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Paris - Venice Artesia Night Train

Hi all, I'm new to these boards but every thread has been so informational thus far.

My question is regarding the Artesia direct night train from Paris to Venezia (EN 221) for August 9, 2009. My concern is whether or not its schedule will change due to the June 14/15th European schedule update. Though I've seen it currently listed on certain train reservation sites (raileurope.com, Artesia.eu, and others) as a 20:33 departure, DB Bahn does not list it for that date and I understand that they are typically the most complete in terms of timetable accuracy. I fear if I book with raileurope.com (for example) before the schedule update, that they will not "complete" the reservation until the change of schedule, which could impact my itinerary - has anyone had experience with this?

Thanks!
Chris

Posted by
6898 posts

Chris, I have not been on this particular train but the 221 Stendhal, as it is known in Italy is one of the most popular night trains going in southern Europe. It is indeed an Artesia train. I can't be certain but I just don't think they will mess with this run. They also have the 220 Stendhal going in the opposite direction. These trains run full. Most night trains can be booked 90 days out regardless of what Rail Europe shows. I would suggest watching closely to the dates and as soon as it appears on the French www.tgv-europe.com website, see if you can get a special discount fare. You will need to select Great Britain on the opening page to see the next page in English. Then, on the next page, choose Great Britain as the place where you will receive your tickets. That will keep the site in English. Don't worry. You can walk up to the train stations in France and pick up your tickets.

Posted by
8700 posts

The 9 August train is now listed at tgv-europe.com. The cheapest tickets are going fast!

Posted by
4 posts

Larry and Tim, very much appreciate the replies!

Due to the amount of train travel and our situation, we've opted to go with the italy/france pass. But given that the train in question is so popular, I feel confident booking the passholder fare now and not worrying about the change in schedule.

Strange thing was when I went to tgv-europe.com and proceeded to mock "book" P2P tickets, though I had selected to purchase 2 tickets at once in the 1st class double sleeper, it reserved Seat 12 Upper and Seat 16 Lower - these seem like they'd be apart. Are the numbering schemes simply different, and is there a way to tell if me and my wife will be in the same double sleeper?

Thanks!

Posted by
8700 posts

You're welcome, Chris. You and your wife will be in the same sleeper. All sleepers are the same size; the only difference is how many beds are pulled out. I expect that in your case the middle one of the three is #14.

For a detailed description of your train, including photos, go here.

Posted by
4 posts

Tim, that makes so much sense. Thanks for the link as well!

-Chris

Posted by
421 posts

I have a question realted to this.
If I buy on the site night train from Florence-Paris am I able to pick up the tickets in the UK at Manchester for example sine we are flying Manchester-Venice, Venice-florence, then Florence-Paris??

Posted by
8700 posts

bluedenim,

Yes, you can pick up a Florence-Paris ticket in Manchester that you booked on tgv-europe.com; but you will have to have it sent by mail to an address in Manchester (like your hotel). You will NOT be able to pick it up at a UK train station.

Posted by
2 posts

I am booked to go Paris to Venice on the artesia night train. I tried to book 6 months out and received an email saying my booking would be held and then made as soon as bookings were open 90 days ahead. I had requested a private double cabin for two in first class. When my booking was finally made it has been made in a four berth cabin. My emails to eurorailways asking why this is have been answered with the advice that there were no doubles left (how this is possible when I should have been on a list ready as soon as bookings opened I can't say) They've advised that they have booked the whole 4 berths for just the two of us but have not answered my questions about the differences in the cabins. Information is hard to get, I can't tell if we've been booked in second class though that appears to be the case. We've been charged the same price as we would had we received a private double. Can anyone explain if there is a difference between the private 2 berth and the four berth we have been booked on. Thank you

Posted by
8700 posts

Sleepers have 1, 2, or 3 beds. Couchettes have 4 or 6 bunks. Since there will only be two of you in the couchette, you'll have plenty of room. Only two bunks will be pulled down.

Posted by
2 posts

Thanks for this. I guess I'm not worried about the space, it's the 'standard'. Are these 4 bunk cabins the same standard as the double cabins?

Posted by
8700 posts

For detailed descriptions of the sleeping accommodations, including photos, go here.