How to get from Paris to Venice

Hey travellers, if you're planning a European adventure that combines elegance, romance, and timeless charm, the Paris to Venice route is right at the top of your bucket list. Two of the continent's most iconic centres of romance, Paris and Venice, come together in a journey that takes in a whole range of landscapes, cultures and unique traditions. The distance between the two cities is roughly 524 miles (844 km), and the journey time is going to vary greatly depending on which mode of transport you choose.

In this guide by Venice Insider Guide, you'll find everything you need to know: distances, travel times, costs, transportation options, and some practical tips to keep in mind. Getting between these two cities can be done by train, bus or flight - each with their own pros and cons in terms of price and travel time.

From Paris to Venice

The Paris to Venice route is one of the most popular travel routes in Europe, for leisure and luxury tourists alike.

From the French capital to the Venetian lagoon, the journey offers loads of different options: flights, high-speed trains, buses, and even luxury experiences like the Orient Express. Train travel between Paris and Venice runs around 23 times a day, giving travellers plenty of choices. The high-speed trains usually involve a change in Milan and take anywhere from 9 to 14 hours - and you can take in some of the most beautiful countryside and alpine scenery along the way.

Thanks to the development of European infrastructure and rail networks, planning this trip is now a whole lot easier, and you can choose between comfort, speed or affordability.

Paris to Venice: the Basics

Before we dive into travel options, here are a few key points to keep in mind:

The route connects two of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations
It's available year-round, with plenty of daily departures
Travel times vary quite a bit depending on the transport mode
Prices can fluctuate depending on the time of year

You Can Get to Venice From Paris...

Believe it or not, and in a few different ways, too. The connection between Paris and Venice is well-established, and has something for every kind of traveller:

Fast travel - flights
Scenic journeys - trains
Budget travel - buses (direct buses can take between 16 and 22 hours)
The ultimate experience - luxury trains

When planning your trip, think about how much time, money or effort you want to put into the journey between Paris and Venice. Booking bus tickets well in advance can help you save some cash - prices tend to go up the closer you get to the departure date.

Paris and Venice: both romantic Cities

No surprise that this route is a hit with couples. Paris has long been known as the 'City of Love', while Venice has a timeless romantic atmosphere with its canals and gondolas.

Both cities have:

Iconic architecture
Unique atmospheres
Rich cultural heritage
Fine cuisine

Main transportation options from Paris to Venice include:

Flights (fastest)
Trains (most sustainable)
Buses (most affordable)
Luxury trains (experiential travel)

Some key operators:

Air France
Ryanair
Trenitalia
SNCF
FlixBus

You can buy train tickets through platforms like Rail Europe or TheTrainline. For flights, try searching for options using tools like Omio or Google Flights to compare prices, schedules and find the best deals for your Paris to Venice journey.

When to Travel From Paris to Venice

It really depends on what you're looking for:

Spring (April–June)

Lovely weather
Fewer crowds

Summer (July–August)

Peak season
Higher prices

Autumn (September–October)

Romantic atmosphere
Cultural events

Winter (November–February)

Perfect for the Carnevale di Venezia
Fewer tourists

Why Travel From Paris to Venice

This itinerary is perfect for:

Romantic getaways
Multi-destination European trips
Cultural experiences
Photography journeys

Both cities are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Paris to Venice: the Essentials

Before you go, keep in mind:

Valid travel documents for the Schengen Area
Cost differences between transport modes
Book in advance to save
Seasonality can affect pricing
Check-in procedures at airports and train stations: give yourself plenty of time for security checks and boarding.
Baggage policies: be aware of baggage fees and restrictions, and plan how to manage your bags efficiently.
Connecting transportation options: plan your route to connect smoothly between different modes of travel, such as trains and flights, to ensure a hassle-free journey.

Paris to Venice distance

The distance between Paris and Venice is:

About 1,100 km by road
About 840 km by air

Getting to Venice from Paris - Your Travel Options

When trying to figure out how to get from Paris to Venice, you have a few different options. Here's what you need to know:

Flying

If speed is your thing then flying is probably your best bet - the average flight time from Paris to Venice is just 1 hour and 35 minutes.
There are loads of flights available
Plus - you can get some great deals (we're talking €50 one-way kind of money)

Taking the Train

Trains might be a bit slower (we're talking 10-14 hours), but they're also way more environmentally friendly
You get to see some amazing views along the way
And you can book seats in advance if you want

Getting on the Bus

If you've got a tight budget then the bus might be the way to go - it's defo the cheapest option
But be aware that it's going to take at least 17-20 hours
FlixBus is one of the main operators

Paris to Venice Flights

How long does a flight from Paris to Venice take?

The average flight time is 1 hour and 35 minutes - so you can be sipping a coffee in Venice in no time.
Some of the main airlines that fly this route are Air France, easyJet and Transavia.
Depending on when you book, you might be able to get a flight for as little as €65.

