no-brainer to buy from the Germans.
Option 2, Paris to Munich using other departures through the day
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In addition to the direct train there are other departures through the day with one easy change.
Paris Gare de l'Est depart 06:52 by ICE3 train, change at Stuttgart and arrive Munich Hbf at 12:26.
Paris Gare de l'Est depart 07:16 by TGV Duplex, change at Mannheim and arrive Munich Hbf at 13:13.
Paris Gare de l'Est depart 09:06 by TGV Duplex, change at Mannheim onto an ICE train and arrive Munich Hbf at 15:13.
Paris Gare de l'Est depart 10:52 by ICE3 train, change at Stuttgart onto another ICE and arrive Munich Hbf at 16:26.
Paris Gare de l'Est depart 13:51 by TGV Duplex, change at Stuttgart onto an ICE train and arrive Munich Hbf at 19:13.
Paris Gare de l'Est depart 15:55 by TGV Duplex (not Saturdays), direct, arriving Munich Hbf at 21:36.
Paris Gare de l'Est depart 17:52 by TGV Duplex, change Stuttgart (direct on Saturdays), arriving Munich Hbf at 23:13.
Times may vary, check your date online at int.bahn.de.
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Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Prices vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.
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Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de, looking in the search results for journeys with 1 change.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
Incidentally, I recommend booking at German Railways int.bahn.de over French Railways www.sncf-connect.com for two reasons:
First, the German system prices the whole journey from 39.90 even if you have to change trains. The French system can't do this, it'll apply a price from 39.90 to the direct Paris-Stuttgart train, then add a separate fare, perhaps another 40 for the Stuttgart-Munich connection.
Second, bahn.de applies more generous German child age limits, under 6 free, under 15 child rate. In addition, DB have a permanent offer, children under 15 go free when accompanied by a parent, grandparent or guardian using a Sparpreis advance-purchase fare. If you buy from the French, under 4s go free, under 12 get the child rate and there's no kids-go-free deal. So if you have children, buy from the Germans!
Option 3, Paris to Munich by direct Nightjet sleeper train 3 times a week - the time-effective option
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A Nightjet leaves Paris Gare de l'Est at 18:58 on Tuesdays, Fridays & Sundays, arriving Munich Ost at 05:43. Munich Ost is an 8-minute S-Bahn ride from Munich Hbf, see how to transfer.
From 10 December 2023 it leaves Paris Gare de l'Est at 19:12 on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays, arriving Munich Ost at 05:43.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has two air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-cars each 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 a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and an ordinary seats car. 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.
It's planned to increase frequency to daily from autumn 2024.
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Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in plain English, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways www.oebb.at (in , same fares). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Paris to Cologne (Kφln) & Dόsseldorf from 35
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Eurostar (formerly Thalys) high-speed trains link Paris Gare du Nord with Cologne Hbf in 3h29 & Dόsseldorf in 3h50 several times each day.
Departures are usually at 07:55*, 09:55, 11:55, 15:55 & 17:55**.
* Not Sundays, only goes to Cologne not Dόsseldorf. ** Not Saturdays.
These trains have 3 classes: Standard (2nd class), Comfort (1st class) & Premium (1st class with at-seat food & drink included in the fare and access to lounges in Paris & Brussels). The trains have power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. See more information about Eurostar (formerly Thalys).
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Fares start at 35 in standard class, 72 in comfort or 135 in premium. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Book at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, small booking fee, about Trainline) or www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone following their instructions.
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Paris to Koblenz: The quickest way is by Eurostar to Cologne Hbf then by German train to Koblenz. The easiest way to book is at www.thetrainline.com as this can book both Eurostar and German trains. Look for journeys with 1 change. It may help to add Cologne Hbf as a via station.
Paris to Koblenz
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There are two options:
Option 1, take a TGV Duplex or ICE train from Paris Gare de l'Est to Karlsruhe, Mannheim, Saarbrucken or Kaiserslautern then a German train to Koblenz Hbf.
Option 2, take a Eurostar (formerly Thalys) train from Paris Gare du Nord to Cologne Hbf then a German train from Cologne Hbf to Koblenz Hbf.
I recommend option 1 because you get a through ticket, whereas option 1 involves two separate tickets with 2 different operators. This usually makes it slightly cheaper and you are protected if there's a delay and missed connection. Time-wise there's not much in it.
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Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Book option 1 at the German Railways website int.bahn.de. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. Look for journeys with 1 change. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.
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Book option 2 at www.thetrainline.com as this can book both Eurostar and the onward German train. Look for journeys with 1 change. It may help to add Cologne Hbf as a via station.
Paris to Mannheim, Frankfurt, Stuttgart from 39.90
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High-speed TGV Duplex & ICE3 trains link Paris with Mannheim, Frankfurt & Stuttgart at up to 320 km/h (199 mph).
Most Paris-Stuttgart trains are TGV Duplex, most Paris-Frankfurt trains are ICE3 train, with a cafe-bar (TGV) or restaurant (ICE), power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. On TGV Duplex, I recommend an upstairs seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.
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Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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Tip: You can also buy tickets at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com, but here's some advice:
If you're using a direct train (without any connections within Germany), check both sites! I've seen int.bahn.de want 44.90 non-refundable for Paris-Frankfurt when www.sncf-connect.com wanted only 39 for exactly the same train, refundable less 15 up to 3 days before departure. And www.sncf-connect.com would let me hold the ticket at that price without payment for a week while I finished my planning. So I bought from www.sncf-connect.com! Also, www.sncf-connect.com normally lets you choose an exact seat from a plan when travelling 1st class on a TGV train to or from Germany, a feature not available when using int.bahn.de.
If you have kids, it's better to use int.bahn.de as if you buy from the Germans, the more generous German child age limits apply, under 6 free, under 15 child rate. Furthermore, DB have a permanent offer, children under 15 go free when accompanied by a parent, grandparent or guardian using a Sparpreis advance-purchase fare. If you buy from the French, under 4s go free, under 12 get the child rate, and there's no kids-go-free deal. So if you have children, it's a no-brainer to buy from the Germans.
If you're heading deeper into Germany, it's better to use int.bahn.de as the Germans sell through tickets from Paris to almost anywhere in Germany for one inclusive price, so in principle, Paris-Nuremberg also starts from 39.90. The French charge for each train, so that same Paris-Nuremberg journey might be 39.90 for the direct Paris-Frankfurt train + another 40 for the Frankfurt-Nuremberg train, making it significantly more expensive than buying from DB. It's just the different way the French & German ticketing systems work!
Paris to Salzburg from 39.90
Option 1, Paris to Salzburg by direct Nightjet sleeper train 3 times a week - the time-effective option
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A Nightjet sleeper train leaves Paris Gare de l'Est at 18:58 on Tuesdays, Fridays & Sundays, arriving Salzburg Hbf at 07:26 next morning.
From 10 December 2023 it leaves Paris Gare de l'Est at 19:12 on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays, arriving Salzburg Hbf at 07:26.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has two air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-cars each 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 a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and an ordinary seats car. 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.
It's planned to increase frequency to daily from autumn 2024.
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Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in plain English, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways www.oebb.at (in , same fares). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Option 2, Paris to Salzburg in a single day - fastest & cheapest route through Germany
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You can travel from Paris Gare de l'Est to Salzburg Hbf in as little as 7h48, for example:
Leave Paris Gare de l'Est at 07:20 by ICE3 train, change at Mannheim, arrive Salzburg Hbf 15:59.
Leave Paris Gare de l'Est at 10:55 by ICE3 train, change at Stuttgart, arrive Salzburg Hbf 19:59.
Leave Paris Gare de l'Est at 13:51 by double-deck TGV Duplex, change Stuttgart, arrive Salzburg Hbf 22:02.
treat it as a chill-out trip. The superb German ICE3 trains have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. The double-deck TGV Duplex have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
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Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. Look for journeys with just 1 change. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
Tip: On TGV Duplex I recommend an upstairs seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck. If you'd like a stopover in Stuttgart or Munich, simply click Stopovers, enter Stuttgart or Munich and a suitable length of stay, and you'll still get a Sparpreis fare with a stopover included. You can add up to 2 stopovers within the 2-day validity of a Sparpreis fare.
Option 3, Paris to Salzburg with an overnight stop in Zurich - the scenic route via the Arlberg Pass
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OK, so this takes a couple of hours longer overall compared to the faster route through Germany in option 1 above. But it's worth it, as this takes you via the wonderful Arlberg Pass through the Alps between Switzerland and Austria, see the Arlberg Pass scenery video here. It's possible to do the whole trip in a day, but it's better if you break it up with an overnight stop in Zurich.
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Zurich by TGV-Lyria high-speed train, for example leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 18:22 arriving Zurich HB at 22:26.
By all means catch the 16:22 from Paris (arriving in Zurich at 20:26) or an earlier train and spend a pleasant evening in Zurich.
TGV-Lyrias have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see more information about TGV-Lyria.
Fares start at 29 in 2nd class (standard) or 55 in 1st class (standard premier). Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at either www.raileurope.com (in , £ or $, easy to use, small booking fee, about Raileurope) or www.thetrainline.com (in , £ or $, easy to use, small booking fee, about Trainline) or at the French Railways site www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
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Stay overnight in Zurich. For something really special, the 5-star Hotel Schweizerhof is one of my favourite hotels anywhere, just across the road from the station. They'll even send a uniformed commissionaire to meet you & carry your bags from the train. For something cheaper, also next to the station with great reviews, try the 4-star Hotel St Gotthard or the excellent 3-star Hotel St. Josef, 7 minutes walk from the station, see walking map. If you're on a tight budget you can book private rooms in a one-star hotel or backpacker hostel near the station at www.hostelworld.com.
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Day 2, travel from Zurich HB to Salzburg Hbf by railjet train in 5h23, you'll find departures at 06:40, 10:40, 12:40 and so on.
These swish Austrian railjet trains have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi, see more information about railjets. It's a lovely journey through the beautiful Arlberg pass with lunch in the restaurant car, see the Arlberg Pass scenery video.
Fares start at 29.90 in 2nd class, 44.90 in 1st class, or 59.90 in business class (= premium 1st). Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, small booking fee, overseas credit cards no problem) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , same prices, a little more fiddly). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Swiss lakes: Soon after leaving Zurich, the railjet runs alongside the shore of the Zόrichsee and then the Walensee.
Arlberg Pass: Above, we're now in Austria, with brooding skies over the Arlberg pass. The pass itself is long, narrow and curvaceous with the train snaking along the valley sides, often high above the valley floor.
Arlberg Tunnel: Between Bludenz and St Anton am Arlberg the train passes through the Arlberg Tunnel, 6.2 km (6.3 miles) long and opened in 1884. See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arlberg_Railway_Tunnel.
River Inn: Running alongside the river Inn in the Tirol, somewhere between Landeck & Φtzal.
Mountains near Innsbruck. The train calls at Innsbruck Hbf for several minutes.
Kufstein: The train stops at Kufstein, where the castle towers above the station. Above right, lunch is served. In first & business class on a railjet, the steward takes your order & serves lunch at your seat.
Cutting across Germany: East of Kufstein, the train takes a short cut through Germany without stopping, see the route map here. All fast Vienna-Salzburg-Innsbruck trains do this, they're still considered Austrian domestic trains even though this short cut means they spend an hour on German territory! Such a train is called a Korridorzug. The train crosses back into Austria near Freilassing, just before Salzburg.
Salzburg: View of the Fortress Hohensalzburg on the right hand side as the railjet crosses the River Salzach into Salzburg Hbf heading east.
Paris to Innsbruck, Linz or Vienna from 49.90
Option 1, Paris to Linz & Vienna by Nightjet sleeper train 3 times a week - the time-effective option
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A Nightjet sleeper train leaves Paris Gare de l'Est at 18:58 on Tuesdays, Fridays & Sundays, arriving Linz 08:46, Vienna Meidling 10:05 & Vienna Hbf 10:13.
From 10 December 2023 it leaves Paris Gare de l'Est at 19:12 on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays, arriving Linz 08:46, Vienna Meidling 10:05 & Vienna Hbf 10:13. It's planned to increase frequency to daily from autumn 2024.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has two air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-cars each 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 a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and an ordinary seats car. 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.
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Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in plain English, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways www.oebb.at (in , same fares). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Option 2, Paris to Vienna in a single day by high-speed train - the fastest option
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You can travel between Paris to Vienna by train in a single chill-out day across 3 countries:
Leave Paris Gare de l'Est 07:20 by TGV Duplex, change Frankfurt (Main) Hbf onto an ICE (arrive 10:59, depart 12:22), arriving Vienna Hbf 18:47.
Leave Paris Gare de l'Est 09:07 by TGV Duplex, change Frankfurt (Main) Hbf onto an ICE (arrive 12:59, depart 14:22), arriving Vienna Hbf 20:47.
The TGV Duplex from Paris to Frankfurt is an impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck high-speed train with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Book an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number greater than 60 is upper deck. The ICE-T train from Frankfurt to Vienna has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. First class passengers have food & drink orders taken and served at their seats - I recommend the Erdinger weissbier!
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Fares start at 69.80 in 2nd class or 129.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com as you can book from Paris to Vienna as one easy transaction, in , £ or $. There's a small booking fee. In the search results, look for the 09:07 departure with 1 change. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own tickets or can show them on your laptop or phone.
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Alternatively, you can book this journey at the German Railways website int.bahn.de in with no booking fee, but this only sells tickets if the journey starts or ends in Germany, so you must first book the train from Paris to Frankfurt, then book the train from Frankfurt to Vienna as a second transaction. www.raileurope.com shows the same fares as bahn.de, but has the ability to split the booking automatically.
