How to Travel from Paris to Rome by Train

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Well, there are no direct high-speed train services from Paris to Rome. However, there are several options, with one transfer on the way, usually to Milan or Turin. 

The fastest option is to take a Frecciarossa (Trenitalia) or TGV (SNCF) train from Paris to Turin and then transfer from Turin to Rome, a total of at least 9.5 hours. Other than that, the travel time usually takes from 10 to 20 hours, depending on the transfer stop and your travel style.

Curious to know more? This article helps to illustrate the easiest way on how to travel from Paris to Rome by train as well as some tips to get the best travel experience. 

Continue reading to find out!

Key Takeaways:
There are several train operators running from Paris to Rome, with stops along the way in Geneva / Base / Zurich / Turin.
For a night train journey to Rome, you can take a Thello night train to Nice, then take regional trains to Rome.
After arriving in Rome, there are metro, bus, taxi, or ride-share services available to get to the designated hotel.

Traveling from Paris to Rome by Train

First off, take a Frecciarossa train service from Paris Gare de Lyon, then make a transit in Milan or Turin, and finally Rome awaits. It’ll take approximately 10 to 11 hours based on the stop time, with a distance of 687 miles (1105 km). 

But mind you, there was a landslide on August 27, 2023, in the St Jean de Maurienne that blocked the Paris-Milan route. Thus, the direct Frecciarossa and TGV services were canceled until further notice, possibly at the end of 2024 or longer. 

So, make sure to plan your rail trip from Paris to Rome first, knowing all the options. Let’s go to the details.

Planning Your Rail Trip from Paris to Italy

There are some alternative train routes from Paris to Rome, still unaffected by the landslide last year. 

Option 1: Paris-Rome via Geneva/Basel

Both routes offer scenic views through the Swiss Alps and involve an extra change compared to the direct routes.

• Take a TGV train from Paris to Geneva/Basel (3 hours).
• Transfer to a EuroCity or TGV train from Geneva/Basel to Milan (4 hours).
• Change trains in Milan for a Frecciarossa to Rome (3 hours).
• Total travel time: Approximately 10-11 hours.

Alternatively, you can go to Rome with four stops along the way, combining Switzerland and Italy. Here’s what it looks like:

• Take a SNCF ICE train from Paris Gare de l’Est to Strasbourg (2 hours).
• Then board an SNCF TER from Strasbourg to Basel SBB (1.5 hours).
• Afterward, take Schweizerische Bundesbahnen IC21 and arrive at Lugano (3.5 hours).
• Again, board a Schweizerische Bundesbahnen RE80 to Milano Centrale Railway Station (1.25 hours).
• Finally, take a Trenitalia FR 9647 and head to Roma Termini (3 hours).
• Total travel time: Approximately 12.5 hours. 

Option 2: Paris-Rome via Turin

You can enjoy an overnight stay in Turin in the middle of your trip from Paris to Rome. This is how the option looks like: 

• Travel by TGV from Paris to Turin (5 hours with a bus transfer due to the landslide).
• Stay overnight in Turin (optional).
• Next, take a Frecciarossa train from Turin to Rome (4 hours).
• Total travel time: Approximately 9 to 9.5 hours.

Option 3: Paris-Rome via Zurich

This is the longest route on the Bernina Express, so splitting the journey into two days is recommended. Here’s what this route looks like:

• Board the Thello overnight train from Paris to Zurich (around 7 hours).
• Transfer to the scenic Bernina Express train from Zurich to Tirano, Italy (around 4 hours).
• Change to a regional train from Tirano to Milan (1.5 hours).
• Change in Milan for a Frecciarossa train to Rome (3 hours).
• Total travel time: Approximately 15-16 hours with one night on the train.

The amazing thing about the Bernina Express is that its route is a UNESCO World Heritage site with civil engineering at its best. There are 196 bridges, 55 tunnels, and the famous Brusio Circular Viaduct. 

