We will travel from Florence to Rome by train in September. We have never traveled by train in Italy and would appreciate any advice you can offer. Thanks!
Posted by
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
1127 posts
Read this description about the Italian train system:
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
EuroStar Italia trains are fastest. If you buy your tickets as soon as you get to Florence, you may be able to get Amica fares (20% off). If any of the allotted seats are still left, those fares are available up to midnight of the day before departure. See www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html for timetables and fares. To do a dummy booking enter a date within 60 days from today. Enter Firenze and Roma rather than Florence and Rome.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
87 posts
Definitely take the Eurostar. It cost more but will be half the time (about 1.5 hours as opposed to 3). It's very easy--just purchase and validate. Reservations cost a few dollars more but may be worth it if you are nervous about the process.
Posted by
OP
Harper Woods, MI, USA
18 posts
GREAT information and sites - thank you all.
Any advice about luggage (restrictions, safety, ease/difficulty of carrying aboard,) seating, train STATION advice, etc. - all the things thar surround the purchase of tickets? Thanks again!
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
You are responsible for your own luggage so the only limits are what you can readily carry on board. Large luggage goes at the end of the carriage. (Keep an eye on it at each stop.) Small luggage should fit in the overhead rack.
Posted by
Gettysburg, PA
1589 posts
Lynda, it is similar to you taking the train from MI to Chicago. No big deal.
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1449 posts
Lynda, you'll do fine. Buy your ticket at one of the automated machines a day or two in advance so you know what time the train leaves. Farther in advance can qualify you for the dicounted amica fare, but its not that much difference in price. The machine has an english menu if you select the British flag when you start using it. 2nd class seats are fine and save about 15E. You can buy tix in line but you'll wait a long time; everyone who's ever used the train machines says its easy, and you will too.
Get to the train station at least 15 minutes before your train departs. Look at the big board to see what track your train will be on. Stamp the ticket (validate) in the yellow box before boarding. You will have an assigned car and seats. You can bring food and drinks on the train, and I'd advise doing so. On the train there is overhead storage, and also some room between the seats which face back-to-back.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Wellll, it's not quite like taking the train from MI to Chicago. True its a vehicle running on a fixed track system but it's soooo much different. There's a big culture change. For example, the Florence train station has 16 tracks with trains in and out all day long. High speed trains (Eurostar) leave hourly or more frequently for Rome. Italians and other Europeans take the train and drive much much less. It's a really different culture. Once you learn how the train system works, it's easy, frequent and you'll enjoy it for your travels in Italy. Also, you luggage will fit overhead on the train.
Tim (above) has the best info on getting your tickets there. It's a 98min train journey to Rome.