Taxi vs Uber in Italy

We just got back from Milan a few days ago. Technically, there is no Uber in Milan and Bolzano, but if you use the Uber app, you can request a taxi. We did this 3 times with no problem. In Milan, the app failed to connect us to a taxi on one occasion, so we had the front desk at the hotel to call a taxi for us. In Bolzano, we had no problem getting a taxi outside the train station; no wait at all.

If you want to get there quickly and ensure you don't miss your train, book a private transfer in advance.

There's taxi ranks outside of the airports and train stations (and many other places). Some taxi companies are partnered with Uber but more often you'll see Uber black (NCC/limo). Freenow or IT Taxi are more widely used than Uber if you want to use an app.

Thank you all. I feel reassured that we can either use Uber or find a waiting taxi. But what is a private transfer and how does one arrange this? How expensive is it? Thanks!

Which is a better way to get from LIN airport to the Milano Centrale train station - Uber or Taxi? I'd like to get there quickly (rather than take a train or bus) so we don't miss our train to Bolzano.

Just how much time have you given yourself from the scheduled flight arrival time to the train departure time?

Depending on time of day, google shows driving time of ~20-40 minutes

Our scheduled flight arrival is 12:50 at LIN and the train leaves from Milano Centrale at 14:15. Seem like enough time if all goes as scheduled?? I assume we could get on a later train if flight is delayed or other hitches?

That’s not enough time

Is train to Bolzano a regional or a fast train?

I assume we could get on a later train if flight is delayed or other
hitches?

What kind of train is it and what kind you ticket do you have?

Any particular reason you are flying to Milan? Flying to Verona or Innsbruck would bring you closer to Bozen.

Oh no, really not enough time?! The trains I have tickets for are #1, Frecciarossa from Milano Centrale to Verona and then #2, Regionale Veloce from Verona to to Bolzano. I don't know if they are fast trains or not?

Back when I made the plans, I believe I tried to get flights to either Innsbruck or Verona and either the times didn't work or there weren't flights from AMS. In any case, if we don't make the Frecciarossa train, will be able to book something else while at the station??

What about the private car from the airport as someone suggested?

What about the private car from the airport as someone suggested?

Taxi vs a reserved private car isn't the key issue. A reserved car cannot go any faster than a taxi through traffic.

The issues:
1- Will flight be on time
2- do you have checked bags
3- what will traffic conditions be the day you arrive
4- how fast moving is the slowest member of your party

A private driver is not going to get you to the station any faster than a taxi.

Here is a company- you can get an estimate:
https://connectotransfers.com

Your first train is a fast train. What kind of ticket did you purchase- some can be changed without a fee. Otherwise- NO- you cannot just get on the next fast train.
I would take a look at Trenitlaia and see what time other trains are available to get you to Verona. From Verona to Bolzano is a regional train- no need to purchase that in advance as they can't sell out and price never changes.

The problem is you haven't allowed enough time from scheduled flight arrival to scheduled train departure.

Planes don't always arrive on time.
Will you have to retrieve checked bags?

It's going to take a minimum of 15-20 minutes to deplane and get thru the terminal to outside where the taxi rank is. No time for a pit stop. How many in your party?
Then the drive can take anywhere from 20-40 min. You now have less than 15 min to get into the station and find your track.

Can it be done? Maybe. It's just really really tight. If you have to pick up baggage then all bets are off.

Unless you bought a flexible fare ticket, if you miss your Frecciarossa you'll have to buy a new ticket. While Frecciarossa trains can sell out, they usually don't. Your second ticket is flexible until the time of departure, so if you miss the Frecciarossa you can change the Regionale ticket.

For a private driver you would look for an NCC (noleggio con conducente).

OKay, so now looking for contingency plans if we don't make it to the train station on time. We absolutely must be in Bolzano that night. What if we took a private car from Milan to Verona and then got on the regional train? I'm guessing that is expensive so maybe in a worst case scenario, we could just buy later tickets whenever we do get to the train station since the Verona trains are very flexible, right? I can forfeit the first tickets from Milan to Verona if we have to - that is probably cheaper than trying to get someone to drive us to Verona (or Bolzano.)

It is just my husband and myself and we run fast. However, we both will have checked bags and so any ideas on what to do if we don't make it to the train station are welcome.

FYI

Car service from Linate to Verona is $400+

If you have already purchased 'unchangeable' train tickets, and do not get to Milan Centrale in time, buying new train tickets is probably cheaper than the car ride to Verona.

You might get lucky and the plane arrives on time (or early), you and your bags are among the first off the plane and traffic is flowing well.

Use the bathroom on the plane before landing

It could work out, but having "Plan B" at the ready is a good idea.

Thank you, Joe. I just sent an email to "Limousine Italy Milan" asking if we hire them from LIN to the train station if they would take us on to Verona if we miss the train. I will also price just buying new tickets. I probably should have used a travel agent since this part of the trip involves trains that I am not familiar with.

Also... my tickets say "FrecciaDAYS-BUSINESS" and I think they are not changeable or refundable. However, each ticket was only 16.90 so not a huge loss as long as we can get other tickets once there. I will check. I thought I was being proactive buying everything in advance. Sigh.

I probably should have used a travel agent since this part of the
trip involves trains that I am not familiar with.

I don't know - a TA might've made same mistake or worse. Next time- ask for advice here!
It is never recommended to purchase onward travel train tickets in advance.

I would just plan on missing that 2:15 train- you didn't spend much on it- likely not changeable.
Buy another for the next train once you get to the station- or you can download the Trenitalia app and buy once you land in Milan.
Look at the Trenitalia schedule NOW so you know what time the next trains are.
What date are you traveling?

A driver all the way to Verona is going to be super expensive. Not necessary.

Look at the Trenitalia schedule NOW so you know what time the next trains are.

There are Frecciarossa departures from Milano Centrale to Verona every 30 minutes. So relax. The FrecciaDays tickets are neither changeable nor refundable. Consider the loss the cost of a lesson learned if you don't make the scheduled train,

Thank you, Christine and Mark - much appreciated. We are traveling on a Saturday - July 19. Not sure if that is good or bad. But I did look at the train schedule and there are plenty going to Verona (3:00, 3:15, etc.) so as long as we can get a spot, we should be fine? I am going to book a limo from LIN to the train station which will be worth it to have less worry if we are in a rush. The company would take us to Verona if needed for 400 euros - so hoping that doesn't become necessary! (It's 700 to Bolzano!!)

Yes, lesson learned. It is so hard not to plan everything ahead, which is why I went against advice given here, NOT schedule trains ahead. But feeling much better about the whole thing. The RS forum group is AWESOME and can't thank you all enough - you all ALWAYS help so much!!

Quick additional question: Has anyone ever used "Limousine Italy"? They are recommended on TripAdvisor and responded quickly with what seems like the going rate from LIN to train station.

Skip the limo and save the euros
Taxis will be lined up outside the terminal-there may be a fixed rate to Centrale
Make sure you are in official taxi line-follow the signs
No tip required or necessary

A limo will be no faster than a taxi