 Paris to Venice by train: Frecciarossa arrived at Milan Centrale. On other pages...
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Paris to Venice in a day from 49
You can travel the 1,148 km (713 miles) from Paris to Venice 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 to hand. There are several ways to travel from Paris to Venice by train, this page explains the options between Paris & Venice in both directions, and the best way to buy tickets.
Information current for 2023. The Paris-Venice Thello sleeper train is no longer running.
Travelling to Verona? This page covers Paris to Verona by train, too.
IMPORTANT: On 27 August 2023, a major landslide in the Alps blocked the Paris-Milan line. TGV & Frecciarossa services are suspended, it could now be summer 2024 before the line is safe to reopen. See the landslide on video. Alternative routes via Switzerland are open as normal, see details of alternative Paris-Milan train services.
Paris to Venice:
Which
route to choose?
Option 1, Paris to
Venice in a day by Frecciarossa
Option 2, Paris to
Venice in a day by TGV
Option 3, Paris to Venice using the
Stuttgart-Venice sleeper
Option 4, Paris to Venice with overnight stop in Turin
Option 5, Paris to Venice with overnight stop in
Zurich
Option 6, Paris to Venice via the Bernina Express
Venice to Paris: Which route to choose?
Option 1,
Venice to Paris in a
day by Frecciarossa
Option 2,
Venice to Paris in a day by TGV
Option 3, Venice to Paris using the Venice-Stuttgart sleeper
Option
4, Venice to Paris with overnight stop in Turin
Option 5, Venice to
Paris with overnight stop in Zurich
Option
6,
Venice to Paris via the Bernina Express
Paris to Venice by train
Which option to choose?
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Option 1 is the one I'd recommend if you want to travel from Paris to Verona or Venice in a single day.
Treat it as a chill-out day as 1,148 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 followed by a leisurely scenic meander through the Alps to Turin, then a final high-speed run into Milan. There's time for a coffee at the magnificent Milan Centrale (an attraction in its own right, can you spot Mussolini?) before taking a comfortable Frecciargento to Venice Santa Lucia, 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 a luxury Executive class (premium 1st) with at-seat food & prosecco included.
Another advantage over option 2 is that both sectors (Paris-Milan & Milan-Venice) 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 Venice at no charge.
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Option 2 also gets you from Paris to Venice by train in a single day, using the competing SNCF (French Railways) TGV from Paris to Turin, then a Trenitalia Frecciarossa from Turin to Venice. 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 is the sleeper option. The direct Paris to Venice sleeper train was discontinued in 2020 and will not resume. However, you can take a mid-afternoon high-speed TGV from Paris to Munich, have dinner in a fantastic Bavarian bierkeller, then take the excellent Austrian Nightjet sleeper train from Munich to Venice with cosy sleepers & economical couchettes, breakfast included. Deluxe sleepers have their own shower & toilet. A comfortable and time-effective option, even if it's a bit of a long way round.
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Option 4 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 Venice next morning taking around 4 hours, there are various 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 involves an early evening TGV-Lyria from Paris to Zurich, overnight stop in Zurich, then a direct EuroCity train to Venice past the lakes and mountains of the Gotthard route, and through the world's longest rail tunnel, the Gotthard Base Tunnel.
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Option 6 is a much slower but incredibly scenic route from Paris to Venice, a little more expensive 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 Venice next day, through the Swiss Alps via Chur, Tirano & Milan, arriving Venice Santa Lucia in the evening. What a day!
Option 1, Paris to Venice in a day by Frecciarossa
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There's a morning departure from Paris to Venice every day:
Leave Paris Gare de Lyon at 07:25, change at Milan Centrale (arrive 14:07, depart 14:45), arrive Verona P. Nuova 15:58 & Venice S. Lucia 17:12.
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 13:50, depart 14:45), arrive Verona P. Nuova 15:58 & Venice S. Lucia 17:12.
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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 Venice on a fast Frecciargento with 1st & 2nd class, cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
The train rumbles across the causeway over the lagoon into Venice itself - you walk out of the station to see vaporettos and gondolas on the Grand Canal right in front of you. You never forget your first arrival in Venice!