This whole 122 km journey, you’ll be soaring 2,253 meters or 7,390 feet above sea level Swiss Alpine. 

Option 4: Paris-Rome via Nice

This option is ideal for those who prefer to travel overnight and enjoy scenic views along the way.

•  Firstly, take the Intercités de Nuit night train from Paris Austerlitz to Nice.
• Journey time: Approximately 11 hours and 15 minutes
• Then, continue from Nice to Rome using regional trains
• Involves a few transfers, such as Ventimiglia, and Milan
• Journey time is approximately 9 hours
• Total travel time is around 20 hours.

Choosing the Right Train Service & Booking Tips

As a tourist, traveling with a high-speed train is an efficient and comfortable way to traverse the distance between these two iconic European cities. 

Here’s a quick overview:

High-Speed Trains

SNCF, France’s national state-owned railway company,): It offers a high-speed train from Paris to Rome which is the TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) – boasting top speeds of up to 320 km/h (186 mph).

Secondly, Frecciarossa, Italian elegance in motion, translates to “Red Arrow,” and it’s your arrow straight to Rome with speeds touching 400 km/h (200 mph). Among various options, the Frecciarossa 1000 is the newest and fastest.

Night Train Options

Intercités de Nuit Night Train and Regional Train take a maximum of 20 hours and you have to change your train in Nice.

An overnight train with a TGV connection from Paris to Milan takes a maximum of 11 hours and 30 minutes and this train also needs to be changed in Milan.

Trenitalia offers Frecciarossa night trains departing from Lyon station in the evening and arriving at Milan Centrale station in the morning.

Another option is Thello, a partnership between the French SNCF and Italian Trenitalia with a slower speed of 160 to 200 km/h (124 mph). It’s best for a slow nighttime journey to Milan, then a Trenitalia service to Rome. 

So, you understand that you can use one of these based on your budget and trip style to get to Rome. Now, let’s know about the train timings and other details:

• TGV/Frecciarossa departs around 6:11 AM – 6:14 AM am from Paris.
• The last TGV/Frecciarossa departs from around 22.00 – 23:00 from Paris.
• The Thello Nightrain departs from Paris at around 7:22 PM. 
• Journey Time: Approximately 9 – 16 hours.
• Frequency: 42 trains per day, every 2 minutes.
• Changes: 2 changes during the journey.
• Price: Starting at $88.95.

Special Notes
Timings and frequencies from the Paris to Rome train greatly vary, based on the type of train service you choose, the route, and the day of the week.

Booking Tickets

There are several key factors that you need to keep in mind, as the price of the train tickets may vary depending on them. They are as follows: 

• Booking early saves money: Tickets are cheapest when booked 2-4 months ahead. Prices rise closer to the travel date.
• Season affects prices: Peak seasons like summer and holidays mean higher prices, while off-peak times are cheaper.
• Class matters: First-class tickets cost more than second-class on TGV/Frecciarossa and Thello trains.
• Thello accommodations: Sleeper cabins are pricier than shared couchettes on Thello’s overnight train. Thello couchettes start at $38 with a rail pass discount, while private cabins cost more.

For example, the cheapest TGV/Frecciarossa tickets can be found at $28.60. On the other hand, booking 30 days ahead can cost $191, and booking 7 days ahead can cost around $175.

Things to Keep in Mind While Traveling by Train

Rail travel can be a fantastic experience to enjoy the beauty of nature. However, you have to keep a few things in mind before your trip:

• Always check the French Railways train schedule so you can arrive on time before your departure.
• Arrive early if there is a requirement for additional time for navigation. In this way, you can manage the large stations like Gare du Nord in Paris and Roma Termini in Rome.
• Keep your passport, train tickets, and any other crucial papers in a safe and easily accessible spot. A travel wallet or a dedicated pouch can be a lifesaver.
• Ticket Validation is required before your boarding. So, if you have electronic tickets make sure that your phone is charged properly or you can also take a printout, just in case of emergency. 
• Keep your camera ready so that you don’t miss any breathtaking scenarios to capture.
• Train snacks are quite expensive. Therefore, if you are on a limited budget, you can carry some snacks, for your convenience.

