Italy and France Unite Through an Enchanting New Night Train Journey Connecting Coastal Gems like Sanremo, Cannes, and Marseille A Timeless Route Beyond Borders Transforming Travel Across Europe

A New Chapter in Scenic Rail Journeys

In the sun-drenched summer of 2024, a night train named the Espresso Riviera quietly rolled into the spotlight, offering a captivating cross-border experience between Italy and France. More than just a mode of transportation, this train promised an immersive journey—blending Mediterranean beauty, comfort, and cultural discovery into a seamless overnight ride.

Timetable and Route: Connecting Cities and Souls

The Espresso Riviera runs every Saturday and Sunday from August 4 to September 1, with departures from Milano Centrale at 07:35 AM, arriving in the picturesque station of Nice-Ville by 13:58 PM. On its return, the train leaves Nice-Ville at 17:12 PM, gliding back into Milan at 23:40 PM. A special Sunday extension continues onward to Ventimiglia, reaching its coastal destination at 18:55 PM.

Along the route, the train gracefully weaves through a string of historic and charming towns, such as Pavia, Genoa, Varazze, Savona, Albenga, Alassio, Diano, Imperia, Sanremo, Bordighera, and Ventimiglia in Italy. Once across the border, it journeys through Menton and Cannes, showcasing the breathtaking coastline of the Mediterranean at every twist and turn.

Inside the Espresso Riviera: Travel Meets Tranquility

The train is designed to accommodate diverse preferences, ensuring every traveler finds a perfect fit. For those craving privacy and indulgence, private sleeping compartments offer quiet luxury. For budget-conscious adventurers, couchette cars provide affordable yet comfortable overnight rest.

No journey is complete without a taste of local flavor. Onboard dining services serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, thoughtfully curated with seasonal, regional Italian cuisine—an experience in itself.

For travelers preferring daytime trips, a daylight service from Genoa is also available, featuring first- and second-class seating and private lounges to soak in the sunlit views. Future plans aim to enhance accessibility with a direct route from Milan to Genoa, creating a more efficient connection to France from northern Italy.

A Tapestry of Culture and Coastlines

The Espresso Riviera isn’t just a journey—it’s a gateway to some of the Mediterranean’s most treasured destinations. Travelers witness the natural charm of the Riviera dei Fiori and step into the glamour of the French Riviera, where legendary stops like Sanremo, Monaco, Monte Carlo, Cannes, Saint-Raphaël–Valescure, Toulon, and Marseille await.

Each town offers something special: from historic ruins and cobbled streets to elegant markets, art-filled galleries, beaches kissed by golden light, and gastronomic gems tucked away in alley corners. The route turns the ride into a living postcard, combining heritage, nature, and luxury with ease.

Ripple Effects in the Travel Industry

The introduction of the Espresso Riviera reflects an important movement within global travel: a shift away from fast, impersonal transit toward more deliberate, sustainable, and meaningful travel. In an era when travelers are rethinking how and why they explore, this train offers a compelling answer.

By reducing reliance on air travel, the Espresso Riviera lowers carbon footprints while promoting eco-conscious tourism. It also breathes new life into regional economies, drawing visitors to towns that are often bypassed on standard tourist circuits.

This has not gone unnoticed. Tour operators and travel planners are beginning to view train travel as a viable, profitable, and attractive alternative to air-based routes. With rising interest in slow travel, the industry may witness an evolution in how multi-destination European trips are marketed and experienced.

A Sign of the Times: What It Means for Global Travelers

Travelers across the world are increasingly seeking experiences that combine comfort, authenticity, and sustainability. The Espresso Riviera resonates with this ethos. It invites passengers to slow down, soak in the view, and rediscover the joy of the journey itself.

For those weary of airport lines and the bustle of modern tourism, this train offers respite without compromise. It is not just a connection between two countries—it is a thread that weaves together landscapes, stories, cultures, and people.

More Than a Train—A Revival of Romance

The Espresso Riviera represents more than a new travel route; it signals a renaissance in rail travel. With its blend of scenic splendor, historic richness, and thoughtful design, it answers a growing demand for travel that is as meaningful as it is memorable.

As tourists increasingly look for ways to explore Europe with a lighter footprint and fuller heart, the Espresso Riviera’s tracks may well become a model for the future. A train, yes—but also an invitation to fall in love with travel all over again.