Italy - Transportation from MXP to Rome
 

We are a family of 6 arriving at MXP early am Dec. 29th and traveling to Rome. Trying to weigh the hassle and costs of going into Milan to catch train to Rome vs. some kind of shared or private transport into the city of Rome. Any recommendation for providers for the latter would be appreciated as are opinions on either option. Thanks!

Shared or private transportation from Milan to Rome would cost a fortune, and would take considerably longer than taking the local train to Milan Centrale station, and then a high-speed train from there. (The drive takes about seven hours, whereas you can get to Rome in just a little over four hours by train.) I believe the law would require either that the driver remain in Rome for the night, or else you'd need two drivers.

The train tickets from Milan to Rome cost €86 per adult; kids under 12 pay half price. The fare into Milan is €12 for adults, €6 for kids; there's a family fare of €30 for two adults and two kids.

I'm puzzled why you would fly into Milan if your destination is Rome.

Correction: Kids under 15 pay half price on the high-speed train from Milano to Rome. There is also often a "Bimbi gratis" promotion, which lets one kid ride free for each adult fare. You can see the fares on www.trenitalia.com . Click on the UK flag to get the English version. Just look for the trains from Milan to Rome, as they won't show the prices if your starting point is Malpensa. Enter your date, time of day, and number of adults (15 or over) and kids (under 15).

I wouldn't actually buy the tickets online, as they are for a specific train, and you can't be sure when you'll get into Milan. You can buy them at the airport train station, because by that time you'll know which train you can catch.

We did the same thing last Spring with my family because AA had cancelled their direct flight from JFK to Rome. . It was very easy. We took the train beneath the airport at MXP to Milano Centrale. We bought our tickets in advance but if you can buy them that day, then it might be better. I was very stressed that I might miss the train to Rome.

There are no cheap flights from MXP to Rome until 5pm; but there are 5 low cost flights to Naples.

The Malpensa Express can take you to either the Porta Garibaldi station or the Central station both of which have fast trains to Rome.

Trenitalia leaves from both stations whereas Italo leaves only from Porta Garibaldi.

The English web pages are -

http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/inde...005817f90aRCRD

and

http://www.italotreno.it/EN/Pages/default.aspx

Book asap as the good fares go quickly.

Most people arrive at Roma Termini which is the main station but consider also Roma Tiburtina (especially for Italo) as you may get a much better fare and more departures from Milan.

<i><font color=#555555>"I'm puzzled why you would fly into Milan if your destination is Rome."</font></i>

I doubt anyone would do it intentionally, but if non-stop fares to MXP on major U.S. airlines are offering sale fares that are almost $400 cheaper than what is normally available six months out, jumping on a sale flight to Milan when you intend to visit elsewhere could make sense. Of course, everything depends on the cost of train tickets.

As I said on an another thread, I have a feeling certain airlines are anticipating slow international sales due to Ebola fears. Considering the amount of "sale" emails I've been receiving this past month, that explanation makes the most sense.

>>>I'm puzzled why you would fly into Milan if your destination is Rome.<<<

I often find FF availability to Milan, but not Rome.

Thanks for your responses. The reason we are flying into Milan is to save $600-700 per ticket between flying from JFK-Rome. Appreciate the help!

I doubt that !
Are you using the multi-city option in your search?
Give us your flight scenario.

We priced airfare from NYC to FCO and it was coming in around $1300-$1400. We were able to purchase tickets from JFK-MXP for $700 arriving Dec. 29th.

Not opposed to train, but there are 7 of us and I am trying to compare the cost of train/hassle factor from MXP into Milan, train to Rome, taxi to apartment. I have a quote of 1050 Euro from BluCar Autonoleggio, but am not familiar with them and looking for recommendations and comparison.

Thanks!

Try TIBERLIMO, based in Rome. We've used them many times to transport six of us all over Italy. The owner is Andrea Santucci.
He will often give you a hugely discounted rate back to the airport if you use the company. I highly recommend them!

Thank you, I have contacted them. Appreciate the help!

>>>I have a quote of 1050 Euro from BluCar Autonoleggio,<<<

I would be surprised if someone would drive you from MXP to Rome for that price when much shorter trips (Rome/Amalfi, Rome/Tuscany) run in the 400-500€ range.

Tiberlimo would be based in Rome. I think WWK was thinking of travel from FCO although I can't imagine Blu Car doing it either since they are based in Rome too.

Since you've already booked into MXP, you might consider a transfer service to the train station in Milan and then taking the fast train to Rome (3 hours). Driving would take about 7 hours. Full fare on Trenitalia or Italo is only 86€ and you might be able to snag a discount fare (about 30€). Italo departs from Milan Garibaldi station while Trenitalia uses Centrale.