 Paris to Rome by train: Frecciarossa at Paris Gare de Lyon.
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Paris to Rome in a day from 65
You can travel the 1,449 km (900 miles) from Paris to Rome in a single day by high-speed train through some great Alpine scenery, with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. It's not just transportation, it's an epic European adventure with your feet up and a glass of prosecco. There are several ways to travel from Paris to Rome by train, this page explains the options in each direction, and the best way to buy tickets. Information current from April 2025.
Paris to Rome:
Which
option to choose?
Option 1, Paris to Rome in a day by Frecciarossa
Option 2, Paris to Rome in a day by TGV
Option 3, Paris to Rome
in a day via Switzerland
Option
4, Paris to Rome
with overnight in Turin
Option
5, Paris to Rome via the
Bernina Express
Rome to Paris: Which option to choose?
Option 1,
Rome to Paris in a
day by Frecciarossa
Option 2,
Rome to Paris in a day by TGV
Option 3, Rome to Paris
in a day via Switzerland
Option 4, Rome to Paris with overnight in Turin
Option
5,
Rome to Paris via the Bernina Express
Route map
Paris to Rome by train
Which option to choose?
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Option 1: If you want to travel from Paris to Rome in a single day, this is the option I'd recommend.
Treat it as a chill-out day as 1,449 km of France, Italy and the Alps unfold outside your window.
You take the early morning Frecciarossa train from Paris to Milan, with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. It's a high-speed dash from Paris to Lyon then a scenic meander through the Alps to Turin, then another high-speed run to Milan.
There's time for a coffee at the magnificent Milan Centrale - an attraction in its own right, can you spot Mussolini? You then take another comfortable high-speed Frecciarossa from Milan to Rome Termini, arriving early evening.
Trenitalia introduced its Paris-Milan Frecciarossa in December 2021 to compete head-to-head with French Railways' long-established Paris-Milan TGV (see option 2). With an interior styled by Italian design firm Pininfarina, the Frecciarossa is the more glamorous train with the better on-board service. It has standard class (2nd), business class (1st) and luxury executive class (premium 1st) with at-seat food & prosecco included.
Another advantage over option 2 is that both sectors (Paris-Milan & Milan-Rome) are with Trenitalia, so if a delay means a missed connection you have a cast-iron legal entitlement to be rebooked on a later onward train to Rome at no charge.
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Option 2: This also gets you from Paris to Rome by train in a single day, using the competing SNCF (French Railways) TGV from Paris to Turin, then a Trenitalia Frecciarossa from Turin to Rome. It follows pretty much the same route as option 1, with the same scenery.
The TGV has been running since 1996, originally a joint operation with Trenitalia, but since 2011 entirely run by SNCF. The TGV is a comfortable train, with 1st & 2nd class, cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, but nothing as fancy as Trenitalia's executive class.
For a blow-by-blow comparison of Frecciarossa and TGV, see Which is the better train, Frecciarossa or TGV?
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Option 3: This also gets you from Paris to Rome in a single day, using scenic main lines through Switzerland. It's slightly less convenient than options 1 or 2 because it involves two changes rather than one and it's a usually a little more expensive. But there's great scenery in the Alps.
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Option 4: This is the same route as options 1 & 2, but with an overnight stop in Turin which breaks up the journey nicely.
Leave Paris on the mid-afternoon SNCF TGV or the competing mid-afternoon Trenitalia Frecciarossa (I'd choose the Frecciarossa), and stay overnight in wonderful Turin. Just remember that in winter when the days are shorter, most of the Alpine scenery will be in darkness.
Then take a Frecciarossa from Turin to Rome next morning in as little as 4h10, with a range of departures. Personally I'd spend the morning exploring Turin, one of Italy's two most under-rated cities, even if you're not a fan of the 1969 Michael Caine film The Italian Job (before you ask, Italy's other most under-rated city is Trieste).
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Option 5 is a much slower but incredibly scenic route from Paris to Rome, a little more expensive (but I'll suggest a clever way to book it cheaply) and it takes more effort to organise, but the narrow-gauge Bernina Express panoramic train is the ultimate Swiss Alps train ride and it will be the highlight of your trip - it's breathtaking.
You leave Paris in late afternoon or early evening by TGV-Lyria high-speed train for Zurich, stay overnight in Zurich, then travel from Zurich to Rome next day, through the Swiss Alps via Chur, Tirano & Milan, arriving Rome Termini in the evening. What a day!
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Sleeper option: There is no sleeper train from Paris to Rome any more, Thello's Paris-Italy sleeper ceased in 2020 and will not resume.
Option 1, Paris to Rome in a day by Frecciarossa
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There's a morning departure from Paris to Rome every day
Leave Paris Gare de Lyon at 07:30, change at Milan Centrale (arrive 14:07, depart 14:30), arriving Rome Termini 17:40.