Venice Santa Lucia is just 15 minutes walk from the Rialto Bridge and 25 minutes walk from St Mark's square.
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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 (premium 1st).
Milan to Verona or Venice starts at 19.90 in 2nd class or 29.90 in 1st class.
All these fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
Buy tickets from Paris to Venice 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 Venice Santa Lucia 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 Venice, 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.
Option 2, Paris to Venice 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 Venice every day
Leave Paris Gare de Lyon 06:39 every day arriving Turin P.S. 12:23. Leave Turin P.S. 15:20, arrive Verona P. Nuova 17:28 & Venice S. Lucia 18:42.
Leave Paris Gare de Lyon 09:43 Saturday & Sunday arriving Turin P.S. 15:23. Leave Turin P.S. 17:20, arrive Verona P.N 19:28 & Venice S.L. 20:42.
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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 Venice Santa Lucia in 4h39, with standard, premium, business & executive class, cafe-bar, power outlets at all seats & free WiFi.
The train rumbles across the causeway over the lagoon into Venice itself - you walk out of the station to see vaporettos and gondolas on the Grand Canal in front of you. Venice Santa Lucia is just 15 minutes walk from the Rialto Bridge and 25 minutes walk from St Mark's square.
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How much does it cost?
Paris to Turin starts at 29 in 2nd class or 44 in 1st class.
Turin to Venice starts at 19.90 in standard (2nd class), 29.90 in business (1st class) or 119.90 in executive (premium 1st).
These fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.
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How to buy tickets
Buy tickets from Paris to Venice at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com. Booking opens up to 4 months ahead.
These connect to both the Trenitalia and 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 Venice Santa Lucia 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.
For the TGV You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone. Italian high-speed trains are ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or 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 from Paris to Turin at 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. 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 Venice 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 Venice using the Munich-Venice sleeper
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The Thello sleeper train from Paris to Venice was suspended in 2020 and has now been permanently discontinued. But you can take an afternoon high-speed train to Munich, have dinner in a Bavarian Bierkeller, then take the high-quality Nightjet sleeper to Venice, a comfortable & time-effective option, some sleepers with private shower & toilet, breakfast included.
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Step 1, travel from Paris to Stuttgart by TGV Duplex
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.
The 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see the TGV Duplex video. Book an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck. Times may vary, check at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
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Step 2, travel from Munich to Venice by Nightjet sleeper train
The Nightjet sleeper train leaves Stuttgart Hbf at 20:29 and arrives Venice Santa Lucia at 08:34.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment. See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.
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How much does it cost?
Paris to Stuttgart starts at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Stuttgart to Venice starts 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.
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How to buy tickets
Step 1, book from Paris to Stuttgart at the German Railways website int.bahn.de (in , no booking fee) or at www.thetrainline.com (in , £ or $, small booking fee, more about Trainline). Using www.thetrainline.com allows you to book both the TGV and the Nightjet together in one place. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.
Step 2, book the sleeper from Stuttgart to Venice 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.
Option 4, Paris to Venice 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:
You can leave Paris Gare de Lyon by TGV at 14:45 every day and arrive Turin Porta Susa at 20:23.
Or leave Paris Gare de Lyon by Frecciarossa at 15:12 every day and arrive Turin Porta Susa at 21:18.
Or take a morning train and spend a pleasant afternoon exploring wonderful Turin, see the timetable here.
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, with good or great reviews.
Alternatively, the excellent Turin Palace Hotel is in the centre right 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, but next morning you can board your train to Venice at Porta Nuova station the historic terminus in the heart of the city. Turin-Venice 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 Verona or Venice by high-speed Frecciarossa train or Italo.
Book any departure you like from either Turin Porta Nuova or Turin Porta Susa to Verona P. Nuova or Venice Santa Lucia, there are regular departures through the day, most with a change in Milan.
Turin to Venice 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. Many Milan-Venice trains are Frecciargento, only slightly slower, with have 1st & 2nd class,, cafe-bar, power sockets & free WiFi. Private operator Italo's competing high-speed trains have 3 classes, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see more information about Italo.
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How much does it cost?
Paris to Turin starts at 29 in 2nd class or 44 in 1st class.
