train travel italy to france

• train tickets

Rome to Paris by train

Travel from Rome (Italy) to Paris (France) by train (1106km): schedule and information to the train connection. Compare fares and buy your ticket.

Rome - Paris @ 2024-05-25

To travel from Rome to Paris by train, read the following information. You find timetables and ticket prices online via our booking links.

Your travel route could be like that.

1 Rome (Italy) - Paris (France)

The following links could be interesting for you.

train connections : popular connections travelled by other users

1a Travelling from Rome (Italy) to Paris (France)

Travel from Rome to Paris by train. The journey time is 11 hours. The train ticket price starts at 37 EUR. You have to change trains in Milan. There are five daily train connections. If you like, you can include the comfortable "Thello" overnight train. Travel from Rome to Paris in two steps: 1) Rome to Milan: Travel by "Trenitalia Frecciarossa" or "ITALO" high-speed-train with a journey time of 3:10 hours. The ticket price starts at 16 EUR. Calculate one hour for the change of trains in Milan. 2) Milan to Paris: Travel by TGV INOUI OUIGO high-speed-train. The journey time is seven hours. The train ticket price starts at 29 EUR. Or travel by "Thello" overnight train. The departure time in Milan is 23:00. The arrival time in Paris is 09:40. The ticket price for a bed starts at 29 EUR. Find the exact train schedules and buy your ticket via the given booking links.

Where to buy a ticket from Rome to Paris?

Cheap train tickets! Buy your train ticket online on Omio. The easy to use booking system with very good prices and e-tickets.

Cheap international train tickets Official online shop of Netherlands railways (NS International). International train tickets for Europe including overnight trains. Buy your saver fare tickets easily and securely here.

Interrail/Eurail celebrates its 50th anniversary. Get 10% discount now! --> Make your journey easier: buy only one Interrail or Eurail pass instead of several train tickets. Save your time and money!

train types: Train types you are likely to travel with. Frecciabianca (FB) / Frecciarossa (FR AV) / TGV France - Italy (TGV)

night train: Night trains that might be suitable for this trip. TH 221 Paris - Venice / TH 220 Venice - Paris

train connections: popular connections travelled by other users Paris - Rome

Travel overnight from France to Italy

Trial operations from september 2017, across the alps along the tenda line., with the direct thello or by ic/ter services (the interrail option), need a cheap place to sleep we recommend booking.com, find a cheap flight compare prices on kiwi.com.

Do you have questions about the connection between Rome and Paris? Does something not work as it should? Just ask in our forum and get competent answers from our rail travel experts.

Eurail: if you want to travel this route by Eurail instead of train tickets, have a look here for reservation fees and further information.

Train Routes

• Bosnia-Herzegovina
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom

about railcc : We are real travellers and offer honest and well-grounded tips and tricks for your train journey.

Train tickets

• search train route
• night train
• train company

Rail passes

• Britrail Pass
• German Rail Pass
• Swiss Travel Pass
• Renfe Spain Pass
• Balkan Flexi Pass

Travel guide

• travel tours
• train types
• train travel in ...
• ferry connections
• bus tickets
• Interrail Global Pass
• Interrail One Country Pass
• first time Interrail
• how to Interrail
• Interrail train reservations
• Interrail night trains
• Interrail ferries
• Interrail buses
• Interrail country overview
• Interrail offers and discounts
• Eurail Global Pass
• Eurail Select Pass
• Eurail ONE Country Pass
• how to Eurail
• first time Eurail
• Eurail train reservations
• Eurail night trains
• Eurail ferries
• Eurail buses
• Eurail in ...
• Eurail offers and discounts
• about railcc

We speak more than 30 languages

rail.cc is partner and friend of

• Skip to main content
• Skip to secondary menu
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

France and Italy by Train

Your Guide to Train Travel in France & Italy: Paris to Rome Trains & More

Paris to Strasbourg by Train

Blending cross-border customs, food, and architecture into one singular city, Strasbourg is a top-tier destination. It’s got something for slow travelers, history lovers, architecture buffs, foodies and, of course, Christmas shoppers. And the Paris to Strasbourg by train journey is easy and exceedingly pleasant on SNCF’s direct TGV services. Embark on a journey that blends…

Continue Reading Paris to Strasbourg by Train

Lyon to Nice by Train

High-speed TGV trains are the ticket to slow travel bliss, and the Lyon to Nice trains connect two contrasting cities that could feature on any of “best of”…

