A Frecciarossa 1000

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This page explains how to travel by train from Naples to other key European cities, and how to buy tickets the cheapest way.  Information current for 2024.

Coming from Sorrento?  Take the narrow-gauge Circumvesuviana railway from Sorrento to Naples Piazza Garibaldi, every 30 minutes, journey time 55 minutes, fare €4.50 or so, buy at the station.  Naples Piazza Garibaldi is co-located with Naples Centrale.  Then use train information on this page.

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Take a moment to read these tips for buying European train tickets.  It answers all the usual questions, "Must I book in advance or can I buy at the station?", "Can I stop off?", "Are there Senior fares?" and that old favourite, "Should I buy an $800 railpass or a €35 point-to-point ticket?".  How far ahead can you buy train tickets?

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An introduction to European train travel

 

Senior fares (over 60)

 

Guide to Eurail passes (overseas visitors)

Important tips for buying European train tickets

Youth fares (under 26)

 

Guide to Interrail passes (for Europeans)

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Couchettes & sleepers on night trains

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Hotels & accommodation

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Changing stations in Paris by metro or taxi

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Maps of the European rail network

 

What to do when things go wrong...


Naples to other Italian towns & cities from €9.90, www.italiarail.com
Naples to Rome, Florence, Milan, Turin, Venice
Naples to Pompeii, Sorrento, Amalfi
Naples to Palermo, Catania, Siracuse & Sicily

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Naples to London from €99

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Naples to Paris from €58.90

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Naples to Lyon from €54.90
Paris to Florence by Frecciarossa: A Frecciarossa 1000 at Milan Centrale

Milan to Lyon by Frecciarossa:  A Frecciarossa 1000 at Milan Centrale.  Interior photos courtesy of Nicholas Brooke.

Frecciarossa 1000 standard class   Frecciarossa 1000 Premium class seats

Standard class, with seats arranged 2+2 across the car width.  Larger photo.

 

Premium class, identical to Standard but in leather.  Sold as Standard on this route.  Larger photo.

Frecciarossa 1000 Business class seats   At-seat meal on Frecciarossa 1000

Business class seats 1+2 across car width, with tables for 2, tables for 4 & complimentary prosecco. Larger photo.

 

In business class you can order a simple meal at your seat, around €18.

Frecciarossa 1000 executive class   Frecciarossa executive meeting room

Executive class at one end of the train Larger photo.

 

The Executive class meeting room.  Larger photo.

Scenery in Italy, en route from Paris to Florence by train

Take a good book, a bottle o' red, and enjoy the scenery from Milan to Lyon with your feet up.  These are mountains in Italy, between Turin and Lyon, courtesy of www.discoverbyrail.com.

Scenery in France, en route from Paris to Florence by train

And these are mountains in France.

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Naples to Nice, Cannes, Monte Carlo
Frecciarossa 1000 at Roma Termini

Step 1, take a high-speed Frecciarossa from Naples to Milan in 4h33 at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  This is a Frecciarossa 1000 at Rome TerminiMore about Frecciarossas their 4 classes.  Click the images below for larger photos.

Frecciarossa 1000 standard class   Frecciarossa 1000 premium class

Standard class, seats 2+2 across width.

 

Premium class, seats 2+2 across width.

Frecciarossa 1000 Business class   Frecciarossa 1000 executive class

Business class, seats 1+2 across car width.

 

Executive class, with food & drink included.

Italian InterCity train

Step 2, take an Intercity train from Milan to Ventimiglia.  Above, a train at the magnificent Milan Centrale.

2nd class   1st class

2nd class.  Larger photo.

 

1st class.  Larger photo.

TER train at Juans-les-Pins station

Step 3, take a TER local train from Ventimiglia to Monaco, Nice & Cannes.  Ventimiglia to Nice takes an hour along the coast.  Here, a TER rolls into Juan les Pins station, between Nice & Cannes.

Coastal scenery between Nice & Ventimiglia

Coastal scenery from the upper deck of the TER from Ventimiglia to Nice & Cannes.

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Naples to Brussels & Bruges from €88

Option 1, Naples to Brussels using the Rome-Munich Nightjet sleeper - easy & time-effective, avoids crossing Paris

The Nightjet sleeper from Munich to Rome

Rome to Munich by Nightjet sleeper trainMore about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

The same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

   

Nightjet couchette car.

 

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

ICE3M to Cologne & Frankfurt, boarding at Brussels Midi

Munich to Brussels by ICE with one easy change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.  ICEs have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Above, an ICE3M at Brussels MidiMore about ICE trains.

2nd class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train   1st class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

2nd class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

 

1st class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

Erdinger Weissbier on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE train   Restaurant car on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

Proper china, metal cutlery.  I recommend the Erdinger Weissbier!  See current month's menu.

 

Restaurant car:  This is the small 12-seat restaurant area on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

Option 2, Naples to Brussels with overnight stop in Lyon - easy & time-effective

Paris to Florence by Frecciarossa: A Frecciarossa 1000 at Milan Centrale

Milan to Lyon by Frecciarossa:  A Frecciarossa 1000 at Milan Centrale.  Interior photos courtesy of Nicholas Brooke.

