Advance Planning: Rome to Florence Train - Buy in advance using Flex

Posted by Glenn (St Pete, FL) on 06/27/25 08:00 PM

Hi Folks,

I am advance planning for a trip in may 2026. I see in past threads with the same question for folks to lean on waiting til arrive, then buy tickets through the app. However, I am looking on Italo train site, and was wondering if buying the Flex option (Change your ticket as many times as you like up to 3 minutes before the scheduled departure of your train) is a better option. Since we are landing, then planning on immediately (or as immediately as possible) taking the train, I like to not have the hassle of purchasing after the long flight - advance purchase seems less stressful. Has anyone used the flex pass?

All indications that both Italo and Frecciarossa are comparable - any experiences with either? I have been to Rome many times, but the last time I took the train to Florence was quite some time ago, so looking into this freshly.

Thanks
Glenn

Posted by geovagriffith

06/27/25 08:46 PM

9058 posts

Glenn,
We were in Italy a couple of months ago and took the train upon arriving at Rome's airport.
Found a ticket seller easily and purchased three separate tickets, one the train into Rome's translation, second the high speed train to Florence and third a regional train from Florence to Siena.

I know nothing of FLEX, but expect the tickets are expensive. I suggest buying when you arrive.
The high speed train to Florence we had a seat assignment and that one had a reservation for seats. However, our regional train to Siena did not have seat reservation and I don't think regional trains that you book for a specific train.

Another thing that we noticed after traveling by rail in Italy several years ago, finding the right track that your train arrives is not so simple. The train may arrive at any of many tracks and it may not be announced until 10-15 minutes prior to departure. We had to wait standing up at the Rome rail station for 30 minutes before the gate was posted electronically and then had to rush to get on the train before it departed.

Posted by WengenK

Wengen

06/28/25 06:13 AM

3268 posts

Buying a flexible ticket in advance is pretty normal, and a good idea if you know you will be taking the train that day. Waiting with buying tickets is appropriate if your plans might change (ie, you might change which city you go to after your flight).

Flexible tickets on Italy are not 100% refundable. BASE tickets on Trentialia can be fully refunded.
They can be bought till the last moment.

BTW. Having the Trenitalia or Italo app is good to be warned in advance what platform a train is at. The app often shows it earlier than the departure boards. Also I do not wait in front of the gates to the platform area, I go through immediately. There are usually several bars and coffeeshops beyond that point where you can wait.

Posted by Glenn OP

St Pete, FL

06/28/25 01:27 PM

223 posts

Thanks Wengen. Essentially my thoughts. We will Def be taking the train that day, and no chance of changing plans, or needing a refund - just need to be able to change the train if our flight comes in late or early. I always make sure o have the app for all transportation for my trips (air, train, car rental, whatever).

Glenn