Starting this summer, travellers can take advantage of a new nighttrain from Marseille to Rome. The Espresso Riviera will offer a direct weekend connection between the French and Italian coasts beginning July 4, 2025. This classic night train blends comfort, convenience, and nostalgia, featuring sleeping cars, shared couchettes, and a dining car serving regional specialties—making the journey part of the holiday itself. Passengers board in the evening in either Marseille or Rome and arrive well-rested the next morning, without the stress of traffic jams or early flights.

The service is operated by Trenitalia through its tourism subsidiary FS Treni Turistici Italiani. The company aims to revive the charm of classic international night trains. The Espresso Riviera had already found success with a summer route between Rome and Nice, and this year the line is extended to Marseille, giving travellers more opportunities to explore southeastern France.

From Rome to Marseille – and everything in between

The train departs on Friday evening from Roma Termini, arriving in Marseille on Saturday morning. The return journey begins Saturday afternoon at 14:46 from Marseille and ends just before 7:00 a.m. on Sunday in the Italian capital. The total travel time is just over 15 hours.

Along the way, the train stops in a range of charming towns and cities. On the Italian side, these include Genoa, Savona, Alassio, Imperia, Sanremo, and Ventimiglia. In France, the nighttrain stops in Menton, Monaco, Nice, Cannes, Saint-Raphaël–Valescure, Toulon, and finally Marseille. Locals and tourists can board at any of these stations, making this nighttrain from Marseille to Rome a flexible travel option for holidaymakers.

According to Luigi Cantamessa, CEO of FS Treni Turistici Italiani, the goal of the service is “not only to offer travellers from the capital a comfortable option, but also to boost tourism toward Western Liguria — with a direct, no-transfer connection from Genoa to the South of France.”

Nostalgic comfort on board

DThe Espresso Riviera aims to offer travellers more than just transportation. On board, a variety of accommodation options are available:

• Luxury sleeping cars with single or double compartments
• Affordable couchettes with four beds, which convert to seating during the day
• A dining car serving local Italian and French specialities
• Bar service for a drink with a sea view

Trenitalia also highlights the sustainable nature of train travel. At a time when eco-friendly alternatives are gaining importance, the nighttrain presents an attractive substitute for short-haul flights.

Traintickets nighttrain from Marseille to Rome

Tickets go on sale starting Saturday, May 24, 2025, via the Trenitalia website. For the full journey from Marseille to Rome, prices start at €71. Travellers who prefer a private compartment or a luxury sleeper cabin will pay a bit more. Tickets for shorter segments—such as Marseille to Genoa—are available from €54.90.

While a Ryanair flight between Marseille and Rome typically costs around €60, many travellers emphasise that the train offers a completely different experience, with comfortable sleeping arrangements, culinary stops, and scenic sea views. The stretch between Marseille and Nice, which runs right along the coastline, is especially celebrated and is considered one of the most beautiful railway routes in the world.

A revival of a classic train journey

With the reintroduction of the Espresso Riviera, Trenitalia is responding to the growing demand for alternative, slower forms of travel that focus on the experience itself. The service is part of a broader trend in which international night trains are regaining popularity, driven by both ecological awareness and a sense of romance.

The return of this summer route highlights the renewed appeal of train travel—not just as a means of transportation, but as an integral part of the journey itself.