 Paris to Naples by train: Frecciarossa arrived at Milan Centrale.
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Paris to Naples in a day from 59
You can travel the 1,671 km (1,038 miles) from Paris to Naples in a single day by high-speed train through some great Alpine scenery, with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. It's not just transportation, it's an epic European adventure with your feet up and a glass of prosecco to hand. There are several ways to travel from Paris to Naples by train, this page explains the options in each direction, and the best way to buy tickets. Information current for 2024.
IMPORTANT: On 27 August 2023, a landslide at St Jean de Maurienne blocked the Paris-Milan line. Direct Paris-Milan TGV & Frecciarossa services are cancelled until at least March 2025. Paris-Switzerland-Milan routes are unaffected. One Paris-Milan TGV is now running with a bus around the landslide. See the landslide on video.
Paris to
Naples: Which
option to choose?
Option 1, Paris to
Naples in a day by Frecciarossa (cancelled)
Option 2, Paris to
Naples in a day by TGV (cancelled)
Option 3, Paris to
Naples in a day via Switzerland (running normally)
Option
4, Paris to
Naples
with overnight stop in Turin (running, bus around landslide)
Option
5, Paris to
Naples via the
Bernina Express (running normally)
Naples to Paris: Which option to choose?
Option 1,
Naples to Paris in a
day by Frecciarossa (cancelled)
Option 2,
Naples to Paris in a day by TGV (running, bus around
landslide)
Option 3, Naples to
Paris in a day via Switzerland (running normally)
Option
4,
Naples to Paris with overnight stop in Turin (running, bus around landslide)
Option
5,
Naples to Paris via the Bernina Express (running normally)
Route map
Paris to Naples by train
Which option to choose?
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Option 1 - currently cancelled because of the landslide.
This is the one I'd normally recommend if you want to travel from Paris to Naples in a single day.
Treat it as a chill-out day as 1,671 km of France, Italy and the Alps unfold outside your window.
You take the early morning Frecciarossa train from Paris to Milan, with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. It's a high-speed dash from Paris to Lyon followed by a leisurely scenic meander through the Alps to Turin, then another high-speed run into Milan.
There's time for a coffee at the magnificent Milan Centrale - an attraction in its own right, can you spot Mussolini? You then take another comfortable high-speed Frecciarossa to Naples Centrale, arriving early evening.
Trenitalia introduced its Paris-Milan Frecciarossa in December 2021 to compete head-to-head with French Railways' long-established Paris-Milan TGV (see option 2). With an interior styled by Italian design firm Pininfarina, the Frecciarossa is the more glamorous train with the better on-board service. It has standard class (2nd), business class (1st) and a luxury executive class (premium 1st) with at-seat food & prosecco included.
Another advantage over option 2 is that both sectors (Paris-Milan & Milan-Naples) are with Trenitalia, so if a delay means a missed connection you have a cast-iron legal entitlement to be rebooked on a later onward train to Naples at no charge.
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Option 2 - currently cancelled because of the landslide.
This also gets you from Paris to Naples in a single day, using the competing SNCF (French Railways) TGV from Paris to Turin, then a Trenitalia Frecciarossa from Turin to Naples. It follows pretty much the same route as option 1, with the same scenery.
The TGV has been running since 1996, originally a joint operation with Trenitalia, but since 2011 entirely run by SNCF. The TGV is a comfortable train, with 1st & 2nd class, cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, but nothing as fancy as Trenitalia's executive class.
For a blow-by-blow comparison of Frecciarossa and TGV, see Which is the better train, Frecciarossa or TGV?
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Option 3 - running normally, through Switzerland so unaffected by the landslide.
This also gets you from Paris to Naples a single day, using scenic main lines through Switzerland. Under normal circumstances it's slightly less convenient than options 1 or 2 because it involves two changes rather than one and it's usually a little more expensive. But while the landslide blocks the direct route it's the fastest & most comfortable option with some great scenery in the Alps.
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Option 4 - running, but with a bus transfer around the landslide.
This is the same route as options 1 & 2, but with an overnight stop in Turin which breaks up the journey nicely.
Leave Paris on the mid-afternoon SNCF TGV or the competing mid-afternoon Trenitalia Frecciarossa (I'd choose the Frecciarossa), and stay overnight in wonderful Turin. Just remember that in winter when the days are shorter, most of the Alpine scenery will be in darkness.
Then take a Frecciarossa from Turin to Naples next morning taking between 5h33 & 6h03, there are various departures. Personally I'd spend the morning exploring Turin, one of Italy's two most under-rated cities, even if you're not a fan of the 1969 Michael Caine film The Italian Job (before you ask, Italy's other most under-rated city is Trieste).
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Option 5 is much slower than all the other options, a little more expensive (but I'll suggest a clever way to book it cheaply) and it takes more effort to organise, but the narrow-gauge Bernina Express panoramic train is the ultimate Swiss Alps train ride and it will be the highlight of your trip - it's breathtaking.
You leave Paris in late afternoon or early evening by TGV-Lyria high-speed train for Zurich, stay overnight in Zurich, then travel from Zurich to Naples next day, through the Swiss Alps via Chur, Tirano & Milan, arriving Naples Centrale late evening. What a day!