Continue Reading Lyon to Nice by Train

Rome to Verona by Train

Verona’s rich culture was already the stuff of legend before Shakespeare wrote two celebrated plays about this absorbing Venetian city (Two Gentleman of Verona and, of course, Romeo…

Continue Reading Rome to Verona by Train

Paris to Munich by Train

France and Germany share a border, an enthusiasm for picturesque castles and a complicated history (putting it mildly). Yet, they remain countries of striking contrasts. Today, they couldn’t…

Continue Reading Paris to Munich by Train

Sicily by Train: 5 Popular Rail Routes for Travelers

Sicily, the Mediterranean’s largest and most populous island, is one of Italy’s most thrilling regions. 2,500 years of conquering civilizations from across Europe, Scandinavia, the Middle East and…

Continue Reading Sicily by Train: 5 Popular Rail Routes for Travelers

The 10 Best Day Trips From Rome by Train

The Italian capital contains enough sights and attractions to make any vacation burst at the seams. But if you’re keen to see more of Italy, there are some…

Continue Reading The 10 Best Day Trips From Rome by Train

What Are TGV Trains in France?

All Aboard the TGV: France’s High-Speed Train Revolution Welcome to the world of TGV, France’s iconic high-speed train system that has revolutionized the way people travel within the…

Continue Reading What Are TGV Trains in France?

What Are “Regionale” Trains in Italy?

A Regionale train in Italy is a local train service that operates within the same region or between neighboring regions. These trains are generally slower, making more stops…

Continue Reading What Are “Regionale” Trains in Italy?

The 10 Best Day Trips From Paris by Train

Once in Paris, it can be hard to wrench yourself away. The City of Light is home to some of the world’s leading attractions, more than enough to…

Continue Reading The 10 Best Day Trips From Paris by Train

Is the Paris to Venice Overnight Train Really Returning?

Travelers must exercise patience, but, yes, the Paris to Venice overnight train is set to return. But this time, a new operator takes over. Here are the details.…

Continue Reading Is the Paris to Venice Overnight Train Really Returning?

Milan to Lake Como by Train

A shimmering natural wonder nestled on the Swiss-Italian border, Lake Como is a delight for nature lovers and anyone with a taste for the high life. A regional…

Continue Reading Milan to Lake Como by Train

Paris to Monaco by Train

For Parisians and tourists, the shimmering charms of Provence and the French Riviera are irresistible. The stunning region is dotted with colorful towns infused with Mediterranean character. One…

Continue Reading Paris to Monaco by Train

Paris to Chamonix by Train

Traveling from Paris to Chamonix by train is a journey of extraordinary contrasts. From a crowded metropolis bursting with cultural marvels to a tranquil landscape of natural wonders.…

Continue Reading Paris to Chamonix by Train

6 Incredible Overnight Destinations by Train Between Paris and Rome

Paris and Rome. Paradise and Valhalla, two worlds apart. On the one hand, you have decadent heaven on Earth known as Paris: the city of love, lights, fashion…

Continue Reading 6 Incredible Overnight Destinations by Train Between Paris and Rome

Nice to Venice by Train

A rail journey from the heart of the French Riviera to the dreamy canals of Venice is one for travelers content to while away 8-9 hours gliding along…

Continue Reading Nice to Venice by Train

R.I.P. Overnight Trains From Paris to Rome

Sadly, Italian railway, Thello, no longer offers overnight trains from Paris to Rome, discontinuing the service in 2013. The other overnight train option available was Paris to Venice, then…

Continue Reading R.I.P. Overnight Trains From Paris to Rome

The Bernina Express From Paris to Rome

In Europe, slow travel is a luxury. You can, however, pull together a few unforgettable events if you have the time. Riding Switzerland’s Bernina Express when traveling from Paris…

Continue Reading The Bernina Express From Paris to Rome

Download Railway Maps

Download a map of the Italian rail network.

Download a map of the French rail network.

search train routes

France & italy by train.

Get our Rail Planner app

Plan your trip, get extra discounts, and show your Pass as you go.

Our favorite spring routes

Celebrate spring with these 7 off-the-beaten-path train routes

All about seat reservations

Everything you need to know about booking your seats

Alternatives to Busy Routes

Travel between popular European cities without seat reservations

Through our Chatbot in the bottom right corner.

