I'm going to try to be as concise as possible, but this summer we are taking a 2 week trip to Europe. We are flying from WAS to Frankfurt to drop off my 87 yr old grandmother with my aunt, who lives in Stuttgart. From there, the rest (7 of us) are going to take a Mediterranean cruise out of Genoa. From my research, it appears the best/cheapest route will be to switch over to Ryan Air (my aunt can take us from FRA to Frankfurt-Hahn) down to Bologna and then take a train from Bologna to Genoa to board the cruise. However, there is no return flight on a discount airline (ryan air, easyjet) July 4th from Bologna (or anywhere near Genoa it appears) back up to Frankfurt. We really don't want to have to stay another night down in Italy as we have a booked itinerary before some of us have to depart back to US. We'd be willing to fly in to other airports and take a train or rent a car to get back to that area if need be. Can anyone recommend a way to get back cheaply to Germany? Trains, planes, and automobiles will work!
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
There is no need to go to Frankfurt-Hahn. You can fly directly between FRA and BGY (Milan Bergamo) on Air Dolomiti. Take a train from Milan to Genoa. For your return to Frankfurt on 4 July take a train from Genoa to Milan in time to catch either the 12:15 or 18:00 flight to FRA.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32777 posts
or Genoa to Frankfurt on Alitalia via Rome FCO in 4 to 6 hours €173pp or Genoa to Frankfurt on Air France via CDG Paris in 6 hours €194pp per skyscanner dot net. Or go with the previous suggestion... Have you ever been to Hahn? Its in the middle of nowhere - as far as Frankfurt is concerned. Scenic middle of nowhere, but middle of nowhere.
Posted by
OP
Simpsonville, SC, US
70 posts
I lived in Mannheim as a kid, so I have been to Hahn. It wasn't for the scenery but rather the cheaper tickets. I guess I'm just trying to be ultra cheap because I have to buy 5 plane tickets. Ryan air is only 34.99 euros to get down there from Frankfurt-Hahn. But I can do that on the outbound and then take the Dolomiti flight back from Milan for only 46.80 euros. So that is roundtrip for us for only 81.79 euros. Thanks for the Dolomiti flight recommendation.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32777 posts
Carrie, just remember the Ryanair rules so you don't wind up paying more.
Check in online (€). Print your boarding pass at home (€). If you forget and need to print out at the airport its something like €60. Each. Don't check luggage (€€) or if you will have to gate check because your carryon is oversize (over Ryanair size) buy with your ticket. Don't expect to sit together (€€). Don't get to the airport late (€€€). Bring your own refreshments, but not liquid until after security. Don't need the toilet. Don't board early (€€). Don't pay to get off first (€€). Then you'll be fine and they will only have a little more of your money.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
While you will pay less flying Ryanair to Bologna, you'll pay more for train tickets from Bologna to Genoa. The standard 2nd class train fare from Bologna to Genoa (one connection in Milan) is €57.50. The standard 2nd class fare from Milan to Genoa is €18.50. Booked will in advance (up to 120 days allowed) at trenitalia.com, you can get a Super Economy fare of €9.00. And you'll have a much shorter time on the train. Be aware that discount fare tickets are for a specific departure date and time and are non-exchangeable and non-refundable. Allow plenty of time between your flight arrival time and your train departure time.