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Sleeper option: There is no sleeper train between Paris & Italy any more, Thello's Paris-Italy sleeper ceased in 2020 and will not resume.
Option 1, Paris to Naples in a day by Frecciarossa
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This option is not currently possible as all Paris-Milan Frecciarossas are cancelled due to the landslide.
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There's a morning departure from Paris to Naples every day
Leave Paris Gare de Lyon at 07:25, change at Milan Centrale (arrive 14:07, depart 15:25), arriving Naples Centrale 20:03.
Just so you know, there are a few dates when it runs earlier:
Leave Paris Gare de Lyon at 06:35, change at Milan Centrale (arrive 13:50, depart 15:25), arriving Naples Centrale 20:03.
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What are the trains & journey like?
You travel from Paris to Milan by Frecciarossa 1000, with standard, business & executive class, cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
It's a scenic & relaxing journey, initially at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) on the French high-speed line from Paris to Lyon, then the train slows right down and snakes through the Alps on the classic line via Chambιry & Modane. You'll see the Alps in daylight, even in winter. The train calls at Turin Porta Susa, then joins the Italian high-speed line for a final dash to Milan at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).
Luggage simply goes on racks near your seats, no airline weight limits or baggage fees here.
See route map. More information, photos & tips about the Paris-Milan journey.
The magnificent Milan Centrale is an attraction in its own right, you've time for a coffee between trains and maybe find Mussolini.
You then travel from Milan to Naples at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) on another high-speed Frecciarossa with standard, premium, business & executive class, cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Some Milan-Naples Frecciarossas are Frecciarossa 1000, others Frecciarossa 500.
The train arrives at Naples Centrale, from where Circumvesuviana electric trains run to Pompeii & Sorrento every 30 minutes.
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How much does it cost?
Paris to Milan starts at 29 in standard (2nd class), 36 in business (1st class) or 165 in executive (premium 1st).
Milan to Naples starts at 29.90 in standard (2nd class), 39.90 in business (1st class) or 154.90 in executive (premium 1st).
All these fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
Buy tickets at www.italiarail.com, www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, whichever you prefer, all easy to use, in , £ or $.
Tip: www.italiarail.com allows you to choose your exact seat from a seat map on both Frecciarossas. They'll refund their 3.50 booking fee to seat61 users if you email them at seat61@italiarail.com after booking.
Booking usually opens 4 months ahead. Simply book from Paris (any station) to Naples Centrale as one journey, with departure time set to 06:00. Look for the 1-change option with times that correspond to those shown above. It should show that both trains are Trenitalia Frecciarossas.
Both trains are ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone. About Raileurope. About Thetrainline.
Option 2, Paris to Naples in a day by TGV
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This option is not currently possible as both morning Paris-Milan TGVs are cancelled due to the landslide.
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This is basically the same route as option 1, but using the competing French Railways TGV from Paris to Italy rather than Trenitalia's Frecciarossa. When using the TGV it's easier to change trains in Turin rather than Milan.
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There's a morning departure from Paris to Naples every day
Leave Paris Gare de Lyon at 06:39 every day arriving Turin Porta Susa 12:23. Leave Turin Porta Susa 15:50, arriving Naples Centrale 22:03.
Leave Paris Gare de Lyon 09:43 Saturday & Sunday arriving Turin Porta Susa 15:23. Leave Turin Porta Susa 17:10, arriving Naples Centrale 23:13.
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What are the trains & journey like?
You take a high-speed TGV train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Turin Porta Susa with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. It's a scenic & relaxing journey, first at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) on the Paris-Lyon high-speed line towards Chambιry, then the train slows right down and snakes through the Alps to Italy on the classic route via Modane. For more information, route map & photos see the Paris-Milan TGV page & watch the Paris-Milan video.
You then take a high-speed Frecciarossa train from Turin Porta Susa to Naples Centrale, with standard, premium, business & executive class, cafe-bar, power outlets at all seats & free WiFi.
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How much does it cost?
Paris to Turin starts at 29 in 2nd class or 44 in 1st class.
Turin to Naples starts at 29.90 in standard (2nd class), 39.90 in business (1st class) or 154.90 in executive (premium 1st).
These fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.
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How to buy tickets
Buy tickets from Paris to Naples at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com. Booking opens up to 4 months ahead.
These connect to both the Trenitalia and SNCF ticketing systems so you can book all your tickets together in one place, in plain English, in , £ or $.
Booking usually opens 4 months ahead. There's a small booking fee. About Raileurope. About Thetrainline.
Tip: You can book from Paris (any station) to Naples Centrale as one booking, but make sure the system gives you at least 45 minutes between trains in Turin. You will have separate tickets for each sector, a 45 minute interchange can absorb any 10, 20 or even 40 minute delay.
Tip: If using www.raileurope.com, I recommend clicking More options and entering Turin Porta Susa as a via station with a stopover duration of at least 45 minutes as this ensure a robust same-station change at Turin Porta Susa. In the search results, look for a 1-change journey.
For the TGV You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone. Italian high-speed trains are ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.
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How to buy tickets, advanced
Alternatively, you can book each train separately, more work, more fiddly, same prices, but no booking fee.