Paris to Venice Trains

How long is the journey by train?

The train journey from Paris to Venice can take anything from 10 to 14 hours (with transfers).
You can book seats in advance and tickets through Rail Europe or TheTrainline.
The train operators that run this route are SNCF and Trenitalia.

Paris to Venice Bus

Bus Travel

The bus journey from Paris to Venice is going to take around 17-20 hours.
It's a budget-friendly option, but be aware that it's going to take a while.
FlixBus is one of the main bus operators on this route.

Paris to Venice Simplon Orient Express

If you're looking to travel in style, then the Venice Simplon Orient Express is a must. This legendary train is one of the most famous ways to travel and it's a real treat. You'll get to caboodle in a beautifully restored carriage, with all the trimmings.

What to expect:

Private cabins with all the trimmings
Gourmet meals, including breakfast in your cabin
High-end service

Paris to Venice Belmond

Belmond is known for its luxury travel - and the Venice Simplon Orient Express is a prime example. This is the way to travel if you want to splash out and treat yourself. Private suites, gourmet dining and personalized service are all part of the deal.

What to expect:

Private suites with all the trimmings
Gourmet dining, including meals and breakfast
Personalized service

Paris to Venice High-Speed Train

Sadly there's no direct high-speed train from Paris to Venice - you'll need to get a train to Milan and then another train on to Venice.
You can use SNCF and Trenitalia to get you there.
But don't worry, it's still a great way to travel and you can combine trains to make the journey faster.

So - How Do I Get to Venice from the Airport?

Once you arrive in Venice, you'll want to get to the city center as soon as possible. The cheapest option is the vaporetto (water bus) - it's about €7.50 per ticket and it will take you on a scenic ride across the lagoon. Water taxis and private cars are also available - but they're a bit pricier.

If you'd rather travel by train, you'll arrive right in the heart of Venice city centre at the Venice Santa Lucia train station. Step off the train and you're greeted by the stunning sight of the Grand Canal - a real showstopper. You can easily stroll to your hotel, or catch a vaporetto and explore the city's different neighbourhoods.

Booking your train ticket well in advance using operators like Trenitalia can really help you snag the cheapest fares, especially if you're planning to travel during peak periods. And if you're on the look out for cheap flights from Paris, you'll find that airlines like Air France and EasyJet often offer direct routes to Venice Marco Polo Airport - making it easy to compare prices and get the best deal.

Whichever you choose - flying or taking the train - just make sure you plan ahead and book early to get the best prices and a hassle free arrival in Venice.

Accommodation and dining in Venice

Venice is famous not just for its breathtaking beauty, but also for the incredible choice of places to stay and eat. Whether you're on a budget and looking for a cozy little hostel, or you're after a luxurious suite with a view, there's something for everyone. If you want to be right in the middle of the action, staying near places like Piazza San Marco or the Rialto Bridge is a good idea - you'll be able to explore Venice's beautiful streets and canals on foot.

If you want to experience the city like a local, why not stay in a private apartment or a room in a historic palace? Many of these are just a short vaporetto ride from the main attractions. When it comes to eating, Venice is a real treat - you'll find loads of restaurants and trattorias serving up authentic Venetian specialties. Be sure to try some cicchetti (Venetian tapas), fresh seafood risotto, or maybe a classic plate of pasta with a glass of regional wine.

And if you want to make your meal even more memorable, book a table at a restaurant with a view of the Grand Canal. To avoid waiting in line or paying over the odds, it's a good idea to book ahead, especially during busy periods. You can even use a Venice City Pass to get discounts on attractions, public transport, and some dining experiences. With a bit of forward planning, you can enjoy all of Venice's wonderful hospitality, delicious food, and magical atmosphere.

FAQs

Paris to Venice train cost

The cost of the train from Paris to Venice is between €70 - €250.
It really does depend on when you book and what kind of ticket you go for.

Is there a high speed train from Paris to Venice?

No direct one, but you can get a high-speed train if you're willing to change trains using the rail network.

Is it cheaper to fly or train from Paris to Venice?

Flights usually come in cheaper.
Trains are more environmentally friendly, but the price varies depending on when you book and what you go for.

Is there a direct flight from Paris to Venice?

Yes, there are loads of direct flights every day.

Conclusion

The journey from Paris to Venice is an experience in its own right - a chance to see two of Europe's most amazing destinations in one go.

Whether you go for the speed of a flight, the charm of a train, or the luxury of the Orient Express, each option has its own unique attractions. When you finally arrive in Venice, take some time to soak up the incredible atmosphere and take in the city's breathtaking beauty - there's so much more to see than just the main sights for a holiday to truly remember.

We are Venice Insider Guide

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