Related Post: Best Way to Travel from Paris to the South of France

Journey Experiences from Paris to Rome

Traveling through the heart of Europe can be an exciting trip for a tourist. On the way from France’s capital to Rome, you will experience its amazing scenic beauty. 

Although Paris Gare de Lyon is the main station for trains to Italy, transfers are possible at stations like Gare de l’Est or Gare de Bercy, but Gare de Lyon remains the most direct and convenient.

Amenities and Facilities on the Train

The amenities and facilities depend on the specific trains and their service class. However, most of the trains try to ensure a comfortable journey for their passengers.

For the TGV/Frecciarossa trains, you’ll get:

• Air conditioning for comfort.
• Power outlets at each seat.
• Cafe/restaurant car for meals and snacks.
• Free WiFi (registration required).
• Comfortable seating with ample legroom.
• Frecciarossa trains offer onboard entertainment with movies and TV shows.
• Different classes: Executive, Business, Premium, and Standard.
• First-class passengers receive complimentary drinks, snacks, and newspapers.

And for the Thello night trains, the amenities include:

• Air-conditioned, sound-proofed sleeper cabins with 1-3 beds.
• Larger couchette compartments with 4-6 bunk beds.
• Compartment doors have security locks.
• Fold-away beds in sleeper cabins; no typical seating layout.

Other amenities include:

• Two pieces of luggage and one hand luggage are allowed per passenger.
• Small pets (up to 5kg) are allowed in carriers.
• Large dogs (up to 50kg) are allowed in private cabins with a paid ticket.

Scenic Highlights During the Journey

Traveling through the Bernina Express route, you will experience the breathtaking views from the train window of the Swiss Alps and northern Italy.  

Here’s what you’ll encounter:

• Stunning views of Alpine peaks, glaciers, and valleys.
• The train slows down after Lyon for better viewing, especially around Modane.
• Switzerland’s route includes the Swiss Alps and the Gotthard Base Tunnel.
• Bernina Express route showcases the UNESCO Rhaetian Railway through glacier-covered landscapes.

You’ll also encounter the beautiful French/Italian countryside before and after the Alps. You’ll pass through regions like Burgundy in France with famous vineyards. There are glimpses of historic towns, villages, and landmarks in both countries.

Transfers & Layovers In-Between the Trip

So, by now, you know that there are five major transfer spots, based on the route of your train journey from Paris to Rome. So, make sure to take a night break whether you’re opting for any of these options.

So, what can you do in between those layover times, whether in Geneva / Basel / Zurich / Turin / Nice?

Well, in Geneva, you’ll find a vibrant cultural scene with its international flair. There, you can explore 

• The iconic water fountain in Lake Geneva.
• Also, there is St. Pierre Cathedral and the Reformation Wall, which you can visit in the Old Town, not so far from the station. 
• Alternatively, you can explore the infamous International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum.
• Or you can just relax and take a stroll through the old town, sit in a cafe. 

In Basel, you’ll find the Rhine River with its amazing banks along the city. Here, you can:

• Wander through the Old Town and admire the medieval buildings and the beautiful Basel Minster. 
• If you have time, don’t miss the chance to see the stunning artworks at the Kunstmuseum Basel or the Tinguely Museum, which showcase the paintings and sculptures of famous Swiss artist Jean Tinguely.
• Or, just take a leisurely walk down the banks of the Rhine River. 

In Zurich, you’ll find a more metropolitan vibe with vibrant culture and a charming old town: 

• Explore the Old Town and its medieval alleys, and visit the famous Bahnhofstrasse for shopping.
• Depending on your layover time, explore the Swiss National Museum or catch a show at the Zurich Opera House.
• Or, like others, you can take a walk or boat ride on Zurich Lake. 

