We are traveling with 3 kids (10, 13, 14). My husband wants the kids to experience an overnight train from Florence to Paris. He like to have two first class compartments that connect. I'm assuming that will be more comfortable than a 6 couchette. Do we need to book those ahead of time? We'll be in Italy 9 days before taking the train. Is it a good idea to take the train with kids? I've read horror stories about robbing at night.
Thanks, Juli
We did this one year coming from France to Florence in a 6, our family of four and two other travelers. It is pretty cool, and I think your kids will like it.
I don't know if the first class compartments "connect" - but you may be able to get them next to each other. I would reserve as soon as possible though - don't wait until you are here. I don't know about the '"horror stories" - people do this all the time. I would take the usual precautions, make sure you keep your luggage with you, etc. and lock your compartment door for the night (I am pretty sure they lock and the conductor will knock to wake you up if necessary).
Thanks Anthony.
Where do I book ahead of time so that we can all be in the same compartment (6 couchette)?
Juli,
When are you taking this train?
If you book well in advance, you can get a discount fare as low as €55/person for bunks in a 6-person couchette. If you book early enough to get the lowest fare, booking all six bunks will cost €330. Use the empty bunk for luggage storage.
Book at www.tgv-europe.com. On the bottom right-hand side of the home page click on "English" under "Others." You'll get a booking page with a drop-down menu with the heading "Choose your country." Japan will be on the list. Choose it and proceed with booking. Your tickets will be sent to you in the mail.
Thanks Tim,
We are taking the train June 26. I've tried the site you mentioned, but it never gives me information. I think being from Japan doesn't help. I saw 380 (I think) on the Trenitalita site, but didn't try to buy them yet. Not sure if a Japanese credit card with work.
Is it okay to pick the tickets up rather than having them sent to us?
Juli,
I just checked the tgv-europe site and everything appears for 26 June. What doesn't show for you? Since tgv-europe is a French National Rail site and your trip starts in Italy, your only choice if you book with them is to have the tickets sent to you in the mail. You cannot pick up tickets at a station in any country other than France.
The Trenitalia site only allows booking for up to five passengers. So you won't be able to book all six bunks in a 6-person couchette. I have no idea if the site will accept Japanese credit cards. To find out one way or another you'll have to go through the registration process.
I'm planning on booking with tgv-europe, but still don't see how to book the entire compartment. Suggestions?
Juli---here's a thought. You could call or e-mail the American Express office in Florence, and see if they will buy the tickets and make the couchette reservation for you. I know one person reported doing that through the Milan office when he couldn't buy on the Trenitalia website.
If they will do it, they could hold the tickets for you to pick up in Florence; no need to send them throug the mail.
My partner and I took a sleeper from Florence to Paris and while it wasn't as romantic as the movies make it look, it was an great experience. I would do it just for the adventure!
Go to www.tgv-europe.com. Enter Florence as your departure point, Paris as your arrival point, 26 June as your departure date, and 21:00 as your departure time. Click on the pull-down menu for "Number of passengers" and select 6. Click on the pull-down menu for "Select your country" and select Japan. Click on "More criteria".
On the new page under "2. Who is travelling?" select the age for each person in your family. For the 6th person choose "Adult 26-59".
Choose the cheapest fare for the direct night train which departs at 21:33 and arrives at 09:16 and click on "choose this outward journey".
Proceed with booking, including filling in the fields for your address. Japan will already be entered in the field for "Country".
Lola - Amex office in Florence - gone! For over a year now:
American Express Office In Florence closed
BTW that location is still empty. There are more empty store fronts in Florence every day still -
Sorry I don't know what site is best for buying online ahead of time but you seem to be getting some good advice here from Tim.
