Train vs. air travel one-way Rome to Düsseldorf

Rome to Düsseldorf is about 1400 km/900 mi -- I would fly. It's a 2h15m flight, compared to minimum 12-14 hours by train. (Yes, I know you need to build in time for security, traveling to/from the airport, etc., but that still won't bring it anywhere near 12 hours.)

Having taken night trains, I find they sound more romantic than they are in reality and the sleep quality is middling at best. In addition, I'm not sure how many times you'd have to change trains between Rome and Düsseldorf, so that would add more hassle.

Hi Andrew. Thank you for your reply. This is our first trip to Europe and traveling by train in Europe sounds appealing but that is a long trip. We will be in Düsseldorf for several days and we’ll be able to take a short train excursion if we want. Flying sounds like the best option. Thanks so much. I appreciate your advice! Mark

They don't, but Ryanair does from Rome Ciampino to Cologne for ~ $50 plus luggage. Don't bother with Duesseldorf Weeze, its a long way from Duesseldorf with no train service. Cologne is a lot closer with train service.

You can take the sleeper train from Rome to Munich (departure from Rome around 7 PM, arrival to Munich around 8 AM) and then change to the high-speed train from Munich to Düsseldorf (around 5 hours).

It's a long train trip, but since you'll be asleep for a good part of it I don't think it's as bad as it sounds.
Some people sleep well on night trains, others don't. There's no way of knowing until you've tried it (once or twice). Night trains are a special way of travel, and I think everybody should try it at least once.

Flying is quite cheap and much faster than the train. I just thought it would be nice to add a bit of nuance to this thread.

Fly. Time traveling is time not spent enjoying being in Europe.

Hi,

I know you're still planning. If you want to do the night train option, there is one. Going to Italy Munich is the hub.

You can fly from Rome to Munich, then take the night train to Düsseldorf. I've take that night route several times.

Or, if you get a flight Rome to Düsseldorf, if it is the same price as to Munich. I prefer taking the night train to Düsseldorf.

Going by train train Rome to Munich would involve transfers.

But why fly and still take a night train. Just fly and use trains for the "last mile".

No problem if you land in Weeze and you want to reach Düsseldorf Hbf.

You take the regional train Weeze to Krefeld Hbf where you can also take the U-77 to Düsseldorf Hbf if you don't choose to ride the regional train.

Ryanair is cheap. They make up for plane fares (cheap) with pretty strict rules about luggage, and charge high fees for checking. So, if you have to check luggage, Ryanair is often a little less of a good deal.

Or bight the bullet and fly Eurowings direct from FCO to DUS. About 150 to 190 EUR.

Rome Ciampino ( CIA) airport is closer to the city than FCO and so easy to access by bus.
Book the Ryanair flight.
I would never ever take a night train!

I'm a proponent of night trains...when they just take the night. For instance, Venice to Munich or Vienna makes sense by night train. But here, it would take you over 18 hours of travel. You could do it for the environment, but otherwise, just fly.

If you have several days in Düsseldorf, might you consider shaving a few off and stopping at a few interesting places along the way? Then the train may work.

For a first trip to Europe a week in Rome and then Dusseldorf seems an odd combination. Unless there is a compelling reason to visit Rome, I'd just do Paris and then a train to Dusseldorf. You could also fly Rome to Amsterdam (very cheap) and then take a train to Dusseldorf.