Hello Fellow travelers,
3 couples are traviling to Europe for 3 weeks. Our lodging and flights are set but we are now figurig out in-country transportation.
We fly into Zurich on Sept. 13 in the morning. On that day, we travel to Murren. We assume by train but have no idea if there is a 3 day pass for train or if we just do daily. We don't know how long it will take and how we do it with transfers. Do we buy here or when we get to Switzerland?
We leave Murren 9/16 and travel to Monterosa. We assume by train? and do we get tickets here or is there a 3 day pass and how long will it take. Transfers?
We leave Cinque Terra 9/19 and arrive by train in Florence same day. Again is this a part of a 3 day pass or get tickets when we are there or before we leave? and how and whom do we do this?
We leave Florence 9/23 and stay in a couple of places in the country side before arriving in Rome on 9/30. We thought that we would rent a car in Florence and drop it off in Rome on 930. Does this make sense and whom should we use for car rental?
Thanks so much,
Steve
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
7234 posts
Assuming you mean MONTEROSSO
A search of this forum will bring up many recommendations for AutoEurope.com
Do your homework regarding driving in Italy
All drivers must have an IDP-International Driving permit-get at your local AAA
For your train questions-all you need to know here
maninseat61.com
Posted by
Sunriver
1321 posts
You have to rent a van for 6 people plus luggage not fun to park in those small hill towns in Italy. Getting the IDP is no biggie and is good for 6 months. I might suggest for your Florence to Rome part you find some good day trip tours, so you don't have to drive on your own.
Posted by
Green Bay
21226 posts
Swiss trains are easy. Schedules are at https://www.sbb.ch/en
Italian trains are a bit more complicated, but not too bad. Schedules are at https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html
There are 3 and 4 day Swiss Travel Passes, but they are expensive. Unless any of the group is under 25, they are 232 CHF and 281 CHF respectively. The full fare undiscounted ticket from Zurich airport to Muerren is 75 CHF if you go via Luzern, which is a little cheaper, a little slower, and a lot more scenic. Muerren to Spiez is 30 CHF full fare. It depends on what lift rides you plan on in Muerren. A round trip to the Schilthorn from Muerren is 85.60 CHF full fare. A Swiss Travel Pass will cut that in half.
You should buy your tickets from Spiez to Monterosso soon, as you can get a big discount for advance purchase nonrefundable tickets. These work like airline tickets, you buy now for a low price and get seats on a specific train on a specific date. It is a little early for this as they do not appear to be selling tickets on this route yet. Wait another month or so. As far out as Aug 5, it looks like you can get tickets for 50 EUR per person.
Monterosso to Florence can be done with regional trains, but they are not scheduled yet. For right now, it is 19 EUR per person currently. The schedule for regional trains should be loaded by June 11 at the latest. These trains are always the same price, so you can wait to buy them.
Renting a car in Florence makes sense, but with 6 people and luggage, you will need 2 cars.