Experience/opinions needed: Overnight Train, or Two High Speed Trains?

Choosing the optimal train journey between France and Italy: Overnight train versus high-speed options

Embarking on a family adventure across Europe involves many decisions, especially when it comes to transportation. Recently, I faced such a choice while planning a multi-day trip for my family of five—comprising children aged 15, 12, and 8—between Paris and Venice in June. The central question: is it better to opt for an overnight train or to split the journey into two high-speed segments?

Scenario Overview

We considered two primary options:

Option 1: Overnight Journey via Scenic Routes
– Leg 1: Paris to Stuttgart aboard SNCF services.
– Leg 2: Stuttgart to Venice on a Nightjet overnight train, featuring a private six-berth couchette cabin.
– Estimated total travel time: approximately 16 hours, departing late afternoon from Paris and arriving in Venice around 8:30 AM the following day.

Option 2: High-Speed, Daylight Travel with an Overnight Stay
– Leg 1: Paris to Turin by high-speed train, approximately 5 hours.
– Overnight: One night in Turin to relax and explore.
– Leg 2: Turin to Venice the next morning, about a 4-hour journey, arriving around midday.
– Total train time (excluding overnight stop): roughly 9–10 hours.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

The appeal of the second option lies in several factors:
– The scenic vistas of the Alps and European countryside during daytime train travel.
– The comfort and convenience of sleeping in a proper bed rather than a shared couchette.
– The opportunity to explore another Italian city, enriching the overall trip experience.

Conversely, the overnight train offers a unique adventure:
– It transforms travel into a memorable life experience—something that only one of our family members has previously enjoyed as a child.
– The novelty and cultural immersion of night journeys can be captivating, especially for younger travelers who might find the experience magical—akin to the Harry Potter Knight Bus.

However, there are challenges:
– Concerns about sleep quality and potential crankiness from lack of rest.
– Sharing communal facilities, such as toilets and bathrooms, with an entire carriage, might pose comfort issues, especially with children.

Seeking Insights and Personal Experiences

As I sought advice, I found that the choice largely depends on personal preferences, the children’s tolerance for overnight