Just to clarify. Currently, for October Continental is showing the more comfortable 767-200 for the 10pm flight on Mon-Wed, and the smaller 757-200 for Thur-Sun.

But of course, things can change between now and October.

I vote train. The last thing I would want to do after a transatlantic flight, jetlagged, is drive myself 2+ hours.

And to add to the small world department, I used to work on Woodbourne Rd. in Levittown.

steve - After driving that route last week, I'd opt for Amtrak. 30th St Station to EWR is 55min - 1h 13min depending on stops and fares range from $50 (early and late in the day - 65 (mid-day). As others have said, I wouldn't want to put up the hassle of that drive before overseas flight.

The train is gaining a lot of popular support. And you are certainly close to the train station in Philadelphia so it does appear to be a convenient option for you. I have the same concerns as you though regarding the return. I would much rather get in my car and drive home after a transatlantic flight even with traffic than get from EWR back to the train station and then switch to Amtrak.

Why, it's old home week for us Levittowners on Fodor's. I remember when Villages of Pennbrook was a new complex. I think I went to several parties in there.

steve - I'm not sure this will help you.

We live near Philly (Ambler area). A few weeks ago we flew to Aruba. We chose Continental from Newark rather than USAir from Philly becuase it was $300 cheaper, and not that much longer to get to the airport for us.

The time for us, on a Saturday afternoon, to get to 'Fly to Go' parking in Elizabeth and then to the ticket counter was 1:45 hours. Then we waited 2 hours to get on the plane.

I would give 2 1/2 hrs from CC. Check the traffic with KYW.

Driving to Newark on a Friday afternoon in rush hour in traffic is one of the least desirable things I can think of doing before a flight overseas. I'd definitely find a way to take a train.

Another option - if you can get there - is to get someone to drop you at the Transbridge Bus which takes you to EWR from central Bucks County (Doylestown, Buckingham, etc.). It's a coach bus but I've taken it many times and it's always been on time. Decent for a bus, not tons of stops, and an actual working bathroom! They have a bus that picks up at Doylestown at 5:20, a few stops after that (Buckingham, Lahaska, New Hope) and get to Newark Airport at 7:10. Just another option.

(I grew up near Doylestown; my Dad lived in Trevose for many years.)

I've been meaning to post an update to this message. As expected, I obsessed over the "Newark Option," and was about to take yk's advice to eat the $500+ to avoid the hassle of driving to Newark when I discovered Best Travel Store (http://www.bt-store.com/). Thankfully, I was able to find a reasonable rate out of Philly on British Airways that is only $100 more than the Continental option out of Newark.

I couldn't be more pleased with the way this worked out. Thank you all for your advice.

Also, Suki, how was your trip to Venice? Did you wind up driving to Newark? If so, how'd that work out for you?

steve- Thanks for the update. That's a great deal you found and really will save lots of headache! Enjoy your trip!

Hi steve, yes, we just returned last Monday. We drove to Newark on a Friday afternoon, leaving Downingtown around 4PM. Believe it or not, it was no problem at all. We made it to Newark in just about 2 hours, parked at the Airport Hilton for $8 or $9 dollars a day (Budman's recommendation)& had a great flight on Lufthansa.

The drive back was also no problem traffic-wise, but our flight didn't land until 8:30PM, we retrieved our luggage, went through customs, waited for the bus to the parking lot, etc. We were on the road at 10PM or so, and my eyes were literally crossing driving across the PA Turnpike. I would never schedule a flight arriving so late in the states again if I can help it.

I am glad that you found the great Continental option. Enjoy your trip!

PS - Venice & Vicenza & Umbria were all wonderful!