Just so you know, there are a few dates when it runs earlier:
Leave Paris Gare de Lyon at 06:35, change at Milan Centrale (arrive 13:49, depart 14:30), arriving Rome Termini 17:40.
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What are the trains & journey like?
You travel from Paris to Milan by Frecciarossa 1000, with standard, business & executive class, cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
It's a scenic & relaxing journey, initially at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) on the French high-speed line from Paris to Lyon, then the train slows right down and snakes through the Alps on the classic line via Chambιry & Modane. You'll see the Alps in daylight, even in winter. The train calls at Turin Porta Susa, then joins the Italian high-speed line for a final dash to Milan at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).
Luggage simply goes on racks near your seats, no airline weight limits or baggage fees here.
See route map. More information, photos & tips about the Paris-Milan journey.
The magnificent Milan Centrale is an attraction in its own right, you've time for a coffee between trains and maybe find Mussolini.
You then travel from Milan to Rome at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) on another high-speed Frecciarossa with standard, premium, business & executive class, cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Some Milan-Rome Frecciarossas are Frecciarossa 1000, others Frecciarossa 500.
You arrive at Rome Termini in the heart of the Eternal City, just a 20 minute walk from the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain or Spanish Steps.
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How much does it cost?
Paris to Milan starts at 35 in standard (2nd class), 49 in business (1st class) or 165 in executive (premium 1st).
Milan to Rome starts at 29.90 in standard (2nd class), 39.90 in business (1st class) or 154.90 in executive (premium 1st).
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
Buy tickets from Paris to Rome at www.italiarail.com, www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, all easy to use, in , £ or $.
Tip: www.italiarail.com allows you to choose your exact seat from a seat map on both Frecciarossas. They'll refund their 3.50 booking fee to seat61 users if you email them at seat61@italiarail.com after booking.
Booking usually opens 4 months ahead. Simply book from Paris (any station) to Rome Termini as one journey, with departure time set to 06:00. Look for the 1-change option with times that correspond to those shown above. It should show that both trains are Trenitalia Frecciarossas.
Tip: If you want to stop off in Milan, book Paris to Milan, add to basket, then book Milan to Rome, add to basket & check out.
Both trains are ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone. About Raileurope. About Thetrainline.
A Paris-Milan Frecciarossa at Modane on the France-Italy border. A few minutes to stretch your legs in the cool mountain air!
Standard class. Above right, Premium class seats, sold as Standard class on the Paris route.
Scenery in the Alps between Lyon & Milan. See more photos of the scenery on this route.
Option 2, Paris to Rome in a day by TGV
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This is basically the same route as option 1, but using the competing French Railways TGV from Paris to Italy rather than Trenitalia's Frecciarossa. When using the TGV it's easier to change trains in Turin rather than Milan.
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There are one or two departures from Paris to Rome every day
Leave Paris Gare de Lyon 06:45 every day arriving Turin Porta Susa 12:23. Leave Turin Porta Susa 14:00, arriving Rome Termini 18:10.
Leave Paris Gare de Lyon 09:45 Saturday & Sunday arriving Turin Porta Susa 15:24. Leave Turin Porta Susa 17:10, arriving Rome Termini 21:49.
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What are the trains & journey like?
You take a high-speed TGV train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Turin Porta Susa with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. It's a scenic & relaxing journey, first at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) on the Paris-Lyon high-speed line, then the train slows right down and snakes through the Alps to Italy on the classic route via Modane. For more information, route map & photos see the Paris-Milan TGV page & watch the Paris-Milan video.
You then take a high-speed Frecciarossa train from Turin Porta Susa to Rome Termini in 4h39, with standard, premium, business & executive class, cafe-bar, power outlets at all seats & free WiFi.
Stopover in Turin? You could take the 06:39 TGV from Paris and have a stopover of 5 or 6 hours in Turin before catching an early evening train to Rome - there are lots of trains to choose from. Turin is well worth your time. There's a left luggage office at Turin Porta Nuova, but none at Turin Porta Susa.
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How much does it cost?
Paris to Turin starts at 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class.
Turin to Rome starts at 29.90 in standard (2nd class), 39.90 in business (1st class) or 154.90 in executive (premium 1st).
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
Buy tickets from Paris to Rome at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com. Booking opens up to 4 months ahead.
These connect to both the Trenitalia & SNCF ticketing systems so you can book all tickets together in one place, in plain English, in , £ or $.
Booking usually opens 4 months ahead. There's a small booking fee. About Raileurope. About Thetrainline.
Tip: You can book from Paris (any station) to Roma Termini as one booking, but make sure the system gives you at least 45 minutes between trains in Turin. You will have separate tickets for each sector, a 45 minute interchange can absorb any 10, 20 or even 40 minute delay.
