Paris to Venice, Overnight Train
My recent trip to Venice was inspired by two things 1) the apartment rental I won and 2) a trip on the Orient Express. Both felt like a wonderful escape from my everyday life in Paris, and a bit like I was living someone else’s life. To prove it wasn’t all too glamorous, I wanted to share my mode of transportation to get to Venice. Inspired by the OE, I decided that I’d make this trip an all train travel trip (for the final leg I took the Eurostar from London to Paris).
I was very excited when I purchased my ticket to Venice, in particular due to the fact that I purchased my first class ticket for cheaper than second class. The irony was that aboard my Italian train, the only difference between first and second was that I was in a room of 4 instead of 6. A nice Italian woman living in Brussels was the first to join me in the cabin, which was arranged for seating when we first arrived. Happy about my decision that I ate dinner before boarding the train I asked her if there was even a dining car or any communal car. She said no, and maybe there had been one, but since there was no one to repair it, there is no longer one. Later, I heard a cart come down the narrow hall, clanging against the walls – it turned out this was in fact a dining cart.

The next thing she did was warn me about pick-pockets. I was happy to be on the top bunk so I could tightly pack everything away (all the books I packed would make stealing anything from me really heavy and awkward). I put a quick note about her warning on Twitter, and several people responded – so use this as your own warning, pickpockets on overnight trains to Italy are rampant.
The train left around 7pm and I found myself mounting my bunk shortly after we started moving. I read for a bit, but felt sleep was the best way to pass the time. It wasn’t the most restful sleep, fearing pick-pockets. However, it was actually the train being stopped for long intervals that woke me the most (and made me feel claustrophobic in the small cabin). Then at 4am the Italian police came on and woke us all to get one of the fellows on the bottom bunk. He did not have his proper papers and they made him get off immediately (they had collected our passports when we boarded). I did not understand a word, but the Italian woman in my cabin said they were quite mean.
In the end I got to Italy in one piece, and just one hour late, and with all my possessions still on me. It was an interesting experience, and got me from A to Z, but one that I think I can check off of my “to-do” list of life. If ever given the choice between a first class Trentialia train, or being a stowaway on the Orient Express, go with the later.
Elena
October 26, 2011 at 9:10 am //
I’ve never taken an overnight train to Northern Italy because they have such a poor reputation – lots of shady characters apparently. I’m glad to hear your journey was ok :)
My recommendation would be to take the regular TGV to Milan during the daytime and then switch at Stazione Centrale for Venice. The 1st class TGV trains from Paris to Milan have spacious seats, AC, and are super comfortable. The journey takes 7 hours. I only do it rarely and prefer EasyJet (quicker, cheaper, but oh the carbon footprint!)
Prêt à Voyager
October 26, 2011 at 9:22 am //
Great advice straight from an Italian! Thanks, Elena!
Anne
d r e w
October 26, 2011 at 1:02 pm //
i took several overnight trains when i backpacked through europe the summer of 2000. they were always interesting to say the least.
one was an overnight train from berlin to copenhagan… i woke up at one point because i was hot since the train wasn’t moving… we were on a boat! they had loaded the train cars on to a boat, then we went by boat to denmark, then they rolled the train off, reconnected the cars and we went on our way! totally weird and cool.
Linds
October 27, 2011 at 11:46 am //
I did the same train trip two summers ago and I was definitely happy to cross it off my list. We didn’t have any trouble with pick pockets or shady characters, just general restlessness and lack of comfort. Next time, I’m flying!
risamay
October 28, 2011 at 6:08 pm //
As I think I commented on Facebook, I’ve done that train route from Paris to Venice as well. And I don’t need to do it again! But I am glad I got to experience it once, and know what I’m missing in skipping it in future ;)
Susan
October 30, 2011 at 1:04 pm //
What a contrast from the OE…glad you made it there safely.