Ask the Community

Browse questions from fellow Eurail travellers, or ask your own!

• Plan your trip
• Trains in Europe
• Useful Train Information
• Travel between France-Italy-Spain

Train Travel From France to Italy

• Order overview
• Reservations overview
• My Trips & Travelers
• {{translatedTraveler}} {{#promotional}} {{currencySign}} {{standardPrice}} {{/promotional}} {{quantity}}x {{currencySign}} {{finalPrice}}
• Child {{childPasses}}x FREE
• {{translatedPassType}}
• {{translatedValidityPeriodDescription}}
• {{translatedClass}}
• Remove Pass(es)
• {{variant.localizedTravelPackDescription}} {{quantity}}x Free
• {{variant.localizedPassUpgradeDescription}} {{quantity}}x {{currency}} {{price}}
• Your order will arrive by {{expectedDeliveryDate}} 1 x {{currency}} {{price}}

Your cart is empty

France and Italy are two of the most popular countries to include in a Eurail trip. You can find many cultural highlights in these countries, as well as beautiful scenery and golden beaches. On this page, we show you the best and easiest ways to travel between France and Italy. Please keep in mind that all high-speed and night trains in and between France and Italy require an advance reservation. Regional trains do not require reservations. French high-speed and night trains often have limited seat allocation for Eurail Pass Holders. It's important that you book these as far in advance as possible. You can reserve trains up to 3 months before your travel date.

From Paris to Ventimiglia

Travel time:

Reservation needed:

Paris, France

Gare de Lyon

Reservation required

Ventimiglia, Italy

Ventimiglia

Lyon, France

Lyon Part-Dieu

Marseille, France

Gare de Marseille-Saint-Charles

Nice, France

Gare d'Austerlitz

Change of currency

You cannot change the currency once you have a Pass in your cart. Remove the Pass, and then change the currency on the website header.

The 8 most spectacular train journeys in France

Dec 25, 2023 • 11 min read

Traveling across France by train might be the ideal way to take in its glorious scenery © iandresr / Getty Images

Chugging past rolling hills full of heritage vineyards, cutting through spectacular mountainous backcountry, or zipping along the coastline of the Mediterranean: there’s no better way to experience the beauty and bounty of  France than from the window seat of a train. 

The superb rail network in la République makes it easy to explore the far corners of this rich, varied country. We’ve chosen the following journeys because they offer scenic beauty, keep up a vintage heritage or are just plain fabulous. All aboard for the best train rides in France!

1. Le Cévenol is the most remote and wild train ride

Clermont-Ferrand to Nîmes; 303km (188 miles)  

The savage beauty of the isolated Massif Central opens up on one of France’s oldest train routes – and one of the most challenging to build, given the topography of the Gorges de l’Allier. In the mid-1800s, the technology to blast through granite and basalt mountains didn't yet exist, so in a triumphant feat of engineering, workers used rudimentary techniques to blast out the line’s tunnels. Le Cévenol (also known as La Ligne des Cévennes) opened in 1870 for both passengers and freight, including coal headed to the Rhône region and wine to Paris. 

The Cévenol forms part of a longer, cross-country route linking Marseille to Paris , but most riders jump aboard at Clermont-Ferrand , in the heart of volcano country. You’ll start off admiring volcanic plugs dotting the landscape before heading through the pièce de résistance: the Gorges de l’Allier. High above the Allier River, magnificent views open up, stretching far across the gorge.

Along the way, you’ll cross three historic viaducts, wind through several impressive valleys and traverse 106 tunnels. The highest point is La Bastide-Puylaurent at 1024m (3360ft), while the Chamborigaud viaduct promises a heart-in-mouth experience as you teeter high above the landscape for 409 endless meters (1341ft). 

Planning tip: Maintenance work is often carried out in the spring, and SNCF buses replace trains. Be sure to check ahead before booking. 

2. Le Train du Montenvers will get you up close to a glacier

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc to Montenvers; 5km (3 miles) 

Mont Blanc towers over the Alps, its eternally snow-capped peak providing a majestic vista from afar. To get up close to this age-old mountain, hop aboard the famous cherry-red Train du Montenvers , as sightseers have done since 1908.

Departing from the main train station in Chamonix , the rack-and-pinion train trundles up the mountainside at an angle greater than 9%, climbing through dark forests and tunnels pierced through the rock. Sit on the left side of the train to take in glimpses of Mont Blanc between the fir trees.

