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Transportation from Paris to Florence

Posted by (Richmond) on

I am looking for advice regarding regional flights within Europe. My wife and I are planning a trip to France and Italy. The only major transportation issue is getting from Paris to Florence. Whatever other travelling we do should be easy/inexpensive enough using the train. With that said, what's the best way to get from Paris to Florence?

A France/Italy Eurail 1st Class Saverpass runs about $613.00. A place to place ticket from Paris to Florence would run about $585 (with the costs of the other place to place tickets we would buy, this wouldn't save us any money). Finally, A plane ticket from Paris (ORY) to Florence with a connection through Madrid would run about $500.

I am very tempted to book the flight as it would save us money, but I am concerned about some of the logistics. I've never flown in or out of Orly. Is there any reason to avoid this airport? Also, I'm concerned about connecting in Madrid. Is this an easily navigable airport? What are the chances that our bags get lost (better or worse than U.S. air travel)?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Posted by
33845 posts

Hi Ned

I'm really surprised by your prices and route. Bear in mind that I >never< fly, but even to me going around the sun to get to the moon via Madrid seems wacky.

Why not take EasyJet from Orly to Pisa (a much better served airport and easy to get to Firenza by direct train from airport to city centre) on a direct flight for around €40 to €50 per person.

I would have thought that was a better deal.....

Posted by
108 posts

I see a direct train leaving at 7pm and arriving at 7am. I can't imagine a private cabin would be more than a few hundred dollars (so that's transportation and lodging for a night). Also much easier logistically: city-to-city, no airports, security, baggage check, etc.

An overnight train ride (if done right) can be quite romantic. Of course, I love trains an sleep like a baby on them. Results may vary.

/$0.02

Posted by
4555 posts

When are you travelling?
At tgv-europe.com (the French railway website) you could book a very nice first class double compartment on the overnight train for less than $200 per person as of early November. You can book up to 92 days in advance....just keep telling the site that you live in Great Britain to avoid being shunted over to the more expensive RailEurope site.
As for flying, I agree with Nigel's suggestion of easyjet Orly-Pisa, then into Florence....quick and inexpensive.

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