London to Italy by train?

mercisa

Myself and hubby planning to go to rome or venice June/July. Im not keen on flying and think it would be fun to go by train. has anyone done this and is there any advice as to where to get off the Eurostar to catch another train to Italy? Not in big hurry to get there will be treating the travelling as part of the holiday.

richardw

http://www.raileurope.co.uk

London-Paris-Milan-Bologna-Rome

London-Brussels-Munich-Verona-Rome

London-Paris-Milan-Verona-Mestre-Venice

London-Brussels-Munich-Verona-Mestre-Venice

You might have to change stations at Paris or Brussels.

In Summer there is a direct saturday service to Avignon, you could then go via Marseille, Nice, Genoa, Pisa to Rome

Thomas cook publish timetables http://www.thomascookpublishing.com/series.htm?series=Timetables You can get these at many bookshops including WH Smith at train stations

French trains website http://www.voyages-sncf.com/dynamic/_SvHomePage?_DLG=SvHomePage&_CMD=cmdHomepageUK&WB=HP

Italian trains website http://www.trenitalia.it/en/index.html

italiastar

Hi, Used to do this a lot when I was a child - it was the only way - flying too expensive. It used to be easier - hope on the train at Victria - non-stop to Dover - helped onto the ferry by "Porters" - helped off by "porters" and a direct train to Milan or even further.

The last time my dad did it, about 10 years ago it was much much worse - so much so they started going by coach! - yes Coach!

The problem was the trip involved lots of changing trains and no help with luggage. That said it should still be possible. Try http://www.raileurope.co.uk/ this grew out of the old french rail service. I think you should be able to book a through ticket using Eurostars a TGV's - change at Paris - probably change stations using the Metro - allow a good hour for this, but with tickets in advance from rail europe it should solve the biggest problem. You may have to change again in northern France / Switzerland, but I think it should be possible. Also try traininline.co.uk.

Any more queries, please ask.

Just found this whilst trying to find the agent we used to use - Waseels - I'm not sure if they are still in the UK - they were specialists for this sort of trip - been doing it for over 50 years probably longer - the link is useful though - http://www.family-travel.co.uk/practicalities/practicalities2.php3?section=The+Continent&report=Getting+There+-+Rail

As you say, your not in a rush, so enjoy it - it is a very nice way of travelling and meeting new people.

Just wish to add - this site is terrific !!!! two detailed replies to your question in 30 minutes - Well done Martin for setting this up.

italiastar

I've just done a test booking - can't book for June, but did may £450 return per person - this is ridiculous!!!

Are you sure you don't want to fly - BMI go to |Venice and you'll get change out of £200 return - for the two of you! Easyjet and Ryanair are even Cheaper, but BMI are worth the extra.

pin

Could you possiblily get a Eurorail pass or something like that?

cougar_3

Hope this will be useful:
Pan-European train timetable: http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en

I've been from Italy to Switzerland by train and the time passed pretty quickly (5 hours of it!). Sorry I can't be of much help, but have a nice trip!

mercisa

Thanks for all the website ideas I will get looking on internet.

giggles_uk

I have found this site useful in the past for all Train routes across the world, hope it helps. https://www.seat61.com