Exploring Italy: Travel Requirements From The Uk

Travel between the UK and Italy is a popular route, with many options for getting from one country to the other. The most common way to travel between the two countries is by plane, but there are other options for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint, or who want to take in the scenery. One option is to take the Eurostar train from London to Paris, and then another train from Paris to Italy. This can be a complicated process, as tickets for internal European trains are often not available more than six months in advance. Another option is to take a luxury train, such as the La Dolce Vita Orient Express, which will launch in April 2025 and will offer trips exclusively within Italy. From 8 January 2025, US citizens travelling to the UK will need to have an electronic travel authorization, which they can apply for from 27 November 2024.

Travel by train for sustainability

The UK government has made a legally binding commitment to reduce carbon emissions. Travelling by train is one of the most eco-friendly ways to go on a trip, as it is more environmentally friendly than travelling by car or plane. In fact, rail is an environmentally friendly way to travel and plays a critical role in helping to tackle climate change. Compared to cars and planes, train travel reduces carbon emissions by two-thirds.

Benefits of Train Travel

No need to refuel

Unlike cars and planes, trains do not need to be refuelled during a journey. This means that you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery as your train whisks you away to your destination.

Scenic routes

Train routes often follow scenic routes, taking you through picturesque villages, past impressive castles, and alongside beautiful lakes. This means that you can enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

Comfortable and spacious

Trains offer a comfortable and spacious way to travel. With ample legroom, you can stretch out and relax, and many trains also offer the option of upgrading to first class for an even more luxurious experience.

No baggage fees or seatbelts

Unlike air travel, there are no baggage fees or seatbelt requirements on trains. This means that you can pack everything you need without worrying about extra costs, and you can move around the train freely during your journey.

Eco-friendly initiatives

The rail industry is working hard to become even greener. For example, National Rail has introduced a number of eco-friendly initiatives, such as providing free water fountains at stations, installing electric vehicle charging points, and reducing waste.

How to Travel from the UK to Italy by Train

Now that we've discussed the benefits of train travel, let's explore how you can travel from the UK to Italy by train. Here are some options for your journey:

Option 1: Eurostar and TGV

Take the Eurostar from London to Paris and then an afternoon or evening TGV train from Paris to Turin or Milan. This option offers a civilised and scenic journey, with the route passing through the French and Italian Alps.

Option 2: Eurostar and Frecciarossa

Similar to Option 1, but using Trenitalia's Frecciarossa high-speed trains between Paris, Turin, and Milan. The Frecciarossa is a newer and more glamorous train than the TGV, offering a premium travel experience.

Option 3: Eurostar, TGV, and the Stuttgart-Venice sleeper

Take the Eurostar to Paris, followed by a TGV to Stuttgart, and then a Nightjet sleeper train to Venice. This option is ideal if you want to experience the romance of a sleeper train and wake up in the heart of Venice.

Option 4: Eurostar and TGV via Switzerland

A slightly more expensive and scenic option is to travel from London to Italy via Switzerland. Take the Eurostar to Paris, then a TGV to Geneva, Lausanne, Basel, or Zurich, and finally, a EuroCity train through the Swiss Alps to Milan.

Option 5: Via the Bernina Express

If you're looking for the ultimate scenic route, consider travelling via the Bernina Express. Take the Eurostar to Zurich, then a Swiss InterCity train to Chur, and the fabulous narrow-gauge Bernina Express through the Swiss Alps to Tirano. From there, take an Italian regional train to Milan.

Travelling by train is not only a more sustainable option but also a more enjoyable way to explore the world. By choosing to travel from the UK to Italy by train, you can reduce your carbon footprint, enjoy stunning scenery, and experience the unique charm of train travel. So, why not give it a try on your next adventure?

UK's new electronic travel authorization

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new travel permission requirement for foreign nationals intending to visit or transit the UK without a visa. The system was introduced as part of the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 and operates using an online application. The information provided in the application is checked against security databases, and if no adverse information is found, the authorisation is granted automatically. Otherwise, the application is forwarded to an officer to decide whether to grant authorisation. The system aims to provide a response within three working days.

A UK ETA is required for nationals of certain countries travelling to the UK without a visa. As of November 2024, this includes nationals of the United Arab Emirates. From 27 November 2024, it will also be required for nationals of Antigua and Barbuda, British National (Overseas), St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. European Union member state nationals (except Ireland) will be able to apply from 5 March 2025.