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Tip: It's worth checking the price for the Frankfurt to Vienna ICE at www.thetrainline.com or the Austrian Railways site www.oebb.at, both of which link to the Austrian ticketing system. I have known this show the cheapest 29.90 price level when the fare was 59.90 on bahn.de for exactly the same train.
Option 3, Paris to Vienna using the Brussels-Vienna Nightjet sleeper - another time-effective option, 3 times per week
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Brussels by Eurostar (formerly Thalys), leaving Paris Gare du Nord at 16:25 and arriving Brussels Midi 17:47.
You can take the 17:25 from Paris to Brussels if you like, but I'd play safe and catch the 16:25. The Eurostar train has power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. More information about Eurostar (formerly Thalys) trains.
Tip: At Brussels Midi, the Pullman Hotel bar makes an excellent VIP waiting room.
Tip: Why not book an earlier Eurostar and have dinner in Brussels or even a wander around the famous Grand Place? Trains leave Paris at least every hour. In Brussels I recommend traditional moules-frites at the celebrated restaurant Aux Armes de Bruxelles, a short walk from the Grand Place, more information here. Alternatively, the unpretentious Brasserie de la Gare across the road from the station serves Belgian beer and does a decent steak tartare, more information here.
Fares start at 29 in 2nd class (standard) or 51 in 1st class (standard premier). Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
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Step 2, travel from Brussels to Vienna by Nightjet, leaving Brussels Midi 19:32 on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, arriving Vienna Hbf 09:14.
From 10 December 2023 it leaves Brussels Midi at 19:07 on Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:03 on Saturdays, arriving Vienna Hbf 10:13.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper 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 an ordinary seats car. 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, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 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 (in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways own site www.oebb.at (same prices, a bit more fiddly, no booking fee). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Option 4, Paris to Vienna using the Zurich-Vienna Nightjet sleeper - another time-effective option, runs every day
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Compared with struggling from Paris to Vienna by air in 4 or 5 hours by train+airport+flight+airport+train, the train runs from city centre to city centre overnight taking hardly any more useful daytime time out of your schedule. It's less hassle and much more fun.
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Zurich by TGV-Lyria, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 12:22 & arriving Zurich HB at 16:26.
From 25 October 2024 onwards you can leave Paris Gare de Lyon at 16:22, arriving Zurich HB at 20:26.
The impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck h TGV-Lyria has 3 classes, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see more information about TGV-Lyria.
Fares start at 29 in 2nd class or 51 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.raileurope.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee, about Raileurope) or www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee, about Trainline) or at the French Railways site www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
At Zurich HB you've time for dinner, I recommend the steak-frites & a beer at the Brasserie Federal.
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Step 2, travel from Zurich to Vienna by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Zurich HB at 20:40 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 07:58.
From 25 October 2024 onwards this train reverts to its traditional departure time of 21:40, arrival time unchanged..
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has two air-conditioned double-deck sleeping-cars with compact 1 & 2 bed compartments with washbasin, several larger 1 & 2 bed deluxe compartments with shower & toilet, and several 3-berth compartments with washbasin. It has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments & ordinary seats. The sleeper attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. Sleeper & couchette fares include a light breakfast with tea or coffee in the morning, 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. You print your own ticket.
Tip: If you like, you can check the consist for this train, check car numbers & see in what order cars for different destinations are marshalled using the excellent www.vagonweb.cz. Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Austria & click nj.
Option 5, Paris to Zurich by afternoon TGV, overnight stop, Zurich to Austria by the scenic Arlberg route - the scenic option
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Zurich by TGV-Lyria high-speed train, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 18:22 & arriving Zurich HB 22:26.
Or take the earlier 16:22 from Paris arriving Zurich 20:26 or an earlier train and spend a pleasant evening in Zurich.
The TGV-Lyria has 3 classes, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see more information about TGV-Lyria.
Fares start at 29 in 2nd class or 51 in 1st class. Fares very like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee, about Trainline) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
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Stay overnight in Zurich. For something really special, the 5-star Hotel Schweizerhof is one of my favourite hotels anywhere, just across the road from the station. They'll even send a uniformed commissionaire to meet you & carry your bags from the train. For something cheaper, also next to the station with great reviews, try the 4-star Hotel St Gotthard or the excellent 3-star Hotel St. Josef, 7 minutes walk from the station, see walking map. If you're on a tight budget you can book private rooms in a one-star hotel or backpacker hostel near the station at www.hostelworld.com.
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Day 2, travel from Zurich HB to Innsbruck Hbf (3h31), Linz (6h34) or Vienna Hbf (7h50) by swish Austrian railjet train. For example, there are departures from Zurich HB at 06:40 or 10:40, or there are later trains.
The railjets have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. They travel through the beautiful Arlberg pass, see the Arlberg Railway page & watch the Arlberg Pass video. A real treat.
Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class, 54.90 in 1st class or 69.90 in business class (= premium 1st). 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, about Trainline) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , same prices, more fiddly). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Swiss lakes: Soon after leaving Zurich, the railjet runs alongside the shore of the Zόrichsee and then the Walensee.
Arlberg Pass: Above, we're now in Austria, with brooding skies over the Arlberg pass. The pass itself is long, narrow and curvaceous with the train snaking along the valley sides, often high above the valley floor.
Arlberg Tunnel: Between Bludenz and St Anton am Arlberg the train passes through the Arlberg Tunnel, 6.2 km (6.3 miles) long and opened in 1884. See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arlberg_Railway_Tunnel.
River Inn: Running alongside the river Inn in the Tirol, somewhere between Landeck & Φtzal.
Mountains near Innsbruck. The train calls at Innsbruck Hbf for several minutes.
Kufstein: The train stops at Kufstein, where the castle towers above the station. Above right, lunch is served. In first & business class on a railjet, the steward takes your order & serves lunch at your seat.
Cutting across Germany: East of Kufstein, the train takes a short cut through Germany without stopping, see the route map here. All fast Vienna-Salzburg-Innsbruck trains do this, they're still considered Austrian domestic trains even though this short cut means they spend an hour on German territory! Such a train is called a Korridorzug. The train crosses back into Austria near Freilassing, just before Salzburg.
Salzburg: View of the Fortress Hohensalzburg on the right hand side as the railjet crosses the River Salzach into Salzburg Hbf heading east.
Paris to Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Stockholm & Scandinavia from 79
Option 1, Paris to Stockholm using the Hamburg-Stockholm sleeper train - the time-effective option
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Hamburg, leaving Paris Gare de l'Est at 10:55, changing at Karlsruhe & arriving Hamburg Hbf at 19:36.
You travel on superb ICE trains with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Always allow at least an hour when connecting with a sleeper train you don't want to miss. Have dinner in Hamburg, see suggested restaurants near the station.
Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.
Tip: To get a through ticket and robust connections, I recommend clicking Stopovers and (a) entering Karlsruhe as a via station (leaving length of stay zero) and (b) changing Transfer time from normal to minimum 30 minutes. Ignore faster connections, ignore journeys involving Eurostar (formerly Thalys), which result in two separate tickets (not a through ticket) and (usually) higher prices.
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Step 2, travel from Hamburg to Stockholm by sleeper train, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 22:03, arriving Stockholm Central 09:57 next morning.
Procured by the Swedish government and run by SJ (Swedish Railways), the train has one or two sleeping-cars with 1 & 2 berth compartments with washbasin, 1, 2 or 3 bed deluxe compartments with en suite toilet & shower, couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. The sleeping-cars are former Austrian Railways AB32s, refurbished. More information about the Hamburg-Stockholm sleeper train.
Fares start at 44.90 with a couchette in 6-berth, 69.90 with a couchette in 4-berth, 79.90 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or 164.90 with a single-bed sleeper all to yourself. All prices per person per bed, fares vary like air fares so book ahead.
Book this train at SJ's website www.sj.se.
Booking opens several months ahead, You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Option 2, Paris to Copenhagen & Stockholm using the Freiburg-Hamburg sleeper
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Freiburg by TGV Duplex, leaving Paris Gare de l'Est at 17:25 and arriving Freiburg (Breisgau) at 20:26.
The 320km/h double-deck TGV Duplex has 1st & 2nd class seats, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. I recommend an upstairs seat for the best views, and seat number >60 is upper deck.
Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, small booking fee) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.
Have dinner in Freiburg. Suggested restaurants include Die Wirtschaft zum Meyerhof (www.grosser-meyerhof.de) 11 minutes walk from the station, see walking map or the Restaurant Drexlers (drexlers-restaurant.de), 7 minutes walk from the station, see walking map. Or Tom's (toms-freiburg.de), 9 minutes walk away, see walking map. Check opening hours, they don't open every day.
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Step 2, travel from Freiburg to Hamburg by Nightjet, leaving Freiburg (Breisgau) at 22:58 & arriving Hamburg Hbf 07:54.
The comfortable Austrian-run Nightjet sleeper train has two double-deck sleeping-cars with 1 & 2-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet, 1 & 2-berth compartments with washbasin, and a few 3-berth compartments with washbasin. The sleeper attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train also 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 accommodation, travel tips & photos.
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 fares). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.
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Step 3, travel from Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train leaving Hamburg Hbf at 08:50 and arriving Copenhagen 13:34.
The train also calls at Kolding (for Legoland) & Odense.
If you're only going as far as Copenhagen, fares start at 27.90 in 2nd class or 49.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
If you're only going as far as Copenhagen, book this train at the German Railways website int.bahn.de and print your own ticket or can show it on your phone or laptop. The Hamburg-Copenhagen trains also call at Kolding (for Legoland) and Odense.
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If you're going to Malmφ, catch the next Φresund train from Copenhagen to Malmφ Central, these run every 20 minutes taking 39 minutes. Book from Hamburg to Malmo as a through journey at int.bahn.de from 56.90.
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If you're going to Gothenburg, travel from Copenhagen to Gothenburg Central by Φresund train, these run every hour, journey time 4h05. Book from Hamburg to Goteborg Central as one journey at int.bahn.de from 56.90.
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If you're going to Stockholm, travel from Copenhagen to Stockholm by X2000 train, leaving Copenhagen at 14:19 and arriving Stockholm Central at 19:37. Book from Hamburg to Stockholm as a through journey at int.bahn.de from 56.90.
Option 3, Paris to Copenhagen in a single day! Stay overnight, on to Gothenburg, Stockholm or Oslo next day
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Cologne by Eurostar (formerly Thalys), leaving Paris Gare du Nord at 07:55 & arriving Cologne Hbf 11:15.
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Step 2, travel from Cologne to Hamburg by InterCity train with restaurant car, leaving Cologne Hbf at 12:09 arriving Hamburg Hbf at 15:51.
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Step 3, travel from Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train leaving Hamburg Hbf at 16:55 arriving Copenhagen at 21:34.
The Hamburg-Copenhagen trains also call at Kolding (for Legoland) and Odense.
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Step 4, travel from Copenhagen to Sweden.
If you're going to Malmφ, catch the next Φresund train from Copenhagen to Malmφ, these run every 20 minutes taking 39 minutes.
If you're going to Stockholm, stay overnight in Copenhagen and take any suitable X2000 train from Copenhagen to Stockholm next morning. There's usually a train around 08:20 arriving Stockholm around 13:35, or later trains through the day.
If you're going to Gothenburg, stay overnight in Copenhagen & take an Φresund train to Gothenburg next morning in 3h53, trains leave every hour.
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How much does it cost?
Paris to Cologne starts at 35 in 2nd class or 72 in 1st class.
Cologne to Copenhagen starts at 37.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class.
Cologne to Malmφ, Gothenburg or Stockholm starts at 56.90 in 2nd class.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets from Paris to Copenhagen
Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com as this can book you from Paris to Copenhagen as one simple transaction because it connects to both the Eurostar and the German ticketing systems. Prices are in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee.
Booking for the Eurostar opens up to 4 months ahead. Booking for trains between Cologne & Scandinavia opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Tip: To make sure it finds the journey you want, click More options and enter Cologne Hbf as a stopover point with a 30 minute stopover time.
How to buy tickets, advanced
1. Book the Eurostar from Paris to Cologne at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com and print your own ticket or show it on your phone.
2. Book from Cologne to Copenhagen at the German Railways website int.bahn.de and print your own ticket or show it on your phone.
Do a dry run on both sites first, and make sure there's at least 45 minutes between trains in Cologne. Neither site charges a booking fee.
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How to buy tickets from Paris to Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmφ or Oslo
1. Book the Eurostar from Paris to Cologne at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com and print your own ticket or show it on your phone.
2. If you're going to Malmo, book from Cologne to Malmφ at the German Railways website int.bahn.de and print your own ticket or show it on your phone.
3. If you're going to Gothenburg or Stockholm, the clever way to buy tickets is to go to int.bahn.de and book from Cologne to Stockholm or Gothenburg as a through journey as you'll then see Sparpreis fares from just 56.90. To get the overnight stop in Copenhagen, click Stopovers, enter Copenhagen with a length of stay of (say) 10:00 hours. Adjust the length of stay to get the trains you want.
4. If you're going to Oslo, book from Cologne to Gothenburg at bahn.de: Click here to open bahn.de all set up with the correct parameters. Then add a connecting train from Gothenburg (= Goteborg) to Oslo S at either www.vy.no or www.sj.se.
Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train. From June 2023, these trains are temporarily being operated by former German Railways intercity cars and a Danish electric locomotive, until new trains being built by Talgo arrive in 2024. The current trains have 1st & 2nd class, power sockets at seats, but no catering so bring your own food & drink. More information about the Hamburg-Copenhagen journey.
2nd class seats are almost all open-plan like this. There are a handful of 6-seat 2nd class compartments in one of the coaches, but only a few.
