Florence to Como - how do I get there?

A few thoughts and questions.....

Could you clarify if you're going to the town of Como, or another town on Lago di Como? In any case, getting there is very easy by train - about three hours with one change at Milano Centrale. There are several rail stations in Como, so you'll need to know which one you're using.

Regarding your questions....

1. The quickest and easiest way to get from Florence to the airport is via Taxi. As I recall, they charge a "flat rate".
2. That seems like a lot of stops, especially in the peak of tourist season when traffic could be "thick". I wouldn't be comfortable leaving my luggage in a rental car while I'm off sightseeing. It may not be there for long!

You may already be aware of these points, but if not....

• For driving in Italy, EACH driver must have the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L.
• You'll need to be extremely vigilant to avoid the dreaded ZTL (limited traffic) areas which exist in many towns and cities in Italy. Each time you pass through one of these will result in a violation ticket, which you may not be aware of until several months after you return home.
• Also be aware of the automated speed traps, including the Traffic Tutor system which monitors both instantaneous speed as well as an average between two points. If you're over the limit on both of the them, two tickets!
• Be sure to budget for tolls, high fuel prices and parking. Some automated fuel pumps may ONLY accept Chip & PIN credit cards.

Thanks Ken for the information. I had read about the tolls, speed traps and ZDT (?) areas. Hoping we can avoid those with a little attention to detail. Plus we love the prospect of some adventure along the way.

The Villa is in Limonta, which is about 30-45 minutes from Como train station. I checked into the train schedule, but it seemed limited as far as times. Florence to Milan is fine, but then you have to connect from Milan to Como. And THEN we have to get a car from the Como station to Limonta. By the time we did all this the cost was crazy and we'd lost almost an entire day to travel. We would depart Flornce mid-afternoon and wouldn't arrive in Limonta until after 9pm. Sounded exhausting.

But if you have other, more direct, suggestions, I'm all ears!

thanks

Rick's Italy book (p. 474) suggests expecting about €25 for the taxi between Florence city center and airport; not a bad price for two, compared to €6 per person for the bus that serves the train and bus stations.

Instead of taking a cab to the airport, why don't you pick up the vehicle in Florence as Eurocar has 2 offices in the city. BORGO OGNISSANTI or VIA FORLANINI (AutoEurope should be able to change your pickup location and maybe provide you with ZTL info.). As far as costs and routes from Florence to Limnota, check out the Rome to Rio Site. It gives general prices for various means of transportation as well as estimated times. Yes, there are tolls, ZTL's, speed cameras. But if you pay attention to the law and the speed limit, you shouldn't have a problem and would be able to visit one or two stops along the way to enrich your visit to Italy. Personally, I would only make one stop to immerse yourself in the area a bit more. If you do stop in the cities, double check the ZTL's, park in a garage ASAP to avoid the city driving stress and make sure that your luggage is reasonably hidden in the car. I would also make certain you have a GPS or at least a smart phone with mapping.

I've traveled extensively by auto in southern Italy and Sicily and loved it. But if I didn't have my trusty Garmin, I'd still be trying to figure out how to get out of Palermo!

Don't believe you can drive faster than the train. If you leave Florence mid-afternoon, you will be at destination at 8 or 9pm even without stopping.

Ha! yes asps2, we dont expect to beat the train - just make it a more enjoyable ride by having the ability to "stop and smell the roses."