Tip: If using www.raileurope.com, I recommend clicking More options and entering Turin Porta Susa as a via station with a stopover duration of at least 45 minutes as this ensure a robust same-station change at Turin Porta Susa. In the search results, look for a 1-change journey.
Tip: If buying a 1st class ticket at www.thetrainline.com, you can choose your seat from a seat map.
You print your own tickets or can show them on your phone.
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Another way to buy tickets
Alternatively, you can book each train separately, more work, but no booking fee.
Step 1, book from Paris to Turin at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com. In , no booking fee, you print your own ticket or can show it on your phone. If buying a 1st class ticket you can choose your seat from a seat map.
Step 2, now book the onward Italian train from Turin to Rome at www.italiarail.com (easy to use, in plain English, in , £ or $, they'll refund their 3.50 booking fee if you email seat61@italiarail.com afterwards) or at www.trenitalia.com (you'll need to use Italian-language place names, see this advice on using it). If you want an Italo train rather than a Trenitalia one, you'll need to use www.italotreno.it.
Option 3, Paris to Rome in a day via Switzerland
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Going through Switzerland involves an extra change compared to options 1 & 2 and usually costs a little more. But there's some great scenery through the Swiss Alps, even if it's not as spectacular as the much slower narrow-gauge Bernina route.
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Leave Paris 07:22, arrive Rome 20:10
Step 1, travel from Paris to Basel by TGV-Lyria, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 07:22, arriving Basel SBB 10:26.
Step 2, travel from Basel to Milan by EuroCity train, leaving Basel SBB at 12:28, arriving Milan Centrale 16:55.
Step 3, travel from Milan to Rome by Frecciarossa, leaving Milan Centrale at 16:58, arriving Rome Termini 20:10.
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Leave Paris 08:18, arrive Rome 21:10
Step 1, travel from Paris to Geneva by TGV-Lyria, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 08:18, arriving Geneva 11:29.
Step 2, travel from Basel to Milan by EuroCity train, leaving Geneva 13:27, arriving Milan Centrale 17:50.
Step 3, travel from Milan to Rome by Frecciarossa, leaving Milan Centrale at 18:00, arriving Rome Termini 21:10.
Incidentally, don't worry about connections in Milan. Basel or Geneva to Rome will be a through booking so if the Switzerland-Milan EuroCity train is delayed, you'll be rebooked at no charge on a later onward train from Milan.
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What are the trains & journey like?
The TGV-Lyria is an impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck high-speed train with 3 classes, cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. The scenery on the last hour of the route to Geneva is lovely, see the photos here. Book an upper deck seat for the best views!
The Switzerland-Milan EuroCity train is a bullet-nosed Astoro type from Geneva to Milan via the Simplon route, also an Astoro type from Basel to Milan via the Lφtschberg and Simplon lines, but due to become the latest Giruno type at some point. These trains have 1st & 2nd class, a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. The scenery through the Alps is wonderful.
Make sure you have a quick look around the amazing Milan Centrale and maybe you can spot Mussolini.
The Frecciarossa from Milan to Rome has standard, premium, business & executive class, with a cafe bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. It travels across Italy at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).
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How much does it cost?
Paris to Basel or Geneva starts at 29 in 2nd class or 51 in 1st class.
Basel or Geneva to Milan starts at 29 in 2nd class or 49 in 1st class.
Milan to Rome starts at 29.90 in standard class or 39.90 in business class.
All these fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
Using www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com means you can buy everything in one place. Use whichever you prefer, they're both easy to use, in , £ or $, small booking fee. Booking opens up to 4 months ahead.
First book the TGV-Lyria from Paris to Basel or Geneva and add to basket, looking for one of the early morning departures shown above.
Then book from Basel SBB or Geneva to Rome as a second booking, making sure you book the departure shown above. Add this to your basket and check out, paying for both tickets as one transaction. You print your own tickets or can show them on your phone.
Alternatively, you can book the TGV-Lyria at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee), then book from Basel or Geneva to anywhere in Italy at www.italiarail.com (easy to use, in , $ or £, they'll refund their small booking fee if you email them afterwards at seat61@italiarail.com) or Trenitalia's website www.trenitalia.com (in , requires Italian-language place names, see advice for using it).
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Interrail & Eurail passes
Interrail & Eurail passes are good for all these trains, but a reservation is needed on each train. Look up each of the 3 trains on the Interrail & Eurail reservations page to see reservation costs and how to make a reservation.
Scenery from the Paris to Geneva train, as the train snakes through the hills on the wonderfully scenic Haut-Bugey line.
Lake Maggiore, seen from the Basel and Geneva to Milan trains.
Option 4, Paris to Rome with overnight stop in Turin
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An overnight stop breaks up the journey nicely, with a chance to see wonderful Turin. It's the same route as options 1 & 2, but with a stopover.
