FIRST CLASS Train Comparison: Milan to Paris High Speed (Trenitalia vs SNCF)

We pitted Italy's Frecciarossa against France's TGV inOui service in our first ever train vs train comparison. Travelling on the high speed route between Milan and Paris, Nicky journeyed with Trenitalia while Liam took the SNCF service.
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[@AlfoNso-ms4of]

As an Italian who travelled around Europe quite a bit, I am proud to say that Trenitalia is way better than other European operators. One thing that wasn’t pointed out is that you can access the train’s wifi and get their movies/series and even newspapers for free

[@azurman3]

Same in the TGV... which remains the fastest train in Europe (and in the world when it comes to records)

[@AlfoNso-ms4of]

@@azurman3 are you saying shinkansens are slower lol

[@matteocarniglia6661]

@@AlfoNso-ms4of TGV set a speed record during tests, but Shinkansen operating speed is higher

[@sm6allegro]

@@matteocarniglia6661 nope, they both have the same max speed of 200 mph/320 km/h

[@azurman3]

@@AlfoNso-ms4of Indeed I should have specified "non-levitating" train (only the Maglev, which is a prototype of levitating Shinkansen, proved to be faster). Let me correct: the TGV is the fastest train on rail in the world

[@1mistermat437]

for the French TGV it was not the duplex TGV inoui (with 1 floor) but an older TGV network, too bad because the first class in the duplex TGVs are super comfortable

[@edoardosacconi8391]

milan to paris is not run by the duplexes

[@axelferis]

@@edoardosacconi8391 they introduced some refurbished duplex (more modern) on this route.

[@Ven100]

Indeed. I've taken both InOui and Ouigo 1st class on TGV Duplexes. Super comfortable and the view on the upper deck is amazing.

[@1mistermat437]

@@Ven100 Yes, I haven't had the chance to try the first class but the second class is already really comfortable and luxurious

[@ziadelshal1790]

Mais celle du TGV Réseau l'est encore plus. Le comfort se rapproche des trains corail!!!

[@highfades2594]

Took the Frecciarossa from Florence to Paris first class. Loved that my chair could be turned around to face the direction we were heading instead of being stuck in one position the entire ride. Helps with bad motion sickness. Great video.

[@hugo414]

French new cabins have that too

[@peter59fg]

There are no direct service from Florence to Paris daytime.

[@PanduPoluan]

Strangely I enjoy facing the back more... I find it easier to look at the scenery as they kept being in my vision for longer. Facing the front gives me a mild anxiety if I'm right beside the window. But everyone is different, and it's awesome that Frecciarosa gives you the option 👍🏼

[@DroidTSK]

@@peter59fg He took a Frecciarossa from Florence to Milan and then another one from Milan to Paris

[@franceskinskij]

you changed trains right? The only direct trains from my city I know of go to Vienna and Munich

[@gabrielstevens3884]

I used the trenitalia service back in june from Milan to Paris. I did travel standard class rather than executive but for €35 it was a bargain and I would do it again. Especially when you factor in that on a plane you would have to pay for baggage + travel to and from the airport. I then got a Eurostar into London the following day after a nice morning in Paris. Also it was worth it just for scenery through the alps. Its nice there is competition on the route as it means you can find cheap prices. Hopefully there will more like this across Europe in the future.

[@hugo414]

It's a loss-leader price, they'll go up soon

[@allws9683]

How much in advance did you buy the ticket ?

[@gabrielstevens3884]

@@allws9683 I booked 2 months in advance. I had also booked my flights to Italy at the same time.

[@user-nb7wl2zq3l]

my card is close , how much it cost in cash milan to paris in normal train ?

[@gabrielstevens3884]

@@user-nb7wl2zq3l I'm not sure if they have different fares if purchased at the station. Last minute tickets at the station are likely to be very expensive.

[@claremarshall4904]

I recently travelled on this line on the TGV. As part of the same holiday, I also travelled on the Frecciarossia trains in business class within Italy and in my opinion, the Frecciarossia trains and SO MUCH nicer than the French TGVs.

