After reading through past posts, considering price differentials, etc., we have just about decided to wait until we get to Europe to make our train reservations (we have already purchased a rail pass, however.) as opposed to making them from here.

My question is regarding making reservations for the two overnight train trips we will be making. The first is from Paris to Venice on Sept. 27 and the second is from Rome to Paris on Oct. 8. My questions are:

How far in advance should we make these particular reservations? (The earliest I will be in Europe is Sept. 19.) Are a few days enough? Or should we consider making at least the overnight reservations before we leave for Europe?

Any opinions/advice/suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Jennie

Jennie,

Make your reservations as soon as you arrive. Night trains have a tendency to fill rapidly that time of the year. Since you already know your dates it should be easy to make reservations. This can be done at any train station or travel agent. Depending on if you want a compartment or couchette will dictate what is available. Have fun.

Greg

Hi Jennie,

If you wait a few days, you should be able to make reservations from Paris to Venice online at www.SNCF.com.

Make the Rome/Paris reservations upon arrival in Venice.

Alternatively, perhaps your hotels can make the reservations for you.

Ira, Jennie can't do reservations only on the SNCF site. She can call their English number during before 10pm French time and make them that way. 011-33-892-35-35-39.

Make both reservations when you get ther. I would go to a travel agent as they are eveywhere. The train stations tend to have lines. Why make a special trip to the station? Just pop into a travel agent as you are walking around Paris. Have a fun trip!

Thanks so much for all of the helpful advice. I do appreciate it.

Jennie

Hi LVSue,

Thanks for the correction. Is this because she has a eurailpass?