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Turin by either TGV or Frecciarossa:
Leave Paris Gare de Lyon by TGV at 14:48 every day, arriving Turin Porta Susa 20:24.
Or leave Paris Gare de Lyon by Frecciarossa at 15:18 every day, arriving Turin Porta Susa 21:18.
The TGV & Frecciarossa both have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Which is best, TGV or Frecciarossa?
It's a scenic & relaxing journey, first at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) on the Paris-Lyon high-speed line, then the train slows right down and snakes through the Alps to Italy. See route map. More information, photos & tips about the Paris-Milan journey.
Tip: Have lunch at the remarkable Train Bleu restaurant at the Gare de Lyon before strolling across the concourse to your train for Italy!
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Stay overnight in Turin. I'd allow some time for a look around next morning.
I suggest the Hotel Torino Porta Susa or Hotel Diplomatic, Best Quality Hotel Dock Milano, Hotel & Residence Torino Centro - Stazione Porta Susa or small Al Porta Susa B&B, all right next to Turin Porta Susa station where the TGV arrives and where your onward train leaves next morning.
Alternatively, the excellent Turin Palace Hotel is in the centre next to Turin Porta Nuova station, a 7 minute taxi ride, 3-stop 1.50 metro ride or 20 minute walk from Turin Porta Susa, next morning you can board your train to Naples at Porta Nuova station the historic terminus in the heart of the city. Turin-Naples trains start their journey at Turin Porta Nuova before picking up passengers at Turin Porta Susa a few minutes later.
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Day 2, travel from Turin to Rome by high-speed Frecciarossa train or Italo.
Book any departure you like from either Turin Porta Nuova or Turin Porta Susa to Rome Termini, there are regular departures through the day.
Turin to Rome takes just over 4 hours, centre to centre. Trenitalia's 300 km/h (186 mph) Frecciarossas have standard, premium, business & executive class, cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Private operator Italo's competing high-speed trains have 3 classes, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see more about Italo. Which is best, Italo or Trenitalia?
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How much does it cost?
Paris to Turin by TGV starts at 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class.
Paris to Turin by Frecciarossa starts at 35 in standard (2nd class), 49 in business (1st class) or 165 in executive (premium 1st).
Turin to Rome starts at 29.90 in standard (2nd class), 39.90 in business (1st class) or 154.90 in executive (premium 1st).
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
Buy tickets at either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, whichever you prefer.
Both sites are easy to use, in , £ or $. They sell tickets for both the TGV & the Frecciarossa, and for both Trenitalia & Italo tickets within Italy, so you can buy tickets for all operators together in one place, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee. More about Raileurope. More about Thetrainline.
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. Book from Paris (any station) to Turin Porta Susa for day 1 and add this to your basket. Then book from Turin Porta Susa to Rome Termini for day 2, add that to your basket and check out.
Frecciarossa trains are ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone. For the TGV you print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Tip: If using the Frecciarossa, you can also book at www.italiarail.com. Italiarail allows you to choose an exact seat on the Frecciarossa from a seat map. They'll refund their 3.50 booking fee to seat61 users if you email them at seat61@italiarail.com after booking.
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How to buy tickets, advanced
You can of course book the TGV and onward Italian trains separately. It's more effort, and in principle you should see exactly the same fares.
Step 1, book from Paris to Turin at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com. In , no booking fee, you print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Step 2, now book the onward Italian train from Turin to Rome at www.italiarail.com (easy to use, in plain English, in , £ or $, they'll refund their 3.50 booking fee if you email seat61@italiarail.com afterwards) or at www.trenitalia.com (you'll need to use Italian-language place names, see this advice on using it). If you want an Italo train rather than a Trenitalia one, book Italo at www.italotreno.it.
Option 5, Paris to Rome via the Bernina Express - the ultimate scenic route
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This takes significantly longer and must be split over 2 days, but if you want the ultimate scenic ride from Paris to Rome through the Swiss Alps, this option is fabulous - If you still need convincing, watch the video!
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Zurich in early evening TGV-Lyria, for example leaving Paris Gare de Lyon 18:22, arriving Zurich HB 22:26.
By all means book an earlier train and have an evening in Zurich. Double-deck TGV-Lyria trains have 3 classes, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. They travel at up to 320 km/h (199 mph). More about TGV-Lyria.
Tip: Why not have lunch at the celebrated Train Bleu restaurant at the Gare de Lyon then take an afternoon TGV-Lyria to Zurich?
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Stay overnight in Zurich. For something 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 Ruby Mimi Hotel or the excellent 3-star Hotel St. Josef, 7 minutes walk from the station, see walking map. If you're on a budget, book a private rooms in a 1-star hotel or backpacker hostel near the station at www.hostelworld.com.