It takes about 20 minutes to ascend 1000m (3280ft) up the mountain and – just when you think the high mountain scenery can’t get any more stunning – you arrive at the foot of Mer de Glace , a valley glacier (literally, “sea of ice”) at an altitude of 1913m (6276ft). From here, you can take in the north face of the Grandes Jorasses, an immense face of rock and ice.

Yet the most amazing sights are the dense, blue-colored ice caves of the glacier, through which you can walk to admire ice sculptures (the excursion is included in the price of the train ticket). The interactive Glaciorium , which recounts the glacier’s history, is another must-see. Grab a hot chocolate at Le Panoramique cafe before heading back down, or spend the night at the historic Refuge du Montenvers , with its stunning patio overlooking the Mer de Glace.

3. Marseille to Ventimiglia is the best train ride for dazzling sea views

Marseille to Ventimiglia; 187km (116 miles) 

Traveling from Marseille to Ventimiglia in southern France along the SNCF tracks might be a standard journey. The views, however, are anything but. You will be challenged to remain seated for much of the way, as stunning scenes of the azure-blue Mediterranean Sea slide by the train’s window, illustrating the allure of the South of France . Interspersed are glimpses of maquis-covered cliffs (maquis is the tantalizing blend of herbs that grow wild here), terracotta-colored villages, and palm-tree-bedecked hills. 

The stops along the way are fabled destinations unto themselves: legendary St-Tropez , made famous by then-unknown Brigitte Bardot; Cannes , with its star-studded legacy; Monaco , home of the Grimaldi royals; and Nice, with its intoxicating mix of world-class museums and legendary beaches. But there are lesser-traveled places as well, including gorgeous Èze Plage , with its medieval village perched impossibly high on a nearby peak, and down-to-earth Menton . Get out, explore, take in some sun – and catch the next train onward later.

The 50-minute stretch between Nice and Ventimiglia is perhaps the most stunning, as you glide past art deco villas, sparkling bays and pastel-colored towns marching up palm-tree-dotted hillsides. You end just at the Italian border, where you have the option of turning around and seeing it all over again.

4. Le Train des Pignes is a fabulous vintage train ride

Nice to Digne; 150km (93 miles) 

Behind the Mediterranean-lapped shores of Nice, the jagged gray peaks of the Mediterranean Alps beckon from afar. A ride aboard the “ Train of Pinecones ” chuffs from the glittery seaside up into those snowy mountains in just over three hours, providing stunning, ever-changing views along the way. From Provençal fields and olive groves, you’ll enter a land of deep river gorges and medieval fortresses.

Just 90 minutes from Nice,  Entrevaux  is a good stop to wander enchanting medieval streets and explore an ancient citadel. Digne-les-Bains , at the end of the line, is cute as can be, with cobblestone streets, bougainvillea-draped stone villas and shops purveying honey, lavender and other local products.

With its diesel railcars and gleaming varnished wood benches, this line is the only remnant of the meter-gauge Chemins de Fer de Provence that once crisscrossed southern France.

The pigne in its name means “pinecone”: perhaps because the train used to run so slowly that passengers could jump off to gather cones or because when the train ran short on fuel, the engineers resorted to burning them. Whatever the case, majestic pine forests surrounding the route add to its scenic allure. 

5. Orléans to Le Croisic on Interloire is the best train ride for cyclists

Orléans to Le Croisic; 338km (210 miles) 

The Loire Valley unfolds like a fairy tale, with a stunning array of Renaissance castles, green-emerald rivers and charming medieval villages. ( Azay-le-Rideau castle was, after all, the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty .) The Interloire railroad (run by the TER Centre-Val de Loire and TER Pays de la Loire ) traverses this legendary valley from Orléans , the hometown of Jeanne d’Arc, to the fishing harbor town of Le Croisic on the Atlantic.

Must-visit stops include Blois , crowned by the château once occupied by Louis XII; Amboise , Leonardo da Vinci’s final home; and Nantes , a historic Breton town with an evocative 15th-century château. 

Planning tip:  You can hop on and off the train with your bike to peddle parts of the 900km (559-mile) Loire à Vélo, a relatively flat bike path through this quintessentially French landscape. The train even has a car dedicated to bicycles in the summer. 

