If this is the case, OP would have about a 13 mile cab ride after he returns the rental car. This means he would probably be running quite a difference in price between car and train.

(Fly into MXP around 7am and head straight to Sarzana where we have friends who will show us around by car. Then onward to Lucca, Florence and back to Milan (where we will fly out of). I do not want to rent a car as I would rather take the train but that 5.5 - 6 hr train to Sarzana is going to be brutal after a 8 - 9 hr flight.

Once we leave Sarzana, the train is definitely the way to go (although a bit afraid about getting around Lucca as I've heard a car is the way to do it).

I'm not sure you need a car in Lucca. It is a walled city, and most people stay within the walls or walk around on top of the walls. You have to park a car outside the walls. You only need a car if you want to explore around the area, not to visit Lucca.

After an overnight flight, I'd definitely take the train - as you will have the opportunity to sleep a bit on the train - and probably shouldn't be driving on unfamiliar routes when sleepy.

+1 for the trains.

We've done both the trains to/from MXP to Milan Central and from Milan Central to other places throughout Italy. Extremely easy.

To the person considering a car: Unless you have a very particular need for a car or the train is much much longer (hours and hours) train is generally going to always be your best bet. So much less hassle.

Thanks for the tip -will certainly check them out.

When i wrote hired car - I meant a chauffeur service where someone will pick us up and drive us to Sarzana - I have found quotes in the 400 EUR range - that is way too high for me. Has anyone dealt with a cheaper service?

Thank you!

That makes sense, thanks for the info. We were hoping to check out some vineyards around Lucca so thought having a car might be easiest but then I wouldn't be able to drink as much... :D Probably will look into a wine tour/car service to use when driving around the vineyards.

Thanks again for the help

Taking train back from rome to milan before taking loal train to malpensa for early morning flight next morning. What are best options for dinner near milan central station?

If you have an early flight from Malpensa, you will pat yourself on the back in a big way if you forget about staying near Milano Centrale, and stay at the Malpensa Airport Sheraton. You will not be missing anything food wise. You will basically be able to walk out of the door of your hotel and be sitting in an airside lounge in 10-15 minutes with pre-printed tickets. It's the most convenient thing. An extra nigh in a cit like Milan is not worth the trouble, compared to the convenience of the Milan airport Sheraton.

That was exactly my thinking!

There are a number of quite decent restaurants within walking distance of Stazione Centrale before you get on the bus/train to Malpensa. I like Osteria del Treno very much (very traditional Milanese dishes and slow food products), Tratttoria dalla Zia is a good Tuscan style steak house and da Oscar is a somewhat kitschy place with decent food and huge portions (steak and pasta). For something a bit more refined Delikatessen is a nicer northeastern Italian restaurant.

the nicer restaurant at the MXP Sheraton provides a reasonably good meal if you overnight at MXP prior to flying out. The more casual bar/restaurant is not very good. If you have club access the club has some decent wine and light food.