The 1st class car has 6-seater compartments like this. Larger photo. Larger photo.
Option 4, Paris to Copenhagen & Stockholm by comfortable daytime trains with overnight stop in Hamburg
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Hamburg, leaving Paris Gare de l'Est 13:51 by TGV Duplex, change at Karlsruhe onto an ICE arriving Hamburg Hbf 21:39.
The double-deck TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. The ICE train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Times may vary. By all means book an earlier departure for a pleasant evening in Hamburg.
Fares start at 39.90 2nd class or 69.90 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy a ticket at the German Railways website int.bahn.de. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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Stay overnight in Hamburg. The Hotel Reichshof Hamburg is the top choice here, just across the road 100m from the station's Kirchenallee exit, with art deco-based design and great reviews. Other hotels near Hamburg Hbf with good or great reviews include (starting with the cheapest) the Hotel Continental Novum, Hotel Furst Bismarck, Hotel Europaischer Hof, Hotel Atlantic Kempinski. If you're on a budget, cheap private rooms in the A&O Hotel near Hamburg Hbf can be booked at www.hostelworld.com.
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Day 2, travel from Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 08:50 and arriving Copenhagen 13:34.
The train also calls at Kolding (for Legoland) and Odense.
If you're only going as far as Copenhagen, fares from Hamburg to Copenhagen start at 27.90 in 2nd class or 49.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
If you're only going as far as Copenhagen, book from Hamburg to Copenhagen at the German Railways website int.bahn.de. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or you can show it on your laptop or phone.
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If you're going to Stockholm, travel from Copenhagen to Stockholm by X2000, leaving Copenhagen at 14:19 arriving Stockholm Central 19:37.
Book from Hamburg to Stockholm as one transaction from 56.90 using this special link to bahn.de, looking for a departure with 1 change.
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If you're going to Malmφ or Gothenburg, travel from Copenhagen to Malmφ or Gothenburg by Φresund train, these run every 20 minutes to Malmφ Central, journey time 39 minutes, and once an hour to Gothenburg Central, journey time 3h53. Book from Hamburg to Malmo or Gothenburg as one transaction at int.bahn.de with fares from 56.90 - Gothenburg is listed as Gφteborg Central.
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If you're going to Oslo, travel from Copenhagen to Gothenburg by Φresund train then Gothenburg to Oslo by Norwegian train, see the timetable & how to buy tickets here.
Paris to Oslo & Norway
Option 1, Paris to Oslo via Hamburg & Copenhagen - by train all the way
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Copenhagen in a single day as shown in option 2 in the Paris to Copenhagen section above.
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Stay overnight in Copenhagen. The friendly Astoria Hotel is a 1930s design classic right outside Copenhagen station main entrance, see photos & information here. Other hotels near the station with good reviews include the Nimb Hotel (5-star luxe), Radisson Blu Royal Hotel (5-star), Axel Guldsmeden (4-star), Andersen Boutique Hotel, First Hotel Mayfair (3-star), Hotel Ansgar (3-star), City Hotel Nebo (2-star).
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Day 2, travel from Copenhagen to Oslo by train, leaving Copenhagen at 09:30, change at Gothenburg Central, arriving Oslo Sentral 17:44.
Earlier & later departures are available, see the Copenhagen-Oslo timetable & how to buy tickets here.
Alternatively, spend a morning in Copenhagen, and after lunch take the DFDS overnight ferry to Oslo with a comfortable private cabin with shower & toilet, sailing from Copenhagen at 16:30 and arriving Oslo at 10:00 on day 3, as also shown here. This is remarkably affordable, and saves a hotel bill. Book the ferry at www.dfds.co.uk.
Option 2, Paris to Oslo via the Kiel-Oslo cruise ferry - the most luxurious way to Oslo
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Kiel on any suitable train, for example leaving Paris Gare de l'Est at 10:54 arriving Kiel Hbf at 22:03 with one easy change in Stuttgart. Though the earlier 09:07 arriving 18:44 would give you an evening in Hamburg or Kiel.
Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy a ticket at the German Railways website int.bahn.de. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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Stay overnight in Kiel. The InterCity Hotel Kiel gets good reviews, is relatively inexpensive and is right next to the station and a few minutes walk from the ferry. The B&B Hotel Kiel City is also next to the station with good reviews, and is even cheaper. For something upmarket, the Atlantic Hotel Kiel gets great reviews and is in Bahnhofsplatz in front of the station.
In Kiel the Color Line ferry terminal is just a 5-6 minute walk from Kiel Hbf.
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Step 2, sail from Kiel to Oslo by luxurious overnight Color Line ferry, with a full range of en suite cabins, suites, bars, restaurants and lounges. The m/v Magic or m/v Fantasy normally sails at 14:00 arriving Oslo at 10:00 next morning. The scenery as you sail up Oslo Fjord next morning is superb.
Book the ferry using the Direct Ferries website or at www.colorline.com.
Money-saving tip: It appears that it's considerably cheaper to book on Color Line's Norwegian website www.colorline.no in Norwegian Krone, for example a 274 fare becomes the equivalent of 164. You'll need to use Google Chrome translation to translate the Norwegian. You are still able to enter a UK or other European address and contact details. Feedback appreciated.
Make sure you're on deck next morning as the ship sails through spectacular scenery up Oslo Fjord. The ship docks at the modern Color Line terminal about 2 km from the city centre. Color Line provide transfer buses to Oslo Sentral station costing 55 krone, or there are plenty of taxis. If you have light luggage it's possible to walk. See map of Oslo showing ferry terminal.
Paris to Helsinki & Finland
Option 1, Paris to Helsinki using a Finnlines ferry from Germany - the easiest route
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Hamburg, leaving Paris Gare de l'Est at 09:07, change at Mannheim, arriving Hamburg Hbf 17:36.
Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy a ticket at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. Look for a journey with 1 change. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
Tip: You should book from Paris to Skandinavienkai Terminal, Lόbeck as one transaction as this gets you a through ticket to the ferry terminal covering the train from Amsterdam to Hamburg, the regional train to Lόbeck and the bus to the Skandinavienkai Terminal.
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Day 1, travel from Hamburg Hbf to Lόbeck by regional train then take a bus to the Skandinavienkai ferry terminal in Travemόnde.
Sail from Travemόnde to Helsinki by Finnlines ferry. Finnlines sail from Travemόnde to Helsinki every day, boarding at 23:30, sailing at 02:45 (the exact time varies) and arriving at Helsinki's Hansa Terminal in Vuosaari at 09:15 2 nights later (Day 3 from Paris).
For full details of the transfer, check-in arrangements & ferry crossing, see the Hamburg page.
Book the ferry using the Direct Ferries website or at www.finnlines.com.
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Book onward trains within Finland at the Finnish Railways website www.vr.fi.
Option 2, Paris to Helsinki by train to Stockholm, then ferry
Paris to Prague & Cesky Krumlov
Option 1, Paris to Prague using the Karlsruhe-Prague sleeper train - the most time-effective option
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Compared with struggling from Paris to Prague by air in 4 or 5 hours of train+airport+flight+airport+train, the train is city centre to city centre and takes very little useful daytime time out of your schedule, it's less hassle and much more fun. Experience France's high-speed double-deck TGV, bring a bottle of wine with you into your sleeper to Prague and have a blast.
The Zurich-Prague sleeper is a new service starting 11 December 2022, routed via Basel, Karlsruhe, Dresden. From Paris, it's most time-effective to pick it up in Karlsruhe as shown below, but you can pick it up in Basel if you'd rather board the sleeper around 9pm rather than 11pm and don't mind an earlier departure from Paris, I'll explain timings via Basel at the end.
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Karlsruhe by TGV Duplex, leaving Paris Gare de l'Est at 17:52 & arriving Karlsruhe Hbf 20:25.
This 320 km/h double-deck high-speed train has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Book an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.
Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.raileurope.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee, about Raileurope) or www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee, about Trainline) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
Have dinner in Karlsruhe: The Erste Fracht Braugasthaus (www.erste-fracht.de) is just across the road from the station's main exit and serves German food & beer, open until late 7 days a week. The Wirtshaus Wolfbrδu (www.wolfbrδu.de) is an 18-minute 1.4 km walk away but has been suggested as better by one seat61 correspondent, see walking map. There is also a decent Indian restaurant, the Maharaja (www.restaurantmaharaja-ka.de) across the road and to the right. There is a MacDonald's inside the station, open until late.
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Step 2, travel from Karlsruhe to Prague by sleeper train, leaving Karlsruhe Hbf at 23:07 and arriving Prague Hlavni 09:24.
This new sleeper train started running from 11 December 2022. It has a air-conditioned Czech Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, and three 1, 2 & 3 bed deluxe compartments with en suite shower & toilet. There are toilets and a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in regular sleepers. There are also 4 & 6-berth couchettes. A light breakfast with tea or coffee is included in the sleeper fare.
A Czech restaurant car is attached to the train between Leipzig (around 06:00) and Prague, if you'd prefer a cooked breakfast.
The train arrives at Prague Hlavni, just 15 minutes walk from Prague's historic old town. See Prague Hlavni station information.
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. Berths in deluxe sleepers with shower & toilet cost a bit more.
Book the sleeper at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (as it's a Nightjet partner route).
Booking opens several months ahead. You print your own ticket.
You can also try booking at the Czech Railways site www.cd.cz as it's a Czech sleeper train. Here, the train will appear in the search results twice, both marked No transfers. The first appearance is the seats carriages marked EC (EuroCity), ignore this. Click the buy button against the second appearance of this train, with a sleeper & couchette symbol marked EN for EuroNight, and continue. Use the modify & edit features to adjust the type of couchette & sleeper. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone. However, on recent tests the CD website won't offer online prices or tickets for the Karlsruhe-Prague sector, but you can try.
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If you'd rather not stay up so late and don't mind an earlier departure from Paris, you can pick up the sleeper in Basel...
Travel from Paris to Basel by TGV-Lyria, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 16:19 every day, arriving Basel SBB at 19:26. Have dinner in Basel, I recommend the Lora restaurant. The sleeper to Prague leaves Basel SBB at 21:13, almost 2h before it reaches Karlsruhe. You book this in the exactly the same way, first the TGV-Lyria, then the sleeper.
Option 2, Paris to Prague or Cesky Krumlov using the Zurich-Prague sleeping-car - another time-effective option
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Very similar to option 1 above and just as comfortable, but using the Zurich-Prague through sleeping-car taking just a little bit longer. As this sleeper also serves Ceske Budejovice, it's useful if you're heading to Cesky Krumlov, which is just 45 minutes down a branch line from Ceske Budejovice.
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Zurich by TGV-Lyria, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 12:22 & arriving Zurich HB at 16:26.
From 25 October 2024 onwards you can leave Paris Gare de Lyon at 16:22, arriving Zurich HB at 20:26.
This impressive double-deck high-speed train travels at up to 320 km/h (199 mph), with 3 classes, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Book an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck. See more information about TGV-Lyria.
Fares start at 29 in 2nd class or 51 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.raileurope.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee, about Raileurope) or www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee, about Trainline) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
You've now time for dinner at Zurich HB - I recommend the steak-frites & beer at the Brasserie Federal on the main station concourse.
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Step 2, travel from Zurich to Prague by direct sleeping-car, leaving Zurich HB at 20:40, arriving Ceske Budejovice 08:52 & Prague Hlavni 10:39.
From 25 October 2024 onwards this train reverts to its traditional departure time of 21:40, arrival times unchanged..
If you're going to Cesky Krumlov, get off the sleeper at Ceske Budejovice (formerly called Budweis, that's right, where the name of the beer comes from) and take the 10:13 express train to Ceske Krumlov arriving 10:50.
The Zurich-Prague sleeping-car is an excellent air-conditioned Czech Comfortline type with 1, 2 or 3 bed deluxe compartments with en suite shower & toilet and 1, 2 or 3 bed standard compartments with washbasin - there are no couchettes on this train, just a sleeping-car. The sleeper fare includes morning tea or coffee. The beds convert to seats for the daytime part of the journey, and there's a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the standard sleepers. See more photos, tips & information about the Zurich to Prague sleeper. The train arrives at Prague Hlavni, 15 minutes walk from Prague's old town. See suggested hotels in Prague.
Fares start at 45 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, 59 with a bed in a cosy 2-bed sleeper, or 112 in a single-bed sleeper all to yourself. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book the Zurich-Prague sleeper at the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz, see my advice & tips for using it.
Booking normally opens 60 days ahead. You print your own ticket.
Tip: Leave 2nd class selected, as all sleeper accommodation is technically 2nd class, even deluxe sleepers.
Tip: If you have no joy with www.cd.cz, you can also book this sleeper at www.oebb.at, although the prices may be higher.
Tip: There's no restaurant car in the evening, so have dinner before boarding your sleeper, see suggested restaurants on the Zurich HB station page. That page also explains where you can stock up with snacks & a bottle of wine for that midnight feast in your sleeper. However, a bistro car is attached next to the sleeping-car in the morning if you'd like a cooked breakfast, a real treat!
Tip: The sleeping-car to Prague is attached to the night train to Vienna & Budapest, so look for the train with destination Budapest. If you like, you can check the consist for this train, check car numbers & see in what order cars for different destinations are marshalled using the excellent www.vagonweb.cz. Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Switzerland & click nj.
Tip: There are occasional dates when this sleeper doesn't run due to engineering work. If you find this direct Zurich-Prague sleeper is fully-booked or not running for any reason on your date, book the Nightjet sleeper from Zurich to Linz or Vienna instead (it's the same train, leaving Zurich at 21:40) using Austrian Railways www.oebb.at then add a Linz-Prague or Vienna-Prague ticket at www.cd.cz. I'd allow at least 1 hour between trains in Linz or Vienna. There are various possible combinations depending on whether you want early arrival or longer sleep.
