We're starting to plan for an October visit to northern Italy (Verona, Ferrara, Florence, Arezzo and Bologna). The first thing we need to determine is how best to get to Verona. The original thought was to fly into Venice but it appears that flying into Bologna would be just about the same amount of time/travel. Are we missing something? It would be nice to have options so that we can get the best air fare pricing. Thanks!
Posted by
Green Bay
21599 posts
Have you looked at Milan Malpensa? At least Malpensa has a train station at the airport. At Venice and Bologna you will need a bus from the airport to the train station. It is a little further away, but compare flight prices while you are at it.
Posted by
OP
22 posts
We hadn't, Sam. Thank you for the suggestion. It would appear to add about an hour compared to Venice or Bologna. But air fare prices may warrant it.
Posted by
London
150 posts
You can fly directly to Verona- for example British Airways has a direct route so if you fly via London you can get right to the city you want to start in.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA area (USA)
206 posts
It does depend on where you’re coming from. I think there’s definitely value for a nonstop flight from outside the Schengen zone versus a connection within the zone. So if you’re coming from the US there may only be nonstop flights into Milan and Venice. But if you’re coming from within the Schengen zone it doesn’t matter. Good luck with the trip!
Posted by
San Diego, California, USA
1275 posts
Venice is a bus or taxi to Venice Mestre and then a fast train to Verona.
Bologna is (probably) the tram from the airport to Bologna station and then a fast train to Verona.
Verona does have a small airport but flights are often only certain days but consistent flights are available from Frankfurt. There is an airport bus that drops you at the train station.
Some random thoughts on these airports:
- Flying out of Venice airport can be difficult from Venice proper unless you're staying nearer the land connections and flights out of Venice can be very early if you're connecting out of someplace else like London or Amsterdam. Venice airport is small and be overwhelmed on cruise ship exit days so arrive early.
- Bologna airport can involve using the airplane stairs and walking across the tarmac like it's 1982 but the airport is close to the city. When flying out there is one security line for all gates so arrive ahead.
- Fast trains in Bologna leave from the lowest levels and are -3 levels below ground and involve a weird series of changes if you want to use the elevator. Allow extra time for getting to the fast trains and prepare for multiple escalators.
Milan MXP (very well connected) and Florence (less well connected) are in the next tier out for connecting into Verona. Pisa is better connected than Florence but adds at least another hour past Florence.
Verona is pretty, under-appreciated city.
Have a great trip,
=Tod
Posted by
OP
22 posts
Thanks for all the great information everyone!