mandalay

Is there a train during the day from Munich to Florence in January?

is it cheaper to fly or train it from Munich to Florence?
there are 4 of us all adults.

I have been given different advice from different people.

Train more scenic
Flying quicker but hassle getting from airport to city centre.

Please advise.

kybourbon

It's no hassle getting from Florence airport to the center of Florence. A short shuttle bus ride.

eluckhardt

I would make sure the train (during the day) does not have too many connections. I know there is a direct night train.

swandav2000

Hi mandalay,

The train takes 7h30, with only one change (either Bologna, Verona, or Padova, according to what came up when I checked just now). The fare isn't displayed, unfortunately.

You can see the schedules at

www.bahn.com

You may have to email them to get the fares.

If you decide to fly, make sure you factor in the time it takes to get from Munich to the airport (45 minutes) and the time it takes to get from Florence airport to Florence.

Have fun as you plan!

s

kybourbon

Florence airport to Florence takes about 10 minutes by taxi, 15 minutes by shuttle bus.

If you take the Munich/Bologna train (no changes) it's 102€ 2nd class. Takes 6:18 and then you would have the Bologna/Florence leg (about 40 minutes - 24€ 2nd cl full fare).

kybourbon

Florence airport says a taxi (which is a set fee) takes 15 minutes.

http://www.aeroporto.firenze.it/en/p...port/taxi.html

The shuttle bus is 16 minutes.

http://www.ataf.net/en/timetables-an...InBus&LN=en-US

Man_in_seat_61

1) There's a direct sleeper train, which is time-effective and saves a hotel bill too. And a unique fun experience, too, if you haven't used a European sleeper train before.

Fares from €59 with a couchette (basic flat bunk) or from €104 in a 2-bed sleeper, deluxe sleepers with shower & toilet also available from €134 per person in a 2-berth.

Book at www.bahn.de/en looking for the direct CNL train with 0 changes, and print your own ticket.

2) Or you can go by day. This means taking a train a German/Austrian train from Munich to Verona via the scenic Brenner Pass, then taking an Italian train to Florence.

The trick is to split the booking: Book Munich to Verona from €39 at www.bahn.de/en -then book Verona to Florence from €19 at www.trenitalia.com allowing at least 40 minutes in Verona between trains.

A 'one-hour flight' will take around 4 hours in reality, involving buses, airports, plane, airport and a train, and it's hardly a chance to relax like the train, nor do you get to actually see anything of Europe from 35,000 feet.

Here's a video of the wonderful train ride through the Brenner Pass between Innsbruck and Verona: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uucEm3op7uc

sandralist

>>nor do you get to actually see anything of Europe from 35,000 feet. >>

As much as I love the Man in Seat 61 -- and I truly do -- the flight does go over the Alps and lakes, and the Dolomiti and parts of the Mediterranean and Adriatic can be visible as well, not to mention the marble tops of the mountains near Cararra -- and it can all be quite beautiful to see if you are flying on a clear day with a window seat.

I think the best argument for taking the train is the environmental one.

nytraveler

I would definitely do the train - going through the Brenner pass area is gorgeous - esp in spring/summer.

In europe I will do train for 7 or even 8 hours versus flying - since it is so much less complicated and more comfortable - and much less subject to vagaries of weather and/or mechanical delays. (Unlike in the US where trains - except for the NE corridor - are painfully slow: NY to /chicago is more than 24 hours - versus 2.5 in the air.)

Man_in_seat_61

Nytraveler, I love the NY to Chicago run - 900 miles, I think - in 19h, but it's 15:40 depart, 09:45 arrive so quite time effective - an afternoon along the beautiful Hudson River valley, then overnight. I've done it several times over the years, usually en route for California!