Hello - I'm hoping someone can give some advice re: taking the train vs driving.
We don't want the car in IT, but do need to get between these 2 cities.
Are we better off taking the train? Is the drive more trouble than it's worth even though
it appears it's 2 hours less than 2 stop overs?
Thanks in advance for your help!
I would suggest checking out the rental car possibilities, and take a good look at the surcharge for dropping the car in a different country than you rented from. That may make the extra 2 hours more appealing.
In this case, I would take the train. It looks like a lovely route, and all can enjoy it. Whereas if you drive, of course the driver doesn’t enjoy the scenery. And the navigator is busy navigating.
The connections look easy - almost 15 minutes each. If the connections were short, it might be a bit stressful. But you should be fine. Pack light, or be able to manage your own bags.
Then there’s that pesky one way drop fee for rental cars between countries - sometimes costing $1,000. Definitely not worth it.
Hello
It appears your assessment is correct - there is generally only 1 direct Intercity train from Ventimiglia to Sestri Levante a day and it is really early so I doubt it will work for you to catch it. Considering that you are technically crossing 2 international borders and changing train systems at least one of the changes is pretty much unavoidable.
On a random weekday morning even Google is hedging on how long it will take "2 hr 50 min to 4 hr 10 min" and I'm sure the 3 +/- and hour range is coastal traffic uncertainty.
I have driven in Nice off-season and I cannot imagine wanting to sign up for that again when the train is a viable option. Driving cross multiple countries and hassling with a rental car compared to sitting on the train and watching the endless views of the Mediterranean roll past even with two changes? I know which I would choose even if it adds an hour or two to the travel.
My $.02, have a great trip,
=Tod
We were quoted 1000€ to drop a rental car off in another country. Train trip is best.
Thanks everyone for your ultra quick responses! You are all correct....the drop off fee is crazy!
We'll take the train and stay in "vacation mode". Thanks again!!
Barb