Frecciarossa 1000 standard class   Frecciarossa 1000 Premium class seats

Standard class, with seats arranged 2+2 across the car width.  Larger photo.

 

Premium class, identical to Standard but in leather.  Sold as Standard on this route.  Larger photo.

Frecciarossa 1000 Business class seats   At-seat meal on Frecciarossa 1000

Business class seats 1+2 across car width, with tables for 2, tables for 4 & complimentary prosecco. Larger photo.

 

In business class you can order a simple meal at your seat, around €18.

Frecciarossa 1000 executive class   Frecciarossa executive meeting room

Executive class at one end of the train Larger photo.

 

The Executive class meeting room.  Larger photo.

Scenery in Italy, en route from Paris to Florence by train

Take a good book, a bottle o' red, and enjoy the scenery from Milan to Lyon with your feet up.  These are mountains in Italy, between Turin and Lyon, courtesy of www.discoverbyrail.com.

Scenery in France, en route from Paris to Florence by train

And these are mountains in France.

Option 3, Naples to Brussels with overnight stop in Turin

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Naples to Amsterdam from €64

Option 1, Naples to Amsterdam using the Zurich-Amsterdam Nightjet sleeper train - scenic & time-effective

  • Step 1, travel from Naples to Milan by high-speed Frecciarossa 1000, leaving Naples Centrale at 10:40 and arriving Milan Centrale at 15:50.

    Frecciarossas have 4 classes, a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see more about Frecciarossas.

    Fares start at €29.90 in 2nd class or €39.90 in 1st class.  Fares work like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book from Naples to Milan at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee).  Booking usually opens up to 4 months ahead.  It's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.

    A later departure is theoretically possible, but you should allow plenty of time in both Milan and Zurich when connecting with a sleeper train.  Take some time to look around the magnificent Milan Centrale - can you spot Mussolini?

  • Step 2, travel from Milan to Zurich by EuroCity train through the Alps, leaving Milan Centrale at 17:10 arriving Zurich HB at 20:27.

    The EuroCity train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & fee WiFi.  It's a lovely ride across Switzerland through the Alps past various lakes including Lake Lugano, see the Milan to Zurich video.  Have your camera ready!

    On arrival in Zurich you've time for dinner, I recommend steak-frites and a beer or two at the Brasserie Federal on the main concourse.

    Fares start at €29 in 2nd class or €49 in 1st class.  Fares work like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

    Book from Milan to Zurich at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee).  Booking usually opens up to 4 months ahead.  It's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.

    Important: A freight train derailed in the Gotthard Base Tunnel in August 2023, in 2024 trains are still being diverted over the original (very scenic) Gotthard line taking an extra hour and with fewer departures.  Until further notice, you'll need to leave Milan Centrale earlier, at 15:10 arriving  Zurich HB 19:27.  And that means you also currently need to leave Naples Centrale 2 hours earlier, at 08:40.

  • Step 3, travel from Zurich to Amsterdam by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Zurich HB at 21:59, arriving Amsterdam Centraal 09:14.

    This comfortable Nightjet train has an air-conditioned AB33 sleeping-car with 1 & 2 berth compartments with washbasin.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.

    Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at www.oebb.atBooking opens up to 6 months ahead, sometimes less.

    Tip:  This train may be listed in the search results twice, once as an IC with seats, once as an NJ with couchettes/sleepers.  Choose the latter!

Giruno train

Steps 1 & 2, travel from Naples to Milan by high-speed train & Milan to Zurich by EuroCity train.  Above, a Milan-Zurich EuroCity is seen at Bellinzona.  The train passes through the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world's longest rail tunnel, though the transit takes just 20 minutes.

1st class on Giruno   Restaurant car on Giruno

Giruno, 1st class.  Larger photo.

 

Restaurant car with bar counter. Larger photo.

2nd class on Giruna   Bar counter in the restaurant car

Giruno 2nd class.  Larger photo

 

Level boarding. Note the destination screen in the door. 

Lake Lugano, seen from a Milan to Zurich train

Lake Lugano, seen from the Milan-Zurich EuroCity train on the Gotthard route.

AB33 sleeping-car on the Amsterdam-Zurich Nightjet train

Step 3, Zurich to Amsterdam by Nightjet sleeper trainMore about Nightjets.

Single-bed sleeper on Amsterdam-Zurich train   Single-bed sleeper on Amsterdam-Zurich train

Single-bed sleeper with washbasin.  Larger photo.

 

Breakfast next morning.  Larger photo.

Couchette compartment on Amsterdam to Switzerland Nightjet train   Couchette compartment on Amsterdam to Switzerland Nightjet train

4 or 6 berth couchette compartment.  Larger photo.

 

Couchette car.

Option 2, Naples to Amsterdam using the Rome-Munich Nightjet sleeper train - another easy & time-effective option

  • Step 1, travel from Naples to Rome by Frecciarossa train, leaving Naples Centrale at 17:25 arriving Rome Termini 18:35.

