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Private transfer between Lugano and Florence, with a stop in Milan

Any recommendations for companies to look into for private transfers in southern Switzerland and northern Italy? I see recommendations for private transfer companies in the southern part of Italy, but struggling to narrow down the google results to something I can work with For this scenario.

We are a group of 8 adults and 2 small kids (3,5). I need to get from a hotel in Lugano, Switzerland, to an apartment in Florence, with a couple of detours. We want to stop in Milan for a while to do some sightseeing, and then once we get to Florence, we need to stop to pick up apartment keys before arriving at the apartment (the 2 Florence stops are about 10 min apart). We’d leave Lugano early on Friday, stop in Milan for a few hours, and then go onto Florence.

We can make this work with trains, checked luggage at train station, and taxis and/or splitting up and doing a combo of methods, but would like to price a private transfer to smooth out the experience. I might also consider taking a train to Milan, storing luggage, and then taking a private transport to Florence.

Appreciate any recommendations.

Posted by
3812 posts

You'll have to pay for the driver's return journey, gas, tolls, Milan's congestion charge, two meals and one night at an hotel... I'd be surprised if you paid less than 800 €.

To tell the truth, since you are a group of 8 adults sharing the cost, I'd be more concerned about time than money. Do you realize that a van from Milan to Florence will take three times the time needed using a direct high speed train?

Another factor is the ZTL area. Is your Florence apartment inside or outside it?

Posted by
8216 posts

Most would catch the train from Lugano to Milan I1 hr., 36 minutes) and transfer to a fast train to Florence (2 hr. 17 minutes.) Fares are very reasonable and you can get big discounts on train tickets in Italy by buying up to 120 days early..

Posted by
117 posts

Thanks both responders for your thoughts. I didn't realize time difference between taking a van and taking a train! Makes sense, though. We are using trains rest of trip - this particular navigation seemed a bit easier on the surface with some private transport.

Couple of points-We are not staying in Milan - just a bit of sightseeing on the way to Florence. Our Florence apartment is likely in ZTL- I didn't pay attention as we won't be driving ourselves - it's near Bargallo museum.

Thanks again.

Posted by
616 posts

Being 10 people, 8 adults with two kids,
I would advise you write in English directly to:
[email protected],
telling them you want one group ticket for
Lugano-Milano
and another
Milano-Firenze

Specify the name and age of each of you and the time you want to leave each city, considering Lugano-Milan take 1:30 and the Milan- Florence 2-3 hours, depending the trains.

They will then make you a nice offer.

Having a third stop would be too much for that day, maybe you can do same on a day trip from Florence.

Posted by
3812 posts

We are not staying in Milan - just a bit of sightseeing on the way to Florence

if you want to drive into the city center, you have to pay the congestion charge.

Our Florence apartment is likely in ZTL- I didn't pay attention as we won't be driving ourselves

Swiss being Swiss they often ignore italian fines, but you will hire a professional with a commercial license. He'll ask you to either pay the fine or to put the plate number in the white list

fast train to Florence (2 hr. 17 minutes)

1 hr. 44 minutes

up to 120 days early

up to 180