Overnight train service now connects Marseille and Rome.
For travelers seeking a comfortable and eco-friendly alternative to flying, the Espresso Riviera night train service is set to revolutionise journeys between Italy and southern France. Launched by Trenitalia's subsidiary, Treni Turistici Italiani, the new weekly service will connect Rome and Marseille every Friday evening, starting July 4, 2025.
The Espresso Riviera will depart Rome’s Termini station at 7:57 p.m., offering a leisurely overnight journey along the Mediterranean coast. The train will travel along the Côte d'Azur in the afternoon and the Ligurian Riviera in the evening, providing passengers with stunning views of the coastline.
The train will stop in Genoa at 10.38 p.m., before continuing non-stop to Rome, arriving the next morning. The journey takes approximately 15 hours. Sleeping cars for one or two people and compartments with four berths that convert into seats during the day are available on the train service.
Trenitalia's entry into the French market for domestic and international trips aims to revive the comfort of the great international trains that have now disappeared. The Espresso Riviera will run every weekend from July 4th to August 30th.
For those considering a flight between Marseille and Rome, a Ryanair ticket typically costs around €60. However, the Espresso Riviera offers a unique experience, with passengers able to enjoy a dining car serving local specialities. Tickets for the full journey from Marseille to Rome, as per Treni Turistici Italiani's website, go on sale from May 24th. Prices for the full journey start from €71, though single and double sleeping cars will be more expensive.
Beyond the Espresso Riviera, several other options are available for travel on French night trains this summer. Thello offers night train connections between France and Italy, such as direct routes from Paris to Venice. Regional night services and new daily trains, like Paris–Hendaye and a third daily Paris–Rennes train, are also being introduced.
Urlaubs-Express (UEX) night trains, primarily German, offer overnight travel options linked to France during the summer, stopping at various stations including some close to French borders. These might be useful for travelers looking for alternative overnight travel options.
In summary, the Espresso Riviera is a notable new addition to the French night train network this summer. Other international options like Thello and regionally enhanced services contribute to a diverse network connected to France, offering travelers a variety of comfortable and eco-friendly alternatives to flying.
- The travel industry is anticipating the impact of the Espresso Riviera, a night train service between Italy and southern France, as it is set to disrupt the traditional mode of travel, particularly flying, by offering a comfortable and eco-friendly journey.
- Finance-wise, the Espresso Riviera, launched by Trenitalia's subsidiary, Treni Turistici Italiani, promises a unique experience for travelers, with tickets for the full journey from Marseille to Rome starting from €71, making it a competitive option in the automotive and airline sectors.
- The entry of Trenitalia into the French market signals a revival of the lifestyle associated with the grand international trains, with the Espresso Riviera representing a significant step in the transportation sector, contributing to a diverse network of comfortable, eco-friendly, and affordable options for travelers exploring Europe this summer.