    The Frecciarossa has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  By all means book an earlier train and spend some time in Rome.  Just make sure you allow at least an hour between trains in Rome when catching a sleeper.

    Fares start at €19.90 in 2nd class (standard) or €29.90 in 1st class (business).  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee) or www.italiarail.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, they'll refund their small booking fee if you email them at seat61@italiarail.com) or www.trenitalia.com (a bit more fiddly, requires Italian language place names, in €).  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, travel from Rome to Munich by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Rome Termini at 20:17 and arriving Munich Hbf 09:22.

    Update: Daily from 8 June to 7 September 2024 also some weekends, this nightjet is diverted due to trackwork and will not start in Rome.  It will start from Ancona & Rimini, leaving Bologna Centrale around 23:21.  So instead of booking the 17:25 Frecciarossa from Naples to Rome, book the same 17:25 Frecciarossa from Naples Centrale to Bologna Centrale and pick up the sleeper there.

    This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.

    Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (same prices, a bit more fiddly, in €).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.

    Tip:  If you like, you can check the train formation, check car numbers & see in what order cars for different destinations are marshalled using the excellent www.vagonweb.cz.  Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Austria & click nj.

  • Step 2, travel from Munich to Amsterdam by ICE, leaving Munich Hbf at 11:51, change Frankfurt (Main) Hbf, arriving Amsterdam Centraal 20:29.

    ICE trains have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Exact times may vary.

    Fares start at €39.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this at the German Railways website int.bahn.deTip:  Change Transfer time from normal to 40 minutes

    Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.  See suggested hotels in Amsterdam.

The Nightjet sleeper from Munich to Rome

Rome to Munich by Nightjet sleeper trainMore about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, soap & towels provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

   

Nightjet couchette car.

 

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

ICE3 at Amsterdam Centraal

Munich to Amsterdam by ICE with one easy change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.  ICEs have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Above, an ICE3M at Amsterdam Centraal More about ICE trains.

2nd class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train   1st class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

2nd class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

 

1st class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

Erdinger Weissbier on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE train   Restaurant car on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

Proper china, metal cutlery.  I recommend the Erdinger Weissbier!  See current month's menu.

 

Restaurant car:  This is the small 12-seat restaurant area on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

Option 3, Naples to Amsterdam with overnight stop in Zurich - if you prefer day trains & hotel to sleepers

  • 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.

  • Day 2, travel from Zurich to Amsterdam, leaving Zurich HB at 07:59, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf, arriving Amsterdam Centraal at 17:29.

    By all means choose an earlier or later departure.  Exact times may vary.  ICE trains have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

    Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com (in €, £ or $, small booking fee), or direct from German Railways at int.bahn.de (in €, no booking fee).

    Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

Option 4, Naples to Amsterdam with overnight stop in Paris - the route to use if you want to stop off in Paris

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Naples to Luxembourg

Option 1, Naples to Luxembourg using the Rome-Munich Nightjet sleeper train

  • Step 1, travel from Naples to Rome by Frecciarossa train, leaving Naples Centrale at 17:25 arriving Rome Termini 18:35.

    The Frecciarossa has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  By all means book an earlier train and spend some time in Rome.  Just make sure you allow at least an hour between trains in Rome when catching a sleeper.

    Fares start at €19.90 in 2nd class (standard) or €29.90 in 1st class (business).  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee) or www.italiarail.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, they'll refund their small booking fee if you email them at seat61@italiarail.com) or www.trenitalia.com (a bit more fiddly, requires Italian language place names, in €).  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, travel from Rome to Munich by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Rome Termini at 20:17 every night and arriving Munich Hbf 09:22.

    Update: Daily from 8 June to 7 September 2024 also some weekends, this nightjet is diverted due to trackwork and will not start in Rome.  It will start from Ancona & Rimini, leaving Bologna Centrale around 23:21.  So instead of booking the 17:25 Frecciarossa from Naples to Rome, book the same 17:25 Frecciarossa from Naples Centrale to Bologna Centrale and pick up the sleeper there.

    This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.

    Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (same prices, more fiddly, in €).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.

    Tip:  If you like, you can check the train formation, check car numbers & see in what order cars for different destinations are marshalled using the excellent www.vagonweb.cz.  Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Austria & click nj.

  • Step 2, travel from Munich to Luxembourg, leaving Munich Hbf at 11:28 by ICE, change Mannheim & Trier, arriving Luxembourg 18:23.

    ICE trains have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  From Koblenz to Luxembourg it's a scenic run along the Moselle valley.

    Fares start at €32.90.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book from Munich to Luxembourg at the German Railways website int.bahn.de, allowing at least 1 hour between trains in Munich.

    Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

    Tip:  To avoid buses and get an all-train journey, click Stopovers and enter Igel as a stopover, leaving length of stay as 00:00.

The Nightjet sleeper from Munich to Rome

Rome to Munich by Nightjet sleeper trainMore about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photo Video of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, soap & towels provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

   

Nightjet couchette car.

