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Rail legs (approximate journey times)
| Leg | Approx. time | Notes | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| London → Paris (Eurostar) | from about 2 hrs 16 mins | Frequent | Trains on Trainline Compare on Omio |
| Paris → Milan | about 5 hrs 40 mins+ on the fastest direct trains | Through the Alps; book early | Trains on Trainline Compare on Omio |
| Milan → Rome | from about 2 hrs 45 mins (Frecciarossa) | Very frequent | Trains on Trainline Compare on Omio |
| Rome → Paris / London | fly home, or return by train in reverse | Open-jaw saves a long day | Trains on Trainline Compare on Omio |
Times are approximate, from published 2026 timetables and guides (Eurostar, Seat61, Deutsche Bahn, NS International). Always check live times before booking.
Day-by-day plan
- Day 1–3: Paris.
- Day 4: Train over the Alps to Milan.
- Day 5–6: Milan; optional Lake Como day trip.
- Day 7: High-speed train to Rome.
- Day 8–11: Rome.
- Day 12+: Fly home or return by rail.
Booking tips
- Book ahead. Eurostar, TGV and ICE fares rise as trains fill up; the cheapest seats go first. Bookings usually open several months ahead.
- Allow time at St Pancras for security and passport checks before Eurostar.
- Check engineering works. Long-distance routes sometimes run slower during trackwork (for example Amsterdam–Berlin in autumn 2026).
- Seat reservations are compulsory on TGV, Eurostar and most high-speed trains in France, Spain and Italy, including for rail pass holders.