[@jmoschella]

Really amazing how Trenitalia nailed it. Feels like they came out of nowhere a decade ago w/ superior trains and service.

[@no_name4796]

As an italian i have to strongly disagree. Sure frecciarossa is nice, but you have to take it often to actually speak, and let me tell you as someone who does: trenitalia sucks!

[@quentinl6724]

There’s something I don’t understand. "InOui" is the name of the trains of the branch "OuiGo" which offers low cost services. So we can’t really compare them. I looked at the 2 companies, 1 ticket in 7 days at the same time in economy class; 29€ for InOui, and 45€ for Trenitalia. And in buisness; 39€ for InOui, and 67€ for Trenitalia.

[@marcorossi2854]

Dude the difference between Frecciarossa and regular trains in italy is enormous, also there are regions in Southern Italy were you can't reliably travel by train

[@marcorossi2854]

@@TizianoDiBenedetto ma che c'entra l'esterofilia...prova a viaggiare con regionali o intercity

[@turbogandalfv9]

@@quentinl6724 No ouigo is another operator, and this is lowcost of sncf's inoui

[@patriciafuchs5970]

I love these races! So much fun for arm chair travelers like me! I think it’s like the Italian train best, its attention to luxury is higher. The service also seems more attentive, food at your seat! The food looks wonderful. I’ll go Italian if I ever go!!

[@diamondx5114]

This is actually true ,but as an italian the regional trains get a lot of issues and organization problems in the service.

[@jacopomainoldi9025]

@@diamondx5114 Trenitalia actually is introducing new trains for the 80% of its regional fleet. The service has in fact extremely improved tbh.

[@kevinlau5940]

Yeah thanks Kevin

[@FabrizioBernardi77]

Also the trenitalia train run on high speed line in Italy while the TGV can't

[@lucabattioli4796]

Dalle mie parti, in Lombardia, anche i treni regionali sono fantastici. Viaggiano tra i 160/180 kmh, ovviamente in certi tratti, non certo mentre transitano davanti alle stazioni, hanno ottimi servizi igienici, larghi e confortevoli e pure grandi spazi per qualsiasi evenienza. Ingresso per disabili, trasporto biciclette eccetera. Ma ho constatato la stessa cosa anche in Toscana e Marche. Non so dove diavolo avete viaggiato voi che parlate male dei treni regionali italiani!!!!

[@burtonyan8467]

The extra £50 sounds like it's money well spent!

[@PokhrajRoy.]

The fact that there’s a Conference Room on TrenItalia Executive Class >>>>>

[@Xxxypher]

Trenitalia definitely has a better first class product. inOui's first class felt more business class esque with the lack of food service to your seat and it was just far too dirty. I mean, if I paid for a first class fare and sat down at my seat to unclean tables, charging points and storage areas I would be annoyed.

[@keirrobinson4156]

When I did Paris-Milan back in 2013 there was an at-seat service in first class, admittedly it wasn't complimentary but considering the price of the ticket it was pretty good. I guess things have changed since then?

[@KyrilPG]

Except they didn't compare the same classes. Executive class on Frecciarossa is above first class. There are 3 classes on Trenitalia, 2 on InOui. InOui is currently working on something to counter Trenitalia while they wait for the first new TGV M's to be delivered in 2024. In the meantime they use older rolling stock.

[@olinxy6886]

He had an old train. It's wasn't an InOui duplex train but an old Carmillion TGV... It wasn't a fair fight.

[@ivanramos-catalina7995]

Frecciarossa uses the high speed line between Milan and Turin while the Tgv doesn't. This allows the Tgv to serve Novara, but makes it travel much slower during the first part of the journey.

[@envoyage6886]

You had the oldest TGV still in service 😅😬

[@PokhrajRoy.]

I remember the First Class Experience on the North Caledonian Sleeper and now we have this where BOTH of you are in First Class. Such fun!

[@catoneimodia]

nicky and liam are such a fun duo to watch

[@Ian-cn9cj]

#bestduoever

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Liam, I love your hair in the beginning which is giving Y2K Boy Band/Kit Connor Vibes.