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Day 2, travel from Zurich to Rome, leaving Zurich HB at 06:38 by Intercity train to Chur, then the fabulous Bernina Express through the Swiss Alps to Tirano, then the 13:08 regional train from Tirano to Milan Centrale arriving 15:40 Then take a Frecciarossa to Rome Termini, arriving 19:10. See the Bernina Express page for more details.
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How much does it cost?
Paris to Zurich starts at 29 in 2nd class or 51 in 1st class.
Zurich to Tirano starts at CHF 52 (around 50).
Tirano to Milan by regional train costs around 12, fixed-price, unlimited availability.
Milan to Rome starts at 29.90 in standard (2nd) class or 39.90 in business (1st) class.
Apart from Tirano-Milan, these fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
Step 1, book a ticket from Paris to Zurich on any departure you like, using www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com. Booking opens up to 4 months ahead, you print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Step 2, book a ticket from Zurich to Tirano for the following day as explained on the Bernina Express page. If you want to travel in the Bernina Express panoramic carriages between Chur & Tirano, add a seat reservation as I explain here.
Step 3, book a ticket from Tirano to Rome on the 13:08 departure from Tirano, using either 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.
Booking the 13:08 departure from Tirano to Rome should be fine as Swiss trains are usually punctual, but if you want to play it safe you could plan to have a late lunch & a beer in Tirano and book the 15:08 instead.
Rome to Paris by train
Which route to choose?
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Option 1: If you want to travel from Rome to Paris in a single day, this is the option I'd recommend.
It's a chill-out day as 1,449 km (900 miles) of Italy, France and the Alps unfold outside your window.
Leave Rome on a late morning high-speed Frecciarossa to Milan with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. There's time for a coffee at the magnificent Milan Centrale - can you spot Mussolini?
You then take the afternoon Frecciarossa from Milan to Paris, also with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. After an initial dash to Turin at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) on the high-speed line, the train slows right down and meanders through the Alps on the classic line through Modane to Chambιry & Lyon. After another high-speed run across France the train arrives in central Paris.
Trenitalia introduced its Milan-Paris Frecciarossa in December 2021 to compete head-to-head with French Railways' long-established Milan-Paris TGV (see option 2). With an interior styled by Italian design firm Pininfarina, the Frecciarossa is the more glamorous train with the better on-board service, with standard class (2nd), business class (1st) and a luxury executive class (premium 1st) with at-seat food & prosecco included.
Another advantage over option 2 is that both sectors (Rome-Milan & Milan-Paris) are with Trenitalia, so if there's a delay and missed connection you are legally entitled to be rebooked on a later train at no charge.
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Option 2: This also gets you from Rome to Paris in a single day, using the competing SNCF (French Railways) TGV from Turin to Paris. It follows pretty much the same route as option 1, with the same scenery.
The TGV has been running since 1996, originally a joint operation with Trenitalia, but since 2011 entirely run by SNCF. The TGV is a comfortable train, with 1st & 2nd class, cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, but nothing as fancy as Trenitalia's executive class.
The TGV's main advantage is that two same-day Rome to Paris journeys are possible, a morning one and an early afternoon one, although personally I'd still go with option 1's Frecciarossa. Which is the better train, Frecciarossa or TGV?
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Option 3: This also gets you from Rome to Paris in a single day. It's slightly less convenient than options 1 or 2 because it involves two changes rather than one and it's a little more expensive. But there's some great scenery in the Alps.
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Option 4 is the same route as options 1 or 2, but with an overnight stop in Turin, which breaks up the trip nicely.
Take an afternoon or early evening Frecciarossa from Rome to Turin in around 4h10, stay overnight in Turin, then take either SNCF's morning TGV or Trenitalia's morning Frecciarossa through the Alps to Paris in around 5h40 (I'd choose the Frecciarossa).
Personally I'd take an earlier Frecciarossa from Rome to Turin (or the afternoon TGV or Frecciarossa from Turin to Paris next day) and spend time exploring wonderful Turin, one of Italy's most under-rated cities, even if you're not a fan of the 1969 Michael Caine film The Italian Job.
In winter when the days are shorter, a key advantage of this option is that you'll see all the alpine scenery in daylight.
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Option 5 is much slower, a bit more expensive (but I'll suggest a clever way to book it cheaply) and takes a more effort to organise, but boy, the Bernina Express is the ultimate Swiss Alps train ride and it will be the highlight of your trip - it's breathtaking.
Travel from Rome to Zurich via Milan, Tirano and the fabulous Bernina Express through the Swiss Alps, stay overnight in Zurich, then take a TGV-Lyria from Zurich to Paris in just 4h05 next morning.
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Sleeper option: There is no sleeper train between Paris & Italy any more, Thello's Paris-Italy sleeper ceased in 2020 and will not resume.
Option 1, Rome to Paris in a day by Frecciarossa
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There's a late-morning departure from Rome to Paris every day
Leave Rome Termini 11:50 Monday-Friday, change at Milan Centrale (arrive 14:58, depart 15:53) arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 22:34.
