Hi, our family of five (mom, dad, three teen boys) arr. Florence on July 28th. We will leave from Zurich August 6. Our train legs will be as follow(including to/fr airports): 1) Florence airport into city, 2) Florence to Varenna 3) Varenna to Tirano 4) Tirano on Bernina Express to Chur 5) Chur to Zurich 6) Zurich to Zurich airport. Any ideas on how best to make these trips? Rail passes vs. fix? Thanks!
Posted by
Minneapolis
1261 posts
Hi Marie. 1) no train; 15 minute bus or cab. 2) fast train florence to milan; regional train milan to varenna 3) regional train 4) train 5) train 6) train - 15 minutes
I'll let others comment on Switz trains / pass. For Italy, do not buy pass. For regional trains, do not buy tix in advance. For Florence to Milan, many trains per day; buy up to 120 days in advance online for discount if willing to lock in exact date and time; otherwise buy when there and pay 'base' fare. use site trenitalia.com Use stations Firenze, Milano Centrale, Varenna-Esino. Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17435 posts
To elaborate on Bob's post, the discount for advance purchase on the Florence to Milan Eurostar Italian train is significant, and well worth the loss of flexibility. The Super Economy fare is 9 euros. You won't be able to purchase the regional train tickets like Milan to Varenna ahead, but check the schedule to pick the ES train from Florence that makes the best connection. Your travel in Switzerland is too limited to make purchasing a pass worthwhile, unless possibly to get free travel for the kids ( for kids under 16). How old are the teens?