[@neilburns8869]

I saw a video on KZbin earlier this year and it was about the Italian high-speed trains that run between Milan and Rome via places like Florence and they really are something else. A real credit to Trenitalia - a name that shouldn't really seem to alien to us in the UK. As I believe that Trenitalia are behind Avanti (operator who succeeded Virgin Trains on the British West Coast mainline between London and Glasgow).

[@giuseppealessandromariafin9434]

Yeah, Trenitalia owns 30% of Avanti West Coast

[@JackJackProductionsShorts]

And c2c

[@dodaz2049]

Very true! Trenitalia is amazing, high quality, skilled, and profitable. And we own and manage as a majority shareholder almost like half of Avant Rail West Coast and the c2c in London!

[@pritapp788]

I want to go to Italy next year and travel a lot on Frecciarossa, their services look great! SNCF was OK back when I was a student in France, but not necessarily the most affordable or value-for-money.

[@carlomontecarlo7881]

Italian high-speed trains are amazing - I travelled with Italo (Milan to Florence, Florence to Venice) and the speed + the service were top-notch. Free WiFi included, the "In-Train Entertainment" portal offered free access to movies, TV series, playlists, newspapers, magazines and even to language courses. Just amazing.

[@taozhao1797]

Milan central station is amazing!! like a museum

[@dianaizq.]

Mussolini did it.. 👍👍👍

[@taozhao1797]

@@dianaizq. 🙃

[@fabriziob5846]

Yes, if you look well on the walls you can still spot where the fascist symbols were removed and still guess their shapes.

[@taozhao1797]

@@fabriziob5846 hahah, get it.

[@dodaz2049]

Thank you ! I know, it's really very beautiful. I think the most beautiful station in Europe by far, by a VERY large margin...

[@Sim0nTrains]

I never knew there was a train with 1 plus 1 configuration, impressed seeing inside the Frecciarossa, epic video.

[@Emthe30something]

Always excited to see these, but especially when not feeling good this morning. Thanks lads!

[@SanneNatalia]

I am travelling from Venice to Milan soon and will definitely book the executive class of Trenitalia now that I have seen this vid! Thank you guys!

[@erichanson134]

So much fun. I want to try Frecciarossa service soon. I’ve only really been on TGV InOui and TGV Lyria service which pretty comfortable but standard. Frecciarossa seems a notch above

[@azurman3]

Frecciarossa is a new player, it is normal that it looks for differentiation and that the trains are modern. The next generation of TGV which has just been released will catch up and overcome this, before the next generation of Frecciarossa does the same, etc.

[@ricky_vw]

@@azurman3 stanno già lavorando ad un nuovo frecciarossa

[@dodaz2049]

@@azurman3 It's not new, as it exists since 2009 and High Speed (TAV/Eurostar Italia) exists since 2000... so yeah.

[@dodaz2049]

@@ricky_vwNo, non ancora.

[@dodaz2049]

@@azurman3 And TGV will never overcome Frecciarossa, the new TGV will be lower than Frecciarossa and btw Trenitalia is updating and refreshing and will make a new one soon that will overcome all other trains!

[@ClariseLoveLife]

Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful video

[@wendydelucca6918]

Fun video, thanks guys, informative for my trip!

[@benedikthopoltseder7430]

Wow, i love this trip report. Thumbs up and subscribed!👍🇮🇹🇫🇷

[@paulfarthing2807]

I have taken the TGV between Turin and Paris several times - usually in First Class if I can book early enough - and will be doing so again next month. I wanted to try the Frecciarossa service this time but it would have meant an earlier departure and later arrival so I stuck with the TGV. I do however have a ticket in Prima Classe with Italo from Rome to Turin. Thanks for the video.

[@josefmuglia6524]

I've taken the Frecce1000 several times and I am so amazed at the service and speed of the trains. Living in the States, I'm actually jealous of you guys. An Amtrak train from Detroit to Chicago recently took 17 hours due to malfunctions.

[@marcorossi2854]

Freccia trains are an exception and not even for whole Italy.

[@josefmuglia6524]

@@marcorossi2854 I agree. I've taken it down to Salerno, but would've liked it to reach Reggio Calabria w a stop in Paola.

