Traveling with family (husband, 14 & 15 year old children). What train is best to see those stunning views as we travel from Paris to Zurich and on to Venice? Thinking of stopping for one night in Zurich and continuing on to Venice the next day. Is the whole trip beautiful scenery or should we not stop in Zurich and instead, sleep on the train and miss some of the views? Thanks in advance!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
The faster trains that you identify on train schedules will include some great mountain scenery through Switzerland. However, crossing most of France to your first stop is less special, as is the ride within Italy along the main Milan-Verona-Venice transport corridor. Rick wouldn't spend 12 hours on the train just for an alpine "drive-by." If you had time to spend a couple of nights in Switzerland, that could make the train time worthwhile.
Versus the overnight Paris-Venice train (this one not covered by rail passes); flying is usually both cheaper and faster; see www.skyscanner.com.
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
You don't see the Alps from Paris to Zürich, they start after Zürich.
I would suggest overnighting in Luzern, a much nicer place than big-city Zürich, and it is on a lake with views of the Alps.
It is 4½ hours from Paris Gare de Lyon to Luzern, changing at Basel. If you get an early train you can dump your bags at your hotel and explore Luzern. If you have time you can go for a boat trip on the lake.
Better would be 2 nights in Luzern, use one day to go up Titlis (recommended for your 14 & 15 year olds), see: www.titlis.ch
Next morning, last look round Luzern and catch a train to Venice, changing at (usually) Arth-Goldau and Milano Centrale. Luzern to Milan is where you get the views of the Alps.
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thank you!