Leave Rome Termini 11:10 Saturday & Sunday, change at Milan Centrale (arrive 14:50, depart 15:53) arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 22:34.
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What are the trains & the journey like?
You travel from Rome to Milan at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) on one of Trenitalia's premier high-speed Frecciarossa trains, with standard, premium, business & executive class, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Luggage simply goes on racks near your seats, no airline weight limits or baggage fees here.
At the magnificent Milan Centrale you've time for a coffee and maybe you can spot Mussolini. Why not book an earlier departure from Rome (they leave regularly) and spend some time in Milan, perhaps have lunch there? There's a left luggage office at Milan Centrale if you need one.
You then travel from Milan to Paris by Frecciarossa, with standard, business & executive class, cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
It's a scenic & relaxing journey. After an initial run from Milan to Turin on the high-speed line, the train slows right down for a scenic meander through the alps on the classic line into France via Modane. After calling at Chambιry & Lyon, the train makes a final high-speed dash at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) on the Lyon-Paris high-speed line. Bring a good book and make it a relaxing afternoon with your feet up.
See route map. More information, photos & tips about the Paris-Milan journey.
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How much does it cost?
Rome to Milan starts at 29.90 in standard (2nd class), 39.90 in business (1st class) or 154.90 in executive (premium 1st).
Milan to Paris starts at 35 in standard (2nd class), 49 in business (1st class) or 165 in executive (premium 1st).
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
Buy tickets at either www.italiarail.com, www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com whichever you prefer, all easy to use, in , £ or $.
Tip: www.italiarail.com allows you to choose your exact seat on the Frecciarossa from a seat map. They'll refund their 3.50 booking fee to seat61 users if you email them at seat61@italiarail.com after booking.
Book from Rome Termini to Paris (any station) as one journey, with departure time set to 11:00. If you want to stop off in Milan, book an earlier train from Rome to Milan, add to basket, then book the afternoon train from Milan to Paris, add to basket & check out.
Booking usually opens 4 months ahead. There's a small booking fee. Both trains are ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone. About Raileurope. About Thetrainline.
A Paris-Milan Frecciarossa at Modane on the France-Italy border. A few minutes to stretch your legs in the cool mountain air!
Standard class. Above right, Premium class seats, sold as Standard class on the Paris route.
Scenery in the Alps between Milan & Lyon. See more photos of the scenery on this route.
Option 2, Rome to Paris in a day by TGV
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This is basically the same route as option 1, but using the competing French Railways TGV to Paris instead of Trenitalia's Frecciarossa. When using the TGV it's easier to change trains in Turin rather than Milan. As the TGV offers two afternoon departures from Turin, there's a choice of two departures from Rome.
Rome to Paris, Mondays-Fridays
Leave Rome Termini 12:10, change at Turin Porta Susa (arrive 16:49, depart 17:41) arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 23:24.
Rome to Paris, Saturdays & Sundays
Leave Rome Termini 08:10, change at Turin Porta Susa (arrive 12:49, depart 13:41) arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 19:14.
Leave Rome Termini 12:10, change at Turin Porta Susa (arrive 16:49, depart 17:41) arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 23:24.
Tip: Why not book an earlier departure from Rome (they leave regularly) and spend some time in Turin, perhaps have lunch there. It's one of Italy's most under-rated cities, even if you're not a fan of the 1969 Michael Caine film The Italian Job. There's a left luggage office at Turin Porta Nuova, although none at Porta Susa.
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What are the train & journey like?
You travel from Rome to Turin at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) on one of Trenitalia's premier high-speed Frecciarossa trains, with standard, premium, business & executive class, cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
You then travel from Turin to Paris by SNCF (French Railways) high-speed TGV, with 1st & 2nd class, cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
It's a scenic & relaxing run, initially a slow speed meander through the alps on the classic line from Italy into France via Modane, past Chambιry & Lyon, then a final high-speed dash to Paris at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) on the high-speed line, see the Paris-Milan TGV video. Bring a good book and make it a relaxing afternoon with your feet up. Some scenery will be in darkness depending on the time of year, so consider option 2 below. See route map. More about the Paris-Milan journey..
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How much does it cost?
Rome to Turin starts at 29.90 in standard (2nd class), 39.90 in business (1st class) or 154.90 in executive (premium 1st).
Turin to Paris by TGV starts at 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class. All these fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
Buy tickets from Rome to Paris at either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, whichever you like best.
These connect to both the Trenitalia and SNCF ticketing systems so you can book all your tickets together in one place, in plain English, in , £ or $. Booking usually opens 4 months ahead. There's a small booking fee. About Raileurope. About Thetrainline.
Book from Rome Termini to Paris (any station) as one journey, with departure time set to 08:00 or 12:00. If you want to stop off in Turin, book Rome to Turin, add to basket, then book Turin to Paris, add to basket & check out.
