Train to Lucca from MXP or FCO

A train from Milan’s Malpensa airport termina1 to Lucca requires a minimum of two transfers. The first would be at Milano Centrale (Milan’s central station) to Florence’s SM Novella station to Lucca. The entire trip takes 5h 45m.
Rome would work best with a train from Rome’s Fiumicino Airport to Lucca that also requires two connections. The first would be at Rome’s Termini station and the second at Florence’s SM Novella station. This trip takes 4h 15m.
https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html

Quicker from Rome and I’d rather overnight in Rome than Milan

There is a direct train from FCO to Florence at 1:53 -if that works out for you it’s one less change
And don’t need the overnight

Do you know what time your flight arrives?

If prices are similar I would prefer flying to Rome. It’s a shorter journey by train, and, on the way back, when you certainly need to spend the night in the city of departure, I’d rather stay in Rome than in Milan, which is also far from its airport (Malpensa).

If it’s a non stop flight, it will arrive in the morning, so there is no need to spend the night in a Rome (or Milan). You have plenty of time to make it to destination on the day of landing. If your are tired you can rest on the trains, they are comfortable.

I agree that flying into Rome, then a fast train to Florence will be easier. The train to Lucca is a regionale so be prepared for lots of stops! I envy you your month in Lucca … it’s a lovely little city.

Thank you all for your advice, I appreciate it.

I've read every word of this blog by a person who has been living in Lucca for several years: https://www.twopartsitaly.com/

Lots of nice photos!

This past September we rented an apartment in Lucca for 3 weeks. It was a wonderful 3 week vacation. We took the train from Rome. No problem.

I’m really looking forward to it so thanks both of you for the additional info!