Train vs driver from Naples to florence

We were in Italy a couple of weeks ago and took the HS train from Rome to Florence. It took 1 1/2 hours and was very comfortable.

Hiring a car and driver would cost some big bucks.

We were in Italy a couple of weeks ago and took the HS train from Rome
to Florence. It took 1 1/2 hours...

Very kindly but I'm guessing you took the train from Naples to Rome, not Florence. A 'fast', no-changes train from Napoli Centrale to Firenze SM Novella takes about 3 hours, give or take a few minutes, so yes, the Trenitalia site shows a "fast" leaving at 11:09 and arriving in Florence at 14:11: abt. 3 hours.

A vehicle transfer will be VERY expensive but while train tickets for 8 won't be inexpensive, I'm guessing the total $ may be considerably less expensive than a driver ( a random date/time on DayTrip.com is coming up with an estimate of well over $2,000 for 6 adults/2 children, if I've entered the info correctly.) Personally? I'm a fan of the Italian trains all day as seats are reasonably roomy, you can bring your lunch, get up now and again to stretch your legs, see better than from a vehicle, and the restroom travels with you; no need for potty stops. Oh, and you'll get to Florence more quickly than by road. :O)

If you can get that tribe of yours up, washed, fed, dressed and packed a tad earlier, there's another train at 10:40 that arrives at 13:46.

A side mention? You're probably aware of this by now but when buying attraction tickets, making accommodation reservations, etc. your two eldest offspring (ages 18 and 20) are considered adults in most cases, OK? Where driver transfers are involved, your 15 and 14 year-olds may be paying adult rates too, such as on Daytrip.com.

Absolutely take the high speed train, for all the reasons mentioned above, unless you take way too much luggage! I see people getting on/off and moving through the train with these giant suitcases that they can't lift and will barely fit down the aisle. I think they must have to rely on the kindness of strangers to help them off and on, then they're at the mercy of karma to find a place to stow them. Don't be those people!

You would need a very large vehicle for that many people and luggage.

Frecciarossa tickets can be cheaper with advance purchase, but are likely non-changeable, non-refundable. You would need a van for this group, extra cost, and maybe short of baggage space. This a very long car trip with an empty return to pay for, and high gas costs.

The high speed trains tops at 300 km/h (Rome to Napoli) or 250 km/h (Florence to Rome), while a driver is likely to get a fine if exceeding 130 km/h. The train trip is much faster and much more relaxing.

The high speed train is most definitely the best option, especially for a group that large. You'd need to hire a large van for a group with luggage and it would be an arduous and uncomfortable (IMO) trip. It's possible that a hire van from Naples would not have the required permit to travel inside the ZTL (limited traffic zone) inside Florence, which may be an issue depending on where your hotel is located.

Check the Trenitalia schedules to find the best departure that fits your Itinerary. July is likely going to be hot and crowded so pre-booking tickets would probably be a good idea.

We took the Frecciarossa from Florence to Naples 3 years ago. It was a very pleasant, easy experience. Would highly recommend it.

We booked First Class tickets but that is a personal choice.

Train for sure. Walk around, go to the bar car for a drink, food, whatever, as you blast along at 300 km/hr.

DayTrip.com is 2,200 euro for a party of eight in a van. Then add it a few stops (Royal Palace of Caserta or Anfiteatro Campano or Pastena Caves or Sacro Bosco or Lucignano) and you are up to something less than 2,500 euro for an 8 hour day of sightseeing and transportation. Or about $310 per person. Now, if you got to Italy in Economy then maybe not for you. If you flew Premium Economy possibly, if you flew Business its the only option for you.

I am heading to Rome on the 21st of June and wanting to take the high speed train to Florence when we land. I have a handicapped daughter and my wife and I are seniors with me having a back problem. We will also have one other person traveling with us. My question is: Is there someone that can help us with transferring luggage both at FCO and then when we have to change trains in Rome? Also is there a way to book a wheelchair in Rome to transfer trains?

Mario

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