 

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

Option 2, Naples to Luxembourg with overnight stop in Zurich

  • 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.

  • Day 2, travel from Zurich to Luxembourg, leaving Zurich HB at 07:59, changing at Mannheim & Trier, arriving Luxembourg at 15:23.

    Or have a leisurely breakfast and take the easiest departure with just 1 change, leaving Zurich HB at 10:59 by direct EuroCity train EC8 to Koblenz, time for coffee in Koblenz, then the 17:06 from Koblenz direct to Luxembourg arriving 19:23.

    These are all comfortable air-conditioned trains and they all head along the scenic Rhine Valley route between Mainz and Koblenz past vineyards, castles, river boats & the legendary Lorelei Rock, see the Rails Down the Rhine page.  They then run along the pretty Moselle river to Trier.  The whole journey is made on a through ticket, so no worries about connections, they normally go like clockwork.  There are earlier or later departures, too, just check online.

    Tip:  The EuroCity train EC8 has a Swiss 1st class panorama car, to book it, see the advice on the Rails Down the Rhine page.

    Fares start at €39.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book from Zurich to Luxembourg at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.

    Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

    Tip:  To avoid journeys involving a bus, click Stopovers and enter Igel as a stopover, leaving length of stay as 00:00.

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Naples to Geneva, Zurich, Luzern, Basel & Switzerland from €59

Choose between fast, comfortable & scenic (option 1, using mainline trains) and slow, comfortable, fabulous world-class highlight-of-your-trip scenic (option 2, via the Bernina Express).  There are no longer any sleeper trains between Italy & Switzerland, although a Rome-Zurich sleeper is on the cards in a few years' time.

Option 1, Naples to Switzerland by high-speed train

ETR610 EuroCity train at Milan Centrale

An EuroCity train to Switzerland at Milan CentraleMore about these EuroCity trains.

1st class on an Astoro train   Restaurant car on an Astoro train

1st class seats.  Larger photo.

 

Restaurant car.  Larger photo.

Lunch on an ETR610 train   1st class seats on an Astoro train

Lunch in the restaurant car.

 

2nd class.  Larger photo 360 degree photo.

Lake Maggiore, seen from a Milan to Basel train

This is Lake Maggiore, seen from the restaurant car of the 11:25 Milan to Basel EuroCity train over an excellent lunch of salmon tagliatelle & excellent Swiss red wine.

Lake Lugano, seen from a Milan to Zurich train

This is Lake Lugano, seen from a Milan-Zurich EuroCity train.

Option 2, Naples to St Moritz, Chur, Zurich via the scenic narrow-gauge Bernina route

First class seats   Bernina Express panormaic cars

Bernina Express 1st class seats.

 

the Bernina Express uses panoramic carriages.

The train descends from the Bernina Pass

The Bernina Express descends from the Bernina Pass.

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Naples to Barcelona & Spain

Option 1, Naples to Barcelona & Spain via Lyon - the easiest & usually cheapest option

Option 2, Naples to Barcelona & Spain with overnight stop in Geneva

Mt Canigou in the Pyrenees

Mt Canigou & the Pyrenees.  Seen from the train and one of the highest peaks in the mighty Pyrenees, the 2,784m (9,137 feet) high Mt Canigou dominates the skyline all the way from Girona to Perpignan.

Option 3, Italy to Barcelona by luxury cruise ferry

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Naples to Lisbon & Portugal

Option 1, Naples to Lisbon via Madrid

Option 2, Naples to Faro & the Algarve using a bus from Seville

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Naples to Andorra

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Naples to Munich, Berlin & Germany from €39

Option 1, using the Rome-Munich sleeper & onward train to Berlin or anywhere in Germany - the time-effective option

The Nightjet sleeper from Munich to Rome

Rome to Munich by Nightjet sleeper trainMore about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, soap & towels provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

   

Nightjet couchette car.

 

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

Option 2, Naples to Berlin using the Zurich-Berlin sleeper

Option 3, Naples to Hamburg using the Zurich-Hamburg sleeper

Option 4, Naples to Munich & Germany via the Brenner route - a scenic daytime option

EuroCity train from Munich to Innsbruck & beyond

A EuroCity train at Munich Hbf.  More about these Austrian EuroCity trains.

2nd class seats in an open-plan car   Austrian first class seats

2nd class seats, some in open-plan saloons like this, some in 6-seat compartments.

 

1st class leather seats.  You'll also find seats in classic 6-seat compartments.

Hilltop fortresses seen from the Brenner Pass train

Watch out for hilltop fortresses.  See the Brenner Pass scenery video here.

Scenery (and vineyards!) on the Brenner route   Scenery on the Brenner route

Vineyards, mountains and castles south of Brenner as the train heads from Verona to Innsbruck.

Mountains on the Brenner route.

Option 5, Naples to Frankfurt & Germany via the Gotthard route - another scenic daytime option

ETR610 EuroCity train at Milan Centrale

An ETR610 at Milan Centrale, as used on the direct Milan-Frankfurt EuroCity train.  More about ETR610 trains.

