How to Book Train Tickets From Italy to France in Europe

Train travel is an easy and hassle-free way to explore the countryside in Europe. If your travel plans include the Italian Dolomites one day and the French Pyrenees the next, do not worry, as booking train travel between Italy and France is a straightforward process.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Passport Eurail timetable
Passport
Eurail timetable

Step 1

Head to an Internet cafe. Go to the Rail Europe website (http://www.raileurope.com) to learn what fares are available for your travels. (If access to the Internet is not available, head to the nearest train station to figure out your travel options.)

Step 2

Determine which fare best suits your needs. If you are under the age of 26, you can take advantage of youth fares. If you will be using a Eurail pass, you can also take advantage of discounted rates. For those over the age of 26, your choices are typically limited to first or second class tickets. First class fares features larger seats that recline and access to a buffet car that offers a wide range of food options. Second class fares typically features seats that do not recline and offer access to a buffet car with fewer food options.

Step 3

Select your desired fare. Keep in mind that if you are traveling a far distance, you may want to consider taking an overnight train. Though these fares may be more expensive than a daytime fare, doing so means you will not be stuck on a train all day when you could be spending the time exploring a new city or countryside.

Step 4

Even if you are traveling on a Eurail pass, remember that popular train routes between Italy and France may require a reservation or an additional fee; also ALL overnight trains require a reservation.

Step 5

Head to the nearest train station to book your desired fare. Typically, you can make several reservations at one time; your point of departure does not have to coincide with where you book the tickets.

Tips & Warnings

Be aware that transit strikes can occur at any time in both Italy and France; if this happens, try your best to just go with the flow. To avoid standing in lines at the train station, and to sometimes receive a slightly discounted fare, consider making train reservations prior to your trip to Europe.

Be aware that transit strikes can occur at any time in both Italy and France; if this happens, try your best to just go with the flow.

To avoid standing in lines at the train station, and to sometimes receive a slightly discounted fare, consider making train reservations prior to your trip to Europe.

Resources

Article Written By Susan Berg

Based in Philadelphia, Susan Berg has more than 10 years of experience as a writer and editor. Her work has been published in both print and online media, including the "Dayton Daily News," BioZine and Wcities. Berg earned a Master of Arts in journalism from Indiana University.

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