London to Venice by train

Traveling from London to Venice by train is an unforgettable experience that combines convenience, comfort, and stunning European scenery. Here’s what you need to know:

• Duration: The journey takes 24–32 hours, depending on the route and connections.
• Routes: Choose from a daytime route via Paris and Milan (20h 11m), an overnight sleeper train, or a scenic route through the Swiss Alps.
• Cost: Standard tickets start at $195, while sleeper and scenic options begin around $739.
• Booking Tips: Book early (up to 6 months in advance) to secure the best prices. Use platforms like Trainline or book directly with Eurostar, SNCF, and Trenitalia.
• Key Stops: The trip includes major hubs like Paris, Milan, and Venice’s Santa Lucia station.

Whether you’re looking for speed, comfort, or breathtaking views, this train journey offers options for every traveler. Keep reading for ticket details, booking advice, and route comparisons.

Train Ticket Types and Classes

Standard Class Tickets

Standard class tickets offer comfortable seating and basic services for your journey from London to Venice. Eurostar provides reserved seating and essential amenities. Similarly, connecting high-speed trains in France and Italy ensure a comparable level of comfort, with seat reservations often included in the ticket price.

First Class Options

First class tickets offer added comfort and perks. Passengers enjoy more spacious seating, meal services, quieter carriages, priority boarding, and access to exclusive lounges. On some Eurostar routes, Business Premier tickets also include flexible booking options and faster check-in.

Night Train Options

For overnight travel, some services on the London to Venice route provide sleeper accommodations. These trains feature options ranging from shared compartments to private cabins, allowing travelers to rest during the journey and make the most of their daytime hours at the destination. Features and schedules depend on the service provider.

Discount Tickets

Discounted tickets are available for various traveler groups. Youth, seniors, and groups often qualify for reduced fares, and seasonal promotions or early booking discounts can lead to considerable savings. For more details on specific services and schedules, check the train companies operating this route in the next section.

Train Companies on This Route

Multiple rail operators work together to make the train journey from London to Venice possible, with the route broken into different segments.

Eurostar Services

Eurostar runs frequent high-speed trains from London St Pancras International to Paris, traveling through the Channel Tunnel. This service ensures a smooth and efficient connection between the two cities.

SNCF and Trenitalia Routes

From Paris, SNCF’s TGV trains take you across France, while Trenitalia handles the final leg of the trip, bringing you to Venice’s Santa Lucia station.

Next, take a look at the route variations to find the best option for your journey.

Main Route Options

The train journey from London to Venice spans about 706 miles (1,137 km) and offers three main options: daytime, overnight, and scenic routes. Here’s a closer look at each, including travel time, costs, and schedules.

Day Train Route

The daytime route connects via Paris, with high-speed trains passing through cities like Turin or Milan before arriving at Venice Santa Lucia. The trip takes approximately 20 hours and 11 minutes, with about two departures daily if booked in advance.

Night Train Option

For those who prefer to travel overnight, this option allows you to sleep during the journey and wake up in Venice. Starting in London, you’ll transfer in Paris before boarding a sleeper train through Italy. Travel times vary, and fares generally start at around $739.

Mountain Route

If you’re looking for stunning views, this route takes you through the Swiss Alps. After transferring in Paris, the train continues through Switzerland before heading into Italy and on to Venice. While this option adds extra travel time compared to the direct route, ticket prices are similar, starting at approximately $739.

*Prices reflect advance booking rates.

For more details on fares and schedules, check the ‘Prices and Schedules’ section.

How to Book Tickets

Booking Direct

Planning a trip from London to Venice? Start by booking your Eurostar tickets up to six months ahead of time. For other train segments, reservations can typically be made three months before your travel date. Booking directly with train operators often gives you access to exclusive offers for each part of your journey.

Here’s what you’ll need to do when booking directly with operators:

1. Book the London-to-Paris Eurostar segment.
2. Reserve the Paris-to-Italy leg separately.
3. Secure your final connection to Venice.

Once you’ve handled the direct bookings, you can also check online platforms to compare options and ensure you’re getting the best value.

Online Ticket Sites

Websites like Trainline make it easy to compare prices and routes, pay in US Dollars, and receive digital tickets instantly. These platforms are especially convenient for travelers looking for a streamlined booking process.

Station Ticket Offices

If you prefer in-person assistance, station ticket offices are a great option for last-minute travel or more complicated itineraries. They are particularly helpful for:

• Arranging last-minute trips.
• Making changes to complex travel plans.
• Requesting specific seats.
• Booking special assistance services.

