We are planning on going to Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre, Siena and Pisa. There will be 2 adults and 3 teenagers, does anyone have any advice on if it's better to rent a car, than take the train to all of these destinations? I know Cinque Terre will be crazy, maybe even impossible with a car. I have traveled throughout Europe by train, but with only 2 people and I am thinking with 5 people it might be more challenging. Can you see Siena and Pisa without a car? I know you can see Florence, Rome and CT. I would love advice! We will be going in June. Thanks! Lindsay
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17448 posts
Train. We went last summer as a family of four, and the trains were a pleasure. They ere reliable, comfortable, and yes, ran on time. Most of them (IC and ES trains) require seat reservations, so you have no trouble getting seats. The kids find it great fun to learn how to use them-reading the schedules, figuring out which platform and where to wait, etc.. We rented a car for 2 days (to go from Lucca to Siena to Pisa) and it was a big mistake. Very stressful. And that was going to a place outside the city, where we didn't have to worry about navigating ZTL's and parking. All the places you mention can be easily reached by train. In Florence, Cinque Terre, and Rome in particular, a car will be a liability. You'll have much more freedom of choice in your hotels, etc. if you don't have to worry about a car. Besides, a car large enough for 5 plus luggage is hard to rent and expensive.
Posted by
Dallas, TX, usa
323 posts
You can see everything you have mentioned by bus or train. We rented a car with another couple the first time we were in Italy and our cost for half the rental and half the gas was over $500.00 for 12 days.
We were there for two months last year and we barely spent $500.00 on transportation and once we took a cab from Montepuliciano to Montalcino because we had to be in Montalcino early in the day. Don't know what the cost of train tickets will cost a family of five but I would think it will be much less expensive. And riding the public transport you get to meet the locals which we found quite charming.
Posted by
Los Angeles
425 posts
Are you familiar with Trenitalia's "Familia" discounts? If not, read up on them, and don't forget to ask about them when buying your train tickets!!! www.ferroviedellostato.it
Posted by
OP
Ogden, Ut, USA
118 posts
Thank you so much everyone for the great advice, it's really helpful!
Posted by
OP
Ogden, Ut, USA
118 posts
When all of you used the trains to travel, did you buy like a week pass or ticket to ticket? Trying to figure out which would be better for all train travel for 9 days. Thanks
Posted by
Rome
27 posts
I would say use a train.. and use good one as Frecca Rossa - fast train. They are not cheap tough, but from Rome to Bologna it is only 2h by train