Rome to Paris

Rome to Paris

Rome is the capital city of Italy, a country in southern Europe known for its rich history, art, and culture. Italy is famous for landmarks like the Colosseum, Vatican City, and delicious cuisine such as pasta and pizza.

Paris is the capital city of France, a country in western Europe known for its fashion, art, and historical sites. France is home to the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and is famous for its cuisine, including cheese, wine, and pastries.

The Palatino Express, originally known as the Rome Express, was a renowned overnight train service connecting Paris and Rome.It commenced operations in 1890 and was rebranded as the Palatino Express in 1969. The service was discontinued in December 2011, briefly revived in December 2012, and ultimately ceased operations in December 2013 due to infrastructure challenges and declining demand .​

Modern Train Travel Between Rome and Paris

Although the Palatino Express no longer operates, travelers can journey between Rome and Paris using current train services.Here are some options:​

  • High-Speed Day Trains: Traveling via Milan or Turin, these trains offer a journey time of approximately 11 to 14.5 hours. For instance, Trenitalia's Frecciarossa connects Rome to Milan, with onward connections to Paris
  • Scenic Routes: For those interested in picturesque journeys, routes via Switzerland, such as the Bernina Express, offer breathtaking alpine views. These routes typically require overnight stays and multiple connections .​
  • Night Trains: While there isn't a direct overnight train between Rome and Paris currently, options like the Austrian Nightjet connect Rome to Vienna, from where travelers can continue to Paris. This route takes approximately 27 hours in total.
  • Ticket prices vary based on the chosen route, class, and booking time. For example, prices can start from €79 when booking in advance

Palatino Express: Rome to Paris Night Train

Overview

The Palatino Express (originally known as the Rome Express) was a famous overnight train that connected Rome, Italy to Paris, France. It began service in 1890 and was renowned for its luxury and scenic journey across the heart of Europe.

  • Route: Rome (Italy) to Paris (France)
  • Type: Night train (intercity sleeper)
  • Duration: ~15 hours
  • Operation period: 1890 – 2011 (brief revival in 2012–2013, now discontinued)

Timetable (Historical)

Note:This was the typical schedule before it was discontinued. Times may have varied slightly over the years.

  • Departure:
    • Rome Termini: ~19:25 (7:25 PM)
  • Main Stops Along the Route:
    1. Florence Campo di Marte(Italy)
    2. Bologna Centrale(Italy)
    3. Milan Centrale(Italy) [sometimes included]
    4. Dijon Ville(France)
  • Arrival:
    • Paris Gare de Lyon: ~10:18 AM (next morning)

Accommodation Options

The train offered a range of options for different budgets and comfort preferences:

  • 6-berth couchette(basic shared sleeper)
  • 4-berth couchette(more space)
  • Deluxe sleeper compartments:
    • 1, 2, or 3 beds
    • Private washing facility
    • Breakfast included (in some services)

The service was especially popular with tourists, rail enthusiasts, and business travelers who preferred to travel overnight and save on hotel stays.

Current Alternatives

While the Palatino Express is no longer running, you can still travel from Rome to Paris by train using high-speed services with a transfer:

  1. Rome ➝Milan (Frecciarossa)
  2. Milan ➝Paris (TGV or Frecciarossa International)
  3. Total Duration: ~10.5 to 12 hours
  4. Scenic routethrough the Alps
  5. Option to stopat Florence, Bologna, Turin, or Milan

 

By Admin

21 Apr 2025

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