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Train Station Change Milan

Am looking at booking TGV from Paris to Milan Porto Garibaldi station and connecting there with a train from Milan Centrale station headed to Florence. Connection time is about 1 hour 20 minutes and according to google maps there is transportation that shows 6 minutes between the two stations. BnB I'm staying in in Florence requires arrival not later than 21,00 and this looks like the best schedule in order not to be cutting it too close for Florence arrival. Has anyone ever taken this route and any advice?

Posted by
23177 posts

Are you asking if you can get between Geribaldi and Centrale in an hour and 20 mins? Probably take 30 mins from arrival to platform at Centrale. Short ride on the metro.

Posted by
47 posts

Thanks, I just needed to know if it was feasible to even consider this option. As long as the train arrives on time it sounds like it will work.

Posted by
5187 posts

As Frank pointed out, it's an easy Metro ride from Garibaldi Station to Milano Centrale.

However, it may be more convenient to take a taxi to Milano Centrale as it's a short ride (1.1 Mile) and it shouldn't cost you more than $6- $8. Once you arrive to Milano Centrale, you can relax & get a snack or dinner ;-)

Posted by
19637 posts

Another option is to take an Italo high speed train to Florence. They leave from Porta Garibaldi station.

Posted by
32171 posts

Sam,

Good catch! That's a perfect solution.

Posted by
5187 posts

Nice job Sam!

So Awis1951... hopefully you haven't purchased your train ticket from Milano Centrale to Florence.

Posted by
500 posts

The trip with the metro between the two stations is very easy, but I do not advice doing it if you have bulky luggage. In this case a taxi would be better. Connecting to Italo is an easy solution.

But if you have to travel between Paris and Florence I suggest to fly; it would be faster and probably even cheaper. Air France is not so expensive if you book early, Vueling is cheap (but not very reliable on flights to Florence), Easy Jet to Pisa another possible option.

Posted by
5187 posts

Asps2, excellent point!

So Awis 1951, it may be less expensive to fly to Florence or Pisa, and you will get there much faster!

Edit : You can search for cheap flights here: http://www.skyscanner.com/

Posted by
19637 posts

If you look at the TGV site, enter Paris to Florence SMN, there is a 6:28 departure from Gare de Lyon with a single connection at Milan Rho Fiera arriving Florence at 16:20. Its showing MINI fares in the 75-85 euro range in May. That uses a Trenitalia Frecciarossa, and is the fastest journey time getting you there before 21:00.

Posted by
47 posts

So many options to weigh at this point. Thank you for all the suggestions. Am traveling on June 21 so cannot even make my reservations for another day or so, and am traveling light so will not have bulky luggage. The option of the other station in Milan (can't remember the name that was suggested) is not available for my travel dates so I will have to stick with the station change or booking a separate ticket out of Garibaldi to Florence. Thanks also for the idea of flying. Have checked into that as well and Air France is a good option. Will still have to factor in time and money for getting to and from the airport both directions and I was looking forward to some possible nice scenery while on the train. Is the view not worth the time lost in train travel? About how much time would I need to allow for early airport arrival, getting to and from airports, and the extra expense for that transportation? Opinions on that would be much appreciated.

Posted by
23177 posts

I am not in the fly family since the hassle of airport security, bag checks, hurry up and wait, is far more stressful than an extra couple of hours on a train. My bench mark is around six hours of train before considering flying. Remember you are on vacation, and speed for us is not necessarily the most important items.

Posted by
19637 posts

It looks like you can book the 6:28 to Milano Garibaldi now for 29 euro. The Italo 14:27 can be booked in another month for, looks like, 28 euro. That will give you more than 30 minute connection time at Porta Garibaldi. 57 euro is a pretty good price. Later trains cut too close to your 21:00 deadline.

Posted by
32171 posts

awis,

I have the same attitude as Frank when it comes to using flights in Europe. I'll use them if necessary, but prefer a long train journey to the usual hassles of air travel. As you have a time limit on your arrival in Florence, if you don't mind getting an early start, this is one method you could consider......

  • Paris to Milan - use a direct TGV departure from Gare de Lyon at 06:28, arriving Milano Porta Garibaldi at 13:52 (time 7H:22M). You can purchase your tickets at Capitaine Train. It's an early start but your hotel may be wiling to prepare a "bag breakfast" and you can have a nap on the train. You should be able to buy lunch on the train, or you can pick something up when you arrive in Milan.
  • Milan to Florence - use an Italo departure from Milano Porta Garibaldi at 14:27, arriving Firenze SMN at 16:25 (time 1H:58M). You can purchase your tickets on the Italo Treno website. The Italo trains are easily identified as they're a bright maroon colour, and they usually have staff near the trains to help passengers with any questions. That will get you to Florence in lots of time to check into your hotel before the time limit. You may find it helpful to have a look at THIS short video.

While that's a bit of a long travel day, it's not really too bad and for me it would be MUCH preferred to having to endure the usual airport "dog & pony show". Travel by air will probably be at least six hours and possibly longer, once all is considered.

Buon Viaggio!

Posted by
47 posts

Ken and all other helpful responders,
Thank you so much! Just booked travel on capitainetrain for Paris to Milan! Went to italotreno site but wouldn't take 21 June date yet. Guess I will have to keep checking daily and book those when they open up. I am so happy to be traveling by train instead of flying. I agree about the unnecessary hassle of an airport and I love train travel and actually seeing the countryside. Guess that's why I like road trips also. This forum and all of the wonderful people ready to jump in and answer questions has been great. I'm sure you'll be hearing from me again soon, being the novice European traveler that I am. Thanks again...