We are trying to decide the best and most economical way to travel from Florence to Paris. Would you recommend flying or taking the overnight train? This is for 2 people and we'd prefer a private sleeper car. Let me know your thoughts! I know there are cheaper airlines (Ryan Air, etc.), but I am not sure how reputable they are. Suggestions?

I think the best and cheapest is to train to Pisa and fly ryan air to paris.

Thanks so much. That is what I was thinking. Have you flown Ryan Air? I did, but years ago, so wasn't sure about it after looking at their website.

I looked into this a few months ago because we are flying Paris to Venice and returning to Paris via Rome. I was willing to to Florence first if that was cheaper. What I found was that it was way cheaper to fly.

Due to time restrictions we needed to stick to we are taking Air France CDG to Marco Polo and returning FCO to CDG. Cost was around $600 for two people.

Vueling would have been a bit cheaper (and people have posted great stuff about them), but the times out weren't good.

You can get MyAir from Bologna to CDG.

EasyJet from Pisa to Paris Orly is probably a better option than RyanAir to Paris Beauvais. Check them both. I would prefer Orly but you may find better times, etc. for you on RyanAir.

You may want to give a call to Budget European Travel (BET.com) and ask about a direct train overnight from Florence to Paris. They really know their stuff and can give you the options. Since there are no budget flights directly from Florence to Paris, I guess you might consider the train. I would hate to myself, but getting to Pisa or Bologna and then the airport, and then from an airport to Paris... well that sounds yucky, too.

Hi M,

There is train service from Florence SMN to Pisa Airport - 1:30 hr.

If you train to Bologna (1 hr), you take the Aerobus to the airport.
http://www.atc.bo.it/CMS_Software/XM...84224&l=IT

Train schedules are at
www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html