Hi there. My 12 year old son & I will be traveling in early July(16 days). We are flying into Brussels, spending one night there, then taking the train to Bruges for 3 nights, have an early (9:10 am) flight out of Brussels for Florence (a Wednesday). I figure we’ll have to call a taxi about 04:00 to get train to BRU in time. We have 3 nights in Florence (W-Sat), would like to train down to Rome for 1 day to see the Vatican, Trevi fountain, whatever else we can squeeze in, then train back to Florence for the night. We’ve been to Rome 2x before, Florence & area 2x, so just wanting to pick & choose this time. Then taking the train Saturday from Florence to Monterosso/Cinque Terre (3 nights), then train Tuesday to Pisa (just for) flight to Paris (5 nights).
SO my main questions are:
-Which trains do I need to make reservations for now, vs. just buy at the stations? I’m guessing mostly Italy. Belgium I think is just buy at the station.
-Any helpful hints on which station to get off at in Rome, easiest way to get around, etc.
Thanks for the help!
Posted by
Paris
7292 posts
The only train you need to book is your round-trip to Rome if you're really sure you want to do it. But with three nights in Florence ie 2 full days, I would not do it. All the other trains are régional (except some slightly faster La Spezia-Pisa, but they can be avoided), so buy at the station.
About Belgium: can you switch your nights around? Go straight to Bruges then sleep in Brussels before the early flight?
Posted by
OP
Land of 10,000 lakes
84 posts
That was my original plan when trying to book, but our favorite Bruges b&b was booked for that first night, so I swapped it around. But, you’re right. Maybe I can find a cheap hotel for our arrival in Europe night in Bruges and switch Brussels to the last. We have not seen anything in Brussels before, but I guess we could see the main square, etc. in a short amount of time on that last day. Amazing how getting fresh eyes on something really gives a new perspective! Thank you!
Posted by
Paris
7292 posts
Changing accomodation mid-stay is annoying, so you can keep your plan as-is. I just checked, the first train from Brugge to Brussel Zaventem (airport) with an easy change in Bruxelles Centrale (easiest place to change) is at 5.08 and gets you there at 6.35, so you will wake up early but you'll have plenty of time.
Posted by
8176 posts
Why three nights in Brugges, I love the city, but it doesn't take three days to see the city.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33733 posts
Are you sure that your flight is at the main Brussels airport? Ryanair and several other carriers use what they call Brussels South which is actually in Charleroi (quite a long way away) to fly from for short flights.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
You certainly can buy Florence-Rome tickets at the station if you'd rather not commit to a plan. You just miss out on some possible advance purchase discounts and so would expect to pay bout $50 each way per person. For only two people to still secure seats together will probably not be a big deal, although I did have trouble once getting three people seated together in the cheapest class of service when buying right before departure. In that case, my solution was to pay another 10 euros per person for the next seating area (some of these fast trains have 4 categories).
Posted by
OP
Land of 10,000 lakes
84 posts
Can’t figure out/remember how to quote replies, so:
-yes, the flight is out of BRU on Brussels Airlines. I’ve done the RyanAir flight out of Charleroix last trip & am glad to skip THAT expensive shuttle bus!
Train tickets the day of for Florence to Rome
-I can do that? They seem spendy right now, 40€ -50€ one person one way, depending on the time of train. We need to get to Rome by 09:00. I’d feel more comfortable getting the early morning tickets ahead, so I have them, but it WOULD be nice to be able to just head to the station to return when we feel like it. I’m looking at the trenitalia site, is that the right place? Also, is my 12 year old free with me?
Posted by
Green Bay
21096 posts
You should really buy Florence-Rome day trip now as there are several deals available for nonrefundable, train specific tickets. Right now, looking at July 11, It would cost the two of you about 79 EUR with Super Economy tickets, leaving at 8:53 am and returning at 6:29 pm. There is also a Bimbi Gratis fare for 100 EUR if you wait too long until all the Super Economy tickets are gone. That can be bought up until the 2 days before your travel date.
A 12 y.o. pays half the adult fare, so if you just buy tickets at the station, it will cost you 150 EUR, 50 EUR each way for you, and 25 EUR each way for your son.