Paris to Turin starts at 29 in standard (2nd class), 36 in business (1st class) or 165 in executive (premium 1st).
Turin to Verona or Venice starts at 19.90 in 2nd class or 29.90 in 1st class.
All these 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 Venice Santa Lucia 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 a mobile ticket on your phone.
Tip: If using the Frecciarossa from Paris to Milan, 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 select a mobile ticket to show on your phone.
Step 2, now book the onward Italian train from Turin to Venice 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 Venice with overnight stop in Zurich
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Zurich by TGV-Lyria high-speed train in 4h04 on any afternoon or early evening departure you like.
You can spend a whole day in Paris before leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 18:22 and arriving Zurich HB 22:26, or take an earlier train and spend a pleasant evening in Zurich.
The train is double-deck with 3 classes, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see more information about TGV-Lyria.
Tip: Why not have lunch at the remarkable Train Bleu restaurant at the Gare de Lyon before taking an early afternoon TGV-Lyria to Zurich?
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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 Verona or Venice by EuroCity train, leaving Zurich HB at 07:33 and arriving Verona Porta Nuova at 13:28 and Venice Santa Lucia on the Grand Canal in central Venice at 14:42.
This train will revert to leaving at 08:33 once the issues in the Gotthard Base Tunnel are resolved in summer 2024. In the meantime, it leaves at 07:33 and takes the old scenic Gotthard route 'over the top'.
The train has power sockets at all seats and an elegant restaurant car. It travels via the Gotthard route with great views of mountains and lakes including lake Lugano, via the world's longest rail tunnel, the Gotthard Base Tunnel (a 20 minute transit). Treat yourself to lunch with wine in the restaurant car. Wonderful!
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How much does it cost?
Paris to Zurich starts at 29 in 2nd class (standard) or 51 in 1st class (standard premiere).
Zurich to Venice starts at 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class.
These fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
Book the Paris-Zurich train at either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com and add to basket. Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
Book the Zurich-Venice train as a second booking at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, add it to your basket and check out, paying for both tickets as one transaction. Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. It's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.
Option 6, Paris to Venice 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 Venice 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 by 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. TGV-Lyria trains have 3 classes, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. More information about TGV-Lyria.
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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 Venice, leaving Zurich HB at 07:07 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 Frecciargento to Verona P. Nuova arriving 17:58 & Venice Santa Lucia arriving 19:00. 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. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Zurich to Tirano starts at CHF 52 (around 50(. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Tirano to Milan by regional train costs around 12, fixed-price, unlimited availability.
Milan to Venice 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
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 a mobile ticket 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 Venice on the 13:08 departure from Tirano, 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.
Booking the 13:08 departure from Tirano to Venice 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.
Venice to Paris by train
Which route to choose?
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Option 1 is the one I'd recommend if you want to travel from Venice to Paris in a single day.
Treat it as a chill-out day as 1,148 km (713 miles) of Italy, France and the Alps unfold outside your window.
You leave Venice on a late morning Frecciargento 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 the option of Trenitalia's luxury Executive class (premium 1st) with at-seat food & prosecco included.
Another advantage over option 2 is that both sectors (Venice-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 also gets you from Venice to Paris in a single day, using the competing SNCF (French Railways) TGV from Milan 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 Venice to Paris journeys are possible, a morning one and an early afternoon one, although personally I'd still go with option 1's Frecciarossa.
For a blow-by-blow comparison of Frecciarossa & TGV, see Which is the better train, Frecciarossa or TGV?
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Option 3 is the sleeper option. The direct Venice to Paris sleeper train was discontinued in 2020 and will not resume. However, you can take an excellent Austrian-run Nightjet train from Venice to Stuttgart, then a high-speed train with restaurant car to Paris. The Nightjet has cosy sleepers & economical couchettes, breakfast is included. Deluxe sleepers have their own shower & toilet. A comfortable and time-effective option which saves half a day, even if it's a long way round.
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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 Venice 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 Venice 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 involves a late afternoon EuroCity train from Venice to Zurich past the lakes & mountains of the Gotthard route, through the world's longest rail tunnel, the Gotthard Base Tunnel. Overnight stop in Zurich, then a high-speed double-deck TGV-Lyria from Zurich to Paris next morning. Not only does this break up the trip, it makes it quite time-effective, too.
