Lucca Travel Forum

I am thinking of flying to Milan and then driving to Lucca rather then flying or taking the train to Florence and then renting a car. I think it is about 3 1/2 hours. Is this a workable plan?

when are you coming and where are you arriving from?

Pisa is the best airport to land in, it's just 20 minutes drive from Pisa or 25 minutes by train

starting from June, Delta is flying direct JFK-Pisa... check that out

I am coming from Newark on Continental and they don't go to Pisa but direct to Milan. The trip is in October. Rather then changing planes in Milan I thought driving would work. I would think the drive to Lucca would be a problem but on the return we would have to stay at the airport the night before our flight.

The drive from Malpensa airport to Lucca is autostrada all the way till you hit the Lucca exit. It will take give or take 4 hours but portions are extremely scenic from just above Genoa to the lower Ligurian area. You are absolutely correct in spending your last night before departure in the Milan area. Do note that driving in Milan is not recommended if only because all the one way streets seem to go in the wrong direction :). Best to get very explicit directions on where to return the car or try and drop it outside center city.

I drove that trip a few years ago...in daylight and good weather it's probably quite pleasant, but as per LP Guidebook, driving through the Po valley at night in rain and fog is a bad start to a holiday - especially if you want to be talking to your companions next day. If your accommodation is inside the walls, then finding you way around in Lucca can be a bit of a terror too..and I'm pretty sure only locals are allowed to park inside the walls. Otherwise, Lucca was great

it's ok, be carefull when driving... there are MANY tunnels on the way from Parma/Genoa to La Spezia and our highways are not exactly as big as in the US!
It's a pity you are flying continental, just because Delta is flying direct into Pisa from June 2007. Anyways, just drive paying attention to big trucks (who don't respect speed limits) and cars (who do the same and pass each other superfast) and you will be fine! Also, be corcerned of heavy fog problems around Malpensa-Parma area
ciao!

ps= concerning Parking in Lucca, once you have decided where to stay, I can give you some tips where to park without paying. I often go there to visit friends, only residents or shopkeepers can parl inside the walls.

Thanks for all your replys - we are staying in a villa about 6 km outside of Lucca call the Borgo so parking won't be a problem until we go into Lucca to visit.

you will love it there, Lucca countryside is beautiful and more authentic than the Chianti hills
it has more charm and elegance
ciao!