1st class on an Astoro train   Restaurant car on an Astoro train

1st class seats.  Larger photo.

 

Restaurant car.  Larger photo.

Lunch on an ETR610 train   1st class seats on an Astoro train

Lunch in the restaurant car.

 

2nd class.  Larger photo 360 degree photo.

Lake Maggiore, seen from the train

Lake Maggiore, seen over lunch in the restaurant car.

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Naples to Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck & Austria from €68

Option 1, Naples to Salzburg & Vienna using the Rome-Austria sleeper train - safe, comfortable & time-effective

The Nightjet sleeper at Vienna

Nightjet sleeper at Vienna HbfMore about Nightjet trains.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe sleeper shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as single-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car.

Option 2, Naples to Salzburg or Vienna in a single day, with lunch in Venice - the scenic option

  • Step 2, travel from Venice to Vienna by smart Austrian railjet train, leaving Venice Santa Lucia at 15:55, arriving Vienna Hbf 23:36.

    This train takes the wonderfully scenic UNESCO-listed Semmering route, you might see something of the landscape at least in summer when it's light until ten.  The railjet train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see the Venice-Vienna information page.

    For Salzburg, change in Villach arriving Salzburg Hbf around 21:48.  Don't worry about the 5-minute interchange at Villach, this is a recognised connection which many people make, it's a simple cross-platform switch from platform 2 to platform 3.  In any case you will have a through ticket so will be looked after if there's missed connection.

    Fares start at €29.90 in 2nd class, €44.90 in 1st class or €59.90 in business class (= premium 1st).  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book from Venice to Vienna or Salzburg at www.thetrainline.com (easiest to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, same fares, a little more fiddly).

    Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket.

Option 3, Naples to Innsbruck, Salzburg or Vienna in a single day via the Brenner Pass - another scenic daytime option

  • How to buy tickets

    First book the 11:52 from Bologna Centrale to Innsbruck, Salzburg, Vienna or anywhere in Austria using www.thetrainline.com (easiest to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (same prices, in €, more fiddly).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket.

    Now add the connecting train from Naples Centrale to Bologna Centrale at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee, using Trainline means all your bookings are together in one place), or www.italiarail.com (easy to use, in €, £, or $) or www.trenitalia.com (in €), making sure you have at least 40 minutes between trains in Verona in case of any delay.  If you use Italiarail they'll refund the small booking fee if you email them at seat61@italiarail.com with your booking reference.  Booking opens up to 4 months ahead.  It's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.

EuroCity train from Munich to Innsbruck & beyond

A EuroCity train at Munich Hbf.  More about these Austrian EuroCity trains.

2nd class seats in an open-plan car   Austrian first class seats

2nd class seats, some in open-plan saloons like this, some in 6-seat compartments.

 

1st class leather seats.  You'll also find seats in classic 6-seat compartments.

Hilltop fortresses seen from the Brenner Pass train

Watch out for hilltop fortresses.  See the Brenner Pass scenery video here.

Scenery (and vineyards!) on the Brenner route   Scenery on the Brenner route

Vineyards, mountains and castles south of Brenner as the train heads from Verona to Innsbruck.

Mountains on the Brenner route.

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Naples to Copenhagen, Gothenburg & Stockholm

Option 1, Naples to Copenhagen, Gothenburg & Stockholm using the Zurich-Hamburg sleeper

Double-deck sleeping-car on a Nightjet at Zurich

Zurich to Hamburg by Nightjet.  This is a double-deck sleeping-car at Zurich HB. Courtesy of DiscoverbyRail.com.

   

2-berth sleeper on the lower deck.

 

Stairs down to pair of lower compartments.

 

1 or 2-bed sleeper on lower deck with washbasin, viewed through window.  Set up as 1-bed.  Note how compact the compartment is.

    4-berth couchette on Nightjet train

Nightjet couchette car.

 

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

Hamburg-Copenhagen train at Copenhagen

Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train.  From June 2023, these trains are temporarily being operated by former German Railways intercity cars and a Danish electric locomotive, until new trains being built by Talgo arrive in 2024.  The current trains have 1st & 2nd class, power sockets at seats, but no catering so bring your own food & drink.  More about the Hamburg-Copenhagen journey.

2nd clas seats on a DB Intercity train

2nd class seats are almost all open-plan like this.  There are a handful of 6-seat 2nd class compartments in one of the coaches, but only a few.

1st class comparment on a Berlin to Amsterdam train   1st class 6-seat compartment on a Berlin to Amsterdam train

The 1st class car has 6-seater compartments like this. Larger photo Larger photo.

An X2000 train at Stockholm Central

Copenhagen to Stockholm by tilting 200km/h X2000, seen at Stockholm CentralMore about X2000 trains.

1st class seats on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train 2nd class seats on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train

1st class on an X2000.  Larger photo.

 

2nd class on an X2000.  Larger photo.

Bistro seating area on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train   Bistro seating area on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train

Bistro seating on an X2000 train. Larger photo.

 

Bistro on an X2000 train. Larger photo.

