Keiracaitlyn

Looking at airfares, it seems I have two options for a flight out of Venice back to the U.S.: 5:50am, or noon.

1. If I take the noon flight, particularly on Northwest Airlines, I will get a lengthy layover - which gives me an opportunity to do a half day whirlwind tour of Amsterdam, if I so choose (arrives at 2:30pm, leaves at 10:30am next day.) Or to spend the night in Paris. Have never been to either place, thought it might be interesting to take a peek and see if it is a city I would be interested in returning to see. Or it just may be more hassle than it's worth.

2. I can pay $100 more and get a noon flight back with a normal layover.

3. I can take the early AM flight. Does anyone know how difficult/expensive it is to get to the airport from Venice at that time? I've seen a few mentions here of problems arranging transportation or using an expensive private water taxi.

Anyone have advice on which of the 3 options you recommend? I appreciate any input!

fishee

Totally do the layover, especially if it's the cheapest option. You'll get a little time to explore AMS or Paris and you should be able to find a place to stay for less than $100. Paris is beautiful at night so it's not a problem sightseeing late into the evening or AMS has some interesting nightlife to explore.

I hate returning flights that leave any earlier than 8 am -- it cuts my last night short, I wake up with less than 4 hrs of sleep, and there's no time for a decent breakfast or even a cup of coffee in the morning.

Dukey

It will take less time to get into "downtown" AMS from the airport (15-20 minutes) by public transport than it would to get into Paris..perhaps not much less time, however. But if you are going to spend overnight perhaps it is six to one...

I think I'd take the later flight out of Venice, do the overnight somewhere, and then fly on the next day.

MissZiegfeld

Agreed with Dukey. It's very easy to get into town from AMS, easier than Paris, if cost is an issue (in which case you can hop in a cab).

Anything to avoid that 550 flight!!
oy vey!

LoveItaly

Hi Keiracaitlyn, I too would take the flight with a layover in Amsterdam. The train station is right at the Amsterdam airport, just go downstairs. Think it takes about 20 minutes to get into Amsterdam.

I hate, absolutely hate, those early morning flights out of Venice, lol. I always fly KLM and the only good thing is that I arrive in San Francisco in the afternoon (with a change of planes in Amsterdam) but with the early morning flight and spending time with friends in Italy the night before I really don't have any sleep before I board the plane. I start the trip home like a zombie.

If you don't want to stay over for the night than paying the $100.00 to catch the noon flight from Venice would be the way to go (don't forget you will spend money on a hotel, train, food etc., for an overnight layover).

Best wishes with your decision and have a lovely trip!!

ira

Hi K,

> flight out of Venice back to the U.S.: 5:50am, or noon.

And you have to think about it?

You can have a night in Amstdm or Paris with the noon flight, and you have to think about it?

kenderina

I agree completely with Ira...it's a no brainer

celticdreams

I guess I see it differently. I'd pay the extra $100 to get home with a normal layover. At the end of a trip, I don't want to get off a plane, haul my bags to another hotel -figure out what I'm going to do (which is basically just time for a leisurely dinner and a walk around whichever city). Then have to get up, re-pack and still have to be at the airport by 0800.

The cost of hotel and dinner is going to be more than the $100 I'd save.

That's just me, though.