6. Eurostar through the Chunnel offers a quick escape to London

Paris to London; 451km (280 miles)  

If you fancy a quick getaway from Paris to London , perhaps to say hi to Big Ben or to wander through the V&A Museum , count on the Channel Tunnel. Completed in 1994, this extraordinary engineering feat – nicknamed the Chunnel – burrows deep beneath the expanse of water between France and England, allowing passengers in sleek, high-speed Eurostar trains to travel the channel portion of the trip – 51km (31.5 miles) – in just 30 minutes, with a full 38km (23.5 miles) of that underwater.

From Gare du Nord in the heart of Paris to St Pancras International in the heart of London, the entire trip takes just 2½ hours from door to door. Along the way, you’ll enjoy pretty French and English countryside – inside the tunnel itself, you shouldn’t count on seeing any sea life, only blackness until you emerge into the light of day.  

7. The Nîmes to Le Grau-du-Roi Line is the best Wild West train ride

Nîmes to Le Grau-du-Roi; 37km (23 miles)

Wild bulls in Provence? And cowboys? Mais oui . Tucked away in the southwestern corner of Provence, the marshy Camargue – a river delta south of Arles where the Grand and Petit Rhône meet the Mediterranean – reigns as France’s version of the Wild West. Gardians – Camarguais cowboys – live on manades (ranches), riding indigenous white horses with flowing manes as they round up wild black bulls.

Bullfighting is a big part of the culture here (unlike Spanish bullfights, the bulls here are not killed or injured). As are paella (though Camargue rice differs from its Spanish cousin), jazzy  manouche music and an independent spirit developed from working a challenging landscape for centuries. You can get to the heart of it all aboard the Nîmes to Le Grau-du-Roi train route. 

Departing from Nîmes , the single-track train rumbles through the vineyards of Costières de Nîmes before passing by Aigues-Mortes . Kings departed on their Crusades from this medieval walled city, where you can still stroll ancient streets. From there, you head across the salt marshes and lagoons; keep your eyes out for horses and bulls, as well as pink flamingoes flying overhead. The route ends in Le Grau-du-Roi , just steps from the Mediterranean Sea. 

8. Le Petit Train Jaune is the most famous vintage train ride

Villefranche-de-Conflent to Latour de Carol; 64km (40 miles) 

This historic little train – or, literally, the “ little yellow train ” – may be the most famous of them all in France. It’s certainly one of its most stunning when it comes to scenery. Chugging through the mountainous Pyrénées-Orientales from medieval Villefranche-de-Conflent to Latour de Carol on the Andorra border, it winds through gorges and shadowy forests, across viaducts, past two historic fortresses and by one perilously perched ancient monastery. The highest point is the Bolquère Eyne depot, a gasp-inducing 1593m (5225ft) high – making it France’s highest station.  

Note that two different types of trains operate this route: a modern enclosed train as well as the vintage train that sometimes runs with open carriages. No need to worry about which one to choose, though – both are painted yellow.

Tips for train travel in France

Train options in France

Several different types of trains travel across France, including local and regional trains, overnight trains with sleeping accommodations and the TGV , the high-speed Trains à Grande Vitesse. To travel between most big cities, the TGV is your best bet: these pioneering high-speed trains travel between 255km/h and 320km/h (160mph and 200mph) and will get you there within hours.

Paris to Bordeaux, for example, is 2½ hours, with Paris to Marseille a mere 3 hours 40 minutes. That said, the slower local and regional trains open up lesser-traveled regions of the country.  TGV inOui is a new premium TGV train service operated by SNCF on certain high-speed rail services.

Two classes of tickets are usually available to purchase: first ( première ), with plush, reclining seats and ample space; and second ( deuxième ), which is still comfortable but often more crowded. Maps of the French rail network are available on the SNCF website.

How to book a train in France

While you can buy a ticket at the station, either from a ticket window or a vending machine, it’s often cheaper to book your ticket online in advance. Contact Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer (SNCF ) or, from the United States,  Rail Europe . 

Cheap train tickets in France 

France offers various rail passes, including the France Pass, with unlimited travel on the national rail network; and the Eurail Global Pass, which includes train travel to neighboring countries. Deals for hotels, museums and other attractions are often included, too. You’ll find more information on the  Rail Europe website .

The TGV offers Prem’s tickets (their term for affordable tickets) three months in advance (the booking horizon may be extended in summer).

