We need to connect from Madrid, Spain to Rome, Italy. What is the best alternative - flight, rail, etc. If flying, any airline recommendations?
Thanks very much for any help!
Posted by
Green Bay
20089 posts
Fly definitely. Vueling has a nonstop. They will be the cheapest, but there are extras for luggage and their customer service is suspect. Iberia and Air Europa also have nonstops for more money. Alitalia is very pricey.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
To find all flights on this route, use Skyscanner: http://www.skyscanner.com/
You may want to do a dummy booking (up to the point where you give your credit card number) to see the actual price on each airline when you add in the extras (for checking luggage, using a credit card, etc). Alitalia and Iberia will have more of these things included in the base fare, while the others will charge extra for them; depending on your circumstance, one airline may be much cheaper than the others, but exactly which one can vary.
If you are taking a budget airline, realize that they make money from people who do not read all the fine print. If they say "one carry on bag is allowed" they mean one bag only, not one bag plus a purse. These airlines charge fees to check bags online, but higher fees at the airport and much higher fees at the gate. So, if you even think you might check a bag, be sure to pay for this before getting to the airport. Similarly, for budget airlines you must print out your boarding pass in advance (this can be done several weeks before the flight), or pay a lot extra at the airport.
If you really want to take a LONG time, you can take the train. Look at routes on the Bahn (German Rail) website http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en, following Rick's tutorial: http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/trains/online-schedules
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you, Sam and Harold, for your helpful information. Excellent tips on cheaper airlines.