Planes, Trains, Automobiles: Is this feasible?

I was wondering if you'd looked at flying RyanAir directly from Frankfurt-Hahn Airport to Rome Ciampino Airport? I did a quick search and found a flight departing at 20:00 and arriving at 21:45 (on Oct 2) for a base fare of €30.28 (includes taxes, doesn't include any additional luggage fees, etc.). You'd also have a few hours between flights to tool around Frankfurt, too, if you so desired.

Frankfurt-Hahn isn't in Frankfurt at all (silly, indeed), but I understand there is a bus service that takes about an hour and a half (ish?), presumably from downtown Frankfurt.

And again, Rome Ciampino isn't the main Rome airport, but I also understand there is a bus service that will take you to Termini.

It would cut out a full day of travel time and forego the need for a hotel in Milan. Just a thought...

You do know about the RyanAir severe baggage weight restrictions? I would underline severe but haven't figured out how.

Try www.kayak.com.

they are currently showing options from EWR to FCO with only one stop in Brussels for under $360.

hurry and take a look.

Hi Ron,

Could you tell me the dates of that flight on Kayak.com please? I can't find it... thanks!

Jan

Jan,

Even though you "have the stamina", I'd suggest trying to find a more direct route with less flights.

As you're going for a "study abroad school year", I suspect you'll be packing a fair amount of kit. With that many flights, the possibility of "misplaced luggage" will increase considerably. You ESPECIALLY don't want to be flying with RyanAir if you have lots of luggage!

Could you clarify why your flight is originating in Newark? Given your home location, you might also consider an Air Transat flight from Vancouver. I checked briefly and found a flight departing YVR on Oct. 3, arriving FRA on Oct. 4. Cost was Cdn$548.75 including all taxes and fees.

One option would be to fly to Frankfurt and then take a train to Rome. It's a long trip, but if you arrange a Couchettte or Sleeper you'll be able to eliminate at least some of the jet lag. There's a rail station right in Frankfurt Airport, so you could arrange your tickets as soon as you clear Immigration.

You might also look at an Air Transat flight from Calgary to London Gatwick on Oct. 1 (arriving Oct. 2 at 07:25). Cost listed was Cdn$295.05 including all taxes and fees. From LGW you can get a flight to Roma / FCO via EasyJet. There appears to be an EasyJet flight departing at 12:50, which should allow you enough time to clear Immigration, collect your luggage and check-in. Cost listed was £70.99 which includes all taxes. Be sure to check the EasyJet website so that you're clear on their terms and baggage limits. That's the most preferable option IMHO.

Note that all the prices I've listed are subject to change and could be different depending on when you book.

There are numerous ways your flights could be arranged.

Buona Fortuna e Buon Viaggio!

Jan Oct 1 2009 is the date I used.

Also www.vayama.com is showing a Lufthansa flight one way from EWR to FCO on 10/01/2009 for less than $450.

IT's EWR to Munich Munich to FCO

Please don't do this. With this much transfering and switching airlines, you will lose your luggage along the way and then it really won't be worth saving $500. A lot of your savings will be eaten up in hotels, taxi, and train fare anyway. Jet-lag is bad enough without having to put up with the sleep deprivation you will suffer with this itinerary. Seriously, just bite the bullet and shell out the money.

Thank you for all your replies and time spent researching. I have decided to forego the whole plane and train option, and will try to find a route simply by plane travel.

Thank you Ron for the Vayama link; my only hesitation would be the extra fees imposed if I need to make a change to my travel dates, but otherwise I don't think I can beat that price. I think you are all right about avoiding RyanAir with any precious cargo whatsoever, I have read the horror stories of lost luggage on this board before and that's definitely not how I want to start out my time in Italy.