Step 1, book from Paris to Turin at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com. In , no booking fee, you print your own ticket or can select a mobile ticket to show on your phone.
Step 2, now book the onward Italian train from Turin to Naples at www.italiarail.com (easy to use, in plain English, in , £ or $, they'll refund their 3.50 booking fee if you email seat61@italiarail.com afterwards) or at www.trenitalia.com (you'll need to use Italian-language place names, see this advice on using it). If you want an Italo train rather than a Trenitalia one, you'll need to use www.italotreno.it.
Option 3, Paris to Naples in a day via Switzerland
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This route is unaffected by the landslide. Going through Switzerland involves an extra change compared to options 1 & 2 and it can cost a little more. But while the direct route is blocked, it's the fastest and most comfortable all-train alternative, with some great scenery through the Swiss Alps (even if it's not as spectacular as the much slower narrow-gauge Bernina route).
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Leave Paris 07:22, arrive Naples 22:13
Step 1, travel from Paris to Basel by TGV-Lyria, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 07:22 and arriving Basel SBB 10:26.
Step 2, travel from Basel to Milan by EuroCity train, leaving Basel SBB at 12:28 and arriving Milan Centrale 16:40.
Step 3, travel from Milan to Naples by Frecciarossa, leaving Milan Centrale at 17:10 arriving Naples Centrale 22:13.
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Leave Paris 08:18, arrive Naples 22:33
Step 1, travel from Paris to Geneva by TGV-Lyria, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 08:18 and arriving Geneva 11:29.
Step 2, travel from Basel to Milan by EuroCity train, leaving Geneva 13:39 and arriving Milan Centrale 17:40.
Step 3, travel from Milan to Naples by Frecciarossa, leaving Milan Centrale at 18:00 arriving Naples Centrale 22:33.
Incidentally, don't worry about connections in Milan. Basel or Geneva to Naples will be a through booking so if the Switzerland-Milan EuroCity train is delayed, you'll be rebooked at no charge on a later onward train from Milan.
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What are the trains & journey like?
The TGV-Lyria is an impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck high-speed train with 3 classes, cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. The scenery on the last hour of the route to Geneva is lovely, see the photos here. Book an upper deck seat for the best views!
The Switzerland-Milan EuroCity train is a bullet-nosed Astoro type from Geneva to Milan via the Simplon route, also an Astoro type from Basel to Milan via the Lφtschberg and Simplon lines, but due to become the latest Giruno type at some point. These trains have 1st & 2nd class, a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. The scenery through the Alps is wonderful.
Make sure you have a quick look around the amazing Milan Centrale and maybe you can spot Mussolini.
The Frecciarossa from Milan to Naples has standard, premium, business & executive class, with a cafe bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. It travels across Italy at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).
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How much does it cost?
Paris to Basel or Geneva starts at 29 in 2nd class or 51 in 1st class.
Basel or Geneva to Milan starts at 29 in 2nd class or 49 in 1st class.
Milan to Naples starts at 29.90 in standard class or 39.90 in business class.
All these fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
Using www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com means you can buy everything in one place. Use whichever you prefer, they're both easy to use, in , £ or $, small booking fee. Booking opens up to 4 months ahead.
First book the TGV-Lyria from Paris to Basel or Geneva and add to basket, looking for one of the early morning departures shown above.
Then book from Basel SBB or Geneva to Naples as a second booking, making sure you book the departure shown above. Add this to your basket and check out, paying for both tickets as one transaction. You print your own tickets or can show them on your phone.
Alternatively, you can book the TGV-Lyria at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee), then book from Basel or Geneva to anywhere in Italy at www.italiarail.com (easy to use, in , $ or £, they'll refund their small booking fee if you email them afterwards at seat61@italiarail.com) or Trenitalia's website www.trenitalia.com (in , requires Italian-language place names, see advice for using it).
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Interrail & Eurail passes
Interrail & Eurail passes are good for all these trains, but a reservation is needed on each train. Look up each of the 3 trains on the Interrail & Eurail reservations page to see reservation costs and how to make a reservation.
Scenery from the Paris to Geneva train, as the train snakes through the hills on the wonderfully scenic Haut-Bugey line.
Lake Maggiore, seen from the Basel and Geneva to Milan trains.
Option 3, Paris to Naples with overnight stop in Turin
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An overnight stop breaks up the journey nicely, with a chance to see wonderful Turin. It's the same route as options 1 & 2, but with a stopover.
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Turin by either TGV or Frecciarossa:
You can leave Paris Gare de Lyon by TGV at 14:48 every day and arrive Turin Porta Susa at 21:46.
This train is running in 2024, with a bus transfer around the landslide from St Jean de Maurienne to Modane.
Or leave Paris Gare de Lyon by Frecciarossa at 15:12 every day and arrive Turin Porta Susa at 21:18.
This Frecciarossa is currently cancelled due to the landslide.
The TGV & Frecciarossa both have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Which is best, TGV or Frecciarossa?
It's a scenic & relaxing journey, first at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) on the Paris-Lyon high-speed line, then the train slows right down and snakes through the Alps to Italy. See route map. More information, photos & tips about the Paris-Milan journey.
