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Best way to get to Florence after flying into Rome

Posted by (Edmond, OK, USA) on

I am planning a trip to Italy for me, my parents, and maybe a few more relatives. My parents want to use their American Airlines miles to fly first class to Rome. While I have been to Italy and Europe a few times, my parents have never been and my mom is especially averse to flying. So, the first class trip to Rome seems to be a non-stressful way for them to make their first European trip.

I would like to start the trip in Florence and the Tuscan countryside, and work our way back to Rome for the last few days of the trip, which will be about 2 weeks. I think starting in Florence would ease them into Italy better than jumping right off into the [what they will see as] chaos of Rome. But, they probably won't want to change planes in Rome to fly to Florence because we will have already changed planes once at the beginning of the trip.

So, I am looking for some advise on what to do. (1) Drive to Florence immediately after arriving at FCO? (2) Take the train to Florence that same day? (3) Stay in Rome that first night and see a few sights in Rome, essentially splitting up our Rome sightseeing up to the beginning and end of the trip. Maybe there is some place on the outskirts of Rome fairly close to FCO we could do that first day/night, and then take the train to Florence the next day? (4) Something else?

Thanks for any advise you have!

Posted by
10344 posts

Most flights from the US arrive in Rome in the morning. If yours does, then your 2nd choice, train to Florence on arrival day, sounds like it's your best choice--given everything else you said in your post. The train to Florence is fast and much better than your first option. Driving to Florence from Rome on your arrival day will probably not be a good choice for you--the problem is on the Florence end of the drive; at least, you don't want to do both of these: have a rental car and sleep in a hotel in the historic center of Florence. If you want details on why, let us know and we'll give you more info.

Posted by
3112 posts

You can get from FCO to Florence in less than 3 hours, so I'd suggest going there the same day. Depending on the number of people in your group, it could be cost effective to take a cab to Termini station to catch the fast Eurostar train to Florence. If you're going to rent a car while in Florence to explore the surrounding area, then it might make sense to pick it up at FCO and drive to Florence (look for postings about Florence ZTLs). If not, then I'd stick with the train.

Posted by
23626 posts

Also have them take a strong look at Business class and save a few points for the next trip.

Posted by
411 posts

Hi Brian,
We just made that trip 3 weeks ago (just got back Saturday). With 3 people and luggage (or more) you might try using a car service. They will be waiting at the gate for you and you won't have to deal with the Roman cabbies while still jetlagged. Take the car service to Termini and purchase tickets for the EuroStar to Florence. It's a pleasant comfortable trip that takes about an hour and 40 minutes.Maximize your time in Florence by reserving your entrance times for the Academia (David) and Ufizzi (great paintings) through your hotel if you are planning to visit either or both. Get a hotel in the historic part of the city to make walking to the sites possible. Relax a couple of days in Florence then get your car and head out into the Tuscan countryside. Find a nice town centrally located based on the towns you'd like to see then make day trips. Then drop your car off and take the train back into Rome. Something to keep in mind when planning your ittinerary-- the age and fitness level of your parents. We just got back from a trip with some friends our age who really struggled with the afternoon heat, walking uneven pavement and walking in general, lack of airconditioning etc. What time of year were you planning to travel?

Posted by
31 posts

This is all excellent information. Thank you all. After spending about 6 days in Florence and Tuscany, I was planning on us flying to Palermo (to visit family in NW Sicily), then after about 3-4 days in Sicily either taking the night train or flying back to Rome. Then flying from Rome back to the US after about another 4 days.

Posted by
66 posts

I don't know if this is feasible, but Pisa has an airport as well -- get something non-stop on AA from Oklahoma to Europe (Paris, London), then fly into Pisa from there??

Posted by
6898 posts

You have the choice of taking the Leonardo Express into Rome Termini and staying the first night in Rome and take the train the next morning or, take the high-speed Eurostar from Rome Termini to Florence on your day of arrival. The journey takes 1hr-40mins.

If you have over 4 people in your group, you might want to get a shuttle service to either Rome Termini or your hotel. The taxis usually hold up to 4 passengers. Shuttles hold more but they are a bit more expensive. The fare on the Leonardo Express is 11Euro so you can do the math from there.

Your message says Florence and the Tuscan countryside. If you are staying in the Tuscan countryside, a rental car will work great. However, if you are staying in Florence, absolutely do not drive there. The entire historial area is one giant restricted zone. They will get you and your license plate on computerized cameras. BIG $150 ticket. And you can get multiple tickets by just driving around.

Posted by
111 posts

Sounds like you already have a lot of flying around, train from Rome to Florence is very comfortable. We just left Siena 2 days ago. I highly recommend Borgo Grandaie. They have apartment with kitchen, private garden and balcony, a most enchanting setting. I always prefer a simple home meal after a few days of travel. The hotel even gave me some of their own fresh eggs. The 2 bedroom unit we stayed at has a pull-out sofa in the living room. You can look them up on Tripadvisor.

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