Option 3, Paris to Prague in a single day from 55 - usually the cheapest option, but not as time-effective as options 1 & 2
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Munich, leaving Paris Gare de l'Est at 09:07, change at Mannheim and arrive Munich Hbf at 15:13.
You travel from Paris to Mannheim on an impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck French TGV Duplex with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, book an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.
You travel from Mannheim to Munich by superb German ICE train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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Step 2, travel from Munich to Prague by air-conditioned express train, leaving Munich Hbf at 16:44 and arriving Prague Hlavni at 22:22.
This train is air-conditioned with power sockets at all seats, there's a minibar serving drinks & snacks, and free WiFi in most cars.
Fares start at 15 in 2nd class or 35 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz. Booking usually opens 92 days ahead and you print your own ticket. See my tips for using cd.cz - in the search results look for departures marked No transfers (ALX) and avoid any departure shown as bus. See more information about these Munich-Prague trains. See suggested hotels in Prague.
Option 4, Paris to Prague using the Paris-Linz Nightjet sleeper 3 times a week - another time-effective option
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Linz by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Paris Est at 18:58 on Tuesdays, Fridays & Sundays, arriving Linz Hbf at 08:46.
From 10 December 2023 it leaves Paris Gare de l'Est at 19:12 on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays, arriving Linz Hbf at 08:46.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has two air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-cars each 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 a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and an ordinary seats car. 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.
It's planned to increase frequency to daily from autumn 2024.
Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in plain English, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways www.oebb.at (more fiddly, in , same fares). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Tip: If you have a sleeping-car ticket and/or 1st class ticket for the Linz-Prague train, you can use the ΦBB lounge at Linz Hbf for at least some of the time between trains, with free WiFi and complimentary tea, coffee, soft drinks & snacks.
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Step 2, travel from Linz to Prague by EuroCity train, leaving Linz Hbf at 11:54, arriving Ceske Budejovice at 13:52 & Prague Hlavni at 15:39.
This comfortable air-conditioned Czech EuroCity train has a bistro car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Fares start at 19.90 in 2nd class or 29.90 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, booking opens up to 6 months ahead) or the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz (in CZK, booking opens 92 days ahead). You print your own ticket.
If you're going to Cesky Krumlov, get off the train at Ceske Budejovice. The branch line train from Ceske Budejovice to Cesky Krumlov runs every hour or two, journey time 40 minutes, there's usually one leaving 14:24 arriving 15:11, check times at www.cd.cz. Buy a ticket from Ceske Budejovice to Cesky Krumlov at the distinctive orange-&-green ticket kiosk in the booking hall at Ceske Budejovice or on board the GWTR branch line train, the on-board ticket machines accept contactless bank cards.
Option 5, Paris to Prague with overnight stop in Munich from 55 - same as option 1, but with an overnight stop
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Munich by TGV Duplex, leaving Paris Est at 15:55 on Mondays-Fridays & Sundays, arriving Munich Hbf 21:36.
On Saturdays it leaves Paris at 17:55 arriving Munich Hbf at 23:26. By all means take an earlier departure with one easy change of train.
The 320 km/h (199 mph) TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Times vary, so check them at int.bahn.de.
Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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Stay overnight in Munich. The affordable Eden Hotel Wolff & NH Collection Mόnchen are across the road from the station's north side exit with great reviews. Or consider the more upmarket 25 Hours Hotel The Royal Bavarian, Excelsior by Giesel & Mercure City Center. For a splurge, the luxurious Sofitel Munich Beyerpost occupies the former Royal Bavarian Post Office building of 1896-1900, at the station's south side exit.
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Step 2, travel from Munich to Prague by air-conditioned express train on any departure you like, see the timetable here.
If you're in a hurry (or an early riser), the 04:44 train from Munich Hbf arrives Prague Hlavni at 10:22. Or the 06:44 arrives Prague Hlavni at 12:22. Or take the 08:44 arriving Prague Hlavni at 14:22. Or there are later trains.
These trains have power sockets at all seats, a minibar serving drinks & snacks, and (in most cars) free WiFi.
Fares start at 15 in 2nd class or 35 in 1st class. These are limited-availability advance-purchase fares.
Book this at the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz.
Booking usually opens 92 days ahead, you print your own ticket. See my tips for using cd.cz - in the search results look for departures marked No transfers (ALX) and avoid any departure shown as bus. See more information about trains from Munich to Prague.
Paris to Bratislava & Slovakia
Option 1, Paris to Bratislava in a single day, via the scenic Arlberg Pass
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Zurich by TGV-Lyria, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 07:22 and arriving Zurich HB at 11:26.
This impressive double-deck high-speed train travels at up to 320 km/h (199 mph), with 3 classes, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Book an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck. See more information about TGV-Lyria.
Why not break the journey up by travelling the day before & staying overnight in Zurich? See suggested hotels near the station.
Fares start at 29 in 2nd class or 79 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead, you print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
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Step 2, travel from Zurich to Bratislava by railjet train, leaving Zurich HB at 12:40 and arriving Bratislava Hlavna at 21:51.
This is a lovely scenic ride on a modern Austrian railjet train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. It travels through the wonderful Arlberg Pass, see the Arlberg Railway page & watch the Arlberg Pass video.
Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class, 54.90 in 1st class or 69.90 in business class (= premium 1st). 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 , same fares). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
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Step 3 for Poprad Tatry or Kosice, stay overnight in Bratislava and take an onward train to Poprad Tatry or Kosice next day. The Slovakian Railways website is www.zssk.sk.
Swiss lakes: Soon after leaving Zurich, the railjet runs alongside the shore of the Zόrichsee and then the Walensee.
Arlberg Pass: Above, we're now in Austria, with brooding skies over the Arlberg pass. The pass itself is long, narrow and curvaceous with the train snaking along the valley sides, often high above the valley floor.
Arlberg Tunnel: Between Bludenz and St Anton am Arlberg the train passes through the Arlberg Tunnel, 6.2 km (6.3 miles) long and opened in 1884. See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arlberg_Railway_Tunnel.
River Inn: Running alongside the river Inn in the Tirol, somewhere between Landeck & Φtzal.
Mountains near Innsbruck. The train calls at Innsbruck Hbf for several minutes.
Kufstein: The train stops at Kufstein, where the castle towers above the station. Above right, lunch is served. In first & business class on a railjet, the steward takes your order & serves lunch at your seat.
Cutting across Germany: East of Kufstein, the train takes a short cut through Germany without stopping, see the route map here. All fast Vienna-Salzburg-Innsbruck trains do this, they're still considered Austrian domestic trains even though this short cut means they spend an hour on German territory! Such a train is called a Korridorzug. The train crosses back into Austria near Freilassing, just before Salzburg.
Salzburg: View of the Fortress Hohensalzburg on the right hand side as the railjet crosses the River Salzach into Salzburg Hbf heading east.
Option 2, Paris to Bratislava using the Paris-Vienna Nightjet sleeper train 3 times a week - the time-effective option, recommended
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Vienna by Nightjet, leaving Paris Gare de l'Est at 18:58 on Tuesdays, Fridays & Sundays, arriving Vienna Hbf 10:13.
From 10 December 2023 it leaves Paris Gare de l'Est at 19:12 on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays, arriving Vienna Hbf at 10:13.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has two air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-cars each 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 a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and an ordinary seats car. 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.
It's planned to increase frequency to daily from autumn 2024.
Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in plain English, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways www.oebb.at (more fiddly, in , same fares). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna Hbf to Bratislava Hlavna by regional express train. These run every hour taking 1h09, fare 11.00, no reservation necessary or even possible, just buy a ticket at the station and hop on the next train. More about these Vienna-Bratislava trains.
You can check train times & prices at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (a bit more fiddly, same prices, in ) and buy a ticket if you like, just to save time at the station.
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Step 3 for Poprad Tatry or Kosice, change at Bratislava Hlavna for an onward train. The Slovakian Railways website is www.zssk.sk, but in this case you are better off booking a cheap advance-purchase fare from Vienna to Poprad Tatry or Kosice at www.thetrainline.com or www.oebb.at. I'd allow at least 50-60 minutes between trains in Vienna when booking an onward train-specific cheap fare.
Option 3, Paris to Bratislava using the Zurich-Vienna nightjet sleeper - another time-effective option, every day
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The most time-effective option is to take the 16:22 TGV-Lyria high-speed train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Zurich HB then the nightjet sleeper train from Zurich to Vienna Hbf overnight.
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Step 2, now travel from Vienna Hbf to Bratislava Hlavna by regional express train. These run every hour taking 1h09, fare 11.00, no reservation necessary or even possible, just buy a ticket at the station and hop on the next train. More about these Vienna-Bratislava trains.
You can check train times & prices at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (a bit more fiddly, same prices, in ) and buy a ticket if you like, just to save time at the station.
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Step 3 for Poprad Tatry or Kosice, change at Bratislava Hlavna for an onward train. The Slovakian Railways website is www.zssk.sk, but in this case you are better off booking a cheap advance-purchase fare from Vienna to Poprad Tatry or Kosice at www.thetrainline.com or www.oebb.at. I'd allow at least 50-60 minutes between trains in Vienna when booking an onward train-specific cheap fare.
Paris to Budapest from 79
Option 1, Paris to Budapest using the Zurich-Budapest sleeper - the most time-effective option, runs every day
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Zurich by high-speed TGV-Lyria, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 12:22 arriving Zurich HB at 16:36.
From 25 October 2024 onwards you can leave Paris Gare de Lyon at 16:22, arriving Zurich HB at 20:26.
The impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double deck TGV-Lyria has 3 classes, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see more information about TGV-Lyria. Have dinner in Zurich, I recommend a beer & steak-frites at the Brasserie Federal on the main concourse at Zurich HB.
Fares start at 29 in 2nd class or 51 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, about Trainline) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
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Step 2, travel from Zurich to Budapest on the EuroNight sleeper train Kalman Imre leaving Zurich HB at 20:40 & arriving Budapest Keleti 09:19.
From 25 October 2024 onwards this train reverts to its traditional departure time of 21:40, arrival time unchanged.
The Kalman Imre has a comfortable air-conditioned Hungarian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 berth compartments with washbasin, an air-conditioned Hungarian couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. In the sleeping-car, you'll find a small bottle of complimentary sparkling wine in your compartment in the evening and you're served a light breakfast in the morning with tea or coffee, included in the fare. More information, photos & tips about this train. Watch the video.
Fares start at 59 with a couchette in 6-berth, 69 with a couchette in 4-berth, 99 in a 2-bed sleeper with washbasin or 129 in a single-bed sleeper with washbasin, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this sleeper 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 , same fares, more fiddly). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. Look for the direct EuroNight (EN) train with 0 changes. You print your own ticket.
Tip: If you like, you can check the train formation, check car numbers & see in what order cars for different destinations are marshalled using www.vagonweb.cz. Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Switzerland & click nj. Look for NJ 467.
Option 2, Paris to Budapest using the Paris-Vienna Nightjet sleeper train 3 times a week - also a time-effective option
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Vienna by Nightjet sleeper, leaving Paris Est at 18:58 on Tuesdays, Fridays & Sundays, arriving Vienna Hbf 10:13.
From 10 December 2023 it leaves Paris Gare de l'Est at 19:12 on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays, arriving Vienna Hbf 10:13.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has two air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-cars each 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 a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and an ordinary seats car. 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.
It's planned to increase frequency to daily from autumn 2024.
Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in plain English, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways www.oebb.at (more fiddly, in , same fares). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Budapest by railjet train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 11:40 & arriving Budapest Keleti at 14:19.
The swish modern railjet has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. An earlier connection is possible, but I'd allow at least an hour between trains when connecting with a sleeper train just in case of delay. By all means book a later train and spend some time in Vienna, trains to Budapest leave every hour, see the timetable here. More information about railjets.
Tip: If you have a sleeping-car ticket for the Nightjet from Paris or a 1st or business class ticket for the railjet to Budapest you can use the ΦBB lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains with complimentary refreshments & free WiFi.
Fares start at 19.90 in 2nd class or 29.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easiest to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways' own site www.oebb.at (same prices, in , a bit more fiddly). You print your own ticket.
Option 3, Paris to Budapest in a single day
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Yes, it can be done! It's possible to get from Paris to Budapest in a single day on Mondays-Saturdays, right across Europe in a chill-out day with a good book and lunch in the restaurant car. The scenery on this route across Germany & Austria is very pleasant, although not spectacular. For a more time-effective overnight journey, see options 1 or 2 above. If it's scenery you want, see option 5 through the lovely Arlberg Pass with an overnight stop in Zurich.
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Frankfurt TGV Duplex, leaving Paris Gare de l'Est at 07:20 Mondays-Saturdays (it doesn't run on Sundays) arriving Frankfurt (Main) Hbf at 10:59.
The impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
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Step 2, travel from Frankfurt to Vienna by ICE-T leaving Frankfurt (Main) Hbf at 12:22 arriving Vienna Hbf 18:47.
The 230 km/h ICE-T has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. I recommend the Erdinger Weissbier!
Tip: If you have a 1st class ticket for the onward train to Budapest you can use the ΦBB lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains with complimentary refreshments & free WiFi.
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Step 3, travel from Vienna to Budapest by EuroCity train leaving Vienna Hbf at 19:42 and arriving Budapest Keleti at 22:19.
This classic air-conditioned EuroCity train has a Hungarian restaurant car for dinner.