Tip: Have lunch at the remarkable Train Bleu restaurant at the Gare de Lyon before strolling across the concourse to your train for Italy!
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Stay overnight in Turin. I'd allow some time for a look around next morning.
I suggest the Hotel Torino Porta Susa or Hotel Diplomatic, Best Quality Hotel Dock Milano, Hotel & Residence Torino Centro - Stazione Porta Susa or small Al Porta Susa B&B, all right next to Turin Porta Susa station where the TGV arrives and where your onward train leaves next morning, with good or great reviews.
Alternatively, the excellent Turin Palace Hotel is in the centre right next to Turin Porta Nuova station, a 7 minute taxi ride, 3-stop 1.50 metro ride or 20 minute walk from Turin Porta Susa, but next morning you can board your train to Naples at Porta Nuova station the historic terminus in the heart of the city. Turin-Naples trains start their journey at Turin Porta Nuova before picking up passengers at Turin Porta Susa a few minutes later.
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Day 2, travel from Turin to Naples by high-speed Frecciarossa train or Italo.
Book any departure you like from either Turin Porta Nuova or Turin Porta Susa to Naples Centrale, there are regular departures through the day.
Turin to Naples takes between 5h33 & 6h03, centre to centre. Trenitalia's 300 km/h (186 mph) Frecciarossas have standard, premium, business & executive class, cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Private operator Italo's competing high-speed trains have 3 classes, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see more about Italo. Which is better, Italo or Trenitalia?
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How much does it cost?
Paris to Turin by TGV starts at 29 in 2nd class or 44 in 1st class.
Paris to Turin by Frecciarossa starts at 29 in standard (2nd class), 36 in business (1st class) or 165 in executive (premium 1st).
Turin to Naples starts at 29.90 in standard (2nd class), 39.90 in business (1st class) or 154.90 in executive (premium 1st).
All these fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
Buy tickets at either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, whichever you prefer.
Both sites are easy to use, in , £ or $. They sell tickets for both the TGV & the Frecciarossa, and for both Trenitalia & Italo tickets within Italy, so you can buy tickets for all operators together in one place, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee. More about Raileurope. More about Thetrainline.
Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. Book from Paris (any station) to Turin Porta Susa for day 1 and add this to your basket. Then book from Turin Porta Susa to Naples Centrale for day 2, add that to your basket and check out.
Frecciarossa trains are ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone. For the TGV you print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
Tip: If using the Frecciarossa, you can book both trains at www.italiarail.com. Italiarail allows you to choose an exact seat on the Frecciarossa from a seat map. They'll refund their 3.50 booking fee to seat61 users if you email them at seat61@italiarail.com after booking.
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How to buy tickets, advanced
You can of course book the TGV and onward Italian trains separately. It's more effort, and in principle you should see exactly the same fares.
Step 1, book from Paris to Turin at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com. In , no booking fee, you print your own ticket or can select a mobile ticket to show on your phone.
Step 2, now book the onward Italian train from Turin to Naples at www.italiarail.com (easy to use, in plain English, in , £ or $, they'll refund their 3.50 booking fee if you email seat61@italiarail.com afterwards) or at www.trenitalia.com (you'll need to use Italian-language place names, see this advice on using it). If you want an Italo train rather than a Trenitalia one, book Italo at www.italotreno.it.
Option 4, Paris to Naples via the Bernina Express - the ultimate scenic route
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This takes significantly longer and must be split over 2 days, but if you want the ultimate scenic ride from Paris to Naples through the Swiss Alps, this option is fabulous - If you still need convincing, watch the video!
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Day 1, travel from Paris to Zurich by early evening TGV-Lyria, for example leaving Paris Gare de Lyon 18:22 arriving Zurich HB 22:26.
By all means book an earlier train and have an evening in Zurich. TGV-Lyria trains have 3 classes, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. More about TGV-Lyria.
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Stay overnight in Zurich. For something special, the 5-star Hotel Schweizerhof is one of my favourite hotels anywhere, just across the road from the station. They'll even send a uniformed commissionaire to meet you & carry your bags from the train. For something cheaper, also next to the station with great reviews, try the Ruby Mimi Hotel or the excellent 3-star Hotel St. Josef, 7 minutes walk from the station, see walking map. If you're on a budget, book a private rooms in a 1-star hotel or backpacker hostel near the station at www.hostelworld.com.
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Day 2, travel from Zurich to Naples, leaving Zurich HB at 07:07 by InterCity train to Chur, then the fabulous Bernina Express through the Swiss Alps to Tirano, then the 13:08 regional train from Tirano to Milan Centrale arriving 15:40 Then take a Frecciarossa to Naples Centrale, arriving late evening. See the Bernina Express page for more details.
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How much does it cost?
Paris to Zurich starts at 29 in 2nd class or 51 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Zurich to Tirano starts at CHF 52 (around 50). Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Tirano to Milan by regional train costs around 12, fixed-price, unlimited availability.
Milan to Naples starts at 29.90 in standard (2nd) class or 39.90 in business (1st) class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
Step 1, book a ticket from Paris to Zurich on any departure you like, using www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com. Booking opens up to 4 months ahead, you print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
Step 2, book a ticket from Zurich to Tirano for the following day, as explained on the Bernina Express page. If you want to travel in the Bernina Express panoramic carriages between Chur & Tirano, add a seat reservation as I explain here.
