Man_in_seat_61

The Thello night train from Venice to Paris is absolutely fine - as long as you have realistic expectations. Bring a picnic & bottle of wine and it can be great fun,

And anything is better than the stress of airport security and an easily-avoidable flight emitting 10 times as much CO2 (and you have 'flights' back home so flying is not an experience, right?!)

The Thello train has just been revamped, the couchettes are in fact really nice, indeed it gets good feedback from those who bring that picnic & vino and use a cheap couchette from just €29 in 6-berth or €45 in 4-berth (so beating the airfare AND saving a hotel bill - saving a Paris or Venice hotel bill is a bigger deal than saving the airfare! It gets less good reports from people with unrealistic expectations, who perhaps use the restaurant expecting a chef cooking cordon bleu food in a kitchen and find the 21st century reality on a real-transportation-non-$3000-cruise-train is paper plates and a microwave. See the photos & my opinion of Thello here: https://www.seat61.com/thello-train-from-paris-to-italy.htm. I've used Thello a number of times and enjoyed it.

HOWEVER, that said, I'd seriously suggest the Bernina route here, as it is FABULOUS and will be a highlight of your trip. And you can do Tirano-Zurich from just €29.90: https://www.seat61.com/BerninaExpress.htm

You really won;t regret the time to do that! Just do it!

jacooper

Man_in_seat_61

I'm beginning to doubt the benefit in treading Tripadvisor reviews, It's where people gripe. If you do, you end up staying at home, or timidly venturing out avoiding any local colour or interest, making every journey on an ISO9000 airline that's exactly like you have at home and eating every meal in McD's because it's sanitised and predictable and like you have at home. A shame, really! ;0)

jacooper

thursdaysd

I have taken a number of night trains over the years, in Europe, Asia and North America, although fewer recently. I also read TA hotel reviews, although with care, and throwing out those from people with only a few reviews and those complaining about things (like small rooms) that don't bother me. So I went to have a look at the TA reviews for this train.

I noticed a number of complaints about lack of AC, but I wouldn't expect that to be a problem in May. I noticed complaints about late arrival, which was a bit of a surprise. I expect that from Amtrak, but not so much in Europe. I noticed complaints about food, but boarding with your own would take care of that. I noticed some complaints about cleanliness, which were more worrying.

What I did not notice were complaints about the smoothness of the ride, which is critical to getting a good night's sleep. Leaving aside third class on the night train to Bangkok (my mistake by not booking ahead) my absolutely worst train ride was Hanoi to Sapa, with crashing and banging all night long. Regrettably, one of the next worst was the Caledonian Sleeper in the UK last year, which also provided a ride so bad I got little sleep.

I would consider taking this train in a four berth couchette, board with food and drink, and not book a connection. However, I would be more likely to take the recommendations for day trains and travel through Switzerland. Or, perhaps, via Milan and Lyon, although in that case I would revisit underrated Turin.

PalenQ

That’s the thing - a day train, especially the Bernina Express, is a wonderful alternative to the night train. The alternative doesn’t have to be a flight.>

Yes but the fabulous Bernina Pass rail route via Zurich to Paris will be an all-day and maybe half-night affair from Venice to Paris - maybe not even possible in one day but ideal if want to break up at say St Moritz or Pontresina area.

bvlenci

I think it's quicker and more convenient through Basel, with an overnight there. Only two trains (plus the train to get to Milan). You could actually do it all in one day, but you might have to spend the night in Milan to get an early start.

kerouac

Long stretches on trains during the day can be a major highlight of a holiday, particularly if you are equipped with food and drink ahead of time. You don't even need to have fabulous scenery. Your imagination should also come into play.

jacooper

PalenQ

Yes and the Bernina Pass rail route - local trains do the same route as BEX trains though the latter give commentary and have plusher seats and panoramic observation cars. CT for 5 days is way overkill IMO.

kerouac

Not a bad idea, but I also understand that some people go stir crazy if they are "stuck" on a train for too long.

PalenQ

And yes the Bernina Pass route Venice to Paris would take about two days of travel on trains - night train practically none. Plus a day of relocating and carrying bags on trains.

bvlenci

I wouldn't want to do any complicated train route while burdened with luggage.

JeanneB

We flew from Venice to Paris-Orly. A final stroll and breakfast in Venice before heading to the airport. I think we left around mid-day. Took the airport shuttle bus from Piazzale Roma (very easy).
VCE-Orly was about 1 1/2 hours. Taxi to central Paris was only about 20 minutes. So we were settled in our hotel in plenty of time for a walk around our new neighborhood before a lovely dinner.

It was one of my favorite days....ever.

(And those flights are still absurdly inexpensive. You just have to watch your luggage allowance.)

caroltravels

I completely appreciate everyone's contributions to this thread. They have been extremely valuable. I did extend our time in Venice and cut into our time in Cinque Terre. It just felt right. Cinque Terre is going to be R&R and laundry. Just looking for the spot that appeals. Despite the naysayers, we're ready for the Venice-Paris train. I booked a private compartment with a bathroom. With wine and snacks, we should be okay. Now on the the details. All thoughts appreciated. How can you do something different if you don't listen to different voices?

Thanks everybody!

swandav2000

Hi again,

Whee! I'm glad you jumped and booked the private sleeping compartment! As I said above, I found it to be interesting, fun, and well worthwhile. And I slept fine (and I am a light sleeper). At the very least, it will be a new experience for both of you... and isn't that one of the best things about travel!

Hope you enjoy it!

s

bvlenci

I've taken that train in the past, before it was taken over by Thello, but leaving from Milan. I had no problem with it, but it's a good idea to bring your own food and beverages. There was no food service at all on the train that time, although it had been advertised. I couldn't even get a bottle of water, and the water in the bathroom was not potable. However, I believe things have improved somewhat since Thello took over.

I slept fine, but I'm not a light sleeper. For me, it was very convenient as it saved me a night in a hotel, and gave me the whole day before at work in Italy, and the whole day after in France.

kerouac

I think you will very much enjoy the train from Venice to Paris in a private compartment. That makes all the difference. And even if I don't always sleep well on a train, it is because I am so excited to be sleeping on a train!