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Option 6 is much slower, a bit more expensive 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 Venice 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.
Option 1, Venice to Paris in a day by Frecciarossa
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There's a late-morning departure from Venice to Paris every day
Leave Venice S. Lucia 11:48 or Verona P. Nuova 13:02, change at Milan Centrale (arrive 14:15, depart 15:53) arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 22:34.
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What are the trains & the journey like?
You travel from Venice to Milan at up to 250 km/h on one of Trenitalia's fast Frecciargento trains, with 1st & 2nd 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 Venice (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?
Venice to Milan starts at 19.90 in 2nd class or 29.90 in 1st class.
Milan to Paris starts at 29 in standard (2nd class), 36 in business (1st class) or 165 in executive (premium 1st).
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead for the cheapest prices.
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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 Venice Santa Lucia 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 Venice 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.
Option 2, Venice 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. As the TGV offers two afternoon departures from Milan, there's a choice of two departures from Venice.
Venice to Paris, Mondays-Fridays
Leave Venice Santa Lucia 08:18 arriving Milan Porta Garibaldi 10:47. Leave Milan Porta Garibaldi 14:10* arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 21:14*.
Leave Venice Santa Lucia 11:48 arriving Milan Centrale 14:15. Leave Milan Porta Garibaldi 16:10 arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 23:19.
* On certain dates this TGV runs earlier, leaving Milan Porta Garibaldi 12:10 and arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 19:16.
Venice to Paris, Saturdays & Sundays
Leave Venice Santa Lucia 08:18 arriving Milan Porta Garibaldi 10:47. Leave Milan Porta Garibaldi 12:10 arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 19:16.
Leave Venice Santa Lucia 11:48 arriving Milan Centrale 14:15. Leave Milan Porta Garibaldi 16:10 arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 23:19.
The 08:18 involves an easy same-station change in Milan. However, on the 11:48 departure you need to transfer from Milan Centrale to Milan Porta Garibaldi by metro or taxi, a 5-minute metro ride, an 8-minute taxi ride or a 25 minute walk. This is almost a bonus: Have a look around the magnificent Milan Centrale, a landmark in its own right, and see if you can find Mussolini.
You can also travel from Verona, these trains leave Verona Porta Nuova at 09:32 and 13:02 respectively.
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What are the train & journey like?
You travel from Venice to Milan with Trenitalia on either a premier high-speed Frecciarossa (08:18 departure), with standard, premium, business & executive classes, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, or a Frecciargento with 1st & 2nd class, cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. More information about Frecciarossas. More information about Frecciargentos.
You then travel from Turin to Paris by 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 information, photos & tips about the Paris-Milan journey..
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How much does it cost?
Venice to Milan starts at 19.90 in 2nd class or 29.90 in 1st class.
Milan to Paris starts at 29 in 2nd class or 44 in 1st class. All these fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
Buy tickets from Venice 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 Venice Santa Lucia 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 Venice 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.
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 a mobile ticket on your phone.
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How to buy tickets, advanced
Alternatively, you can book each train separately, more work, more fiddly, same prices, but no booking fee.
Step 1, book the train from Venice Santa Lucia 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). Itketless, 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 a mobile ticket on your phone.
Option 3, Venice to Paris using the Venice-Stuttgart sleeper
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Step 1, travel from Venice to Stuttgart by Nightjet sleeper
Travel from Venice to Stuttgart by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Venice Santa Lucia at 21:05 & arriving Stuttgart Hbf 08:38.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment. See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.
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Step 2, travel from Stuttgart to Paris by high-speed train
Travel from Stuttgart to Paris by ICE train, leaving Stuttgart Hbf at 10:52 & arriving Paris Gare de l'Est at 14:13.
This superb high-speed ICE train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
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How much does it cost?
Venice to Munich or Stuttgart by sleeper starts 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.
Munich or Stuttgart to Paris by ICE starts at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
Step 1, book the sleeper from Venice to Stuttgart 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.