Step 3, book a ticket from Tirano to Naples on the 13:08 departure from Tirano, using either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead, You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Booking the 13:08 departure from Tirano to Naples should be fine as Swiss trains are usually punctual, but if you want to play it safe you could plan to have a late lunch & a beer in Tirano and book the 15:08 instead.
Naples to Paris by train
Which route to choose?
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Option 1 - currently cancelled because of the landslide.
This is the one I'd normally recommend if you want to travel from Naples to Paris in a single day.
Treat it as a chill-out day as 1,671 km (1,038 miles) of Italy, France and the Alps unfold outside your window.
You leave Naples on a mid-morning high-speed Frecciarossa to Milan with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. There's time for a coffee at the magnificent Milan Centrale - can you spot Mussolini?
You then take the afternoon Frecciarossa from Milan to Paris, also with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. After an initial dash to Turin at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) on the high-speed line, the train slows right down and meanders through the Alps on the classic line through Modane to Chambιry & Lyon. After another high-speed run across France the train arrives in central Paris.
Trenitalia introduced its Milan-Paris Frecciarossa in December 2021 to compete head-to-head with French Railways' long-established Milan-Paris TGV (see option 2). With an interior styled by Italian design firm Pininfarina, the Frecciarossa is the more glamorous train with the better on-board service, with standard class (2nd), business class (1st) and a luxury executive class (premium 1st) with at-seat food & prosecco included.
Another advantage over option 2 is that both sectors (Naples-Milan & Milan-Paris) are with Trenitalia, so if there's a delay and missed connection you are legally entitled to be rebooked on a later train at no charge.
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Option 2 - running, but with bus transfer around the landslide.
This also gets you from Naples to Paris in a single day, but uses the competing SNCF (French Railways) TGV from Turin to Paris. It follows pretty much the same route as option 1, with the same scenery.
The TGV has been running since 1996, originally a joint operation with Trenitalia, but since 2011 entirely run by SNCF. The TGV is a comfortable train, with 1st & 2nd class, cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, but nothing as fancy as Trenitalia's executive class.
The TGV's main advantage is that two same-day Naples to Paris journeys are possible, an early morning one and a late morning one, although personally I'd still go with option 1's Frecciarossa.
For a blow-by-blow comparison of Frecciarossa & TGV, see Which is the better train, Frecciarossa or TGV?
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Option 3 - running normally, through Switzerland so unaffected by the landslide.
This also gets you from Naples to Paris in a single day. Under normal circumstances it's slightly less convenient than options 1 or 2 because it involves two changes rather than one and it's a little more expensive. But while the landslide blocks the direct route it's the fastest and most comfortable option with some great scenery in the Alps.
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Option 4 is the same route as options 1 or 2, but with an overnight stop in Turin, which breaks up the trip nicely. Running, but with a bus around the section affected by the landslide.
Take an afternoon or early evening Frecciarossa from Naples to Turin in as little as 5h34, stay overnight in Turin, then take either SNCF's morning TGV or Trenitalia's morning Frecciarossa through the Alps to Paris in around 5h40 (I'd choose the Frecciarossa).
Personally I'd take an earlier Frecciarossa from Naples to Turin (or the afternoon TGV or Frecciarossa from Turin to Paris next day) and spend time exploring wonderful Turin, one of Italy's most under-rated cities, even if you're not a fan of the 1969 Michael Caine film The Italian Job.
In winter when the days are shorter, a key advantage of this option is that you'll see all the alpine scenery in daylight.
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Option 5 is much slower, a bit more expensive (but I'll suggest a clever way to book it cheaply) and takes a more effort to organise, but boy, the Bernina Express is the ultimate Swiss Alps train ride and it will be the highlight of your trip - it's breathtaking.
Travel from Naples to Milan in late afternoon or evening, day 1. On day 2, travel from Milan to Tirano and take the fabulous Bernina Express through the Swiss Alps to Chur, where a connecting train takes you to Zurich. Stay overnight in Zurich, then take a TGV-Lyria from Zurich to Paris in just 4h05 next morning.
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Sleeper option: There is no sleeper train between Paris & Italy any more, Thello's Paris-Italy sleeper ceased in 2020 and will not resume.
Option 1, Naples to Paris in a day by Frecciarossa
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Update: All Milan-Paris Frecciarossas are cancelled because of the landslide.
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There's a late-morning departure from Naples to Paris every day
Leave Naples Centrale at 10:30 Monday-Friday, change at Milan Centrale (arrive 14:58, depart 15:53) arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 22:34.
Leave Naples Centrale at 09:40 Saturday & Sunday, change at Milan Centrale (arrive 14:50, depart 15:53) arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 22:34.
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What are the trains & the journey like?
You travel from Naples to Milan at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) on one of Trenitalia's premier high-speed Frecciarossa trains, with standard, premium, business & executive class, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Luggage simply goes on racks near your seats, no airline weight limits or baggage fees here.
