After writing a note to myself regarding this holiday, my brain completely forget about the May 1 holiday when we saw dates for decent business class air rates. We grabbed the best-priced dates, and were excited to get May 2025 air booked, so the real planning can commence!
But then I realized - oops!!!
We fly into Milan Linate April 30. We are on the way to Varenna. If all goes well, we continue to Varenna that evening.
But I was considering just staying near Milan Central that night, sleep off the jet lag, and getting a regional train to Varenna the next morning, May 1.
However, I'm assuming there will be a holiday train schedule and reduced trains, but I have no idea how significant the changes will be. I also don't know if the holiday will significantly increase crowding on the trains to Lake Como that day or the night before .
I'd appreciate any practical advice from anyone who has traveled this route around this holiday.
Thanks so much!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23642 posts
Close to ten years ago we were in Rome for this holiday, and hardly notice any difference. It may have change but it was not a big deal at that time.
Posted by
Chicago
8600 posts
good question. Nearly 40 years on our first trip to Europe together my husband and I arrived in Venice on May 1 totally aware that it was the major European holiday. There were no boats running in Venice and we had to lug our giant bags (first trip so overpacked and no wheels) over a mile of bridges to our hotel from the train station.
Major train lines will be running but it is the holiday where there are the most closings of museums, shops, local transport and even restaurants.
Posted by
Vignola, MO, IT
705 posts
Where I am the regional trains and buses are on the holiday schedule on May 1st so they run less often but that is also true on Sundays.
Posted by
OP
San Diego, California
5648 posts
Thanks so much! Safe travels to all.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16133 posts
May 1 (International Workers’ Day) does affect bus service, including city buses, but trains work regularly on a Sunday/Holiday schedule.
Posted by
OP
San Diego, California
5648 posts
Roberto, thank you.
Posted by
Minnesota
573 posts
I happened to arrive in Florence on May 1. The only difference I noticed was that the taxis from the airport charged a small holiday surcharge.
Posted by
OP
San Diego, California
5648 posts
Renee, thanks for that info. I appreciate your help.