[@marcorossi2854]

@@josefmuglia6524 well at least on the western coast of italy they can travel with freccia from Milan to Salerno, i live on the other side near adriatic sea, i lived in Bologna 4 years for college and all we had were Intercity trains, that go higher speed than regional trains but still make a lot of stops, unfortunately we have bad infrastructure. Recently they added the freccias to the adriatic coast but those can't still go at full speed cause the track can't support it

[@dodaz2049]

@@marcorossi2854 So what? And it's not even true, it's our flagship train!

[@dodaz2049]

@@josefmuglia6524 You can always take the nicer Italo high speed TAV train!!!

[@kingdom47]

These guys deserve way more subscribers, keep up the good videos!!

[@Lara121]

I'd love to see you guys explore the trains in Japan. They have some really unique ones there. There's one that has a hot springs footbath in one of the cars.

[@athrunzala6770]

there are several with footbaths. but they often have to be booked in advance

[@arabiki234]

Toreiyu Tsubasa, equipped with a footbath, was retired in March 2022. 足湯を備えた「とれいゆ つばさ」は2022年3月で引退しました

[@athrunzala6770]

@@arabiki234 kintetsu run a train with footbath from Nagoya I think

[@nvire5202]

I live near Chambéry which is a station for both SNCF and Trenitalia and I'm always fascinated by both

[@garyvincent7934]

Travelled executive class from Milan to Bologna, took about an hour. I was amazed! Food I had was dog xxxx, way worse than in UK on LNER but I could have been unlucky looking at the choices you had. Seat was amazing, the carriage I was in also had the glass meeting room with a 6 seat table and a screen on the wall you could plug in to present. Blew my mind! Business travel of the highest order. Wish they travelled all the way through to London.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

1:05 Knowing your blooper reels at the beginning, DEFINITELY the Sassy Rooftop.

[@lorijohnston4311]

Thanks, Nicky and Liam! I love this journey - trains are so much fun. I've taken both the SNCF and Trenitalia and I think Liam said it best - for the extras, Nicky's journey came out ahead but for a comfortable ride and comfortable price, the SNCF isn't a bad option. The scenery is absolutely gorgeous in either case and Milan Central station has some of the most stunning architecture around!

[@tonym3476]

Loved the video, As an InOui user, I just have to say that : -There is free WiFi on-board (not the stronger one but it's there... 😅) -you can now order your food from your seat just by connecting to the WiFi and it can be brought to you directly. Of course you still have to pay for the food unlike in trenitalia but still a good service, mostly when you have lots of bags you don't want to carry with you to the bar. 😊

[@nicoladc89]

Well even with Trenitalia you have to pay your food, but you do it paying the ticket. With lower price tickets you don't have free food. At the same price (109€ 1st class on TGV and 109 business class on Frecciarossa) Trenitalia and InOui offer more or less the same services. Anyway the Frecciarossa is 15 years younger than that TGV and that's the big difference.

[@ghighlandchieftain4462]

Great video I love these race

[@fuzzynutter8344]

For comparison, a one-way 1st class rail fare from where I live to London Paddington, which is around 120 miles away, costs from just over £60.00. And the only complimentary food are basic snacks like a bag of crisps and a small pack of biscuits 🤔😂.

[@jayvyawahare4866]

I love the new episode showing train battle😍😍,maybe it's a better path for the future

[@TheEdmal25]

Entertaining video as always. Hi Nicky...Hi Liam!! 👋

[@auyeungsamify]

Love these videos thanks

[@abakedslayermcgiles2703]

Nicky, Liam. I know this is a bit late but what an awesome video lads! Absolute epic! I love travelling by train so to see this is superb. If I may I would like to make a suggestion for a future video! My suggestion is a video reviewing all of Air Canada’s classes, I think it would be a really interesting airline to try out and they have a great looking lounge in Heathrow Terminal 2.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Omg I live for the Intro Blooper Sequence. Nicky was just not having it 😂

[@europainvicta3907]

Nice work guys. I regularly drive from Paris to North Italy and back. I usually go via Grenoble or Trento if I have to go to Stuttgart first. I have been thinking about this train for a while. So I enjoyed the information.

