Hi,

We are a family of 5 with 3 young kids going to Italy for our first time. I need to get to a villa near Certaldo in Tuscany from Venice. I will be renting a car for sure to travel in the countryside.However, is it better to take a train from Venice to Florence and then rent a car from Florence train station to drive to Certaldo OR is it better to simply drive straight from Venice to Certaldo ?
Thanks

I would definitely rent the car from Venice. Making more changes than necessary with 3 kids (and you don't mention their ages or how self-sufficient they are) and all their stuff is something to be avoided when possible.

In your shoes, I'd rent the car in Venice.

Getting out of Venice and onto the highway is fairly easy. The rental-car outlets are across the foot bridge and near the roadway. When you factor in the cost of train tickets -- about $40/pp, I think -- and the hassle of getting 5 people and luggage on and off the train, it would seem the rental car is a better option.

I agree that, with younger kids, piling everybody and everything into the car on a hot day makes sense (although kids usually love the train!). But for future reference, or for others, I would like to point out that family discounts and other discounts are available for the train, and most people can reduce the cost below 40 per person.

sandra: I was ballparking the train cost (and assuming the OP would do a little research about that). Further, family discounts, IME, aren't available for all trains at all times. Usually, availability is best for early-morning trains. At least, that's been my experience.

Hi - thanks so much for your replies! So helpful. I will definitely rent the car directly from Venice.
This was my first post - so helpful!