On the Oresund link!

Crossing the impressive Φresund bridge from Denmark to Sweden.

Option 2, Naples to Copenhagen, Gothenburg & Stockholm using the Rome-Munich sleeper

The Nightjet sleeper from Munich to Rome

Rome to Munich by Nightjet sleeper trainMore about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, soap & towels provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

   

Nightjet couchette car.

 

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

Hamburg-Copenhagen train at Copenhagen

Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train.  From June 2023, these trains are temporarily being operated by former German Railways intercity cars and a Danish electric locomotive, until new trains being built by Talgo arrive in 2024.  The current trains have 1st & 2nd class, power sockets at seats, but no catering so bring your own food & drink.  More about the Hamburg-Copenhagen journey.

2nd clas seats on a DB Intercity train

2nd class seats are almost all open-plan like this.  There are a handful of 6-seat 2nd class compartments in one of the coaches, but only a few.

1st class comparment on a Berlin to Amsterdam train   1st class 6-seat compartment on a Berlin to Amsterdam train

The 1st class car has 6-seater compartments like this. Larger photo Larger photo.

An X2000 train at Stockholm Central

Copenhagen to Stockholm by tilting 200km/h X2000, seen at Stockholm CentralMore about X2000 trains.

1st class seats on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train 2nd class seats on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train

1st class on an X2000.  Larger photo.

 

2nd class on an X2000.  Larger photo.

Bistro seating area on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train   Bistro seating area on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train

Bistro seating on an X2000 train. Larger photo.

 

Bistro on an X2000 train. Larger photo.

On the Oresund link!

Crossing the impressive Φresund bridge from Denmark to Sweden.

Option 3, Naples to Copenhagen, Gothenburg & Stockholm with overnight stops in Munich & Copenhagen

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Naples to Oslo & Norway

Option 1, Naples to Oslo with overnight stops Munich & Copenhagen - by train all the way

Option 2, Naples to Oslo using the Kiel-Oslo cruise ferry - the most luxurious way to Norway

Double-deck sleeping-car on a Nightjet at Zurich

Zurich to Hamburg by Nightjet.  This is a double-deck sleeping-car at Zurich HB. Courtesy of DiscoverbyRail.com.

   

2-berth sleeper on the lower deck.

 

Stairs down to pair of lower compartments.

 

1 or 2-bed sleeper on lower deck with washbasin, viewed through window.  Set up as 1-bed.  Note how compact the compartment is.

    4-berth couchette on Nightjet train

Nightjet couchette car.

 

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

Germany to Oslo Color Line ferry at Kiel

Kiel to Oslo by cruise ferry.  This photo is taken from the exit of Kiel station, so you can see how close the ferry is.  It's a 5-6 minute walk across the harbour, with a street lift up to a connecting walkway which takes you to the ferry terminal. If you have reserved one of what Color Line call their "5 star suites", check in at the desk rather than the machines and you'll be directed to a special lounge to wait with free tea, coffee, juice, snacks & WiFi.  You'll also have priority boarding of the ship.  Photos courtesy of Andrew Leo.

Boarding the ferry in Kiel

Boarding the Color Line ferry to Oslo in Kiel.

Kiel to Oslo ferry, Color Class suite   Kiel to Oslo ferry, restaurant

A 5 Star Suite on the ferry.

 

More cruise liner than ferry!  The restaurant.

View from Color Line ferry to Oslo

Wake up to this...

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Naples to Helsinki & Finland

Option 1, Naples to Helsinki using the Finnlines ferry from Germany - the easiest option

Finnlines ferry Travemunde-Helsinki

Finnlines operate the Finnstar, Finnmaid & Finnlady on the Travemόnde-Helsinki route.  Photo courtesy of Hubert Bartkowiak.  Photos below courtesy of Chris Russell.

Cabin on Finnlines ferry Travemunde-Helsinki   Gym on Finnlines ferry   Sauna on Finnlines ferry

Standard cabin.  Larger photo.

 

Gym with a view.

 

Sauna.

Option 2, Naples to Helsinki by train to Stockholm, then ferry

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Naples to Prague from €87

Option 1, Naples to Prague using the Rome-Vienna sleeper - safe, comfortable, time-effective

The Nightjet sleeper at Vienna

Rome to Vienna by Nightjet sleeper trainMore about Nightjet trains.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, soap & towels provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car.

Czech Railjet train to Vienna at Prague Hlavni station

Vienna to Prague by railjet, with economy, first & business class, restaurant car, free WiFi & draught beer on tap.  More about Vienna-Prague railjets.

Economy seats on a Prague to Vienna Railjet train   1st class seats on a Czech Railjet train

Economy (2nd) class.  Mainly unidirectional seating but with some tables for 4.  All seats have power sockets & free WiFi.  Larger photo.

 

First class.  Mainly unidirectional, with some tables for 2 & tables for 4.  Larger photo

Restaurant car on a Prague-Vienna railjet train   Business class on a Czech railjet train

Restaurant car for snacks, meals, beer, wine, tea & coffee.  You don't need to reserve, just turn up & sit down.  There's waiter-service at tables or order at the counter & take back to your seat.  Larger photo.