[@dodaz2049]

Nice! Do you take the ITALO train to Trento/Stuttgart or just DB/SBB?

[@chasingtheclouds]

These races are so much fun, while at the same time really interesting! Can’t wait for you guys to try the new night trains ÖBB is releasing soon!

[@leesziming3126]

mate....nice Cartier tank right there you got, bloody class!

[@data4163]

I was just here! Haha it was funny that right after i got into my hotel room i saw this in my recommended!

[@TravelWithMarti]

I am loving the videos. You have such great energy!

[@robyoungquist5803]

I always book Frecciarossa Executive Class when traveling between Milano and Florence/Venice/Roma. It’s a superb experience IMHO. 😉👍🏻. Oh and phuleeeze Nicki,new all know you’d choose … SASSY being the bad boy you are. 😉🤣🤣🤣

[@matthewduncan6298]

Fab video guys!! Love it! Just out of interest, was lounge access included in either of your tickets? I've heard that Trenitalia have a lounge for their First class passengers at Milano Centrale

[@mikalbrown3227]

I think Nicky mentioned it briefly but never showed it

[@ellenthorne8222]

More of these races please

[@zoranvinkovic1462]

Recently had Frecciarossa Experience from Rome to Naples. Well done Italy! Was really impressed.

[@dodaz2049]

Thank you, our trains are very nice and we defo have the best in Europe, also France is nice and efficient.

[@virajdeorukhkar6847]

Wow i've never been this early! Can't wait!

[@AkhmatProductions]

GREAT VIDEO

[@olaf9957]

With your first class tickets you also had Free Access to "Salon Grand Voyageur" in Gare de Lyon, it's a pretty nice lounge.

[@GregCurtin45]

Hey Nicky? If Liam slapped you upside the head after hearing about your trip... he was just doing for all of us. #Jealous. I will say that I would take a croque monsieur over fresh made pasta anytime. Great filming, editing, music, and commentary as always. Thank you team #ThePointsGuyUK

[@Elliasp-xx7mb]

As a french, I would choose Trenitalia just to be amazed of a new train operator and feel "on holidays" since the travel begin ^^

[@itsWahlix]

Love the look on Nicky’s face @0:10

[@robertthornton9850]

Well edited video.

[@glennkennedy441]

Good one !

[@dufonrafal]

This journey will be interesting when the new Lyon-Turin line will be open.

[@dodaz2049]

TAV line

[@der_eisenbahnfotograf2089]

I love this Train Content

[@xvanwijlick1837]

It would have been a fair review when comparing the TGV inOui with the Frecciarossa Business class instead of Executive

[@dodaz2049]

Hahaha Freccia is still much better!!!

[@fowsitv3668]

fabulous vlog, hey nick that backpack what's the brand or model, looks spacious, just what I need,, thanks

[@415bee]

Nicky forgot to mention on the Frecciarossa Executive seat there is a lever that you can swing the seat around to the direction where you want to face. If you are seated backwards and say the train is going forward you can switch the direction by pulling the lever ...so no issues for those people that get motion sickness if facing the wrong way

[@paulmark63]

Well done guys looked really impressive beats the old British rail sandwich ? Paul

[@melsyoutube]

won’t be visiting italy ANY time soon lmao. but i still love these comparison vids

[@1079walter]

Would definitely go for Nicky's choice this time. But never would I turn down a ride with Liam. Decisions, decisions! LOL.

[@dodaz2049]

Agreed haha

[@stillsbymick]

could we request to have another channel for exploring the city that you guys visit?

[@KBinturong]

A meeting room in the train ! Waw !

[@johnchang774]

So tough, both accents are great.

[@imraneboubacar5130]

Because I am suscribed to the best Chanel about travelling 😏

[@stephenh4965]

The operator liam went with is actually SNCF the service name is TGV INOUI

[@alessandrosalvati9777]

bellissimo😍

[@anonomia5535]

I liked the video, but perhaps not very fair to compare Trenitalia's Executive Class with SNCF's first class. Bit like comparing business and first class on different airlines.

