Hi all: we are just looking at the best way to get to Florence from Nice, where we will be guests of our company in Provence for 5 nights...we want to explore Florence - only 2 nights, then train to Rome for 2 nights...then have to fly out. So, thoughts on best transportation....we certainly do not want to transfer so much on the train with our luggage loads...and is the time by car only 3 hours? Thanks.

The drive from Nice to Florence would take at least 5 hours, and, if this trip is in the middle of summer, it could take longer. Have you considered flying from Nice to Florence, or skipping Florence and spending those 4 nights in Rome?

Check out the costs of renting a car in France and dropping it in Italy - I believe there is a hefty charge for that.

Hire a bus?

Besdies the train,have you looked at flying? Rental car drop fee in a different country could be very high.

There are no direct flights from Nice to Florence, Pisa, or any of the Milan airports. As others have said, you will pay a hefty fee for picking up a car in one country and dropping it in another. Viamichelin.com shows an estimated driving time of five hours. Adding in stops for gas and meals and some traffic congestion, you can figure on a minimum of six hours. IMO, even with a 7 1/2-hour ride and changes in Monaco, Ventimiglia, and Milan, the train is your best choice.

Thank you everyone...gosh, didn't even know about the extra drop charges. Hmmmm. I appreciate all your help with this. Gosh, I really wanted to see Florence...so, just have to figure out a way. Question, when you transfer on the trains, so you also have to transfer your own bags? I guess that is my big headache...hauling the bags from train to train. Any good thoughts on a great place to stay in Florence and Rome - 2 nights each? Have the best day everyone! It's sunny in Denver!

In the thread below you say you are going with 150 other Americans.
Is that true? If so that is a lot of hire cars. If not true then how many in your party?
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...put-needed.cfm

Yes, you are responsible for your own luggage when you travel by train. Pack light!

Have you traveled much before? If not, you can probably reduce your luggage by at least 50% (although you will probably have to make the mistake the first time to realize that).

Hey Sandra, any luck figuring out how to travel from Nice to Florence? We're in the same boat & I've resigned myself to paying the exorbitant drop fee w/ a rental car (USD$450-$650). The train option doesn't sound to enjoyable, especially for us traveling w/ our 10 month old.

Does anyone know of any bus options will get us across the border? Would seem much more direct & thus shorter. Any info would be appreciated.

http://www.visitflorence.com/getting...ce/by-bus.html

mankatsd,

You can take a Eurolines coach (highway bus) from Nice to Florence. It's a six-hour ride, but you probably won't like the schedule. On alternating days the departure time is either 02:00 or 04:00. See www.eurolines.com.