Tip: If using www.raileurope.com, click More options, enter Turin Porta Susa and set stopover time to at least 45 minutes. This ensures a robust connection. In the search results, look for an option shown with just 1 change. If you'd like longer in Turin, increase the stopover duration and set an earlier departure time. Or just book each train separately.
Tip: If buying a 1st class ticket at www.thetrainline.com, you can choose your seat from a seat map.
The Italian train is ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone. For the French TGV, you print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
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How to buy tickets, advanced
Alternatively, you can book each train separately, more work, but no booking fee.
Step 1, book the train from Rome Termini to Turin Porta Susa at www.italiarail.com (easy to use, recognises English-language place names, they'll refund the 3.50 booking fee if you email seat61@italiarail.com afterwards) or the Trenitalia website www.trenitalia.com (in , you'll need to use Italian place names). It's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.
Step 2, book the TGV from Turin to Paris at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com. You print your own tickets or can show it on your phone. If buying a 1st class ticket you can choose your seat from a seat map.
Option 3, Rome to Paris in a day via Switzerland
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This is a slightly more expensive route involving an extra change compared to options 1 & 2. But there's some great scenery in the Alps, even if it's not as spectacular as the much slower narrow-gauge Bernina route.
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Leave Rome 08:50, arrive Paris 22:42
Step 1, travel from Rome to Milan by Frecciarossa, leaving Rome Termini at 08:50, arriving Milan Centrale 11:58.
Have a look around the amazing Milan Centrale and maybe you can spot Mussolini!
Step 2, travel from Milan to Zurich by EuroCity train, leaving Milan Centrale 13:10, arriving Zurich HB 16:27.
Step 3, travel from Zurich to Paris by TGV-Lyria, leaving Zurich HB at 18:34, arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 22:42.
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What are the trains & journey like?
The Frecciarossa from Rome to Milan has standard, premium, business & executive class, with a cafe bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. It travels across Italy at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).
The EuroCity train from Milan to Zurich is the latest Giruno type with 1st & 2nd class, a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
The Milan-Zurich EuroCity train passes Lake Como and heads through the Alps over the Gotthard route, past pretty Lake Lugano. It uses the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world's longest rail tunnel opened in 2016.
The TGV-Lyria from Zurich to Paris is an impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck high-speed train with 3 classes, cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Book an upper deck seat for the best views!
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How much does it cost?
Rome to Milan starts at 29.90 in standard class or 39.90 in business class.
Milan to Zurich starts at 29 in 2nd class or 49 in 1st class.
Zurich to Paris starts at 29 in 2nd class or 51 in 1st class.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
Using www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com means you can buy everything in one place. Use whichever you prefer, they're both easy to use, in , £ or $, small booking fee. Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. Using the time above as your guide, do a dry run for all 3 sectors before booking for real.
Book the Frecciarossa from Rome to Milan and add to basket.
Book the EuroCity train from Milan to Zurich and add to basket.
Book the TGV-Lyria from Zurich to Paris, add this to your basket and check out, paying for all tickets as one transaction. You print your own tickets or can show them on your phone.
Alternatively, you can book from Rome to Milan then from Milan to Zurich at www.italiarail.com (easy to use, in , $ or £, they'll refund their booking fee if you email them at seat61@italiarail.com) or at Trenitalia's website www.trenitalia.com (in , requires Italian-language place names, see advice for using it). Then book from Zurich to Paris at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee).
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Interrail & Eurail passes
Interrail & Eurail passes are good for all these trains, but a reservation is needed on each train. Look up each of the 3 trains on the Interrail & Eurail reservations page to see reservation costs and how to make a reservation.
Lake Lugano on the Gotthard route, seen from the train from Milan to Zurich.
Option 4, Rome to Paris with overnight stop in Turin
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Day 1, travel from Rome to Turin on any afternoon or early evening train you like, either a Trenitalia Frecciarossa or an Italo.
You can leave Rome Termini as late as 18:50 arriving Turin Porta Susa 22:59, but trains run regularly and I'd take an earlier one as Turin is well worth a longer stop. It's possibly one of Italy's most under-rated cities, even if you're not a fan of the 1969 Michael Caine film The Italian Job.
Frecciarossas have standard, premium, business & executive class, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see more about Frecciarossas. Private operator Italo runs competing high-speed trains, see more information about Italo. Which is better, Frecciarossa or Italo?
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Stay overnight in Turin. I recommend the Hotel Torino Porta Susa, Hotel Diplomatic, Best Quality Hotel Dock Milano, Hotel & Residence Torino Centro - Stazione Porta Susa or the small Al Porta Susa B&B, all next to Turin Porta Susa station with good or great reviews.
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Day 2, travel from Turin to Paris by either TGV or Frecciarossa, see the timetable here.
