Adding Florence after a RS tour ending in Rome: train/flight back to US from Rome in one day?

This summer I spent my last nite in Rennes, then the next morning took a train to Paris, the metro across town, and the RER to the airport for an afternoon flight. Similar to what you're contemplating. So, sure, it is possible. But keep in mind you run a risk by doing so. I suggest a liberal padding, getting to the airport 3 hours before your flight if all the connections work out.

Michelle, Do you have your airfare already? If not, what about flying out of Florence rather than Rome? If you do have your airfare, it might be rather expensive to change the departure airport but might be worth it. If it were me, I'd be really nervous about taking a train the morning of a flight because you never know when a train strike might occur. If the flight out is in the afternoon, I might risk it. I completely understand wanting to spend more time in Florence rather than Rome--not that I don't like Rome, I just love Florence!

Michelle,

The answer will probably depend on what time your flight from Rome departs. If you have an early morning flight, it would be better to stay in Rome the previous night. If it's an afternoon flight, it should easily be possible to travel from Florence although you'll need to be prepared for any delays (ie: rail strikes) that could cause you to miss the flight.

Of course, as someone else mentioned you could also make your return flight from Florence (although that will probably involve a change at a larger European hub such as Frankfurt).

You may or may not be able to travel directly to FCO from Florence. There are only a few direct trains every day, and many more with a change at Roma Termini. Check the Trenitalia website for details.

I don't have flights yet, I wanted to see whether Italy's rail system was reliable enough to trust to get us to Rome for an afternoon flight. We could fly out of Florence, I suppose. Florence would add another connecting flight, which I try to avoid. I don't know the Italian train system's tendency for striking in late June. Is it like France? I suppose the safest thing would be to return to Rome a day early or just fly out of Florence. Thanks again for your input!

I suggest returning to Rome early and staying at the Rome Airport Hilton. That way you don't have to worry about hurrying to make the flight. There is construction work at the airport and I suggest allowing at least 3 hours prior to flight to get checked in, etc.

Compare the prices of an open jaw flying out of Florence. There's a chance, albeit small, that the addition cost of airfare would be near the cost of train transportation and staying at the Hilton for a night.

Starting from about 6:30 a.m., train service on the Florence-Rome route runs about as frequently as anyone could ever hope for. In the case of a strike, some of those trains will continue to run, but you'd need to go to the station early and be flexible. Strikes are normally announced in advance.

Being flexible in a train strike trying to get to another city for your airline departure on the same day is NOT something you want to do. Just fly open-jaw and don't worry about it.

Thank you for your advice....I looked at Florence flights back to Austin, and lo and behold, Condor (a German airlines) is starting a nonstop flight from Frankfurt to Austin the week we are traveling....and we are saving several hundred dollars on airfare.