At the magnificent Milan Centrale you've time for a coffee and maybe you can spot Mussolini. Why not book an earlier departure from Rome (they leave regularly) and spend some time in Milan, perhaps have lunch there? There's a left luggage office at Milan Centrale if you need one.
You then travel from Milan to Paris by Frecciarossa, with standard, business & executive class, cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
It's a scenic & relaxing run. After an initial run from Milan to Turin on the high-speed line, the train slows right down for a scenic meander through the alps on the classic line into France via Modane. After calling at Chambιry & Lyon, the train makes a final high-speed dash at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) on the Lyon-Paris high-speed line. Bring a good book and make it a relaxing afternoon with your feet up.
See route map. More information, photos & tips about the Paris-Milan journey.
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How much does it cost?
Naples to Milan starts at 29.90 in standard (2nd class), 39.90 in business (1st class) or 154.90 in executive (premium 1st).
Milan to Paris starts at 29 in standard (2nd class), 36 in business (1st class) or 165 in executive (premium 1st).
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead for the cheapest prices.
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How to buy tickets
Buy tickets at either www.italiarail.com, www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com whichever you prefer, all easy to use, in , £ or $.
Tip: www.italiarail.com allows you to choose your exact seat on the Frecciarossa from a seat map. They'll refund their 3.50 booking fee to seat61 users if you email them at seat61@italiarail.com after booking.
Book from Naples Centrale to Paris (any station) as one journey, with departure time set to 09:00. If you want to stop off in Milan, book Naples to Milan, add to basket, then book Milan to Paris, add to basket & check out.
Booking usually opens 4 months ahead. There's a small booking fee. Both trains are ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone. About Raileurope. About Thetrainline.
Option 2, Naples to Paris in a day by TGV
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This is basically the same route as option 1, but using the competing French Railways TGV to Paris instead of Trenitalia's Frecciarossa. When using the TGV it's easier to change trains in Turin rather than Milan. As the TGV offers two afternoon departures from Turin, there's a choice of two departures from Naples.
Naples to Paris, Mondays-Fridays (normal service)
Leave Naples Centrale at 06:40, change at Turin Porta Susa (arrive 12:49, depart 15:41*) arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 21:14*.
Leave Naples Centrale at 10:40, change at Turin Porta Susa (arrive 16:49, depart 17:38) arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 23:19.
* On certain dates this TGV runs earlier, leaving Turin Porta Susa 13:38 and arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 19:16.
Naples to Paris, Saturdays & Sundays (normal service)
Leave Naples Centrale at 06:40, change at Turin Porta Susa (arrive 12:49, depart 13:38) arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 19:16.
Leave Naples Centrale at 10:40, change at Turin Porta Susa (arrive 16:49, depart 17:38) arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 23:19.
Update 2024: Because of the landslide, only 1 TGV is currently running per day, every day, as follows:
Until 25 August, leave Naples Centrale 06:40 arriving Turin Porta Susa 12:49. Leave Turin Porta Susa 16:41 arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 23:14.
The journey involves a 30-minute bus transfer from Modane to St Jean de Maurienne, to get around the landslide.
From 26 August, leave Naples Centrale 06:40 arriving Turin Porta Susa 12:49. Leave Turin Porta Susa 15:41 arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 23:14.
The journey involves a 1-hour bus transfer from Oulx to St Jean de Maurienne, to get around the landslide.
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What are the train & journey like?
You travel from Naples to Turin at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) on one of Trenitalia's premier high-speed Frecciarossa trains, with standard, premium, business & executive class, cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
You then travel from Turin to Paris by SNCF (French Railways) high-speed TGV, with 1st & 2nd class, cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
It's a scenic & relaxing run, initially a slow speed meander through the alps on the classic line from Italy into France via Modane, past Chambιry & Lyon, then a final high-speed dash to Paris at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) on the high-speed line, see the Paris-Milan TGV video. Bring a good book and make it a relaxing afternoon with your feet up. Some scenery will be in darkness depending on the time of year, so consider option 2 below. See route map. More information, photos & tips about the Paris-Milan journey..
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How much does it cost?
Naples to Turin starts at 29.90 in standard (2nd class), 39.90 in business (1st class) or 154.90 in executive (premium 1st).
Turin to Paris by TGV starts at 29 in 2nd class or 44 in 1st class.
Fares vary like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.
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How to buy tickets
Buy tickets from Naples to Paris at either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, whichever you like best.
These connect to both the Trenitalia and SNCF ticketing systems so you can book all your tickets together in one place, in plain English, in , £ or $. Booking usually opens 4 months ahead. There's a small booking fee. About Raileurope. About Thetrainline.
Book from Naples Centrale to Paris (any station) as one journey, with departure time set to 08:00 or 12:00. If you want to stop off in Turin, book Naples to Turin, add to basket, then book Turin to Paris, add to basket & check out.
Tip: If using www.raileurope.com, click More options, enter Turin Porta Susa and set stopover time to at least 45 minutes. This ensures a robust connection. In the search results, look for an option shown with just 1 change. If you'd like longer in Turin, increase the stopover duration and set an earlier departure time. Or just book each train separately.