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How much does it cost?
Paris to Frankfurt starts at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class.
Frankfurt to Budapest starts at 46.90 in 2nd class or 65.90 in 1st class.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
The easiest way to buy tickets is to use www.thetrainline.com as this lets you to book from Paris to Budapest all in one go, in , £ or $, small booking fee. Look for a journey with 2 changes that matches the times above. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own tickets or can show them on your laptop or phone.
You can also book at German Railways int.bahn.de with no booking fee, but you need to split the booking. Before you start, check times by running a Paris to Budapest enquiry. In the search results, look for the journey with 2 changes. At this stage it will not show any cheap prices, you have to split the booking: First book from Paris to Frankfurt. Then use int.bahn.de again to book from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Budapest Keleti. You print your own tickets or can show them on your laptop or phone.
Option 4, Paris to Budapest using the Stuttgart-Budapest sleeper -Similar to option 1, but using the Stuttgart portion of the Kalman Imre sleeper
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Step 1 travel from Paris to Stuttgart by TGV Duplex, leaving Paris Gare de l'Est at 15:55 Monday-Friday & Sunday arriving Stuttgart Hbf 19:04. On Saturdays, you leave Paris Gare de l'Est at 13:51 arriving Stuttgart Hbf 17:04.
The 320 km/h double-deck TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Book an upper deck seat for the best views, see the TGV Duplex video. Times may vary, check them at int.bahn.de.
Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at the German Railways website int.bahn.de (in ) or www.raileurope.com (in , £ or $, small booking fee) or www.thetrainline.com (in , £ or $, small booking fee). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or phone.
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Step 2, travel from Stuttgart to Budapest by sleeper train Kalman Imre, leaving Stuttgart Hbf at 20:29 and arriving Budapest Keleti 09:19.
The Kalman Imre has a comfortable air-conditioned Hungarian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 berth compartments with washbasin, an air-conditioned Hungarian couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats, see more information & photos about this train.
Fares start at 49.90 with a couchette in a 6-berth, 59.90 with a couchette in a 4-berth, 69.90 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, 89.90 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or 129.90 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 (easiest to use, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee about Trainline) or Austrian Railways' own site www.oebb.at (in , same prices, more fiddly). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Tip: If you like, you can check the train formation, check car numbers & see in what order cars for different destinations are marshalled using www.vagonweb.cz. Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Germany & click EN, then look for Kalman Imre.
Option 5, Paris to Budapest with an overnight stop in Munich
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Munich by TGV Duplex, leaving Paris Gare de l'Est at 15:55 Monday-Friday & Sunday arriving Munich Hbf at 21:36.
On Saturdays you can either leave Paris earlier at 13:51 and change at Stuttgart Hbf, arriving Munich at 19:12 or take the direct TGV Duplex leaving Paris at 17:55 and arriving Munich at 23:26. Times may vary, so check them at int.bahn.de.
The TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Book an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.
Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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Stay overnight in Munich. The affordable Eden Hotel Wolff & NH Collection Mόnchen are across the road from the station's north side exit with great reviews. Or consider the more upmarket 25 Hours Hotel The Royal Bavarian, Excelsior by Giesel & Mercure City Center. For a splurge, the luxurious Sofitel Munich Beyerpost occupies the former Royal Bavarian Post Office building of 1896-1900, at the station's south side exit.
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Day 2, travel from Munich to Budapest by railjet train, leaving Munich Hbf at 07:23 and arriving Budapest Keleti at 14:19, or have a leisurely breakfast and take the 09:29 railjet from Munich Hbf arriving Budapest Keleti at 16:19.
Railjet trains have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see more information about railjets.
Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets this at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket, though in this case, tickets must be printed out, they can't be shown on a mobile or laptop.
Option 6, Paris to Budapest via the scenic Arlberg Pass, with overnight stop in Zurich - the all-daytime scenic route
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Zurich by TGV-Lyria high-speed train, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 18:22 & arriving Zurich HB 22:26.
Or take the earlier 16:22 from Paris arriving Zurich 20:26 or an earlier train and spend a pleasant evening in Zurich.
The TGV-Lyria has 3 classes, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see more information about TGV-Lyria.
Fares start at 29 in 2nd class or 51 in 1st class. Fares very like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee, about Trainline) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
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Stay overnight in Zurich. For something really special, the 5-star Hotel Schweizerhof is one of my favourite hotels anywhere, just across the road from the station. They'll even send a uniformed commissionaire to meet you & carry your bags from the train. For something cheaper, also next to the station with great reviews, try the 4-star Hotel St Gotthard or the excellent 3-star Hotel St. Josef, 7 minutes walk from the station, see walking map. If you're on a tight budget you can book private rooms in a one-star hotel or backpacker hostel near the station at www.hostelworld.com.
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Day 2, travel from Zurich to Budapest by railjet train RJX 165, leaving Zurich HB at 10:40 and arriving Budapest Keleti station at 21:19.
Railjets have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. The train travels through the lovely Arlberg pass, see the Arlberg Railway page & watch the Arlberg Pass video. Treat yourself to lunch in the restaurant car, or you can be served at your seat in 1st & business class.
Fares start at 44.90 in 2nd class, 69.90 in 1st class or 84.90 in luxurious business class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (a little more fiddly, in , same fares). You print your own ticket.
Swiss lakes: Soon after leaving Zurich, the railjet runs alongside the shore of the Zόrichsee and then the Walensee.
Arlberg Pass: Above, we're now in Austria, with brooding skies over the Arlberg pass. The pass itself is long, narrow and curvaceous with the train snaking along the valley sides, often high above the valley floor.
Arlberg Tunnel: Between Bludenz and St Anton am Arlberg the train passes through the Arlberg Tunnel, 6.2 km (6.3 miles) long and opened in 1884. See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arlberg_Railway_Tunnel.
River Inn: Running alongside the river Inn in the Tirol, somewhere between Landeck & Φtzal.
Mountains near Innsbruck. The train calls at Innsbruck Hbf for several minutes.
Kufstein: The train stops at Kufstein, where the castle towers above the station. Above right, lunch is served. In first & business class on a railjet, the steward takes your order & serves lunch at your seat.
Cutting across Germany: East of Kufstein, the train takes a short cut through Germany without stopping, see the route map here. All fast Vienna-Salzburg-Innsbruck trains do this, they're still considered Austrian domestic trains even though this short cut means they spend an hour on German territory! Such a train is called a Korridorzug. The train crosses back into Austria near Freilassing, just before Salzburg.
Salzburg: View of the Fortress Hohensalzburg on the right hand side as the railjet crosses the River Salzach into Salzburg Hbf heading east.
Paris to Brasov, Bucharest & Romania
Option 1, Paris to Romania using the Paris-Vienna sleeper - the most comfortable option
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Vienna by Nightjet, leaving Paris Gare de l'Est at 18:58 on Tuesdays, Fridays & Sundays, arriving Vienna Hbf 10:13.
From 10 December 2023 it leaves Paris Gare de l'Est at 19:12 on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays, arriving Vienna Hbf at 10:13.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has two air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-cars each 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 a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and an ordinary seats car. 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, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in plain English, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways www.oebb.at (more fiddly, in , same fares). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Spend a day in Vienna, left luggage lockers are available.
You now have a choice:
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Step 2, option A: spend the day in Vienna and travel direct from Vienna to Bucharest on the Dacia Express, leaving Vienna Hbf at 19:42 and arriving next day in Simeria 07:10, Sighisoara 09:13, Braşov 12:36, Ploeşti Vest 14:28 & Bucharest Nord at 15:06.
The Dacia Express has a modern air-conditioned Romanian sleeping car with 1, 2 & 3-berth compartments, some standard with washbasin, a few deluxe with en suite shower & toilet, 4 & 6-berth couchettes and ordinary seats.
A Hungarian restaurant car is attached between Vienna & Budapest, treat yourself to dinner with wine. A bar car is attached in the morning between Arad & Bucharest, serving drinks & snacks. There's wonderful almost Alpine scenery through the Carpathian mountains between Brasov and Bucharest.
The Dacia Express also conveys a portion from Vienna to Cluj Napoca, also leaving Vienna Hbf at 19:42 and arriving Cluj Napoca at 10:47. This portion has a Romanian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments, and ordinary seats.
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Step 2, option B: You can get to Bucharest sooner if you change in Budapest.
Travel from Vienna to Budapest by railjet train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 11:40 & arriving Budapest Keleti at 14:19.
Fares start at 19.90 in 2nd class or 29.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in plain English, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways www.oebb.at (more fiddly, in , same fares). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Then take the sleeper train Ister leaving Budapest Keleti at 19:10 & arriving Braşov at 08:50, Ploeşti 10:51 and Bucharest Nord at 11:30 next day. The Ister has a comfortable air-conditioned Romanian sleeping car with 1, 2 or 3-bed compartments and a Romanian couchette car with 4 & 6-bunk couchettes, and ordinary seats.
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 up to 90 days ahead. For Bucharest type Bucuresti. It can book seats, couchettes or sleepers. 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.
For Timişoara : Take a railjet train from Vienna to Budapest, leaving Vienna Hbf at 11:40 and arriving in Budapest Keleti at 14:19. A comfortable air-conditioned Intercity train then leaves Budapest Keleti at 15:10 arriving Timişoara Nord at 21:38.
Fares start at 59 with a couchette in a 6-berth compartment, 69 with a couchette in a 4-berth compartment, 79 with a bed in a 3-berth sleeper, 99 with a bed in a 3-berth sleeper or 159 with a bed in a single-berth sleeper all to yourself. All per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at. Booking opens up to 90 days ahead. In the search results, look for the direct train marked D with no changes. If it says not available you can't book it, but if a sparschiene fare is shown you can. You collect tickets from an ΦBB ticket machine in Vienna.
You can also book this train at the Romanian Railways website bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro. Click EN top right for English. Booking opens up to 90 days ahead. For Vienna type Wien, for Bucharest type Bucuresti. It can book seats, couchettes or sleepers. For Austria to Romania journeys you can now print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.
Tip: Prices might be cheaper than on oebb.at, so check both sites!
Tip: You can check the train formation, check car numbers & see in what order cars for different destinations are marshalled using the excellent www.vagonweb.cz. Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Austria, click D and look for Dacia.
Option 2, Paris to Romania using the Budapest-Bucharest sleeper - daily departures
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Budapest as shown in option 1, 3, 4 or 5 of the Paris to Budapest section above.
You can leave Paris by TGV high-speed train at 15:55 Monday-Friday & Sundays or 13:55 on Saturdays, changing in Munich onto the EuroNight sleeper train Kalman Imre and arriving Budapest Keleti at 09:19 next day.
You now have a free day in Budapest, left luggage lockers are available.
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Step 2, travel from Budapest to Romania by sleeper train Ister, leaving Budapest Keleti at 19:10 and arriving Brasov 08:50 & Bucharest Gara de Nord at 11:30 next day.
The Ister has an air-conditioned Romanian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 berth compartments with washbasin, a Romanian couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. There's no restaurant car so take a picnic and bottle of wine, although a bar car should be attached in Romania next morning for breakfast. There's great scenery through the Carpathian mountains beyond Brasov, 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 up to 90 days ahead. For Bucharest type Bucuresti. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.
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.
Option 3, Paris to Romania using daytime trains with overnight stops - if you prefer day trains & hotel to sleepers
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Budapest as shown in the Paris to Budapest section above.
If you choose option 1, you can get from Paris to Budapest in a single day on Mondays-Saturdays, but by all means choose another option.
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Stay overnight in Budapest. Top choice for an inexpensive stay next to Budapest Keleti is the Intercity Hotel just across the square in front of the station. Also try the Royal Park Boutique Hotel, the inexpensive Baross City Hotel across the road or the Elit Hotel two minutes walk away. Of course, if you want to push the boat out, the luxurious Corinthia Hotel opened in 1896 was almost certainly the inspiration for the 2014 film The Grand Budapest Hotel, 20 minutes walk or 9 minutes by taxi from Keleti station. More hotels in Budapest.
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Step 2, travel on one of the daytime air-conditioned Intercity trains from Budapest Keleti to Cluj, Arad, Timisoara, Simeria, Sibiu, Brasov & Bucharest. You'll find more details of these trains in the Budapest to Romania section on the Budapest page,
Fares start at 26.30 in 2nd class or (where available) 40.50 in 1st class.
Check times & buy tickets at the Hungarian Railways website www.mavcsoport.hu, see my advice on using mavcsoport.hu. Booking opens 60 days ahead. You show the ticket in the MAV app on your phone.
You can also book at the Romanian Railways website bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro. Click EN top right for English. Booking opens up to 90 days ahead. For Bucharest type Bucuresti. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.
Paris to Ljubljana or Zagreb from 73
Option 1, Paris to Ljubljana & Zagreb using the Stuttgart-Zagreb sleeper - the most time-effective option, recommended
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Stuttgart by TGV Duplex, leaving Paris Gare de l'Est at 15:55 Monday-Friday & Sunday arriving Stuttgart Hbf 19:04. Or on any day of the week you can leave Paris Gare de l'Est at 13:51 arriving Stuttgart Hbf 17:04.
This 320 km/h (199 mph) TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Book an upstairs seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck. See the TGV Duplex video. Times may vary, so check them at int.bahn.de.
Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at the German Railways website int.bahn.de (in , no booking fee) or www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, small booking fee, using Trainline means you can book all your tickets together in one place, about Trainline).
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.
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Step 2, travel from Stuttgart to Ljubljana & Zagreb by sleeper train, leaving Stuttgart Hbf at 20:29 and arriving Lesce-Bled 07:13, Ljubljana 08:09 & Zagreb 10:39.