The ETA costs £10 per applicant and is valid for multiple entries for two years or until the applicant's passport expires, whichever is sooner. It can be used for temporary stays for tourism, visiting family and friends, business, study, certain types of work, or transit. It is important to note that having an ETA does not guarantee entry into the UK.

To apply for a UK ETA, individuals must have a national passport, access to their emails, and a credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. Applications can be made through the UK ETA app or online. Applicants must provide a photo or scan of their passport, a facial scan or photo, answers to questions about their address, job, criminal history, and other nationalities, and payment of the fee. Each traveller, including children and babies, must have an individual ETA.

Luxury train travel

Step 1: London to Paris by Eurostar

Eurostar trains connect London's St Pancras station to Paris' Gare du Nord station in about 2 hours and 20 minutes. These trains feature two cafe-bars, power sockets at every seat, and free Wi-Fi. Additionally, the Plus and Premier fares include a meal with wine or breakfast for departures before 11:00 AM. A 30-minute minimum check-in is required at London St Pancras, as all border formalities are completed before boarding.

Step 2: Paris to Turin or Milan by TGV

After arriving in Paris, you can take a high-speed TGV train from the Gare de Lyon station to either Turin or Milan. These trains are operated by SNCF (French Railways) and offer a relaxing journey with a cafe-bar, power sockets, and free Wi-Fi. The journey time is about 5 hours and 40 minutes to Turin and 7 hours to Milan.

Step 3: Turin or Milan to Florence, Venice, Rome, or Naples

From Turin or Milan, you can take a Frecciarossa train to Florence, Venice, Rome, or Naples. These trains are Italy's flagship high-speed trains, offering a comfortable journey with a cafe-bar, power sockets, and free Wi-Fi. The journey time from Turin to Florence is about 3 hours, while Milan to Venice takes around 3 hours and 20 minutes.

Ticket Booking and Fares:

You can book your tickets through various websites, such as Raileurope.com, TheTrainLine.com, and Trenitalia.com. Booking for Eurostar opens up to 11 months in advance, while TGV and Frecciarossa bookings are usually available 4 months ahead. Fares vary like airfares, so booking in advance can get you cheaper tickets.

Luggage and Other Considerations:

• Luggage racks are available in all classes on the trains.
• Children under 4 travel for free without needing a ticket.
• On Eurostar and Trenitalia trains, children under 12 travel at the child rate, while children under 15 travel at the child rate on high-speed and intercity trains.
• You can bring your own food and drinks, including a bottle of wine, on board.
• Bikes can be brought on regional and InterRegional trains with a bike ticket, and bike spaces can be reserved on some Intercity trains.

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Travel by plane or train

If you want to travel from the UK to Italy without flying, there are several ways to do so by train. The fastest route is to take the Eurostar from London St Pancras International Railway Station, then change in Paris to catch a high-speed train to Turin and Milan in northern Italy. This journey can be done in a day, but you could also stay overnight in Paris and catch the train to Italy the following day.

To get to other Italian cities, you will need to change at either Turin or Milan. From Turin, you can get to Florence in under three hours, Venice in just over three hours, and Rome in around four hours. From Milan, you can get to Lake Como in just 50 minutes, and Lake Garda in an hour and a half.

If you would prefer not to change stations in Paris, you can change trains in Lille and stay overnight in Lyon before taking a high-speed train to Turin and Milan.

There are also several options to get to Italy by ferry and then take the train. You can take a ferry from Harwich, Hull or Newcastle to the Netherlands and then travel by train to Italy.

Travel by ferry

There are no direct ferries from the UK to Italy. However, you can take a ferry from the UK to France, Spain, or the Netherlands, and then travel onwards to Italy by ferry or another method.

UK to France

The most popular ferry route for couriers in vans and haulage companies with lorries is from Dover to Calais. This route offers the most flexibility for travelling to all areas of France. From Calais, you can drive to Italy or take a train.

UK to Spain

You can take a direct ferry from the UK to Spain and then catch a ferry from Barcelona to Italy.

UK to the Netherlands

There are three options for taking a ferry from the UK to the Netherlands and then travelling onwards to Italy by train:

• From Harwich to Hoek van Holland (Rotterdam). From Rotterdam, you can take the train to Amsterdam and then to Munich, from where you can catch an overnight sleeper train to Venice.
• From Hull to Hoek van Holland (Rotterdam). From Rotterdam, you can take the train via Amsterdam to Munich and then the sleeper train to Venice.
• From Newcastle to IJmuiden (Amsterdam). From Amsterdam, you can take the train to Munich and then the sleeper train to Venice.

Frequently asked questions