The Italian train is ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone. For the French TGV, you print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
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How to buy tickets, advanced
Alternatively, you can book each train separately, more work, more fiddly, same prices, but no booking fee.
Step 1, book the train from Naples Centrale to Turin Porta Susa at www.italiarail.com (easy to use, recognises English-language place names, they'll refund the 3.50 booking fee if you email seat61@italiarail.com afterwards) or the Trenitalia website www.trenitalia.com (in , you'll need to use Italian place names). It's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.
Step 2, book the TGV from Turin to Paris at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com. You print your own tickets or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
Option 3, Naples to Paris in a day via Switzerland
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This route is unaffected by the landslide. It would normally be a slightly more expensive route involving an extra change compared to options 1 & 2. But while the direct route is blocked, it's the fastest and most comfortable all-train alternative, with some great scenery through the Alps (even if it's not as spectacular as the much slower narrow-gauge Bernina route).
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Leave Naples 06:55, arrive Paris 22:42
Step 1, travel from Naples to Milan by Frecciarossa, leaving Napoli Centrale at 06:55 Mondays-Saturdays, arriving Milan Centrale 11:35.
On Sundays, leave Napoli Centrale at 06:30, arriving Milan Centrale 10:58.
Have a look around the amazing Milan Centrale and maybe you can spot Mussolini!
Step 2, travel from Milan to Zurich by EuroCity train, leaving Milan Centrale 13:10 and arriving Zurich HB 16:27.
Step 3, travel from Zurich to Paris by TGV-Lyria, leaving Zurich HB at 18:34 and arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 22:42.
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What are the trains & journey like?
The Frecciarossa from Naples to Milan has standard, premium, business & executive class, with a cafe bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. It travels across Italy at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).
The EuroCity train from Milan to Zurich is the latest Giruno type with 1st & 2nd class, a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
The Milan-Zurich EuroCity train passes Lake Como and heads through the Alps over the Gotthard route, past pretty Lake Lugano. It uses the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world's longest rail tunnel opened in 2016.
The TGV-Lyria from Zurich to Paris is an impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck high-speed train with 3 classes, cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Book an upper deck seat for the best views!
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How much does it cost?
Naples to Milan starts at 29.90 in standard class or 39.90 in business class.
Milan to Zurich starts at 29 in 2nd class or 49 in 1st class.
Zurich to Paris starts at 29 in 2nd class or 51 in 1st class.
All these fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
Using www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com means you can buy everything in one place. Use whichever you prefer, they're both easy to use, in , £ or $, small booking fee. Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. Using the time above as your guide, do a dry run for all 3 sectors before booking for real.
Book the Frecciarossa from Naples to Milan and add to basket.
Book the EuroCity train from Milan to Zurich and add to basket.
Book the TGV-Lyria from Zurich to Paris, add this to your basket and check out, paying for all tickets as one transaction. You print your own tickets or can show them on your phone.
Alternatively, you can book from Naples to Milan then from Milan to Zurich at www.italiarail.com (easy to use, in , $ or £, they'll refund their booking fee if you email them at seat61@italiarail.com) or at Trenitalia's website www.trenitalia.com (in , requires Italian-language place names, see advice for using it). Then book from Zurich to Paris at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , no booking fee).
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Interrail & Eurail passes
Interrail & Eurail passes are good for all these trains, but a reservation is needed on each train. Look up each of the 3 trains on the Interrail & Eurail reservations page to see reservation costs and how to make a reservation.
Lake Lugano on the Gotthard route, seen from the train from Milan to Zurich.
Option 4, Naples to Paris with overnight stop in Turin
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Day 1, travel from Naples to Turin on any afternoon or early evening train you like, either a Trenitalia Frecciarossa or an Italo.
You can leave Naples Centrale as late as 17:25 arriving Turin Porta Susa 22:59, but trains run every hour or two, I'd take an earlier one as Turin is worth a longer stop. It's one of Italy's most under-rated cities, even if you're not a fan of the 1969 Michael Caine film The Italian Job.
Frecciarossas have standard, premium, business & executive class, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see more about Frecciarossas. Private operator Italo runs competing high-speed trains, see more about Italo. Which is better, Frecciarossa or Italo?
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Stay overnight in Turin. I recommend the Hotel Torino Porta Susa, Hotel Diplomatic, Best Quality Hotel Dock Milano, Hotel & Residence Torino Centro - Stazione Porta Susa or the small Al Porta Susa B&B, all next to Turin Porta Susa station with good or great reviews.
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Day 2, travel from Turin to Paris by either TGV or Frecciarossa in around 5h40, see the timetable here.
A Frecciarossa leaves Turin Porta Susa at 07:11 and arrives Paris Gare de Lyon 13:22.
A TGV leaves Turin Porta Susa at 07:36 and arrives Paris Gare de Lyon 13:16.
Or spend the morning in Turin & leave Turin Porta Susa on the 13:38 (Saturday & Sunday plus some weekdays), 15:41 (weekdays, except when the 13:38 runs) or 17:38 (every day) TGV to Paris.
The Frecciarossa & TGV both have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Which is best, TGV or Frecciarossa?