The Eurostar high-speed train service connecting the United Kingdom with France (and Belgium and the Netherlands) offers a limited batch of discount fares six months in advance. The sooner you book, the better chance you have of getting a good price.

Set up a booking alert to be notified when discount tickets are released. 

How to get from Italy to France by train

You can get from Italy to France via Italiarail. It takes about 11½ hours to travel from Rome to Paris. SNCF also serves the route. 

How to get from Spain to France by train

Spain’s train company is Renfe . It takes about 10½ hours to get from Madrid to Paris, a route also served by SNCF. 

How to get from Switzerland to France by train

The TGV runs from Geneva to Paris in a little over four hours. 

How to get from Germany to France by train

The Deutsche Bahn ’s InterCity Express (ICE) is Germany’s high-speed train service, allowing travel from Frankfurt to Paris in as little as four hours (as long as you don’t have to connect in Cologne). SNCF also serves the route. 

How to get from Poland to France by train

It takes between 14 hours and 19½ hours to cross much of Europe from France to Poland, and you typically need to make two changes along the way. Train companies serving this route include Deutsche Bahn, SNCF and Eurostar (the French–Belgian high-speed train operator, which will take you as far as Cologne).

This article was first published August 2022 and updated December 2023

Explore related stories

Public Transport

Mar 17, 2024 • 10 min read

London has a huge public transportation system, but is not the most intuitive city to navigate. Here's what you need to know about getting around London.

Feb 8, 2024 • 7 min read

Dec 19, 2023 • 6 min read

Dec 27, 2022 • 8 min read

Dec 9, 2022 • 9 min read

Sep 20, 2021 • 5 min read

Apr 19, 2024 • 8 min read

Apr 17, 2024 • 8 min read

Apr 12, 2024 • 9 min read

Apr 3, 2024 • 15 min read

• BOOK TICKETS
• BUY RAIL PASSES
• TRAIN TRAVEL GUIDE
• ITALY TRAVEL TIPS
• RAIL PACKAGES

Thello Trains from France to Italy

A child is between the ages of 4 and 11 years.

Many trains in Italy and beyond offer a discounted fare between 30% & 50% off the Adult fare for Children.

The child offer is now extended to children ages 4 to 14 years when traveling on high-speed Frecciarossa, Frecciabianca, Frecciargento, InterCity, InterCityNotte, EuroCity, and Thello trains. Your child will be assigned his/her own seat and children must be accompanied by an Adult when traveling on this offer.

Regional trains will still offer discounted fares for children ages 4 to 11 years.

Infants & Children 3 & under travel for free and will share a seat with the adult companion.

This option is for customers that have already purchased a Eurail Pass or InterRail Pass and wish to reserve seats or sleeping berths. Learn more about rail passes.

Most high-speed and long-distance trains require seat reservations. The fare rules for each train indicate whether seat reservations are necessary.

Note: An ItaliaPass does not entitle customers to use of passholder fares.  Roundtrip tickets are not available using a Eurail Pass or InterRail Pass.

By clicking the "I ACCEPT" button below you acknowledge that passholder fares may only be used in combination with a valid Eurail Pass or Interrail Pass.

Save as much as 10-30% OFF rail Enjoy flexible ticket changes Amazing deals on tours, transfers, and more Dedicated travel coordinator (for the best service, book at least 2 weeks in advance)

Get Started Now >>

Two of Europe’s most popular countries are now connected with Thello services, a high quality and fast train which travels up to 180mph as it traverses the countryside between Italy and France.

Thello night service brings you to Italy and France!

Thello trains are now offering a special discounted fare to passengers with an InterRail or Eurail pass that is valid in either France or Italy. This special fares gives passengers 25% off the adult rate and is available up until the train's departure. It is available in both sleepers and couchettes. To book your special Thello pass holder fare, simply choose your departure and arrival stations and then click 'I have a rail pass'.

Terms for pass holders booking at Special fare:

• The InterRail or Eurail Pass must be valid for Italy and/or France;
• The pass shall be in course of overall validity at the departure date;
• Flexible passes: No need to fill in the date box in the travel calendar of the pass;
• 1st class passes: can book both sleepers and couchettes;
• 2nd class passes: can book couchettes only.

Availability note:

• “Special” fare seats are largely available on Thello! If availability is over for the day you’ve been enquiring, please try the next/previous day.
• Availability may be restricted on high season dates such as Fridays, Sundays and Bank Holidays in Italy and France.

