Trains from France to Italy
Crossing from France into Italy by train means passing through the Alps — one of the great journeys in European rail. The fastest connection is Lyon to Turin in 3 hours 30 minutes; from Paris, direct TGV trains reach Milan in around 7 hours.
All routes from France to Italy by train
Which train crosses from France to Italy?
The main France-Italy rail corridor crosses the Alps via two routes: the Mont Cenis tunnel on the Lyon–Turin line, and the coastal route from Nice along the Ligurian coast to Genoa. TGV high-speed trains serve the Lyon–Turin corridor; regional and Intercity trains serve the coastal route.
For Paris to Milan, the TGV crosses into Italy via the Fréjus tunnel, running through Modane and the Italian Alps before descending into the Po plain.
How long is the train from France to Italy?
- Lyon to Turin: ~3h 30m direct
- Paris to Milan: ~7h direct TGV
- Nice to Genoa: ~3h regional train
- Paris to Rome: ~10–11h with one change at Milan
- Paris to Florence: ~9h with one change at Milan
Tips for booking France to Italy trains
- Book the TGV leg early. Paris–Milan TGV fares are dynamic and cheapest several weeks in advance.
- Connect in Milan or Turin. Both are major hubs with fast onward Frecciarossa services to Rome, Florence and Venice.
- Consider the scenic coastal route from Nice to Genoa if you have time — it hugs the Ligurian coast through Monaco and into Italy.
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Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct train from France to Italy?
Yes. Direct TGV trains connect Paris to Milan in ~7 hours and Lyon to Turin in ~3h 30m, crossing the Alps via tunnel.
How long does the train from France to Italy take?
The fastest connection is Lyon to Turin in approximately 3 hours 30 minutes. Paris to Milan takes around 7 hours on the direct TGV.
Which is the best train route from France to Italy?
For speed, Lyon to Turin is the best option. For Paris travellers heading to Rome or Florence, take the direct TGV to Milan and connect to a Frecciarossa — under 10 hours total.
More routes across Europe
