We are two 60 year old women, spending a week in Florence. With our airline, we need to fly into either Rome or Milan, and
then train to Florence. Which would be easier? I seem to remember that the Milano train station is a very arduous walk w/luggage...and Rome is right there? Recommendations?
Posted by
San Francisco, CA, USA
131 posts
I flew into Rome and out of Florence in April. I found Rome ap to be easy and the train to Florence to be equally convenient. I've never been to Milan, but Rome wasn't bad at all.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Italy has four airports with train stations in the airport. Rome-FCO and Milan-Malpensa are two of the four. For transportation from Rome-FCO, you will need to take the Leonardo Express to the Rome-Termini train station and then transfer to a high-speed to Florence. You can buy all of your tickets at the ticket booth in the Rome airport. Just allow enough time (about 20 minutes) to get from track #24 in Rome-Termini to the track with the high-speed. In Milan Malpensa, you will have a similar situation. There are frequent local trains from the airport to the Milan Centrale train station. At Milan Centrale, you will change to a high-speed to Florence. The high-speed journey from Milan to Florence is about 15 minutes longer than the high-speed run from Rome to Florence. One difference between the two runs. At Milan Malpensa, there is one high-speed run that departs Malpensa at 12:22. It stops at Milan Centrale but you can stay on and go on to Florence on the same train.
Posted by
white bear lake, minnesota, USA
87 posts
something to consider in Rome: after trying to get some tickets via web (site was down), we walked to Termini from our hotel and tried auto machines, which weren't working either. The line for ticket agents (who all seemed to be working pretty fast and hard) was long and slow and full of frustrated people. We bought tickets for next 2 legs of our trip in about 60 sec. when we finally got to agent. If you can succeed in getting some tickets before you get to Termini (maybe via web at home)or allow plenty of time betwn connections, it would be good. I think some people in our ticket line missed their first choice trains. SO-if you can really get all tickets you need at the airport itself, sounds like good idea. wish we had known that! BTW, we went back to Venice train station on our first day there (long and lovely vaporetto ride up grand canal from where we stayed nr St. Mark's) went to ticket agent and bought tickets we needed for last 2 legs of trip..only 5 min. wait, and the peace of mind is priceless. All agents we encountered were very cordial and efficient.
Posted by
Luxembourg
69 posts
I would probably consider a third option if the price difference is not so much from your current offer (not knowing your airline), which is to try to book your flight straight to and arrive at Florence airport (which is serviced by most major European airlines via AMS, FRA, CDG etc.). To have to transfer flights in either of the above, I prefer AMS, without having to worry about dragging luggage up/down stairs and into town and trains, may be a more relaxing way to travel. Plus, to arrive and depart in Florence airport is so seamless as the airport is rather small (only five-ten mins from downtown) with few long waiting check-in and security lines (you may want to avoid Rome Fumicino!). We really enjoyed flying straight to Florence and rent our car there. It went very smooth, and you are already at the heart of your destination! Just a thought:-). Happy travel!