JillDavis

Hello there! Wanted you opinion on something. I am staying in Cannes and need to get to Venice. I have two options. See below.

1) Cannes to Venice by train: 8:41 - 5:40 pm. Arrive at hotel probably around 6:15 pm. Actual "sitting" time on train is 7 hours. However, much longer travel day.

2) Plane from Nice to Venice. Arrive in Venice at our hotel by 3:30 therefore arriving at our hotel almost 3 hours earlier. Is it worth it to spend $125 more dollars to arrive at our hotel 3 hours early? I don't think it is the money that is the issue, but rather the annoyance of how long it takes. 7 hours sitting on a train seems like a LONG time, however those 7 hours are broken up into 3 train transfers. So, the longest time we are actually on one train is 3 hours 52 minutes. Are the train rides enjoyable with amazing scenary?

Another thing to consider is the plane is a turbo prop?? Scary....however, the plane ride is only 1 hour and 1/2! (keep in mind that even with the short plane ride, we only get into our hotel 3 hours earlier than train)

Ugh!! I don't know what to do.....

trotsky

If money is not the issue, I would opt for the flight. Yes airport checkin, security etc is an increasing hassle but you do arrive earlier, so more time for Venice. Presumably you depart Cannes later, so probably time there for a last meal/sightsee/shop. But for me the real cruncher is the 2 changes of train on the journey to Venice. Two more times to schlep your bags from one platform to another (possibly up & down stairs). If you fly, you will not have that amazing moment when you walk from the station out to the Grand Canal, however the flight in to Venice over the lagoon & the islands is still very speccy. Easy & cheap to catch a bus to town. Sorry I do not understand the significance of turbo prop planes. Enjoy- Venice is wonderful

HappyTrvlr

Factor in the amount of luggage you're taking on this trip too. I dislike schlepping my one carry-on bag in train stations, and getting on and off the trains with it.As Trotsky mentioned above, you can't predict whether or not you'll be dealing with staris when you change platforms.
I haven't taken the train on this route but have driven from Genoa to Venice. I don't remember it being particularly scenic, but rather flat.

AlessandraZoe

Try this: Factor in your TOTAL trip cost per hour. Figure out how much it cost you to fly To/From Europe to enjoy your trip plus any hotels. Divide by days from the time you hit ground to the time you take off for home. Then start putting a price on every hour you don't get to enjoy your trip while there; ie, your internal trip transportation time. You should end up with a pretty level playing field with plane vs train in cost. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if the plane ends up being "trip-wise" much cheaper.

I totally get your fear, but if you take into account that anybody who has to fly regional US (most of us!) has had to adjust to turbo and 99.99% live to tell the tale, then you'll be OK. So it boils down to this: Would you rather schlep around train stations, even with featherweight luggage, or wait a few extra minutes in an airport totally chill?

Michael

The first part of the train ride might be scenic (Cannes to Genoa?), but most of it probably goes in the Po valley which is not scenic like ocean views or mountain views. Unless you have a good book to read, take the plane.

JillDavis

yes, I definitely think the plane is a more efficient way of travel for this long journey. I am trying to gather enough courage to travel on a turboprop. I have a hard enough time on a normal plane. I wish I wasn't fearful of flying. This is such a long train ride, that I think I will suck it up and take this short plane ride. Thanks for everyone's imput.

JillDavis

The flight is on Baboo for 101 Euros.

tuscanlifeedit

Fly.

yestravel

Without a doubt, fly

kellyee21

Fly.

I have taken the train on that route, I had only one change but since the train was late I missed my connection in Milan and arrived even later than planned. Coming back, we got stuck in Ventimiglia for some unknown reason. After a couple hours, I gave up and had my partner come pick me up with the car in Ventimiglia. Who knows what time the train ever made it to Nice.

The ride is somewhat scenic to Genoa but not after that.

Have a great trip !

JillDavis

I have been convinced to fly. Thanks for all the imput!

jrhpt1

I recommend you rent a car an drive. You'll be able to stop where and whenever you want! I drove Florence>Venice>Milan>Monaco>Niza all the way to Barcelona and then flew to Berlin for New Years. Yes, it cost me an extra $600 just bc I rented one place and returned another but if you do it I bet it won't be that much extra. The daily rate is like here in US. Happy travels!

WWK

Fly fly fly! Like you, I'm a nervous flier, but I just took two turboprops last week in Greece, and was pleasantly surprised at how easy they were. We have also flown from Nice to Geneva over The Alps in a turboprop, which was one of the most beautiful ( and easy) flights we've ever taken. Good luck!

HappyTrvlr

This is a four year thread. Jill finished her trip in 2010.