Step 2, book from Stuttgart to Paris at the German Railways website int.bahn.de (in , no booking fee) or at www.thetrainline.com (in , £ or $, small booking fee, more about Trainline). Using www.thetrainline.com allows you to book both the TGV and the Nightjet together in one place. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.
Option 4, Venice to Paris with overnight stop in Turin
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Day 1, travel from Venice or Verona to Turin on any afternoon or early evening train you like, either a Trenitalia Frecciarossa or Frecciargento or an Italo train.
You can leave Venice Santa Lucia as late as 18:26, changing at Bologna Centrale and reaching Turin Porta Susa at 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. Frecciargentos have 1st & 2nd class, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. 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 and arrives Paris Gare de Lyon 13:22.
A TGV leaves Turin Porta Susa at 07:36 and arrives Paris Gare de Lyon 13:16.
Or spend the morning in Turin & leave Turin Porta Susa on the 13:38 (Saturday & Sunday plus some weekdays), 15:41 (weekdays, except when the 13:38 runs) or 17:38 (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?
Venice to Turin starts at 19.90 in 2nd class or 29.90 in 1st class.
Turin to Paris by TGV starts at 29 in 2nd class or 44 in 1st class.
Turin to Paris by Frecciarossa starts at 29 in standard (2nd class), 36 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 Venice Santa Lucia 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 a mobile ticket on your phone.
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How to buy tickets, advanced
Alternatively, you can book each train separately, more effort, more fiddly, same fares, but no booking fee.
Step 1, book the train from Venice Santa Lucia 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 a mobile ticket on your phone. Book the Frecciarossa using the same websites given in step 1.
Option 5, Venice to Paris with overnight stop in Zurich
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Day 1, travel from Venice or Verona to Zurich by EuroCity train, leaving Venice Santa Lucia at 15:18 or Verona Porta Nuova at 16:32 and arriving Zurich HB at 22:27.
The train has power sockets at all seats and an elegant restaurant car. It takes the Gotthard route past lakes and mountains, via the world's longest rail tunnel, the Gotthard Base Tunnel. Treat yourself to dinner with wine in the restaurant car.
This train will revert to arriving at 21:27 once the issues in the Gotthard Base Tunnel are resolved in summer 2024. In the meantime, it arrives at 22:27 and takes the old scenic Gotthard route 'over the top' taking an extra hour.
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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.
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.
You can leave Zurich HB at 07:34 arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 11:38, or leave Zurich HB at 09:34 arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 13:38, or leave Zurich HB at 11:34 arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 15:38. Your call!
TGV-Lyria trains are double-deck with 3 classes, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. More information about TGV-Lyria.
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How much does it cost?
Venice or Verona to Zurich starts at 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class.
Zurich to Paris starts at 29 in 2nd class (standard) or 51 in 1st class (standard premiere).
All these fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
Book the Venice-Zurich train at either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com and add it to your basket. Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. It's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.
Book the Zurich-Paris train at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, add it to your basket and check out, paying for both tickets as one transaction. Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
Option 6, Venice 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 Venice to Zurich the scenic way.
Travel from Venice to or Verona Milan by Frecciargento leaving Venice S. Lucia 07:18 or Verona P. Nuova 08:32, arriving Milan Centrale 09:45.
The Frecciargento has 1st & 2nd class, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Slightly earlier departures are also available if you'd like a safer connection with time for a coffee at the magnificent Milan Centrale.
Then travel from Milan to Tirano by regional train, leaving Milan Centrale at 10:20 and running alongside 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 Venice 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 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.
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 on any departure you like.
You can leave Zurich HB at 07:34 arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 11:38, or leave Zurich HB at 09:34 arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 13:38, or leave Zurich HB at 11:34 arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 15:38. Your call!
TGV-Lyria trains have 3 classes, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. More information about TGV-Lyria.
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How much does it cost?
Venice to Milan starts at 19.90 in 2nd class or 29.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Milan to Tirano by regional train costs around 12, fixed-price, unlimited availability.
Tirano to Zurich starts at CHF 52 (around 50). Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Zurich to Paris by TGV 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
Step 1, book a ticket from Venice 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 a mobile ticket on your phone.