To save money and secure the best rates, book as early as possible – especially for popular travel dates or during peak seasons. Online platforms are particularly useful for comparing different options and locking in the best prices.

Prices and Schedules

Ticket Prices

Standard class tickets start at $195 (around £156.60)^[1] when purchased in advance. Prices can change depending on how far ahead you book and the specific service you choose.

Train Times

Schedules differ by service. Check the official operator’s timetable for the latest departure and arrival information.

Tips to Save Money

• Book your tickets early to secure lower prices.
• Be flexible with your travel dates to find better deals.
• Keep an eye out for seasonal promotions or discounts.

Also, review any additional fees and ticketing policies before finalizing your purchase.

Extra Costs and Rules

When planning your trip, it’s important to be aware of additional fees and specific rules that might apply. These details can save you from unexpected surprises.

Booking and Service Fees

Booking fees can vary based on a few factors:

• Whether you purchase through a website or mobile app
• The timing of your ticket purchase
• The total value of your ticket

To avoid extra charges, opt for digital tickets instead of picking them up at the station. These fees are a common feature of rail services across Europe.

Cancellation Policies

Refunds and cancellations depend on the type of ticket you have:

• Standard tickets: Must be canceled before departure to qualify for a refund.
• OUIGO tickets: Non-refundable under any circumstances.
• Flexible fare tickets: May allow cancellations even after departure.

Always cancel tickets through the platform where you made the booking. If online cancellation isn’t an option, visit a station ticket office or directly contact the rail operator.

Luggage Regulations

Baggage rules can vary depending on your route. For example, on Eurostar (London–Paris):

• You can bring up to 2 large items (maximum size: 85 cm in any dimension).
• 1 small piece of hand luggage is allowed.
• All bags must have a label showing the passenger’s first and last name.

For SNCF services (Paris–Turin–Milan), TGV InOui trains have specific luggage restrictions. Eurostar also offers a registered baggage service between London and Paris, costing around $18–$37 per item.

Prohibited Items

Certain items are not allowed on Eurostar trains, including:

• Firearms and explosives
• Gas canisters
• Knives with blades longer than 3 inches
• E-scooters and hoverboards

Knowing these rules ahead of time can help ensure a smoother travel experience.

Rail Pass Information

Interrail Global Pass

The Interrail Global Pass allows travel across Great Britain and mainland Europe, including popular routes like London to Venice. However, not all British train operators accept this pass ^[2]. Check with your chosen operator to confirm its acceptance. The pass is valid for travel with major rail companies in France and Italy.

Key Details to Keep in Mind

• Eurostar: Reservations are mandatory for all pass holders ^[2].
• High-speed trains: Advance bookings are required for trains in France and Italy.
• Validation: Ensure the pass is validated before your first trip.

These steps are crucial to avoid any disruptions during your journey.

How to Make Reservations

You can book seats through:

• International ticket offices at train stations
• Official websites of rail operators
• The Interrail.eu platform using your pass

Booking Advice

For Eurostar, book your seats as early as possible, especially during busy travel seasons. Use the Interrail mobile app to generate your pass cover number and secure reservations for each segment of your trip in advance. While the pass offers flexibility, early reservations are critical for smooth travel on this multi-country route.

Key Points Summary

Here’s a quick recap to help plan your trip:

Train Services and Routes

• Travel includes connections through London, Paris, and Venice.
• Choose between daytime and overnight routes.
• Major cities along the way are linked by key rail operators.

Ticket Classes and Types

• Daytime trains offer Standard and First Class seating.
• Sleeper trains come with different accommodation options.
• Reservations are mandatory for these services.

Booking Essentials

• Book early, especially for Eurostar segments.
• Tickets can be purchased at station counters, operator websites, or through authorized sellers.
• If you’re using an Interrail Pass, you’ll still need seat reservations.

Travel Documentation

• A valid passport is required for travel between the UK and EU.
• Keep tickets and reservations handy.
• Interrail Passes must be validated before your trip.
• Ensure you have any necessary visas or entry documents.

Connection Points

• Double-check connection times at major hubs like Paris and Milan.
• Allow extra time for station transfers in Paris.
• Review transfer requirements at all connection points.

For detailed information on each topic, check the related sections above.

Related Blog Posts

• Best European Train Routes for First-Time Travelers
• London to Berlin by train
• Venice to Rome by train
• Trains to Venice