This is the Croatian sleeper train Lisinski, which has a modern air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments, an air-conditioned Croatian couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats, see the Croatian sleeper video here.
From 11 December to 8 January, 22 March to 8 April & 9 May to 29 September 2024, there's a direct Croatian sleeping-car for Rijeka, leaving Stuttgart Hbf at 20:29 & arriving Rijeka 11:17.
Fares start at 49.90 with a couchette in a 6-berth, 59.90 with a couchette in a 4-berth, 66.90 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, 86.90 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or 129.90 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 the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , same fares, more fiddly). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Option 2, Paris to Ljubljana & Zagreb with overnight stop in Munich - the scenic option, if you prefer day trains to sleepers
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Munich by TGV Duplex, leaving Paris Gare de l'Est at 15:55 Mondays-Fridays & Sundays arriving Munich Hbf 21:36.
On Saturdays you can either leave Paris earlier at 13:55 and change at Stuttgart Hbf, arriving Munich Hbf at 19:13 or you can take the direct TGV Duplex leaving Paris at 17:55 and arriving Munich Hbf at 23:13.
This 320 km/h (199 mph) TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Book an upstairs seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck. See the TGV Duplex video. Times may vary, so check them at int.bahn.de.
Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead for the cheapest prices.
Book this at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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Stay overnight in Munich. The affordable Eden Hotel Wolff & NH Collection Mόnchen are across the road from the station's north side exit with great reviews. Or consider the more upmarket 25 Hours Hotel The Royal Bavarian, Excelsior by Giesel & Mercure City Center. For a splurge, the luxurious Sofitel Munich Beyerpost occupies the former Royal Bavarian Post Office building of 1896-1900, at the station's south side exit.
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Day 2, travel from Munich to Ljubljana or Zagreb, leaving Munich Hbf at 08:16 by railjet train, make an easy cross-platform change at Villach onto a waiting Slovenian & Croatian EuroCity train Sava, arriving Lesce-Bled on Lake Bled at 13:50, Ljubljana 14:31 & Zagreb 17:10.
The scenery is really wonderful through the mountains of Austria on the Tauern route and also along the lovely River Sava between Ljubljana and Zagreb, have your camera ready.
Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
Booking tip: If you don't see any cheap fares from Munich to Ljubljana or Zagreb using bahn.de (for example, if it says No special fares available), try going to the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at and booking from Salzburg to Ljubljana or Zagreb on exactly the same train (these trains leave Salzburg about 1h55 after leaving Munich), then using www.oebb.at again to add a ticket from Munich to Salzburg on the same train.
Option 3, Paris to Ljubljana & Zagreb using the Paris-Salzburg Nightjet sleeper train 3 times a week
Not the fastest option because of the time between trains in Salzburg, but what's not to like about a morning in that wonderful city? With just 1 change, a high-quality Nightjet sleeper train and a lovely scenic journey in the afternoon across the mountains of Austria, this option is worth considering.
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Salzburg by Nightjet, leaving Paris Gare de l'Est at 18:58 on Tuesdays, Fridays & Sundays, arriving Salzburg Hbf 07:26.
From 10 December 2023 it leaves Paris Gare de l'Est at 19:12 on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays, arriving Salzburg Hbf 07:26.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has two air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-cars each 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 a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and an ordinary seats car. 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, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in plain English, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways www.oebb.at (more fiddly, in , same fares). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Enjoy a morning in Salzburg, a wonderful city to visit. Left luggage lockers are available.
Tip: If you have a 1st class ticket for the onward train, you can use the ΦBB Lounge at Salzburg Hbf for up to 1½ hours before departure, with complimentary tea, coffee, soft drinks & snacks.
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Step 2, travel from Salzburg to Ljubljana & Zagreb by EuroCity train, leaving Salzburg Hbf at 14:12 & arriving Lesce-Bled 17:50, Ljubljana 18:32 & Zagreb 20:45.
This comfortable EuroCity train has a restaurant car between Salzburg & Villach on the Slovenian border, reached late afternoon. It's a spectacular journey through the mountains of Austria on the Tauern route, then into Slovenia and along the Sava river to Croatia & Zagreb.
Fares start at 29.90 in 2nd class or 49.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easiest to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways www.oebb.at (same prices, in , a bit more fiddly). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Option 4, Paris to Ljubljana & Zagreb using the Zurich-Zagreb sleeper - similar to option 1, but with sleeper from Zurich rather than Munich
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Zurich by TGV-Lyria, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 12:22 arriving Zurich HB at 16:26.
The double-deck TGV-Lyria trains have 3 classes, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see more information about TGV-Lyria.
Have dinner in Zurich, I recommend steak-frites and a beer at the Brasserie Federal inside Zurich HB or see other suggested restaurants.
Fares start at 29 in 2nd class or 79 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easiest to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee, about Trainline) or the French Railways site www.sncf-connect.com, in , no booking fee.
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
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Step 2, travel from Zurich to Ljubljana or Zagreb by sleeper train, leaving Zurich HB at 20:40 and arriving Ljubljana 08:13 & Zagreb 10:39.
This train has an excellent air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, a modern air-conditioned Croatian couchette car (4 & 6 berth compartments) and ordinary seats. Watch the Croatian sleeper video.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , same fares, more fiddly). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Paris to Dubrovnik & Split
Option 1, Paris to Split & Dubrovnik by train via Zagreb - the scenic overland route
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Zagreb as shown in the Paris to Zagreb section above.
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Step 2, travel from Zagreb to Split by train then by bus from Split to Dubrovnik, see the Zagreb-Split-Dubrovnik section on the Zagreb page.
Option 2, Paris to Split & Dubrovnik by ferry from Italy - a lovely way to reach Croatia
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Milan by Frecciarossa, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 15:12 and arriving Milan Centrale at 22:07.
The Frecciarossa has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. It's a scenic & relaxing journey on a modern air-conditioned train with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see for yourself on the Paris-Milan by train page. It's an initial dash at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) along the Paris-Lyon high-speed line, but south of Lyon the train slows right down and snakes through the mountains into Italy.
Fares start at 29 in standard class, 36 in business class or 165 in Executive class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
By all means take the competing French TGV if it has cheaper prices, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 14:45 and arriving Milan Porta Garibaldi 21:49. Or you could take the earlier 09:43 or 12:46 TGV as this would give you more of an evening in Milan and (in winter) show you more of the scenery in daylight, see the Paris-Milan timetable here. Just remember that the TGVs arrive at Milan Porta Garibaldi so you need to transfer to Milan Centrale by train, taxi or on foot.
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Stay overnight in Milan: Affordable hotels with good or great reviews just outside Milan Centrale include the Hotel Bristol, Hotel Bernina, 43 Station Hotel, B&B Hotel Milano Central Station, Guesthouse Teodora. Pricier more upmarket hotels include HD8 Hotel, Glam Hotel, Made to Measure Business, Starhotel Echo or Starhotel Anderson.
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Day 2, travel from Milan to Bari by Frecciarossa, leaving Milan Centrale at 08:05. It's a lovely run, much of it along the coast.
Fares start at 29.90 in 2nd class or 39.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Italian Railways website www.trenitalia.com (in , requires Italian language place names, see advice on using it). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. It's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.
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Have dinner in Bari, then catch the overnight ferry from Bari to Split or Dubrovnik, arriving next morning (day 3). Comfortable en suite cabins are available, and there is a bar & restaurant on board, see here for details of times, fares & how to buy tickets.
Paris to Belgrade & Sofia
Option 1, Paris to Belgrade & Sofia using the Stuttgart-Zagreb sleeper
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Stuttgart by TGV Duplex, leaving Paris Gare de l'Est at 15:55 Monday-Friday & Sunday arriving Stuttgart Hbf 19:04. Or on any day of the week you can leave Paris Gare de l'Est at 13:51 arriving Stuttgart Hbf 17:04.
This 320 km/h (199 mph) TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Book an upstairs seat for the best views, any seat number over 60 is upper deck. See the TGV Duplex video.
Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at the German Railways website int.bahn.de (in , no booking fee) or www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee, about Trainline). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.
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Step 2, travel from Stuttgart to Zagreb by sleeper train, leaving Stuttgart Hbf at 20:29 and arriving Zagreb 10:39.
The Croatian sleeper train Lisinski has a smart air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments, an air-conditioned Croatian couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats, see the Croatian sleeper video here.
Fares start at 49.90 with a couchette in a 6-berth, 59.90 with a couchette in a 4-berth, 66.90 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, 86.90 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or 129.90 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 the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , same fares, more fiddly). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
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Step 3, travel from Zagreb to Belgrade by train, leaving Zagreb at 11:04 arriving Novi Beograd 18:04 & Belgrade Centar at 18:12.
This train was suspended due to Covid-19 and remains suspended in 2024.
This train has air-conditioned Serbian carriages with comfortable 2nd class seats, but no 1st class. There's no dining-car, so bring a picnic and some beer or wine.
The fare is around 29 bought at the station in Zagreb or paid on board the train, but tickets cannot be bought online.
While the train is suspended, take a bus from Zagreb to Belgrade
It's a 17-minute 1.3 km walk from Zagreb station to Zagreb bus station, see walking map.
A Flixbus leaves Zagreb bus station at 14:00, arriving Belgrade bus station at 19:30.
The fare is around 20, buy a ticket at www.flixbus.com.
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Step 4 for Sofia, stay overnight in Belgrade and take the train from Belgrade to Sofia next day (day 3), see the Belgrade to Sofia page for schedule, fares & how to buy tickets.
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Step 4 for Montenegro, transfer to Belgrade Topcider station and either take the overnight sleeper Lovcen to Podgorica and Bar arriving in the morning on day 3, or stay overnight in Belgrade and take the daytime train Tara next day. See the Belgrade to Montenegro page for schedule, fares & how to buy tickets.
Option 2, Paris to Belgrade & Sofia using the Zurich-Zagreb sleeper - similar to option 1, but using the sleeper from Zurich rather than Munich
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Zurich by TGV-Lyria, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 12:22 arriving Zurich HB at 16:26.
TGV-Lyria trains have 3 classes, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see more information about TGV-Lyria.
Have dinner in Zurich, I recommend steak-frites and a beer at the Brasserie Federal inside Zurich HB or see other suggested restaurants.
Fares start at 29 in 2nd class or 79 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easiest to use, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee, about Trainline) or the French Railways site www.sncf-connect.com, in , no booking fee. Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
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Step 2, travel from Zurich to Zagreb by sleeper train, leaving Zurich HB at 20:40 and arriving Zagreb at 10:39.
This train has an excellent air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, a modern air-conditioned Croatian couchette car (4 & 6 berth compartments) and ordinary seats. Watch the Croatian sleeper video.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , same fares, more fiddly). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
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Step 3, travel from Zagreb to Belgrade by train, leaving Zagreb at 11:04 and arriving Novi Beograd 18:04 & Belgrade Centar at 18:12.
This train was suspended due to Covid-19 and remains suspended in 2024.
This train has air-conditioned Serbian carriages with comfortable 2nd class seats, but no 1st class. There's no dining-car, so bring a picnic and some beer or wine.
The fare is around 29 bought at the station in Zagreb or paid on board the train, but tickets cannot be bought online.
While the train is suspended, take a bus from Zagreb to Belgrade
It's a 17-minute 1.3 km walk from Zagreb station to Zagreb bus station, see walking map.
A Flixbus leaves Zagreb bus station at 14:00, arriving Belgrade bus station at 19:30.
The fare is around 20, buy a ticket at www.flixbus.com.
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Step 4 for Sofia, stay overnight in Belgrade and travel to Sofia next day (day 3), see the Belgrade to Sofia page for schedule, fares & how to buy tickets.
Option 3, Paris to Sofia via Bucharest - currently the only viable option between Paris & Sofia
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Vienna overnight as shown above, using the Paris-Vienna sleeper 3-times-a-week.
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 fares). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.
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Day 2, travel from Vienna to Budapest by railjet train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 11:40 and arriving Budapest Keleti at 14:19.
The swish Austrian railjet train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. By all means take an earlier train if you'd like more time in Budapest, perhaps for lunch.
Fares start at 19.90 in 2nd class or 29.90 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 fares). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.
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Day 2, travel from Budapest to Bucharest on the sleeper train Muntenia, leaving Budapest Keleti at 15:10 and arriving Bucharest Nord at 08:42.
The Muntenia has 4 & 6-berth couchettes and ordinary seats. A Romanian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments is attached from Arad (depart 21:04) to Bucharest. There's no catering car, so bring your own food & drink.
Fares start at 40 with a couchette in 6-berth or 47 with a couchette in 4-berth. These are limited-availability advance-purchase fares
Book this at the Romanian Railways international website bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro/en. You print your own ticket.
If you want the comfort & privacy of a proper sleeper from Arad to Bucharest, (1) book a 2nd class seat from Budapest to Arad from 17 using bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro/en. You print your own ticket. (2) Now book berths in a 1, 2 or 3-bed sleeper from Arad to Bucharest Nord at the Romanian domestic website bilete.cfrcalatori.ro and print your own ticket.
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Day 3, travel from Bucharest to Sofia by daytime train as shown on the train from Bucharest page. You leave Bucharest Nord at 10:55 and arrive Sofia Central at 20:10 after a pleasant day meandering across the Danube and through the river valleys of Bulgaria. In summer it's direct, in winter you have to switch trains at Ruse. There's no catering car, so bring your own food & drink.
The fare is around 34.
Book this at the Romanian Railways website bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro/en. You print your own ticket.
