Plane or Train Switzerland to Rome?
 

My family (2 adults/2 teens) will travel from the Lauterbrunnen area in Switzerland to Rome or Florence on Thursday or Friday, May 29 or 30. What is the best way to go? I have read about the reasonable flights in Europe and will book this if this is cheapest. Your advice and help is greatly appreciated! Thanks,

Karen

Hi metry,

so far as train travel goes, one of te hbest places to search is on the german rail website - www.bahn.de.

it has an english version and will show trains all over europe.

Lauterbrunnen to florence doesn't take as long as you might think - 6 hours or so, but it does involve 5 changes - not a lot of fun with suitcases and 2 kids in tow.

to check airprices, try www.kayak.com. however a quick look does not reveal any budget airlines flying the obvious route from Zurich to Florence or Pisa.

you may need to do some research about less obvious routes.

regards, ann

Hi Metry,

The train trip from Lauterbrunnen to Florence takes between 6-7 hours, and I think it's preferable to flying.

First, I don't think you'd get there any faster by air. It will take about 3 hours to get to an airport from Lauterbrunnen, and you'll have to be there 1-2 hours early, then you fly, then you wait for your luggage, then you get transportation into the city. It will be slower to fly.

Then, it will be harder to fly with all those changes and hauling. Much easier just to get to the train and settle in for the nice ride.

And finally, many of the discount airlines do not allow a lot of checked weight, and you would have to pay extra for it. That would increase the cost of the flight considerably.

Good luck!

s

Hi again,

annhig says the train route requires five changes, but the Swiss rail site

(www.rail.ch)

shows three or four changes.

Not sure if that will make a difference --

s

Personally, I'd consider flying to Rome unless you'd like to take the sleeper on the train.

There are reasonable flights around but they need to be booked far in advance.

(Geez, if I could even think straight, I might get this posting done in a single swipe . . .)

Another thought -- the trip from Lauterbrunnen to the Zürich airport will require 2-3 train changes, so if you add in the change from the Florence airport to the city, the number of uncomfortable changes is evened out.

s

I'd only do a 7 hour train ride as an overnight in a private cabin (if available). If not, then I'd fly.

A 6 or 7 hour train ride through the alps is - IMHO - much less aggravating than training to the airport with several chances, then going though security, etc. Never ind the strict baggage limits of the cheapo airline.

The kids here are teens - and should be able to manage their own luggage on and off trains - not little kids (in that case I might go for the plane as easier - but would get a car to the airport).

Thanks for your ideas! We have a friend in Zurich who we may stay with overnight. Can anyone recommend a discount airline who may have a quick flight to Rome from Zurich? If we don't fly we may take the train as recommended. Thanks again! Karen

Metry
Here's a site that lists budget airlines that depart (or arrive) from various Euro airports. I've used it to find low cost flights.

http://www.whichbudget.com/#from5

Hi Karen,

You could also try www.harefares.com. It is similar to whichbudget but gives you a little more flexibility in your flight options.