Fear of flying, also known as aerophobia, is a specific phobia consisting of an intense and irrational fear of being in an airborne vehicle, such as a plane or helicopter. This condition can cause significant difficulties for sufferers, limiting their ability to travel for business or pleasure.
If you don’t want to give up traveling but just can’t get on a plane, here are some places that can be reached by train from Rome. In addition, traveling by train is more sustainable; in fact, the CO2 emissions of trains are significantly lower than those of airplanes.
Rome-Vienna
Currently, Austrian Railways’ Nightjet offers overnight travel from Rome to Austria and Germany. For example, one can travel from Rome to Vienna Central with tickets starting at 28.80 euros, if booked in advance. The cost varies depending on the accommodation: seat, sleeping car or couchette.
Vienna is famous for St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Sissi Museum and the MuseumsQuartier. Don’t forget to taste the Sacher cake at the Demel Café.
Rome-Munich
From Rome Tiburtina, a train leaves daily in the evening for Munich Central, arriving the next morning. This trip allows people to sleep in Italy and wake up in Germany.
The new generation Nightjets have free Wi-Fi and offer more privacy for passengers. Standard and deluxe compartments have their own toilet and shower.
Munich is a city that can be visited in a few days. Some must-see places are: the English Garden, the Royal Museum, and the Frauenkirche. If you have more time, recommended are Maximilianstrasse, Marienplatz and the BMW Museum.
Rome-Paris
Currently there is no direct connection to the French capital, but there are two connections from Milan. Starting at the end of March 2025, the TGV of the French railway company SNCF will restore the direct connection between Milan Porta Garibaldi and Gare de Lyon. This service will return to use the Frejus tunnel, which had been closed due to a landslide since August 27, 2023.
The journey from Milan to Paris will take 7 hours and 7 minutes, while from Turin to Paris will be 5 hours and 39 minutes. So you can choose whether to reach Milan or Turin first, and maybe stop overnight for sightseeing. Tickets will start at 29 euros.
Another service is operated by Trenitalia, the Frecciarossa will restore the same connection from Milan to Paris starting April 1, 2025.