I am going to be working in Geneva for 5 days. The three of us will be arriving in Geneva on Thursday, April 16 in the morning. We would like to go to Florence and return on Sunday. We had thought about renting a car and driving. We are not used to traveling in Europe, but thought that driving would give us flexibility and allow us to spend as much time in Florence as possible. We are now hearing that renting a car to cross in Italy is extremely expensive. We could go to Germany or France if that would be easier, but we don't want to spend all day waiting and getting to a train or another plane. I think we are looking for a fairly easy transfer from the airport to however we get to another country, not spending a fortune, and a few really great days of great art, gardens, history, and food. Any suggestions on how to do that best?
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
The main problem with driving to Florence is not just the expense of the car rental. The two main problems are actually 1) overnight parking in Florence is surprisingly difficult to obtain and 2) driving within the historic core of Florence is heavily restricted with big fines if you attempt it. If you do choose to drive, it's strongly recommended that you book a hotel that provides overnight parking and is located for easy access from the main autoroute--this will not be a hotel in the historic city center where most of the tourist attractions are.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9100 posts
From Geneva, it is a 7.5 hour train journey with a change in Milan. Advance nonrefundable/nonchangeable fares are 62 Euros each way. The unrestricted fare is 101 euros. You can check schedules and fares at the Swiss Rail site www.sbb.ch/en In addition discount airline www.flybaboo.com does this route, advance fares are also 62 euros each way if purchased in advance; flight time 90 minutes. FYI, driving within Florence is heavily restricted, recently someone posted that he was fined over 1000 euros for violating local laws.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
I suggest you take the Geneve-Milano-Firenze train route recommended by Michael. Book NOW to get the cheapest fare. Depart at 11:07 and arrive at 18:39. If you take Baboo's evening flight from Firenze to Geneve on Sunday, you can spend the whole day in Firenze. Book NOW to get the cheapest fare.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Linda, please read up on ZTLs and the HUGE fines you get when driving in Florence. We warn posters a few times each week. The entire historic area except for the train station is a restricted zone. Do not plan on driving there. One poster recently received $1,200 in tickets for driving in the ZTLs.