What is the best way to get from Madrid to Florence. From what I can see Ryan air is the only way to go, flying into Pisa. They sell a transfer along with the air ticket - looks like a bus to city center in Florence. Is this best? or is the train better? Doesn't look like Veuling flys out of Madrid...just want to make sure I'm not missing something before I book it. Thanks

Vueling flies direct from Madrid to Florence, not sure why you think it doesn't. Did you check their website? I think they don't fly Saturday, but every other day. And they don't fly into Pisa, but Florence. Flight at 10 am.

http://www.vueling.com/en/book-your-flight/where-we-fly

Iberia also flies the route.

Trains are not an option if you want to go straight thru - probably 24 hours or so by rail.

Try Barcelona flights perhaps as it is only a few hours now from Madrid by bullet train. and spend a few days in perhaps a place many find more enjoyable and cool than Madrid?

if you do fly into Pisa, there used to be a direct train from the airport to Florence. however it looks as if they are still working on the line, and they provide a bus from the airport to Pisa Centrale where you get the train to florence:

http://www.pisa-airport.com/?lang=_en&id_sect=269

there is also a Terravision bus which goes from outside the airport building to the main railway station [Maria Santa Novella or MSN]; the same bus can also take you from Florence airport to the station:

http://www.terravision.eu/italiano/f..._timetable.pdf

Have a good trip!