jackiebowyer1

My 22 year old and I are traveling France and Italy for 3 weeks. We have had a change in our itinerary and I am wondering what the best way would be to travel from Nice to Venice? Train?, Plane? Overnight train? Any advice will help. Thank you very much.

sandralist

Usually there is a non-stop flight but it may depend on your travel dates If there isn't a non-stop you should also check out 1 stop flights vs flight to Rome + train to Venice and see how they compare for convenience and cost.

Usually the most tedious way is by train (no overnight train just a lot of hours during the day on slow trains with many switches.)

PalenQ

the former Nice to Venice overnight train was scrubbed a few years ago and yes by day train it is a long slog - changing at Ventimgilia and either Genoa or Milan - are you traveling around France and Italy by train - if so look at the France-Italy Youth Railpass as it could be a great deal for you - being under 26 is the only criteria.

For lots on trains in those countries check out these IMO superbly informative sources: www.budgeteuropetravel.com; www.seat61.com and www.ricksteves.com.

If not in a hurry break your train journey in Genoa, one of the most fascinating cities in Italy.

PalenQ

If going by train the best and quickest link leaves Nice-Ville station on a regional train to Ventimiglia, the Italian border station, changing there to an IC train to Milan, changing there to trains for Venice - arriving at Venice Santa Lucia station at 17:40 - the absolute quickest by train - look into flying.

neckervd

There is no overnight train between Nice and Venice.

It's really up to you to decide whether you want to fly or to take the train. The train ride takes about 8 hrs and costs about 80 EUR. If you don't want to waste the whole day, you may leave Nice at 13.55 and arrive at Venice at 22.04

The train may be better if you plan to visit some of the many gems along the train itinerary.

PalenQ

Yes if not in a hurry and can take more than one day stops in places like Lake Garda and or Verona would be sweet - taking a few hours off the thru rail marathon.

sandralist

Depending on the time of year, where you are staying in Venice, and whether you have been there before, you might not want to arrive in Venice after dark or arrive at an hour when restaurants are likely to no longer be serving after you've checked into your hotel. Also, Verona is not that far from Venice. You would still face close to a 7 hour train trip with train changes. (And the train station in Verona is beyond walking range of the most interesting part of town if you have luggage.)

If you decide to spend all day on the train with the idea you are going to get off someplace "sweet" for lunch or a look around, then you need to research which train stations have luggage storage and also realize you will need to buy separate train tickets in many instances and it may lengthen your time considerably, beyond the hours you spend lunching or sightseeing. If you get off an intercity train, you may not get another one and thus need to take a slower train the rest of the way, with changes.

Some towns along the train route are better at some times of year rather than others.

Don't know if your itinerary is flexible, but is it possible for you to leave for Venice from a different French city? Or see Venice before you get to France?

There is no "best" way to do it. Some people enjoy slow train travel and don't mind switching trains. It is part of the fun of travel or they have environmental concerns, so that is "best" for them. Other people have different travel needs, and what is best for them is to fly. it is a one hour flight from Nice to Venice, and even allowing time for getting to and from airports, you can leave Nice in the morning and be settled into your hotel and heading out for a relaxed lunch the same day.

PalenQ

Don't know if your itinerary is flexible, but is it possible for you to leave for Venice from a different French city? Or see Venice before you get to France?>

There is a direct overnight train Paris to Venice - www.thello.com for details.

jackiebowyer1

We will be traveling with backpacks like what is used for trail hiking. Can anyone tell me how that works when flying? Do we check it in as a piece of luggage or do they allow us to take it on the plane? If checking it, what would be the cost?

PalenQ

that would vary from airline to airline - check with the carrier - usually there is a size limit for carry-ons.