* Upon boarding your Thello train the conductor will ask to see both your InterRail or Eurail pass as well as your electronic ticket for your special pass holder fare.

Booking Rules & Conditions

• There is a no smoking policy onboard this train.
• Children up to 15 years of age qualify for a child fare
• Ticketless travel means simple and easy no ticket validation
• Thello night trains run through Switzerland: customers must show the ID card valid with the necessary Visa Passport.
• Thello train tickets are personal and are valid only with ID card and must be booked in the same name as the reservation.
• Pets under 11 pounds travel for free with owner. Pets from 11 - 110 pounds travel for a surcharge of $65. Restrictions and rules apply.

Home Explore France Official Tourism Board Website

• Explore the map

Getting to France by train

Inspiration

Reading time: 0 min Published on 21 March 2024, updated on 23 April 2024

France has an extensive rail network that allows tourists to travel around the country easily and quickly, but also to reach it from its European neighbors.

Visit France by train:

With 440 high-speed trains, the SNCF has the largest fleet in Europe. Every day, 700 TGV trains travel nearly 10,000 kilometres and serve 230 stations throughout France.

These high-speed trains are moving faster and faster and now allow Paris to be connected to the main cities of France in less than three hours: Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Strasbourg, Nantes …

Intercity trains also allow you to travel to more than 345 destinations across 12 regions with 23 day and 5 night lines.

The regional Ters serve nearly 5,000 stations in France.

To organize your trip by train or make your reservations, you can consult the site yes.sncf. If you are abroad, the site in.oui.sncf/en/ will inform you about existing routes and allow you to make your reservations.

Coming to France by train:

Many high-speed rail lines connect France to its European neighbours.

From the Netherlands and Belgium : Thalys connects Amsterdam to Paris in 3h18. It connects Brussels to Paris in 1h22 and Lille. Direct connections to Paris are also accessible from Schiphol, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Liège and Aix la Chapelle. TGV and eurostar connect Lille in 36 minutes from Brussels and 2h36 from Amsterdam.

From Great Britain : you can reach Paris from London in just 2h17. Eurostar also connects Lille, Calais and Marne La Vallée.

From Germany : Thalys connects Cologne, Düsseldorf, Duisburg, Essen and Dortmund directly to Paris. Alleo also offers direct routes between Paris and Frankfurt, Stuttgart and Munich.

Find out more:

• More information from Eurostar
• More information from Eurail
• More information from Thalys
• More information from Deutsche Bahn
• More information from TGV Lyria
• More information from TGV France-Italy
• More information from Thello
• More information on the Orient Express
• European trains

By Rédaction France.fr

The magazine of the destination unravels an unexpected France that revisits tradition and cultivates creativity. A France far beyond what you can imagine…

Holidays at Galeries Lafayette

Air France, the best and most comfortable way to get to France

French wine tasting with duclot la cave.

Gift vouchers for your shopping at Galeries Lafayette

The Christmas Windows Display and Characters

A Fairy Tale 1, 2, 3 Christmas!

8 Luxurious Boutiques in Paris

A historical and cultural melting pot in French Polynesia

Tahiti-French Polynesia

Trains Are Easy To Navigate, Be Careful Not To Lose Your Luggage, And More Things That Both Delighted And Surprised Me About Traveling To Italy

L ast month, my boyfriend and i traveled to italy for a wedding. luckily, i had already visited italy with my family during high school, so this was my second visit to the country., i was around 14 when my family and i traveled on our nine-day trip to rome, florence, and a few other cities. there is something to say about traveling at a younger age with your family and them handling all the planning and logistics of the trip..

I n the past, I would simply go with the flow and never really thought about how we ended up at our destination. During that family trip to Italy, we relied on a tour group to handle a lot of the planning. However, when it came time to plan my own trip to Italy, I felt overwhelmed. Despite this, we managed to plan the entire trip on our own.

We were invited to a friend's wedding in Florence in early September and knew we wanted to extend the trip to be able to travel elsewhere in Italy. Although I had ample time to plan, I procrastinated and planned just about everything pretty last minute for an out-of-the-country trip.