It's a scenic & relaxing run, initially a slow speed meander through the alps on the classic line from Italy into France via Modane, past Chambιry & Lyon, then a final high-speed dash to Paris at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) on the high-speed line, see the Paris-Milan TGV video. Bring a good book put your feet up. See route map. More information, photos & tips about the Paris-Milan journey.
Update: Because of the landslide, the Frecciarossas are all cancelled, but 1 TGV per day is running: Spend the morning in Turin, then leave Turin Porta Susa at 15:41, arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 23:14. You are transferred by bus from Oulx to St Jean de Maurienne to get around the landslide.
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How much does it cost?
Naples to Turin starts at 29.90 in standard (2nd class), 39.90 in business (1st class) or 154.90 in executive (premium 1st).
Turin to Paris by TGV starts at 29 in 2nd class or 44 in 1st class.
Turin to Paris by Frecciarossa starts at 29 in standard (2nd class), 36 in business (1st class) or 165 in executive (premium 1st).
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
The easiest way to buy tickets is at either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, whichever you prefer.
These connect to both the Italian and French ticketing systems so you can book all your tickets together in one place, in plain English, in , £ or $. They also connect to Italo's ticketing system, so you'll see both Italo & Trenitalia trains. Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. There's a small booking fee.
First book from Naples Centrale to Turin Porta Susa and add to basket. Then book from Turin Porta Susa to Paris (any station) for the following day, add to basket & check out.
Italian trains are ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone. For the TGV, you print your own tickets or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
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How to buy tickets, advanced
Alternatively, you can book each train separately, more effort, more fiddly, same fares, but no booking fee.
Step 1, book the train from Naples Centrale to Turin Porta Susa at www.italiarail.com (easy to use, recognises English-language place names, they'll refund the 3.50 booking fee if you email seat61@italiarail.com afterwards) or www.trenitalia.com (you'll need to use Italian place names). It's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone. If you want to try an Italo train instead of Trenitalia, book at www.italotreno.it.
Step 2, book the TGV from Turin to Paris at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com. You print your own tickets or can show a mobile ticket on your phone. Book the Frecciarossa using the same websites given in step 1.
Option 5, Naples to Paris via the Bernina Express - the ultimate scenic route
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This takes significantly longer and must be split over 2 days, but if you want the ultimate train ride through the Swiss Alps, this option is fabulous - If you still need convincing, watch the video.
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Day 1, travel from Naples to Milan by high-speed train
Travel from Naples to Milan by Frecciarossa high-speed train on any afternoon or evening departure you like. Journey time is around 4 hours. Frecciarossas have 4 classes, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. More about Frecciarossas.
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Stay overnight in Milan. Affordable hotels with good or great reviews just outside Milan Centrale include the Hotel Bristol, Hotel Bernina, 43 Station Hotel, B&B Hotel Milano Central Station, Guesthouse Teodora. Pricier more upmarket hotels include HD8 Hotel, Glam Hotel, Made to Measure Business, Starhotel Echo or Starhotel Anderson.
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Day 2, travel from Milan to Zurich the scenic way
Travel from Milan to Tirano by regional train, leaving Milan Centrale at 10:20 along the Lake Como, arriving Tirano 12:52.
Now travel from Tirano to Chur on the fabulous Bernina Express narrow-gauge panoramic train, continuing to Zurich by connecting Swiss intercity train. You leave Tirano at 14:24 and arrive Zurich HB at 19:53.
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Stay overnight in Zurich. For something special, the 5-star Hotel Schweizerhof is one of my favourite hotels anywhere, just across the road from the station. They'll even send a uniformed commissionaire to meet you & carry your bags from the train. For something cheaper, also next to the station with great reviews, try the Ruby Mimi Hotel or the excellent 3-star Hotel St. Josef, 7 minutes walk from the station, see walking map. If you're on a budget, book a private rooms in a 1-star hotel or backpacker hostel near the station at www.hostelworld.com.
Alternatively, you could stop overnight in the pleasant town of Chur instead.
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Day 3, travel from Zurich to Paris by TGV-Lyria on any departure you like.
You can leave Zurich HB at 07:34 arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 11:38, or leave Zurich HB at 09:34 arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 13:38, or leave Zurich HB at 11:34 arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 15:38. Your call!
TGV-Lyria trains have 3 classes, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. More about TGV-Lyria.
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How much does it cost?
Naples to Milan starts at 29.90 in standard (2nd) class or 39.90 in business (1st) class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Milan to Tirano by regional train costs around 12, fixed-price, unlimited availability.
Tirano to Zurich starts at CHF 52 (around 50). Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Zurich to Paris by TGV starts at 29 in 2nd class or 51 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets
Step 1, book a ticket from Naples to Milan for day 1 on any departure you like, using either www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead, it's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.
Step 2, book a ticket from Tirano to Zurich for day 2 as explained on the Bernina Express page. If you want to travel in the Bernina Express panoramic carriages between Tirano & Chur, add a seat reservation as I explain here.
Step 3, book a ticket from Zurich to Paris for day 3 on any departure you like, also at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com. Booking opens up to 4 months ahead, you print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
Step 4, that just leaves the Milan-Tirano regional ticket. You can buy this on the day at the station, or buy it at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com and print it out.