Before I pull the final trigger and commit to my reservation - is there any benefit to taking trains from Paris to Venice and Venice to Rome instead of the much shorter flights? <BR> <BR>The airline fares are not much more than the cost of the train if I buy an additional leg from Rome to Paris which I won;t use. <BR> <BR>I am leaning towards the plane vs the train because it will take less time and our time in Europe is limited to 4 nights per city. <BR> <BR>If it makes a difference - we will be travelling early July. <BR> <BR>All responses pro and con will be very welcome! <BR> <BR>Thanks. <BR> <BR>Donna

Additional things to consider: <BR> <BR>Time (include the "arrive one hour before departure")/expense to get to/from airports. <BR> <BR>Times/number of departures per day for both modes of transportation. <BR> <BR>Overnight trains save time; you're traveling during non-sightseeing hours.

Thanks for the comments. <BR> <BR>Departures for all flights are a plenty. Pretty much can pick and choose the times that work for me. <BR> <BR>I did consider the overnight train - but knowing me I'd probably get no sleep - and also probably not much in the way of scenery to see at night.

I have done neither but I would say the quicker the better to get from place to place. <BR> <BR>A short plane ride vs a long train ride is a no brainer for me. <BR> <BR>Have a great trip. <BR> <BR>Sue

In my opinion, the differences in mode of transportation are immense. Both have benefits, namely, if you take the train you will see and enjoy all the scenery in between the two locations. Since the distance is substantial, if you travel by air, you will save lots of time to do your sightseeing elsewhere. I think it's just a matter of where your own priorities lie and how much time you have.

Donna- <BR>I've taken the overnight train Paris/Venice and it was nice to use what would have been "down time" to travel rather than spend daylight hours to hassle with getting to/from the airport. Yes, there's no scenery at night, unless there's a bright moon, but c'est la vie. Also have done Venice/Rome day train, and the scenery was nice. Admittedly, my bias is that train travel is much more civilized than airplanes. Whichever you choose, enjoy!