We decided that we wanted to explore a beach town in italy (something that had a different feel from a populated city like florence). the island of ischia — which is off the coast of naples, not far from amalfi coast — was recommended to me by a travel agent friend, so we decided on that., overall, our trip was amazing and i cannot wait to go back to italy — or another part of europe. the experience taught me a lot, and i would love to share some of my takeaways whether you're looking for inspiration for your next trip or just have a passion for travel., 1. english is spoken in some parts of italy more than others., although english is the second-most spoken language in italy, that doesn't mean you'll find all italian citizens speaking it fluently..

After attending a wedding in Florence, we headed to the underrated, beautiful island of Ischia. Although it's not as popular as nearby islands like Capri and Amalfi Coast, it's equally stunning. 

During our stay in Sant' Angelo, a quiet, small fisherman's village in Ischia, my boyfriend and I had to rely heavily on Google Translate to communicate. Living like a local was a wonderful experience, as we were not surrounded by American tourists all the time. However, there were instances where it was difficult to communicate certain things, especially my boyfriend's nut allergy when we were out at a restaurant. 

Most people assumed that we spoke Italian, so we had to quickly type out what we were trying to convey on the Google Translate app. It didn't really bother us, but it was one of the disadvantages of traveling to a non-touristy area of a country.

2. Do your research and familiarize yourself with the vibe of the city or village you want to visit before getting there.

It turns out that although ischia isn't a very big island (it's only 18 square miles ), each village offers something a little bit different. upon booking where on the island we would stay, i honestly didn't do a ton of research so it wasn't until we got to sant' angelo and settled in did we find out that it's a very quiet fisherman's village with stunning beaches — but not much nightlife..

Honestly, this was fine for us because it made for the perfect, most relaxing vacation.  Depending on the vibe you're looking for while on your vacation, I recommend doing extensive research first especially if it's in another county .

3. If you're in a city like Florence, it's worth carrying around a reusable water bottle to refill at drinking fountains.

It was particularly useful when walking around in the heat. additionally, in italy, you have to pay for water at restaurants, so waiters do not refill your glass as frequently as they do in america. as a result, i was always left thirsty after our meals., 4. if you purchase a ferry ticket online in italy, you must validate it before boarding., on that note, make sure to give yourself enough time to validate your ticket because the lines get long and those ferries seem to leave right on their scheduled time..

The port in Naples from where our ferry was departing had several other ferries going to popular destinations such as the Amalfi Coast and Capri. As a result, the lines of people waiting to validate their tickets before boarding their respective ferries were quite long.

5. Traveling by train is an easy and quite enjoyable experience.

After boarding the train, a conductor came by to validate our digital ticket (you can also print a hard copy if preferred). despite the crowds, the italian train stations were not as chaotic or confusing as i had anticipated., 6. utilize public transportation to save some money., 7. compare the prices of an airbnb versus a hotel., 8. wear (or bring) something that covers your shoulders and knees in churches., 9. if you're traveling in italy using multiple modes of transportation, add unique identifiers to your luggage to easily differentiate it., when my boyfriend got off the train in a hurry, he mistakenly grabbed a black hard-shell suitcase that looked similar to his black away bag. since he hadn't put anything to distinguish his bag, he ended up taking someone else's bag, and they took his..

To cut a long story short, to swap the luggage, it turned out to be quite the adventure, that we now call "luggage gate." The lesson we learned here is to always put something on your luggage that makes it stand out from similar-looking bags.

10. It's helpful to carry extra euros for situations where cash is needed.

To avoid paying hefty conversion fees at an international atm, i recommend you order euros from your local bank a few weeks before your trip. most banks don't have euros on hand, so you'll need to call or visit the bank and ask a teller to order them for you. the euros will be delivered to your home once they arrive. unfortunately, i didn't know this and had to pay conversion fees at the airport in rome., 11. a typical breakfast in italy is very different from an american breakfast., 12. small shops close during the day at lunch and will reopen later in the afternoon — or in our experience, not reopen at all., unfortunately, every time i went back to it to shop, it was either closed for a long lunch break or it was just completely closed, we asked our airbnb host (who also owned her own boutique in the village we were staying in) and she said for the most part, shop owners make up their own hours of operation. i was kicking myself for not knowing this sooner because i just assumed the boutique i wanted to shop in would of course be open the next day at the same time., 13. there's so much more to italian cuisine than just pizza and pasta., have you been to italy what regions did you love the most what tips would you give to others planning a trip share it all with me in the comments below.