The Orient Express is long-gone, but a train ride from Paris to Venice is in your future.
Getting from Paris to Venice by rail is not a direct route; and though you will need to hop a few platforms, there’s nothing quite like seeing two of Europe’s most romantic cities in a single trip.
Here’s what you need to know about getting from Paris to Venice by train.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Nisian Hughes. Image Location: Venice Santa Lucia train station, Venice, Italy
At a glance: train from Paris to Venice
- Paris’s station: Paris Gare de Lyon | Paris Gare de l’Est
- Venice’s station: Venezia Mestre
- How far is Paris to Venice by train: 525 miles
- Fastest duration for high-speed trains: 11h 8m
- Average duration for general trains: 15h 39m
- Number of trains per day: 23
- Ticket prices: as low as $79 when you book in advance
- Earliest departure: 6:18 a.m.
- Latest departure: 9:00 p.m.
Is a trip to Venice from Paris worth it?
Yes, a trip to Venice from Paris is worth it as part of a dual-destination vacation. It’s a bit of a trek compared to a different “V” city like Versailles, but totally worth it if you’ve got a plan and PTO.
Pro(posal) tip: pull a fake-out with a romantic dinner on the Eiffel Tower and then an “impromptu” gondola ride engagement on the Grand Canal.
How far is Venice from Paris by train?
Paris is 525 miles away from Venice by train. Distance can be deceiving, though; that’s why it’s important to pay more attention to how much time it takes to get from place to place. Paris to Venice by train is “far” but not “too far” for those who have the time.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Matteo Colombo. Image Location: Venice, Italy
How long is the high-speed train from Paris to Venice?
You can travel from Paris to Venice on a high-speed train in just over 11 hours. Yes, that is a “day” of travel, but look at the hidden benefit: you’ll arrive in Venice late, when all of the day-tripping tourists and cruise passengers are long gone.
How often is the train from Paris to Venice?
The train from Paris to Venice runs 23 times per day. Just under two dozen opportunities to depart the French capital are more than enough if you plan ahead. Choosing your train time in advance rather than waiting until the last minute can mean a world of a difference.
How much is the high-speed train from Venice to Paris?
Tickets from Venice to Paris on the high-speed train start at about $79.00. And we’re being very liberal with the word “start”. Paris and Venice are super popular which means tickets can get super pricey.
🚆Trainline Tip: tickets get more expensive as the departure date looms. Buy early to save.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Francesco Vaninetti Photo. Image Location: Venice, Italy
What is the cheapest way to get from Paris to Venice?
The cheapest way to get from Paris to Venice is often by plane — however, remember all of the “hidden” costs with air travel. Getting between the city center and airport requires an extra cost. Food prices in airports are much more expensive than in train stations. If you purchase train tickets months in advance, you’ll find prices comparable — if not cheaper — than flying.
Plus, train travel between Paris and Venice is much more scenic and comfortable. Trust us, even a “short” flight can be a stressful experience compared to a “long” leisurely train ride that’s as loosey-goosey as can be.
How can you buy cheap train tickets from Paris to Venice?
Whether you’re buying train tickets for Italy online for your first time or doing the trip in reverse and need to buy France train tickets online, we recommend buying tickets as soon as you can to get the cheapest price. Buy them when you purchase your flights to Europe and you could save a lot of money.
Do your diligence and do it on the Trainline app. We make it easy to buy train tickets online for the cheapest price and store them directly on your phone.
Which train station is best from Paris to Venice?
We’ve got zero beef with either Paris Gare de Lyon and Paris de l’Est. Both are wonderful train stations and both are easily accessible from most parts of Paris. Take a peep into the routes to make your decision. For instance, the same travel time from Gare de l’Est lets you cruise through Germany while the trip from Gare de Lyon takes you down to the French Riviera. Both look lovely from the train window.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Matteo Colombo. Image Location: Venice, Italy
Is the train ride from Venice to Paris scenic?
Oh yeah, Paris to Venice is lovely by train. Doesn’t even matter the route. Passing through Nice? French Riviera views. Going through Munich? Bavaria is a beaut. Take the train between Paris and Venice to fill your hours with Italian, French, and German landscapes you’ll love.
How long is the Orient Express from Paris to Venice?
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers five routes from Paris to Venice, each of which take one night. The routes run either through Cannes, Florence and Rome, Amsterdam, and Innsbruck and Geneva.
🚂 Trainline Trivia: this Orient Express isn’t the one you’ll peep Agatha Christie on. That OG train service is long gone; but this Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a new luxury train service that recaptures the magic of the original.
How much does the Orient Express cost to Venice?
Brace yourself: cabins for the Orient Express from Paris to Venice start between $3,600 and $10,350. Per person. Now, is this Belmond Train experience a luxurious train ride unlike any other? Absolutely. Worth the price? We have a feeling that those who can afford it will swoon over the journey.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Milamai. Image Location: railway terminal, Venice, Italy
Is there a sleeper train from Paris to Venice?
No, there is no sleeper train from Paris to Venice — well, let’s walk that back. There’s no dedicated sleeper train from Paris to Venice, but there are trains that run overnight from Paris to Venice and you can nod off in your seat with help from a handy desk. Take note, youths: sleeping on a European train is an experience you’ll talk about in your travel tales for years to come.
Does the Thello night train still exist?
Only in our dreams. The Thello night train went to the big train station in the sky in 2021. The pandemic had a huge impact on the route, which was already not as spectacular as some luxury travelers desired it be.
Can you do a day trip from Paris to Venice?
No — this isn’t a chouquette, so we’re not going to sugarcoat it. Taking a day trip from Paris to Venice is a bad idea. Not a “why would you do something so foolish” bad idea; rather, a “why would you limit yourself to mere minutes in Venice?” bad idea.
Seriously, if you’re lucky enough to snag two 11-hour train rides, that’s a 22-hour journey. The remaining 2 hours in this true “day” trip is not enough to check-off the bare minimum of highlights.
🚆Trainline Tip: let us suggest other worthy day trips from Paris and two-day trips from Paris that help you make the most of your time and minimize your travel.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Grant Faint. Image Location: Venice, Italy
Why is Venice so popular?
Venice is a gorgeous city, naturally and architecturally, with its dreamy canals flanked by stunning Venetian Gothic-style buildings. You needn’t go to the Piazza San Marco or Rialto Bridge to see why they’re filled with tourists. Spend a moment on any bridge or in any square of Venice and you’ll want to stay as long as possible.
Is it cheaper to go to Venice or Paris?
Well, we can tell you that Venice is $5.37 more expensive than Paris in the summer, thanks to its new tourist tax. Apples to apples, though, because both cities are comparable; however Paris wins in a few categories. Hotels in Venice might be a bit pricier because it's a smaller city. The Louvre is a little cheaper than Doge’s Palace. It’s also cheaper to get to the top of the Eiffel Tower than it is to take a gondola ride.
Is eating in Venice expensive?
So, here’s the thing: if you want to grab gelato in front of St. Mark’s Square, you’re going to pay a lot of money. Most restaurants near the landmarks will be more expensive than if you crossed a few bridges and found a more secluded restaurant away from the landmarks.
How much does pizza cost in Venice?
Pizza prices in Venice vary. Personal pizzas at Pizzeria L'Angelo near St. Mark’s Square start at about $7.50. Antico Forno, near the Rialto Bridge, has ‘em as low as €5.50. If we may suggest? Try one pizza but make sure you eat locally-loved foods, too, like cicchetti.
Ready to be amazed by these romantic twin cities? Download the Trainline app today and get booking.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Karl Hendon. Image Location: Venice, Italy