Paris to Bar, Podgorica, Budva & Kotor & Montenegro
Option 1, Paris to Montenegro by train all the way - the adventurous overland option
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Step 2, a daytime and overnight train link Belgrade Topcider station with Podgorica and Bar over one of the most scenic lines in Europe, for times, fares & photos see the Belgrade to Montenegro page. Change at Podgorica for a bus to Budva or Kotor.
Option 2, Paris to Montenegro by train to Italy then overnight ferry across the Adriatic - a lovely way to reach Montenegro, once or twice a week
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Milan by Frecciarossa, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 15:12 and arriving Milan Centrale at 22:07.
The Frecciarossa has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. It's a scenic & relaxing journey on a modern air-conditioned train with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see for yourself on the Paris-Milan by train page. It's an initial dash at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) along the Paris-Lyon high-speed line, but south of Lyon the train slows right down and snakes through the mountains into Italy.
Fares start at 29 in standard class, 36 in business class or 165 in Executive class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
By all means take the competing French TGV if it has cheaper prices, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 14:45 and arriving Milan Porta Garibaldi 21:49. Or you could take the earlier 12:46 TGV as this would give you more of an evening in Milan and (in winter) show you more of the scenery in daylight, see the Paris-Milan timetable here. Just remember that the TGVs arrive at Milan Porta Garibaldi so you need to transfer to Milan Centrale by train, taxi or on foot.
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Stay overnight in Milan: Affordable hotels with good or great reviews just outside Milan Centrale include the Hotel Bristol, Hotel Bernina, 43 Station Hotel, B&B Hotel Milano Central Station, Guesthouse Teodora. Pricier more upmarket hotels include HD8 Hotel, Glam Hotel, Made to Measure Business, Starhotel Echo or Starhotel Anderson.
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Day 2, travel from Milan to Bari by Frecciarossa, leaving Milan Centrale at 08:05. It's a lovely ride along the coast for much of the way.
Fares start at 29.90 in 2nd class or 39.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Italian Railways website www.trenitalia.com (in , requires Italian language place names, see advice on using it). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. It's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.
In Bari, it's a short taxi ride or 25 minute walk to the ferry terminal. Remember the 2 hour check-in for the ferry, and allow plenty of time.
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Day 2, have dinner in Bari and catch the overnight ferry from Bari to Bar in Montenegro, arriving next morning (Day 3). Montenegro Lines ceased trading in early 2017, but Croatian ferry line Jadrolinija (www.jadrolinija.hr) have resumed sailings on this route, once a week all year round, twice weekly in high summer. Comfortable en suite cabins are available, see here for details of times, fares & how to buy tickets.
Paris to Warsaw, Krakow & Poland from 66.90
Option 1, Paris to Warsaw in a single day, possible on Mondays-Fridays
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Remarkably, high-speed trains have made it possible to travel from Paris to Warsaw in a single day, at least on Mondays-Fridays.
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Berlin, leaving Paris Gare de l'Est at 07:16 Mondays-Fridays, changing at Mannheim and arriving Berlin Hbf 16:32.
It's a chill-out journey across Europe, using a French 320 km/h double-deck TGV Duplex with cafe-bar & power sockets at all seats from Paris to Mannheim, then a superb German high-speed ICE train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi from Mannheim to Berlin.
In Berlin, you've time for a stroll past the Reichstag building to the Brandenburg Gate, just 17 minutes walk from Berlin Hbf.
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Step 2, travel from Berlin to Warsaw by EuroCity train leaving Berlin Hbf at 17:52 Mondays-Fridays, arriivng Warsaw Centralna 23:18.
The EuroCity train is a comfortable air-conditioned Polish train with a restaurant car serving drinks, snacks & meals. Treat yourself to an inexpensive dinner with a beer or two, I recommend the excellent Zurek soup & Kotlet Schabowy. More information about this EuroCity train.
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How much does it cost?
Paris to Berlin starts at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class.
Berlin to Warsaw starts at 27.90 in 2nd class or 37.90 in 1st class.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead for the cheapest prices.
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How to buy tickets
Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de. Do a dry run first to check times and prices for both sectors.
Step 1, use int.bahn.de to book from Paris to Berlin, but before running the enquiry, click Stopovers and enter Mannheim with a 40 minute stopover duration. Booking for this part opens up to 6 months ahead, look for a journey with 1 change.
Step 2, use int.bahn.de again to book from Berlin to Warsaw. Booking for Berlin-Warsaw trains only opens 60 days ahead.
You print your own tickets or can show them on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
Option 2, Paris to Krakow or Warsaw using the Paris-Berlin Nightjet sleeper train 3 times a week - the time-effective option, starts 10 December 2023
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Berlin by Nightjet sleeper, leaving Paris Est at 19:12 on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays, arriving Berlin Hbf 08:26.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train starts running from 10 December 2023. It 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 a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and an ordinary seats car. 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.
It's planned to increase frequency to daily from autumn 2024.
Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in plain English, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways www.oebb.at (more fiddly, in , same fares). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
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Day 2 for Warsaw
Travel from Berlin to Warsaw by EuroCity train, leaving Berlin Hbf at 09:52 arriving Warsaw Centralna 15:14.
Fares start at 27.90 in 2nd class or 37.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at int.bahn.de, booking opens 60 days ahead. You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or phone.
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Day 2 for Krakow, Katowice, Wroclaw
Travel from Berlin to Krakow by air-conditioned EuroCity train Wawel, leaving Berlin Hbf at 10:52 every day, arriving Wroclaw Glowny 15:05, Katowice 17:15 & Krakow Glowny 18:07.
The Wawel is comfortable & air-conditioned with restaurant car, treat yourself to lunch and a beer or two.
Fares start at 27.90 in 2nd class or 37.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at int.bahn.de, booking opens 60 days ahead. You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or phone.
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Day 2 for Gdansk & Gydnia
A direct EuroCity train leaves Berlin at 12:52 for Gdansk & Gydnia, or you can take the earlier 09:52 and change, check times at int.bahn.de.
Fares start at 27.90 in 2nd class or 37.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at int.bahn.de, booking opens 60 days ahead. You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or phone.
Option 3, Paris to Warsaw using the Paris-Vienna Nightjet sleeper train 3 times a week
Not the fastest option because of the time between trains in Vienna, but what's not to like about a morning in the Austrian capital? With just 1 change, a high-quality Nightjet sleeper train and an afternoon journey to Poland with restaurant car, this option is worth considering.
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Vienna by Nightjet, leaving Paris Gare de l'Est at 18:58 on Tuesdays, Fridays & Sundays, arriving Vienna Hbf 10:13.
From 10 December 2023 it leaves Paris Gare de l'Est at 19:12 on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays, arriving Vienna Hbf at 10:13.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has two air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-cars each 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 a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and an ordinary seats car. 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.
It's planned to increase frequency to daily from autumn 2024.
Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in plain English, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways www.oebb.at (more fiddly, in , same fares). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Enjoy a morning in Vienna and have lunch there.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Warsaw on the EuroCity train Polonia leaving Vienna Hbf at 14:10 arriving Warsaw Centralna at 21:29.
For Krakow, travel from Vienna to Krakow by EuroCity train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 16:10 and arriving Krakow Glowny at 21:24.
Fares start at 29.90 in 2nd class or 39.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy a ticket at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Option 4, Paris to Warsaw or Krakow with overnight stop in Berlin
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Berlin by high-speed train, as shown in the Paris to Berlin section above.
Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at the German Railways website int.bahn.de. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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Stay overnight in Berlin. Top choice here is the InterCity Hotel Berlin Hbf (my favourite), only 200m from Berlin Hbf's main entrance, relatively inexpensive with great reviews, or if you're in the money, the excellent 5-star Steigenberger Hotel just outside the station. If you're on a budget, the cheaper 3-star Motel One Berlin-Hbf is behind the station or use www.hostelworld.com. Of course, if you really want to push the boat out, the famous Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is next to the Brandenburg Gate just 17 minutes walk away.
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Day 2 for Warsaw
Travel from Berlin to Warsaw by EuroCity train. The first one leaves Berlin Hbf at 05:51 Mondays-Saturdays arriving Warsaw Centralna at 11:14 or there's one at 09:52 every day arriving 15:14.
Fares start at 27.90 in 2nd class or 37.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at int.bahn.de, booking opens 60 days ahead. You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or phone.
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Day 2 for Krakow, Katowice, Wroclaw
The Berlin-Krakow EuroCity train Wawel made a welcome return in December 2020: Travel from Berlin to Krakow by air-conditioned EuroCity train Wawel, leaving Berlin Hbf at 10:52 every day, arriving Wroclaw 15:05, Katowice 17:15 & Krakow Glowny 18:07.
The Wawel is comfortable & air-conditioned with restaurant car, treat yourself to lunch and a beer or two.
Fares start at 27.90 in 2nd class or 37.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at int.bahn.de, booking opens 60 days ahead. You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or phone.
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Day 2 for Gdansk & Gydnia
A direct EuroCity train leaves Berlin at 12:52 for Gdansk & Gydnia, or you can take an earlier train and change, check times at int.bahn.de.
Fares start at 27.90 in 2nd class or 37.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at int.bahn.de, booking opens 60 days ahead. You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or phone.
Paris to Vilnius. Riga, Tallinn
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Warsaw as shown in the Paris to Warsaw section above. On weekdays you can do this in a single day.
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Stay overnight in Warsaw. The Polonia Palace Hotel is excellent, historic, relatively inexpensive for such a good hotel, and it's just across the road from the station. For something much cheaper, but still with great reviews and near the station, try the Hotel Metropol next door to the Polonia Palace or the nearby Novotel Warsaw Centrum. Also see the Warsaw Centralna station & city information.
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Day 2, travel from Warsaw to Kaunas & Vilnius by train as shown on the Warsaw to Vilnius page.
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Day 3, for onward travel from Vilnius to Riga in Latvia, see here.
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Day 4, for onward travel from Riga to Tallinn in Estonia, see here.
Paris to Kyiv, Lviv & Ukraine
Option 1, Paris to Kyiv via Warsaw
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Berlin by high-speed train, as shown in the Paris to Berlin section above for more details.
Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at the German Railways website int.bahn.de. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead, you print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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Stay overnight in Berlin. Top choice here is the InterCity Hotel Berlin Hbf (my favourite), only 200m from Berlin Hbf's main entrance, relatively inexpensive with great reviews, or if you're in the money, the excellent 5-star Steigenberger Hotel just outside the station. If you're on a budget, the cheaper 3-star Motel One Berlin-Hbf is behind the station or use www.hostelworld.com. Of course, if you really want to push the boat out, the famous Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is next to the Brandenburg Gate just 17 minutes walk away.
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Day 2, travel from Berlin to Warsaw by EuroCity train, leaving Berlin Hbf at 09:52 and arriving Warsaw Centralna at 15:14.
Tip: On Mondays-Saturdays there's an earlier Berlin-Warsaw EuroCity train at 05:52 arriving 11:16 which would give you time to explore Warsaw, see Warsaw Centralna station & city information. Warsaw's historic old town is a 30 minute walk from Centralna station - if you fancy a modest splurge, the celebrated Ufukiera restaurant (www.ufukiera.pl) is excellent and right on the square in the heart of Warsaw's old town. The Palace of Culture (a wedding cake style Soviet skyscraper and distinctive Warsaw landmark, www.pkin.pl) is right next to the station and has a viewing terrace on the 30th floor.
Fares start at 27.90 in 2nd class or 39.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at int.bahn.de, booking to Poland opens 60 days ahead. You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or phone.
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Day 2, travel from Warsaw to Kyiv on the Kyiv Express sleeper train leaving Warsaw Wschodnia at 17:49 arriving Kyiv at 12:17 next day.
This train has comfortable Ukrainian 1, 2 and 3 bed sleepers with washbasin. There's no restaurant car, so take a picnic and perhaps some wine or beer.
The fare is around 46 in a 3-bed sleeper if you manage to book online via the Ukrainian Railways website. If you have to book via Polrail it costs around 57 including a bed in a 3-berth sleeper, 66 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or 110 in a single-bed sleeper all to yourself.
To buy tickets, first see if you can book online with Ukrainian Railways at booking.uz.gov.ua/en - but please, please, please read the important notes here which explain how to book this train using that website. If that doesn't work for you, book with reliable Polish agency Polrail at booking.polrail.com. Tickets can be collected in Warsaw or (at extra charge) shipped to any address worldwide. Polrail are also pretty good at arranging the return reservation back from Kyiv as they have close contacts with Ukrainian Railways.
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To book onward trains from Kyiv to Odessa & other places in Ukraine, see the Ukraine page.
The Kyiv Express has modernised Ukrainian sleeping-cars with 2-berth & 3-berth compartments. All bedding is supplied, and washrooms and toilets are at the end of the corridor. Berths convert to seats for daytime use. A smartly-uniformed Ukrainian railways sleeper attendant travels with each car.
Option 2, Paris to Lviv & Kyiv via Vienna
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Zurich by TGV-Lyria, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 16:22 and arriving Zurich HB at 20:26.
The 320 km/h TGV-Lyria has 3 classes, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see more information about TGV-Lyria. At Zurich HB you've time for dinner in one of the station's many restaurants. I recommend steak-frites & beer at the Brasserie Federal!
Always check times for your specific date online as on a few dates there's trackwork and you'll need to change trains at Basel. On such dates, the earlier 14:22 departure may be a safer connection.
Fares start at 29 in 2nd class or 51 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.raileurope.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee, about Raileurope) or www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee, about Trainline) or at the French Railways site www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee).
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
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Step 2, travel from Zurich to Vienna by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Zurich HB at 21:40 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 07:58.