 

Business class = premium 1st class.  Just 6 seats at one end of the 1st class car.  Same seats but very different layout from business class on Austrian railjetLarger photo.

Option 2, Naples to Prague using the Zurich-Prague sleeper - another time-effective option

Giruno train

Milan to Zurich by EuroCity train, through the Alps.  This is a Giruno train at Bellinzona.  The train passes through the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world's longest rail tunnel, though the transit takes just 20 minutes.

1st class on Giruno   Restaurant car on Giruno

1st class.  Larger photo.

 

Restaurant car with bar counter. Larger photo.

2nd class on Giruna   Bar counter in the restaurant car

2nd class.  Larger photo

 

Level boarding. Note the destination screen in the door.

Lake Lugano, seen from a Milan to Zurich train

Lake Lugano, seen from a Milan to Zurich train on the Gotthard route.

The Zurich to Prague sleeping car boarding at Zurich HB

Zurich to Prague by sleeping-car, seen at Zurich HBMore about this sleeper.

City Night Line standard (economy) sleeper   City Night Line standard (economy) sleeper in day mode   City Night Line deluxe sleeper, private toilet & shower   Comfortline sleeper corridor

Standard sleeper set up as a 2-berth, with blind down & washstand open.  Each room can be used with 1, 2 or 3 beds.

 

Same sleeper with berths folded away & seats out, washstand closed.  Very similar to a deluxe, but without shower & toilet.

 

Deluxe sleepers are similar to standard ones, with a bit more floorspace & compact shower & toilet instead of washstand.

 

Just like a hotel, the corridor in a Comfortline sleeping-car.  There's a shower at end of the corridor for standard sleeper passengers.

Option 3, Naples to Prague with overnight stop in Venice - if you prefer day trains & hotel to sleepers

A railjet train about to leave Vienna

A Venice-Vienna railjet, at Venice Santa LuciaMore about Venice-Vienna railjets.

Railjet restaurant car   Business class seats on a railjet train

Restaurant.  In 1st & business you're served at your seat.

 

Business class.  About business class.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy class.

The railjet travels over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  See the Vienna to Venice page for more information, photos & video.

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Naples to Bratislava from €83

Option 1, Naples to Bratislava using the Rome-Vienna sleeper - safe, comfortable, time-effective

The Nightjet sleeper at Vienna

Rome to Vienna by Nightjet sleeper trainMore about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, soap & towels provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Couchette car on the Nightjet sleeper train.

The train from Vienna to Bratislava, at Vienna Huaptbahnhof...   Inside the hourly train from Vienna to Bratislava...

Vienna to Bratislava by hourly Regional Express train, seen about to leave Vienna Hbf.  Behind the locomotive is a smart Slovakian air-conditioned intercity coach, whilst the rest of the train consists of more basic non-air-con Austrian City Shuttle carriages, with interiors as shown in the photo above right.  Find a seat in the more comfortable Slovakian car if you can!

Option 2, Naples to Bratislava with overnight stop in Venice - if you prefer day trains & hotel to sleepers

A railjet train about to leave Vienna

Venice to Vienna by railjet, seen at Venice Santa Lucia More about Venice-Vienna railjets.

Railjet restaurant car   Business class seats on a railjet train

Restaurant.  In 1st & business you're served at your seat.

 

Business class.  About business class.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy class.

The railjet travels over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  See the Vienna to Venice page for more information, photos & video.

The train from Vienna to Bratislava, at Vienna Huaptbahnhof...   Inside the hourly train from Vienna to Bratislava...

Vienna to Bratislava by hourly Regional Express train, seen at Vienna Hbf.  Behind the locomotive is a smart Slovakian air-conditioned intercity coach, the rest of the train consists of non-air-con Austrian City Shuttle carriages, as shown in the photo above right.  Find a seat in the more Slovakian car if you can!  More about Vienna-Bratislava trains.

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Naples to Budapest from €98

Option 1, Naples to Budapest using the Rome-Vienna sleeper - safe, comfortable, time-effective

The Nightjet sleeper at Vienna

Rome to Vienna by Nightjet sleeper train More about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, soap & towels provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Couchette car on the Nightjet sleeper train.

EuroCity train from Vienna to Budapest, at Budapest Keleti

Step 2, Vienna to Budapest by EuroCity train.

1st class seats on a Hungarian EuroCity train   2nd class seats on a Hungarian EuroCity train

1st class is usually in 6-seat compartments.  Larger photo.

 

2nd class, open-plan saloon type, modernised.  Larger photo.

Option 2, Naples to Budapest with overnight stop in Venice - if you prefer day trains & hotel to sleepers

A railjet train about to leave Vienna

A Venice-Vienna railjet, at Venice Santa LuciaMore about Venice-Vienna railjets.

Railjet restaurant car   Business class seats on a railjet train

Restaurant.  In 1st & business you're served at your seat.

 

Business class.  About business class.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy class.

