The “Espresso Riviera” Returns: A Vintage Night Train Linking Rome to the Côte d’Azur

 

Good news for rail travel lovers and romantics of a bygone era: the vintage “Espresso Riviera” night train is set to return this summer, once again linking Rome with the sun-soaked coastline of the French Riviera.

After a successful debut season, the retro-inspired service will run from June through September, giving travelers a stylish overnight alternative to short-haul flights. And the frequency will increase, with two weekly trips planned (one of which will be on a weekday) and a capacity increased to eleven cars. A third trip could be added depending on demand.

Operated by FS Treni Turistici Italiani, the train combines classic railway nostalgia with modern comforts, reviving the golden age of Mediterranean rail travel.

A Journey Through the Mediterranean Night

Passengers will depart from Rome in the evening and wake up on one of Europe’s most glamorous coastlines. Along the way the train passes through Italy’s Ligurian Riviera before crossing into France, stopping at iconic destinations including Monaco, Nice, Cannes, and Marseille.

The route itself is part of the experience. Much of the journey hugs the Mediterranean coastline, with dramatic views of cliffs, seaside villages, and harbors that have inspired travelers for more than a century.

Old-School Luxury on Rails

Unlike modern high-speed trains focused purely on efficiency, the Espresso Riviera leans into elegant travel. The train features vintage-style sleeper compartments, couchettes, and private cabins, allowing travelers to settle in for the night as the train glides quietly along the coast.

A bar car and lounge area add to the retro ambiance, encouraging passengers to socialize over drinks as the Mediterranean night rolls past outside the windows. The concept is intentionally nostalgic—an echo of the elegant night trains that once connected Europe’s great cities before budget airlines transformed travel habits.

A Sign of Europe’s Night Train Revival

The return of the Espresso Riviera is also part of a broader resurgence of night trains across Europe. In recent years, rail operators have been investing in sleeper services as travelers seek more sustainable alternatives to flying, particularly for journeys under 1,000 kilometers.

Routes linking major cities—from Paris to Vienna and Berlin to Brussels—have seen renewed demand, with many passengers rediscovering the appeal of going to bed in one country and waking up in another.

For the Riviera, the train offers something else entirely: a journey that feels less like transport and more like a moving postcard of the Mediterranean.

If the first season is any indication, tickets for the Espresso Riviera could become one of the most coveted rail bookings of the summer—especially for travelers eager to experience the Côte d’Azur the slow, scenic way. As for fares, tickets should start at €44.90 (Marseille-Genoa) and around €94.90 for Marseille-Rome.

Tickets are expected to go on sale in March 2026 on the FS Treni Turistici Italiani website.