deedeedee

Looking for info regarding the train from Paris to Venice (or maybe Florence)
How long of a ride is it ? I will be traveling with a teenager & thought it might
be fun rather than flying. Not interested in the sleeper. Maybe something in
the day time for the scenery. Is there much difference in 1st or 2nd class tickets
regarding the views from the train. What would be the cost be ? Thanks

PalenQ

www.thello.com

kybourbon

Thello is the night train, not days. Other trains will require changes at Milan or multiple changes (Turin,Bologna, etc.). The fastest day time connections will take about 10 hours.

Christina

Trains don't divide seats between classes based on views. Different cars are first or second and all the cars go by the same thing. It is based on the "niceness" of the car and some amenities.

nytraveler

If you are going to be spending the whole day on the train I would spring for first class - which will give you larger, more comfy seats - and is usually much less crowded - as well as more room for your luggage.

For details on all possible trains go to bahn.de - which has the bet info on schedules - althouhg prices only on strains starting in Germany.

Dukey1

As was stated above a little more than 10 hours with fastest route being Paris-Milan via TGV and then Milan-Venice.

easytraveler

The only nonstop train, as far as I can tell, is the sleeper train. Otherwise, all the other Paris-Venice trains require at least one to four stops.

The trips involving one stop usually stop at Milan Centrale. Milan Centrale is huge and there are pickpockets. Do travel light and read the following to protect your belongings:

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel...tion-BR-1.html

It seems like the two stop trips require a change of trains in Torino and Bologna - If my recollection is correct, Bologna is rather confusing with two sets of tracks, oen for local and for more long distance trains, but they are labelled the same. I seem to recall one trip where I was running back and forth between two sets of tracks not knowing which set had my ongoing train to Florence. Once you know there are two sets of tracks, it's easy to orient yourself. Maybe PQ or kybourbon can provide more accurate and detailed information.

Train travel in Europe is more fun and I personally prefer it to air travel. Have a fine trip!

PalenQ

Currently the overnight Thello train goes direct to Venice with no changes of train required.

Man_in_seat_61

The most time-effective option is the overnight Thello sleeper train. Departs Paris Gare de Lyon 19:45, arrives Venice Santa Lucia on the banks of the grand canal at 09:34 next morning.

Couchettes (simple flat bunks with duvet and pillow) from 35 euros, beds in 2-bed sleepers from 145 euros, book at www.thello.com. Restaurant car available for dinner & breakfast.

The daytime option involves a French TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon to Milan Porto Garibaldi. There's one at 07:49 arriving Milan at 14:45, from 25 euros booked at www.tgv-europe.com (you'l need to select 'Antarctic' if you're from the USA to avoid being bumped to Rail Europe). Take a taxi 6 euros, 10 minutes, from Milan Porto Garibaldi to Milan Centrale. Then book the 16:05 train from Milan to Venice at www.trenitalia.com, from 9 euros with a 'Mini' fare.

The Paris-Milan route goes along the rural Rhone valley then through Chambery and Modane in the Alps into Italy. It's quite scenic.

Alternatively, take a later TGV, 10:41 Mon-, change at Turin, arrive Venice 21:40. Book in two stages Paris-Turin at tgv-europe.com, Tuirn-Venice at trenitalia.com.

At weekends, the TGV goes at 12:45, change trains 7 stations in Milan, Venice arrive 23:56.

Man_in_seat_61

16:05 Frecciabianca train from Milan arrives Venice Santa Lucia 18:40.

pauljohnson2012

Well you can book the train from raileurpoe or you can find the more details on their site regarding train timing, cost etc. But i think cost will be around $150 and will be 13 hr journey. And there is no much difference in 1st class and 2nd class as the services of most of the trains in Europe are very good.

PalenQ

. Then book the 16:05 train from Milan to Venice at www.trenitalia.com, from 9 euros with a 'Mini' fare.>

this advice seems to indicate that you have a viable change to get a 9 euro fare - well they are few and far between and it seems must be booked months in advance when they come on the system - the key word in 'from 9 euros' - plan on in reality paying much more. Trenitalia has very very few seats available at 9 euros yet they are constantly hyped as viable when in fact they are not for the average traveler's plan.

Anyway great sources of info for these trains and European trains in general - www.seat61.com (Man in Seat 61's commercial site) - www.ricksteves.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com.

Man_in_seat_61

9 euros, 19 euros, 29 euros. Whatever! They work like air fares, you go online and see what it gives you.

Budget train fares have arrived!

deedeedee

Thanks to ALL !!!

kybourbon

>>>this advice seems to indicate that you have a viable change to get a 9 euro fare - well they are few and far between and it seems must be booked months in advance when they come on the system - the key word in 'from 9 euros' - plan on in reality paying much more. Trenitalia has very very few seats available at 9 euros yet they are constantly hyped as viable when in fact they are not for the average traveler's plan.<<<

You do have a good chance of finding 9€ fares on the Milan/Venice route. They were the first route to regularly have them available. I find lots of 9€ fares on various routes.

PalenQ

I'' take kywhisky's word on that! I do wonder how Trenitalia makes any money on all those 9 euros fare - so available one would be daft to pay more? Well it IS Italy and one reason Italy is following the lead of Greece perhaps.