A Frecciarossa leaves Turin Porta Susa at 07:11, arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 13:22.
A TGV leaves Turin Porta Susa at 07:36, arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 13:31.
Or spend the morning in Turin & leave Turin Porta Susa on the 13:41 (Saturday & Sunday plus some weekdays), 15:41 (weekdays, except when the 13:41 runs) or 17:41 (every day) TGV to Paris.
The Frecciarossa & TGV both have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Which is best, TGV or Frecciarossa?
It's a scenic & relaxing run, initially a slow speed meander through the alps on the classic line from Italy into France via Modane, past Chambιry & Lyon, then a final high-speed dash to Paris at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) on the high-speed line, see the Paris-Milan TGV video. Bring a good book put your feet up. See route map. More information, photos & tips about the Paris-Milan journey.
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How much does it cost?
Rome to Turin starts at 29.90 in standard (2nd class), 39.90 in business (1st class) or 154.90 in executive (premium 1st).
Turin to Paris by TGV starts at 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class.
Turin to Paris by Frecciarossa starts at 35 in standard (2nd class), 49 in business (1st class) or 165 in executive (premium 1st).
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
The easiest way to buy tickets is at either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, whichever you prefer.
These connect to both the Italian and French ticketing systems so you can book all your tickets together in one place, in plain English, in , £ or $. They also connect to Italo's ticketing system, so you'll see both Italo & Trenitalia trains. Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. There's a small booking fee.
First book from Rome Termini to Turin Porta Susa and add to basket. Then book from Turin Porta Susa to Paris (any station) for the following day, add to basket & check out.
Italian trains are ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone. For the TGV, you print your own tickets or can show it on your phone.
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Another way to buy tickets
Alternatively, you can book each train separately, more effort, more fiddly, same fares, but no booking fee.
Step 1, book the train from Rome Termini to Turin Porta Susa at www.italiarail.com (easy to use, recognises English-language place names, they'll refund the 3.50 booking fee if you email seat61@italiarail.com afterwards) or www.trenitalia.com (you'll need to use Italian place names). It's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone. If you want to try an Italo train instead of Trenitalia, book at www.italotreno.it.
Step 2, book the TGV from Turin to Paris at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com. You print your own tickets or can show it on your phone. Book the Frecciarossa using the same websites given in step 1.
Option 5, Rome to Paris via the Bernina Express - the ultimate scenic route
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This takes significantly longer and must be split over 2 days, but if you want the ultimate train ride through the Swiss Alps, this option is fabulous - If you still need convincing, watch the video.
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Day 1, travel from Rome to Zurich the scenic way
Travel from Rome to Milan by Frecciarossa high-speed train leaving Rome Termini at 06:10 arriving Milan Centrale 09:50.
Frecciarossas have 4 classes, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. More about Frecciarossas.
Then travel from Milan to Tirano by regional train, leaving Milan Centrale at 10:20 along the Lake Como, arriving Tirano 12:52.
Now travel from Tirano to Chur on the fabulous Bernina Express narrow-gauge panoramic train, continuing to Zurich by connecting Swiss intercity train. You leave Tirano at 14:24 and arrive Zurich HB at 19:53.
It's a long day, but worth it - by all means travel from Rome to Milan the previous evening or afternoon, to break it up. See the Bernina Express page for full details.
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Stay overnight in Zurich. For something 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 Ruby Mimi Hotel or the excellent 3-star Hotel St. Josef, 7 minutes walk from the station, see walking map. If you're on a budget, book a private rooms in a 1-star hotel or backpacker hostel near the station at www.hostelworld.com.
Alternatively, you could stop overnight in the pleasant town of Chur instead.
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Day 2, travel from Zurich to Paris by TGV-Lyria high-speed train in 4h05 on any departure you like.
Leave Zurich HB 07:34, arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 11:38.
Leave Zurich HB 09:34, arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 13:38
Leave Zurich HB 11:34, arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 15:38.
TGV-Lyria trains are double-deck with 3 classes, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. More about TGV-Lyria.
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How much does it cost?
Rome to Milan starts at 29.90 in standard (2nd) class or 39.90 in business (1st) class.
Milan to Tirano by regional train costs around 12, fixed-price, unlimited availability.
Tirano to Zurich starts at CHF 52 (around 50).
Zurich to Paris by TGV starts at 29 in 2nd class or 51 in 1st class.
All these fares except Milan-Tirano vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
Step 1, book a ticket from Rome to Tirano on the early morning departure shown above, using either www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.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.
Step 2, book a ticket from Tirano to Zurich as explained on the Bernina Express page. If you want to travel in the Bernina Express panoramic carriages between Tirano & Chur, add a seat reservation as I explain here.
Step 3, book a ticket from Zurich to Paris for the following day on any departure you like, also at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com. Booking opens up to 4 months ahead, you print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.