Good Morning.
We will be traveling, two couples, in the Tuscany region the second week of June. In planning we thought staying in Lucca would allow for day trips to Pisa, San Gimignano, Volterra, as well as Cinque Terre.
We are debating on renting a car for touring Tuscany or only staying on the train routes (understanding this may limit our experience) and would welcome some suggestions.
Thank you,
Tammy
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
I usually only use public transportation in Italy, and it's very reliable in Tuscany.
With four people, a car would be economical and give you spontaneity as you drive. I guess my question would be, how much spontaneity can you stand?
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, United States
907 posts
Rent a car for maximum flexibility. Example: it is a long drive from Lucca to San Gimi and Volterra. It is a much longer trip sitting in statione ferroviaria waiting for trains and they may go where you want, when you want. Not to mention train changes.
Besides, there is a lot you can see between the towns you want visit.
Posted by
Rural Georgia
2216 posts
That sounds like a great trip Tammy!
I think you could have a wonderful experience using public transportation, but it would take more planning and coordination. Before you leave, find out what options you have (train or bus) and the schedules. You could also include a wine tasting tour that would get you into the heart of Tuscany. You may also want to compare the price of renting a car for four and buying multiple tickets for four.
If you rent a car, you could drive from Lucca to La Spezia and park there, then take the train to other CT towns. See http://www.apathtolunch.com/2011/04/getting-around-la-spezia-lunigiana-gulf.html
When we went to Tuscany, we thought long and hard about renting a car vs using public transportation. We opted to rent a car and loved the freedom we had. We could change our itinerary at a moment's notice.
For instance, we had planned to leave earlier from Volterra, but the sun was setting and the light was gorgeous. On a whim, we stayed two hours longer than planned. We probably wouldn't have had that flexibility with public transportation.
We could also travel down pig trails unavailable by bus. Driving was much easier than you would be led to believe when you read forums here and elsewhere. We were in Tuscany in December and traffic was light and there was plenty of parking. You'll be there in the height of tourist season. You'll have to balance the availability of parking vs crowded public transportation.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
For what you want to see, a car makes much more sense.
Look at rome2rio for quick comparisons of transportation, bus, train, car but use via Michelin for printable maps.
Each driver will need an IDP
( international driving permit)
And an understanding of ZTLs.
I much prefer to drive in Tuscany.
Posted by
Granite Bay, CA
1951 posts
The driving is pretty easy in Tuscany, and a car will give you a lot of flexibility. We love being on our own schedule and not a public transport schedule. Just watch the size of the car if you plan to haul luggage for 4 people.
Posted by
Winooski, VT
285 posts
Driving in Tuscany was a blast, I was glad we had our car because one of the days we did plan to use the train (to go into Florence) but it was on strike randomly. Apparently that is pretty common.
Posted by
73 posts
We were in Lucca for a few days last week and traveled by train so I can't speak to train vs car. I would suggest a couple of restaurants however--Osteria Via San Giorgio (in Rick Steves Florence & Tuscany book) and La Bottega di Anna & Leo. Have a great trip!