I am seeking detailed infomation on the concept of a DAY train from Venice to Paris. The objective is to see as much of the Alps as possible, but with arrival in Paris on the evening of September 18th. We understand there might be a stop or change of some kind in Milan, but would hope to see the Alps after Milan. Is it worth while, on the day train, going first class? Should we purchase point-to-point tickets for this once only journey, or would we be better with some kind of pass + fare system. The only OTHER train journey we contemplate is from Paris to London using the tunnel under the channel.
What would be our approximate costs if such a Venice to Paris day train does run? We are three adults and no children are involved.

SO, so, so much better to fly in my opinion. Cheaper too. See www.volareweb.com

Best wishes,

Rex

Hi John,

I looked up the trains from Venezia to Parigi on www.trenitalia.com using the Italian site.

The only day train leaves Mestre at 06:03 and arrives Gare de Lyon at 16:11, with a change of trains in Milano.

First of all, and for your own stated interests (seeing the Alps) the ROUTE of the train is going to be important. A lot of the service Venice-Paris takes a somewhat roundabout route after Milan, through Turin, Modane and on to Lyon, pretty much bypassing the Alps for the most part. You may be a somewhat better view if you were to change in Milan and route yourself up through Brig in Switzerland and then on into France via Lausanne or Geneva where you can catch direct TGV service into Paris.
You could also route yourself through the Bernese Oberland through Interlaken, etc.
Realistically, you may get some alpine glimpses on the train but to really see anything in much detail you'd probably need to spend at least a day or more doing so.

My possibly helpful impressions: I don't think a train pass is ever effective with only 2 uses. Venice to Paris trains transfer in Milan (in my experience which is limited). I did Geneva/Venice by day and Venice/Paris by night. I didn't feel you really saw much of the Alps from on the train, limited views as you pass thru the back sides of towns, thru forests, etc.

john-

I agree with JonJon's suggestion. Pick the route that passes through Switzerland (either Lausanne or Interlaken). It will be more scenic than the Turin route.
Go to www.bahn.de to check out train schedules. Make sure after you put in Paris & Venezia, add "Via Lausanne" or "Via Interlaken", otherwise, it will only show you the Turin route.

I wish to thank all 5 respondents to my original post. The advice is greatly appreciated. I am now considering the night train from Venice to Paris, but I cannot figure out the exact nature of the cabin bookings.

I think we want what they call the "Excelsior" cabins, but they offer a "Single" and a "Double" Excelsior. My wife and I want to be in the same cabin, but only the two of us, obviously. Do we want, then, a "single" or a "double" excelsior cabin?

I find trying to find out about European trains very frustrating, far more frustrating than finding out about and booking hotels!!!

Hi john,

What website are you using?

I went to the SNCF site. The choices in 1 cl are First Special (2 single rooms) and Double w/Shower (1 compartment for 2 people). The latter is 540E.

I personally hate night trains. If you don't want to see anything, then I agree with Rex to fly. But I love train travel (in the daytime). You can do the train in as little as 10 hours with one stop in Milan, but the better route for scenery takes 12 and a half hours (departing Venice SL at 7:51 AM and arriving in Paris at 8:21 in the evening).

By the way, the more scenic route I'm talking about is that described by JonJon above. First class and it would be a wonderful way to spend the day, without arriving too late in Paris.

I wish again to thank everyone for their replies and suggestions. It is great to be able to "talk" with those who have been there and done it.

I have thought about the suggestions as to route from JonJon, as above, but we have decided we would rather have the extra day in Venice and also another in Paris. Thus, we intend to leave Venice, from the St. Lucia station, sometime around 8:00 pm on the evening of September 18, and get into Paris around 8:00 am the next morning. The train referred to in my earlier posting, above, seems to have a special name, the "Artesia Night (Rialto)". The only "artesia" I am familiar with is in the case of "artesian wells", so it must mean something different. As to the question, above, concerning the site I was using for information, it is as follows:

<www.eurorailways.com/sleepers/parrom.htm>

On re-visiting this site, I note they provide a 1-800, toll free number, so I will be calling to seek clarification on these so-called "Excelsior" cabins.

My wife was also wondering if there would be any language problems coming off a cruise ship and getting to the railway station and "sorted out" on the right train, and so on. We only have English to communicate, although I can "stumble along" in a slow, crude sort of way with written French...

Again, my appreciation for all who have shown an interest and offered advice.

Hi John

>wondering if there would be any language problems coming off a cruise ship and getting to the railway station and "sorted out" on the right train, and so on. <

Probably not. Your hotel should be able to help you with getting to the train station.

Have your train number, car number and berth number printed out on a piece of paper to show the folks in the train station.

'Where is ....' is "Dove `e ....., per favore".

'Thank you' is "grazi".

Grazi! Grazi!