The railjet travels over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  See the Vienna to Venice page for more information, photos & video.

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Naples to Bucharest, Brasov & Romania
2-berth sleeper on the Ister   The Ister at Bucharest Nord

A 1, 2 or 3-bed sleeper with washbasin.  Larger photo.

 

The sleeping-car (vagon de dormit) on the westbound Ister at Bucharest.  Sleepers convert from beds to private sitting rooms for day use.  Courtesy of DiscoverByRail.

Couchette car on the Ister EuroNight train from Budapest to Bucharest   Romanian couchette car from Vienna to Bucharest

The vagon cuseta (couchette car) on the westbound Ister, boarding at Bucharest.  Couchettes convert from bunks at night to seats by day.  Courtesy of @AndyBTravels, DiscoverByRail.com .

 

4 or 6-berth couchettes.  Larger photo.

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Naples to Ljubljana & Zagreb

Option 1, Naples to Ljubljana & Zagreb using the Rome-Austria sleeper - the most time-effective option.

Option 2, Naples to Ljubljana by daytime trains, overnight stop, on to Zagreb next day - the leisurely daytime option

Option 3, Naples to Ljubljana & Zagreb using the direct route through Trieste

Scenery between Trieste and Ljubljana

Looking back from the rear of the Austrian EuroCity train as it climbs out of Trieste.  Courtesy Helmut Uttenthaler.

Scenery between Trieste and Ljubljana

Scenery in Slovenia on the way from Trieste to Ljubljana.  More about Venice-Trieste-Ljubljana.

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Naples to Dubrovnik & Split

Option 1, Naples to Split & Dubrovnik via Zagreb - overland all the way

Option 2, Naples to Split & Dubrovnik using a ferry from Ancona or Bari - more time-effective

Ancona to Split ferries in Split Harbour   Deluxe cabin onm Ancona to Split ferry

Blue Line & Jadrolinija ferries in Split Harbour.  Above right, a deluxe cabin on the Blue Line ferry, which comes complete with an en suite jacuzzi.  Courtesy of Andrew Leo.

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Naples to Belgrade

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Naples to Sofia

Option 1, Naples to Sofia via Budapest & Bucharest - currently the most viable option

Option 2, Naples to Sofia via Belgrade

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Naples to Warsaw, Krakow & Poland

Option 1, Naples to Krakow & Warsaw using the Rome-Vienna sleeper

The Nightjet sleeper at Vienna

Rome to Vienna by NightjetMore about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, soap & towels provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car.

The Danubius from Vienna to Krakow

Vienna to Warsaw or Krakow by EuroCity train.  This is the Danubius to Krakow at Vienna Hbf on a winter afternoon.  That's the Czech through car to Wroclaw nearest the camera, the Polish cars to Krakow are ahead of it.  Courtesy of Helmut Uttenthaler.

2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train   2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

Most 2nd class cars have compartments like this with side corridor & 6-seat compartments.

Option 2, Naples to Krakow & Warsaw with an overnight stop in Vienna

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Naples to Kyiv, Lviv & Moscow
The Kiev Express   1, 2 or 3 bed sleeper compartment   Each compartment has a washbasin

Ukrainian sleeping-car. Courtesy of Alessandro

 

Sleeper compartment.

 

...with washbasin.

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Naples to Athens & Greece
Superfast ferry from Bari to Patras in Greece

The ferry Superfast II from Bari to Patras, boarding at Bari.  Courtesy of DiscoverByRail.com.

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Naples to Istanbul & Turkey

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Hotels in Naples

Find hotels at Booking.comMy favourite hotel search: www.booking.com

Booking.com is my favourite hotel booking site and I generally use it to book all my hotels in one place.  I've come to trust booking.com's review scores, you won't be disappointed with any hotel that scores 8.0 or more.  Crucially, booking.com usually lets you book with free cancellation, which means you can confirm accommodation risk-free before train booking opens and/or you can hold accommodation while you finalise your itinerary and alter your plans as they evolve - a feature I use all the time when planning a trip.  I never book hotels non-refundably!

Backpacker hostels

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Travel insurance & VPN

 

Staysure travel insurance

 

Columbus Direct logo

Always take out travel insurance

Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover.  It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit.  An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Here are some suggested insurers.  Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.

UK flag  www.staysure.co.uk offers enhanced Covid-19 protection & gets 4.7 out of 5 on Trustpilot.

UK flag  www.columbusdirect.com is also a well-know brand.

US flag  If you live in the USA try Travel Guard USA.

 

Maya.net logo

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a mobile data package for the country you're visiting and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM card so you don't need to buy a physical SIM, including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility listMaya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data.

 

Curve card

Curve card

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month at time of writing.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.

How it works:  1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android.  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than digging a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card, they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

 

Express VPN

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  Why you need a VPN

When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explainedExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I get a small commission to help support this site.

 

Anker Powerrbank

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, vaccination records and Interrail or Eurail passes are often held digitally on your mobile phone, so it's vital to keep it charged.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over if I can't get to a power outlet.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or from Buy from Amazon.com.

 


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