This Nightjet train has two modern Austrian double-deck sleeping-cars with 1, 2 & 3-bed sleepers with washbasin, 1 & 2 berth deluxe sleepers with en suite shower & toilet (highly recommended) and Austrian couchette cars with 4 & 6-berth compartments. A light breakfast is included in couchettes & sleepers, served in your compartment.
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 like, you can check the consist for this train, check car numbers & see in what order cars for different destinations are marshalled using the excellent www.vagonweb.cz. Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Austria & click nj.
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Alternative step 2: Stay overnight in Zurich and travel from Zurich to Vienna by comfortable railjet train next morning, leaving Zurich HB at 06:40 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 14:30. This is a lovely journey through the wonderfully scenic Arlberg Pass. Fares start at 29.90 in 2nd class, 44.90 in 1st class or 59.90 in business class (= premium 1st class) booked at www.thetrainline.com or www.oebb.at. You print your own ticket.
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Step 3, travel from Vienna to Lviv or Kyiv by sleeping-car, leaving Vienna Hbf at 16:42 every day, arriving Lviv 10:20 & Kyiv 17:03 next day.
Introduced in December 2017, this train has one or two direct Ukrainian sleeping-cars with comfortable 1, 2 & 3 berth compartments with washbasin, see the photos below. At Chop on the other side of the border the through sleeping-cars are jacked up to have their wheelsets changed from European standard gauge (4'8½") to Russian gauge used in Ukraine (5').
Book the train from Vienna to Lviv or Kyiv at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at.
This will only book one-way or round trip starting in Vienna because tickets need to be collected from an ΦBB station in Austria. They cannot be collected in Ukraine. Booking this way you pay no fee or mark-up, just the official fare. The sleeper has become popular, it often sells out.
If you have any problems or want a one-way ticket starting in Ukraine, you can also book the Vienna-Kyiv train via reliable agency www.polrail.com, with tickets posted or couriered to you for a small fee. Polrail are based in Poland so charge in zlotys, but as they have access to Ukrainian ticketing system they are good for booking this train.
Booked through oebb.at:
Vienna to Kyiv costs 80.50 in a 3-berth sleeper, 90.50 in a 2-berth sleeper or 152.90 in a single sleeper.
Vienna to Lviv costs 62.10 in a 3-berth sleeper, 70.10 in a 2-berth sleeper or 119.30 in a single sleeper.
Booked through Polrail:
Vienna to Kyiv costs around 138 in a 3-berth sleeper 149 in a 2-berth sleeper, or 241 in a single-berth sleeper.
Vienna to Lviv costs around 120 in a 3-berth sleeper 129 in a 2-berth sleeper, or 207 in a single-berth sleeper.
Booked at the station in Ukraine, Kyiv to Vienna costs around 80, Lviv to Vienna around 60, in both cases with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper.
Paris to Moscow, St Petersburg & Russia
Option 1, ride the Paris to Moscow Express from 245! See the Paris-Moscow Express page.
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There is an excellent direct Russian sleeper train from Paris Gare de l'Est to Moscow once a week all year on Thursday nights, taking 2 nights.
This train was suspended due to covid-19 and remains suspended due to sanctions & the war in Ukraine.
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For days of running, fares, how to buy tickets and photos of what the train is like, see the Paris-Moscow Express page.
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For St Petersburg it's best to travel via Moscow. Moscow to St Petersburg takes as little as 3h50 by daytime Sapsan trains, or can be done an a number of traditional overnight sleepers. See the train travel in Russia page to buy tickets within Russia.
Don't forget to arrange both your Russian visa and Belarus transit visa as the train runs via Belarus. See important update about travel to Russia through Belarus.
Option 2, Paris to Moscow using the daily Warsaw-Moscow sleeper train
This option may not be as glamorous as the direct Paris-Moscow Express, but it's very comfortable and runs every day. It can be cheaper as there are advance-purchase fares for the Paris-Berlin-Warsaw part of the trip, and you can stop off in Warsaw on the way.
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Berlin by high-speed train, as shown in the Paris to Berlin section above for more details.
Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at the German Railways website int.bahn.de. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or phone.
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Stay overnight in Berlin. Top choice here is the InterCity Hotel Berlin Hbf (my favourite), only 200m from Berlin Hbf's main entrance, relatively inexpensive with great reviews, or if you're in the money, the excellent 5-star Steigenberger Hotel just outside the station. If you're on a budget, the cheaper 3-star Motel One Berlin-Hbf is behind the station or use www.hostelworld.com. Of course, if you really want to push the boat out, the famous Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is next to the Brandenburg Gate just 17 minutes walk away.
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Day 2, travel from Berlin to Warsaw by EuroCity train, leaving Berlin Hbf at 09:52 and arriving Warsaw Centralna at 15:14.
Tip: On Mondays-Saturdays there's an earlier Berlin-Warsaw EuroCity train at 05:52 arriving 11:16 which would give you time to explore Warsaw, see Warsaw Centralna station & city information. Warsaw's historic old town is a 30 minute walk from Centralna station - if you fancy a modest splurge, the celebrated Ufukiera restaurant (www.ufukiera.pl) is excellent and right on the square in the heart of Warsaw's old town. The Palace of Culture (a wedding cake style Soviet skyscraper and distinctive Warsaw landmark, www.pkin.pl) is right next to the station and has a viewing terrace on the 30th floor.
Fares start at 27.90 in 2nd class or 39.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at int.bahn.de. Booking to Poland opens 60 days ahead. You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or phone.
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Day 2 evening, travel from Warsaw to Moscow by Russian sleeper train, leaving Warsaw Centralna at 19:15 every day and arriving Moscow Belorussky at 16:58 next day. You can check times at the Russian Railways website www.rzd.ru.
This train was suspended due to covid-19 and remains suspended due to sanctions & the war in Ukraine
This train uses impressive Austrian-built sleeping-cars with 4-berth compartments built in 2014, see photos of this type of sleeper here & see panorama photo inside one of these modern sleepers. Each compartment can be sold as 1st class 1-berth, 1st class 2-berth or 2nd class 4-berth. The train consist of two or three sleeping-car which start their journey in Prague. There's a bistro car in Poland and a Russian restaurant car is attached between Brest (on the Polish/Belarus border) & Moscow.
You can book this train by contacting reliable Polish train ticketing agency www.polrail.com - their booking system is at booking.polrail.com. Tickets can be collected in Warsaw or (at extra charge) shipped to any address worldwide.
Alternatively, you can book with Russian Railways at www.rzd.ru although it's a little quirky and may not accept some overseas credit cards.
Don't forget to arrange both your Russian visa and Belarus transit visa as the train runs via Belarus. See my important update about travel to Russia through Belarus.
Option 3, Paris to Moscow via Kyiv - avoiding the need for a Belarus visa and any problems reaching Russia via Belarus
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It's not that difficult to get a Belarus transit visa and the Paris-Moscow Express is a superb train. But some people want to avoid the cost & bureaucracy of yet another visa, and you can easily travel via Kyiv.
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Kyiv as shown in the Paris to Kyiv section above.
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Step 2, travel from Kyiv to Moscow by overnight train. There are several night trains and times vary by date, but for example train 6 leaves Kyiv around 19:36 and arriving in Moscow Kievskaya station next morning at around 10:09, with 2-berth & 4-berth sleepers available. Check times for your date using int.bahn.de. Note that there's also a direct train from Kyiv to St Petersburg, but this passes through a small corner of Belarus, requiring a Belarus visa.
Kyiv-Moscow trains were suspended due to Covid-19, now cancelled - and lines blown up - due to the war in Ukraine
Kyiv to Moscow costs around 92 with a bed in 4-berth kupι or 180 with a bed in a 2-berth spalny vagon.
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Use reliable Polish ticketing agency www.polrail.com to book both your Warsaw-Kyiv and Kyiv-Moscow trains. Tickets are collected in Warsaw.
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You can also 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!
Paris to Athens & Greece
Option 1, Paris to Athens by train & ferry via Italy - the leisurely way in less than 48 hours, recommended
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Milan by Frecciarossa, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 15:12 and arriving Milan Centrale at 22:07.
The Frecciarossa has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. It's a scenic & relaxing journey on a modern air-conditioned train with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see for yourself on the Paris-Milan by train page. It's an initial dash at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) along the Paris-Lyon high-speed line, but south of Lyon the train slows right down and snakes through the mountains into Italy.
Fares start at 29 in standard class, 36 in business class or 165 in Executive class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
By all means take the competing French TGV if it has cheaper prices, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 14:45 and arriving Milan Porta Garibaldi 21:49. Or on weekdays you could take the earlier 12:46 TGV as this would give you more of an evening in Milan and (in winter) show you more of the scenery in daylight, see the Paris-Milan timetable here. Just remember that the TGVs arrive at Milan Porta Garibaldi so you need to transfer to Milan Centrale by train, taxi or on foot.
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Stay overnight in Milan: Affordable hotels with good or great reviews just outside Milan Centrale include the Hotel Bristol, Hotel Bernina, 43 Station Hotel, B&B Hotel Milano Central Station, Guesthouse Teodora. Pricier more upmarket hotels include HD8 Hotel, Glam Hotel, Made to Measure Business, Starhotel Echo or Starhotel Anderson.
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Day 2, travel from Milan to Bari by Frecciarossa, leaving Milan Centrale at 08:05 and arriving Bari Centrale at 15:27.
The train has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. It's a scenic run along the Adriatic coast, past small towns & seaside resorts.
Fares start at 29.90 in 2nd class or 39.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Italian Railways website www.trenitalia.com (in , requires Italian language place names, see advice on using it). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. It's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.
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In Bari, transfer from station to port, see map of Bari showing station, port entrance, check-in building & Superfast Ferries berth.
You can walk the 1.9 km from the station to the port entrance in 25 minutes, a stroll through Bari's pleasant old town, see correct walking map from the station to the port entrance gate - if Google tells you any different, trust me, not Google!
Alternatively, bus 50 runs from Bari Centrale station to the road outside the port gate roughly every 40 minutes. A taxi will take 10 minutes.
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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.
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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.
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Corfu: The Bari-Patras ferry calls at Corfu on certain dates in summer. It calls at Igoumenitsa on the Greek mainland on all departures year-round. If you can't find a direct ferry to Corfu, book the ferry from Bari to Igoumenitsa, then take the local ferry from Igoumenitsa to Corfu with Kerkyra Lines (kerkyralines.com). These sail half a dozen times a day, crossing time 60-90 minutes, fare around 5-10. Buy a ticket at kerkyralines.com or when you get to Igoumenitsa.
Option 2, Paris to Athens overland by train via Munich & Belgrade - an overland adventure
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You could also travel overland by train from Paris to Athens via Munich, Zagreb, Belgrade, Thessaloniki. However, this route isn't practical at the moment as various train routes are suspended.
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For full details see the London to Athens page and simply disregard the London-Paris bit.
Paris to Istanbul & Turkey
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Paris to Istanbul is an epic and adventurous 3 or 4 night journey right across Europe into the Balkans. For details of how to plan and book a journey from Paris to Istanbul by train, see the London to Istanbul page and simply disregard the London to Paris part.
Hotels in Paris
A special hotel for a romantic break in Paris
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There are the obvious choices: The famous Paris Ritz in the Place Vendτme (490+ a night) or the similarly famous & expensive Le Meurice, which Von Choltitz made his headquarters during the occupation of Paris in WW2.
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But if you want a really special hotel for a luxury break or romantic weekend and can afford around 280 a night, I'd recommend the small, sumptuous, intimate L'Hotel. It's on the bohemian left bank, walking distance from the Seine, the Ile de la Citι & Notre Dame. Playwright Oscar Wilde spent the last days of his life here in room 16, famously quipping, "My wallpaper and I are fighting a duel to the death. One or the other of us has to go.". Fortunately the wallpaper is now all in very good taste. The hotel has been used by many famous people since then, from Sinatra to Mick Jagger. Rooms are on the cosy side, but they are beautifully decorated and have character that bigger and flashier hotels lack. Check prices & book a stay at l'Hotel.
Hotels close to the Gare du Nord & other Paris stations
If you need to stay over between trains, here are some suggestions that are both very close and get good reviews:
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Hotels near Paris Gare du Nord with good reviews: Libertel Gare du Nord Suede (5 min walk from Gare du Nord, 2-star), 25 Hours Terminus Nord (formerly the Mercure Terminus Nord, now refurbished in a decidedly funky style, 3-star, directly across the road from the station); Art Hotel (3-star); Avalon Hotel (2-star); Hotel Cambrai (5 min walk from Gare du Nord, 1-star).
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Hotels near Paris Gare de l'Est with good reviews: Libertel Gare de l'Est Franηais (opposite the station, 3-star); Libertel Gare du Nord Suede (350m from the Gare de l'Est, 2-star). OKKO Hotels Paris Gare de l'Est (2-star).
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Hotels near Paris Gare de Lyon with good reviews: Hotel Terminus Lyon (right in front of the station, 3-star); Mercure Paris Gare de Lyon (on the station itself, 4-star); Novotel Paris Gare de Lyon (opposite the station, 4-star); Mistral Hotel (800m from Gare de Lyon, 1-star); Hotel 26 Faubourg (5 min walk from Gare de Lyon, 2-star);
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Hotels near Paris Gare Montparnasse with good reviews: Mercure Paris Gare Montparnasse (150m from the Gare Montparnasse, 4-star); Best Western Sevres Montparnasse (15 minute walk to Gare Montparnasse, 3-star); La Maison Montparnasse (10 min walk from station, 2-star); Hotel du Maine (5 min walk from station, 2-star).
Backpacker hostels:
www.hostelworld.com
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 Paris and most other European cities at rock-bottom prices.