I just got asked to plan a quick trip from Naples to Paris in July. I have never taken a fast train, or any train in Europe, so I wanted to do that. I've had trouble with the trenitalia website, but it seems there's no 'one train car' we could just sit in for the whole trip. The foursome is my daughter, her two preschoolers, and me. They travel a lot, but planes are so constricting for youngsters, AND I really wanted an overnight couchette for the fun of it (I don't believe I'd mind the track vibrations, etc.). The trip proposed is the first week in July, probably 4 days/2-3 nights.
Here are my questions, although you can tell I have no clue at all (I just returned ETBD to the library, and what I own is all Italy.) 1. It seems there would be train changes to go to Paris. Is that right? 2. I don't know how to search for an overnight fast train sleeping four. What should I do? 3. I am getting the feeling that I should give up the train idea and just fly us. Frankly, if that's the case, I'm happy to skip Paris and take the train someplace else, if my daughter will let me. PS. 4. I have already memorized the need to validate, and I picked up the tip somewhere in my reading that the validation kiosk will be yellow. Is that universal? If you have a reservation, do you still need to validate? Thank you, and I'm happy to answer any questions if I have not been specific enough.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32352 posts
Sarah, Even though it would be faster and probably cheaper to go by air, I'd still choose train (especially with two pre-schoolers). That trip is actually fairly straightforward if you want to travel by train. This is the route that I'd take: > Freccia train from Napoli Centrale to Roma Termini. There are numerous departures every day, so you'll have your choice. I'd travel in mid-afternoon and try to arrive at Termini by about 16:00 or so. You could have an early dinner either at Termini (lots of fast food outlets there - if you want "at home" meals for the kids, there's Roadhouse Grill), or at one of the Italian restaurants in the vicinity. > Take the Thello (EuroNight) night train that departs at 19:25, arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 10:18 (time 14H:53M, reservations compulsory, Couchette extra cost). One of the benefits of that particular train is that there are NO CHANGES (although there will be a few stops). > When you arrive at Gare de Lyon, you can use the Metro or other local transportation to reach the area where your hotel is located. If you have reserved tickets for Freccia or other "premium" trains, these don't have to be validated (but it doesn't hurt to do so). The validation machines may be either bright yellow or blue & gray. With those tickets, you'll be assigned a Car No. (Carrozza) and a Seat No. (Posti). Your tickets will be SPECIFIC to a particular train and departure time, so DON'T miss that train as you'll be fined on the spot if you're caught without valid reservations for the train you're riding on. For travel in July, it would be a good idea to get the arrangements in place SOON! It will likely be busy and crowded in Europe then, so seats may sell out quickly. Happy travels!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32352 posts
Sarah, A few additional thoughts (ran out of room in the previous reply).... Try to arrange a four person "mixed" Couchette. That way all of your group will be in the same place and you won't have to share with strangers. If you continue to have difficulties with the Trenitalia website, you could always enlist the aid of a Travel Agent or perhaps use Rail Europe. However, both of those options will cost more. As near as I can determine, a "ballpark" estimate of the cost is about €368 or US$478 for the trip from Rome to Paris. Not sure if that includes the Couchette fees? Hopefully one of the others can clarify that. Cheers!
Posted by
near Ringwood, Hampshire, UK
521 posts
Sarah, this is pretty straightforward to do, with just one change of trains in Milan. Lots of detailed information, photos, even a video of the sleeper accommodation can be obtained from a website called The Man in Seat 61, which is the best European train travel website there is. This is the page you need (just scroll down to the section about the return journey and ignore the Paris to London leg): http://www.seat61.com/Italy.htm#Option 1: London to Italy by Thello sleeper train So, Naples to Milan. Use the Italian train operator website www.trenitalia.com, but note that journeys after 8 June have not been made available yet, because there is a Europe-wide timetable change about to happen. Check a date in May (but the same day of the week you will be travelling) to see your options and likely fares. Milan to Paris - Thello is the train operator, see www.thello.com. For example, depart Milano Centrale 23.38, arrive Paris Gare de Lyon 09.30 the next day.
Posted by
Green Bay
21157 posts
You can actually get the Thello in Rome, so you need the Trenitalia fast train from Naples to Rome. Trains are filling up, so act now.
Posted by
OP
United States
223 posts
I appreciate your expertise. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that there will be a way to schedule a sleeping part; it looks a little divided for that, but I'll find out later. Thanks so much.
Posted by
Green Bay
21157 posts
When I looked this morning there were 4 person Couchettes available for 403 Eu.
Don't know what the travel date is, but they can sell out.
Posted by
OP
United States
223 posts
To each and every one who replied: I've sent the info to my daughter, who is now the boss of me. I get to 'house sit' one of my Italy weeks, so if it's 'thumbs down' on my arrangements, I will go on my own. You have improved my life so much. Imagine a French major who has never been to France - after 40 years! (I do speak fluent Menu). If any of you volunteer experts ever wonders about the value you bring to those of us who are permanent beginners, please know that you inspire us in our daily lives by your knowledge and courage.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Sarah, Why spend $$$ and 15+ hours on a train when you can fly on Easyjet Naples- Paris Orly for a fraction of the price starting @ $57.38 and only 2H15m
Spend your time in Paris rather than on the train.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Sarah, I'm with Gerri. The fast trains are in France anyway. The train is fun but given a choice between train vs Paris...no contest.
Posted by
OP
United States
223 posts
I agree that if I were planning a sensible trip, a plane would be the way to go. I appreciate those of you who are trying to guide me to do the sensible thing. However, for me, for this trip, the transportation method is at least as important as the destination.
It's good for you to put generally very good advice out there. It would be horrible for someone to read this thread and overspend by accident. Happy tracks!