We are trying to figure out the most economical way to get from Amsterdam to Italy. I read somewhere there was an inexpensive night train but cannot seem to find any info. We are leaving Amsterdam on Sep 28 and need to be in Udine the next day. Our first thought was to take train overnight to Milan and rent car to Udine. We will be in Udine 2 days then plan to go to Tuscany for a week with day trips to Cinque Terra, Potofino, Sienna and possibly Como. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Posted by
Minneapolis
1216 posts
Hi Dawn. That's a very long train ride. To fly to Milan, try EasyJet airlines; very reliable; just read the details when booking to be aware of baggage rules, etc. Also, for your 'day trips', do some research to check travel times; some of them are not practical for a day trip.
Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Amsterdam to Udine is really a long train ride if you go via Milan. You are looking at about 19hrs on the train. (14.5hrs from Amsterdam to Milan and 4+hrs from Milan to Udine. No night train on these runs. One alternative that can save a few hours and that does have a night train is the City Night Line run from Amsterdam to Udine. This run will go via Dusseldorf and Munich. You last train change will be to the night train from Munich to Udine. Overall, its still 16.0hrs. You could look into flying from Amsterdam to Venice. That will at least get you 3 hrs closer to Udine than Milan and a whole lot fewer travel hours. Note that your train run from Udine to Tuscany will be another long train ride. You won't easily day-trip to the Cinque Terre or Portofino from Tuscany. It's not that easy by bus or train. I would really suggest that you get a good understanding of the travel times you will be experiencing on some of the runs you suggest. You have some long train rides.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
I suggest that you fly from Amsterdam to Venice Treviso on a budget airline (either Transavia or TUIfly). Take a shuttle bus from the airport to the Treviso train station and a train from there to Udine.
Posted by
OP
Fredericksburg, Va, Usa
2 posts
Thanks everyone for the invaluable info-so happy to have found this site. Now to navigate through the wealth of info!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32214 posts
Dawn, The method I'd use is the same that Tim mentioned. Book a budget flight from AMS to TSF via Transavia Air, take a Bus to the station and then train to Udine. Transavia appears to offer one flight per day on that route, with costs currently at ~€75 PP. The price will likely increase as each flight fills up. With any of the budget airlines, be sure to read the "Terms & Conditions" carefully, especially related to luggage. Note that flights are usually non-refundable and non-changeable once booked. Most of the airlines there allow only ONE carry-on item, so pack accordingly. From Treviso Centrale, its ~1H:18M by rail to Udine, which should be a very easy trip. Where are you planning to stay in Tuscany? Depending on your choice, it may or may not be easy to make "day trips" to the Cinque Terre or Portofino. A "day trip" to Lago di Como may not be practical. One option you might consider after you leave Udine, would be to spend a few days in Varenna, a few days in the Cinque Terre and then proceed to Tuscany. Good luck with your planning!