Travel Options: Manarola to Milano Linate

Posted by carol.bershad on 06/15/14 12:18 AM

We are staying in Manarola. On a Tuesday morning, we will need to leave in time to catch flight at 1:30pm to Paris out of Milano Linate. We have been assuming we would travel by train to Milano Centrale (via La Spezia) and then take a bus or taxi to Milano Linate, but are wondering about the option of renting a car in La Spezia and dropping off it at the airport.

We are looking for efficiency and a minimal amount of logistical hassle on this particular leg of our trip, not scenery or charm :). Any recommendations on this - or other alternatives - would be greatly appreciated.

Posted by gerri

lexington, il

06/15/14 12:58 AM

4105 posts

In this instance, the car is much faster than a train. It's 140 miles and should take around 2 hrs.

As far as cost, if you rent the smallest car it should be a break even deal.

Posted by carol.bershad OP

06/15/14 03:50 AM

2 posts

much thanks, gerri!

Posted by Ken

Vernon, Canada

06/15/14 04:00 AM

32405 posts

carol,

In the same situation, I'd probably still consider travelling by train, rather than deal with I.D.P.'s, CDW, possibly tolls and high fuel costs for such a short one-way rental.

If flying out of Linate, are you using RyanAir? If that's the case, the trip to Paris from Beauvais will add considerably to your travel time.

Posted by Roberto da Firenze ⚜

San Francisco Bay Area (USA)

06/15/14 04:03 AM

16240 posts

There is a train departing from Manarola at 7.24 with change in Rapallo that will get you to Milano Centrale at 10:50. You can easily be at the airport by 11:30, about 2 hours prior to departure, which is more than sufficient. The total travel tone is therefore 4 hours.
The driving time from La Spezia to Milan is over 2 hours. Add to that the time to get from La Spezia to La Spezia station, then the taxi to the rental agency and the time for the paperwork (let's say one hour). Let's also factor in the time for the rental return and going to the terminal in Milan. Total travel time by car is therefore about 3 - 3.5 hours. Sine renting a car for half day is the same price as a full day, if you decide for the car option I would recommend to pick up the rental car the day before. Then drive to Manarola, parking for the night, and in the morning drive from Manarola to Milan Linate airport (3 hours including rental return paperwork and transfer to terminal).

Posted by Laura

Rick Steves' Europe

06/18/14 08:50 PM

16895 posts

Most trains from Manarola to Milano Centrale will start out heading north, not south via La Spezia. How to Look Up Train Schedules Online gives you the DB train schedule link and tips for using it. For instance, for the 7:24 departure, you could make the connection at Levanto or Rapallo or a couple of other stops.