[@markshen3280]

The food service is nearly comparable to what is served in a first class plane ✈️ trip 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🤜

[@pat_ross55]

finally more trains stuff

[@maxbarr3954]

10:24 he was in lyon pard-dieu station and at 10:25 he was at modane (=faux raccord)

[@StealthFB22]

Liam, you should do some hotel reviews! ☺️

[@FamiWorldFacts]

The food selection in Frecciarossa is a winner

[@Ian-cn9cj]

Nicky is Classy. #bestduoever #bestandfunraces.

[@philipfischer1612]

There's also an overnight train from Milano Centrale to Amsterdam although having a Cabin is a must

[@carlomontecarlo7881]

Really? Which company is operating it?

[@katea127]

My two favorite guys, 👍

[@JackJackProductions]

Heathrow Express had 1 + 1 seating on the, now withdrawn, 332s in Business First

[@leon6799]

Milano Centrale Station is one of Italy's prettiest station until you live in Milan and know that Centrale is one of the dangerous areas of the city also during the day. But it's true, the architectural style is unbelievable

[@attenzioneallontanarsidall7940]

ma che cazzo centra adesso!

[@alessandroverallo9707]

@@attenzioneallontanarsidall7940 In Che senso?? É pericoloso andare li Di prima mattina

[@Niklaus_86]

Ma tutto apposto??!!! ahahah Per favore.

[@Giovis968]

Please don't fight

[@heythave]

Is it full of pickpockets like at Gare du Nord?

[@sammiesmith6690]

I look forward to taking trains 🚊 there in Western Europe next month.

[@Cepia120]

Plese next time you should do Madrid-Barcelona in novemeber because theres 3 train operatos to compare you got Renfe with its normal service,Then the low cost service caled Avlo , Then you a Low cost operator caled Ouigo wich is SNCF and lastly you got Iryo wich is a premiun operator wich are Trenitalia and Air noustrum. You should do it!. And dont Forget to check out on the way Zaragoza Delicias is a Stuning Station!

[@reo.incognito]

Those 4 operators will also be available from December on the Madrid-Valencia route, although with a duration between 1 hour, 40 minutes and 1 hour, 50 minutes maybe it's too short for a proper review.

[@hetaljpatel]

Never been this early. wow!

[@maxbarr3954]

12:04 good spot of the Bourg en bresse - Lyon part dieu train

[@michaelscriver5395]

Things you wish you could try just once so interesting

[@jatterhog]

I mean it’s $100-150 euros, not unreachable for a normal person living in these countries

[@cedricklyon]

Vive la concurrence ! :D

[@officialasoom]

hi guys, which camera do you use?

[@jason38800]

i love brits trying their hardest at pronouncing italian words

[@panchorr1444]

Was the direct train from Paris to Milan cancelled? I can't find any tickets on any website, they all appear with one or more stops. I tried different days and no direct train service appears.

[@andreasankara]

there was a large landslide at the border which interrupted the service, it is not yet known when it will be reactivated

[@htd2006]

Took Frecciarossa from Napoli to Roma RT, incredible service.

[@lours6993]

The particular TGV trainset shown is a really old single-decker. The newer EuroDuplex train's upper deck 1st class is much better and the newer trains have wifi as standard. Having said that, this journey remains super long until the HSL from Lyon to Trurin opens in about 2030 which will reduce Paris-Milan by up to 2 hrs

[@mvashdi]

I looked online for direct trains from Milan to Paris and couldn’t find any. Can you suggest where to purchase? How far in advance to purchase as well. Grazie ragazzi

[@giancabel174]

Waiting for an ITA Airways a350 trip report 🙌🏼

[@florianro1371]

Does the train change direction during the journey?

[@PokhrajRoy.]

After “You go, Glen Coco!”, we have “Oh, hello, Bussoleno!”

[@kperea1]

Weird. I saw another video review of the same route in executive class and that guy said they didn't get meal service once they crossed into France, but were given bags with sandwiches to eat after the got to GDL. That review was 8months old.