In Turin, you’ll see grand architecture and an Egyptian touch. Such as the following:

• Discover ancient artifacts in the famous Egyptian Museum, one of the world’s largest collections of Egyptian antiquities.
• At Piazza Castello, you’ll see historic buildings and the Royal Palace.
• Also, you get to taste authentic Italian delights like Agnolotti Pasta and Gianduiotto Chocolates.

In Nice, you’ll find stunning Mediterranean weather and an enchanting old town. Here, you can:

• Take a stroll through the famous Promenade des Anglais.
• Explore the narrow streets, vibrant markets, and baroque churches of the Old Town.
• If you can, don’t miss enjoying a panoramic view of the city and beach atop Castle Hill (Colline du Château).

So, choose your layover time wisely to get the ultimate satisfaction of a long journey through the heart of Europe.

Arrival in Rome: What to Expect & What to Do

Upon arriving in Rome, you’ll be greeted by the typical hustle and bustle of Italy’s capital. 

Termini Station, the city’s main railway hub, is a lively and busy place filled with travelers, shops, and cafes. So, be prepared for the vibrant atmosphere and keep an eye on your belongings in the crowd.

Transport Options from the Station to Accommodation

You can get to your designated accommodation from the Roma Termini by Metro, bus, taxi, or ride-sharing service. 

• Metro: The Termini Station is connected to Lines A and B of the Rome Metro, providing easy access to various parts of the city.

• Bus: Several bus lines operate from Termini, including night buses, which offer a convenient way to reach your hotel.

• Taxi: Taxi is available outside the station, but ensure you use appointed taxis to avoid overcharging.

• Ride-sharing: Services like Uber and local options are also available for a more personalized transfer.

Exploring Rome Post Arrival

After your arrival, you are in for a treat because this city is a treasure trove of history, culture, and, of course, mouthwatering cuisine. No wonder, this city is named the “Eternal City.” 

So, here’s a list of things that you should do upon your arrival in the Eternal City:

• Enjoy Italian Cuisine: First things first, grab a gelato! Seriously, it’s practically a rite of passage. Head to a local gelateria, and let the creamy goodness prepare your taste buds for the Roman adventure ahead.

• Visit the Colosseum: Just a short metro ride from Termini, this iconic landmark is a must-see.
• Explore the Roman Forum: Walk through ancient ruins and imagine life in ancient Rome.
• Toss a Coin in the Trevi Fountain: Ensure your return to Rome by participating in this famous tradition.
• Stroll through Piazza di Spagna: Relax at the Spanish Steps and take in the elegant atmosphere.
• Visit Vatican City: Explore St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel.
• Marvel at the Pantheon: Admire the architectural brilliance of this ancient Roman temple.
• Discover Palatine Hill: Explore the legendary birthplace of Rome and enjoy stunning views of the city.

Pro Tip: 
Book your tickets in advance to skip the lines and make the most of your visit.

How to Make Your Return Journey Smooth?

Goodbyes are always tough, especially when leaving the Eternal City. But fear not; here are some tips to make your departure smoother: 

• Pack Memories, Not Just Souvenirs: Focus on capturing the breathtaking sights, laughter-filled dinners, and the warmth of the Roman sun.

• Time Your Airport Transfer: Plan your transfer well in advance to avoid Rome’s unpredictable traffic and ensure you don’t miss your flight.

• Savor One Last Espresso: Enjoy one final espresso as a symbolic farewell to la dolce vita before heading home.

Closing Speech

So, I guess by now, you have a pretty good idea regarding travel from Paris to Rome by train.

However, as you pull into Rome, you won’t just be ticking off another city on your travel list. Instead, you will be adding a whole new chapter of train adventures, charming pit stops, and scenic views to your travel diary.

So, whether you are a seasoned explorer or a first-time adventurer, grab your ticket, hop on board, and get ready for a journey from Paris to Rome that’s just as cool as it is classic.

Cheers to the adventures that lie ahead!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)