Advice on train schedule?

I second the suggestion to wait to buy your tickets until you get there. You have no way of knowing if your plane will be on time. FWIW, you'll be able to buy tickets quickly and easily at a kiosk at the train station, rather than standing in line at the Trenitalia counter. See Ron in Rome Buying train tickets in Italy for all the info you'll need.

No, you'll never make the 8:20. You need to go through Passport Control, claim any checked luggage, take the Leonardo Express train (about 30 minutes) from Fiumicino Airport to Termini Station and transfer to the train to Lucca. And all this is assuming your flight is on time!

Thanks. Last time I flew into Rome we didn't have to do any of that, but I guess it's because we flew thru Frankfurt (no customs or immigration etc). Any suggestions on where to waste time til our train? I was only in the train station about 5 mins last time I was there. Are there restaurants or anything?

You're not going to end up with a lot of time to "waste" at the Termini train station, especially since you'll also need to get your tickets to Lucca. That said, there are lots of shops there to browse in. I like the bookstore. It's two levels. Or just find your track, sit down, and enjoy the ambience of a bustling Italian train station. Happy travels.

We can buy our tickets online before our trip correct?

Yes, you can buy tickets online, but if you are doing so to take advantage of the MINI fares, be aware that those tickets are not changeable. If your flight is late and you miss your train, you will lose your ticket and have to buy new tickets. I would just wait to buy the tickets when you get to the station.

Sarah, IMHO, you may or may not make the 10:20 train. If you get in on time, you still need to wait on your luggage. Maybe you'll get out of the airport in 45 minutes, but perhaps a little longer. 35 minutes to Termini - cutting it close, but good luck & have a great trip!

I am not sure you understand what you have to do or are going. Lets see if I can sum it for you. 1. You land at 8 AM assuming you are on time. Need an hour to deplane, claim you luggage, go through immigrations, and customs and to walk to the airport train station. It is now at least 9 AM. 2. The Leonard Express is every 30 minutes but you might just miss the train and have to wait for the next one. And it comes into Termini from the far right hand side (as you face the tracks) and it is bit of a walk to the front of the platforms. Another hour - it is now 10 AM. 3. With another 20 minutes to find the Lucca train and platform you should just make the 10:20 and not have any time to kill. And if you are lucky you might be there 30 minutes early. And if your plane is late by 30 mins or if the luggage pickup is delay, you will probably miss the 10:20. 4. I would not purchase the advance discount tickets as there is too much risk. Hope this provides some perspective.

Frank - thanks that helps and sums it up. One last question...should we consider just taking a cab to the Termini? Especially, if we miss the first express shuttle?

Sarah, I have a few comments to add to the others. Regarding your earlier questions.... > Yes, there is more than one train station in Rome. You'll be going to Roma Termini, which is the main station and the one where the Leonardo Express Terminates. BTW, DON'T forget to validate your ticket prior to boarding. That's also where your train to Lucca will likely be departing from. > Yes, there are numerous restaurants at Termini. If you just want a quick snack, there's always McDonalds (or other fast food restaurant). If you want more of a "sit down" dinner, you might have a look at the Roadhouse Grill. There are more restaurants and snack bars one level down at Termini. > I wouldn't recommend taking a Cab as you'll be subject to traffic so it could take longer than expected. If you pre-purchase a ticket for a specific train and you're late, the ticket will be useless and you'll have to buy another (assuming it's a reserved seat). The Leonardo Express departs about every half hour, and if you miss one, there will be another leaving shortly. I definitely agree with the others, in that it would be preferable to purchase your rail tickets when you arrive in Rome (although you won't be able to qualify for "Mini" or other discounted fares which have to be purchased at least the day before). Happy travels!

Ok sorry thought of one more question for all you experts....should I buy my train ticket back to Rome when I buy my ticket to Lucca (will be returning to Rome 5 days later)? Thanks so much everyone! You are awesome!

Sarah, If you know the date and approximate time you'll be returning from Lucca to Rome, you could certainly buy your ticket at the same time. However, I usually find that the airport station is so crowded and chaotic, I like to get out of there ASAP (especially after a long international flight). There will likely be queues at both the staffed ticket office and the automated Kiosks. Another option would be to buy your return ticket at the station in Lucca a day or two before you'll be travelling. That way you may be able to qualify for discounted fares. The station is small and usually doesn't have much of a queue. You might find it helpful to research the departure times using the Trenitalia website to choose which train works best for you. Are you staying inside the wall in Lucca?

The Leonardo Express runs twice an hour, departing at 08 minutes and 38 minutes after the hour. The ride to Termini takes 32 minutes. If your plane arrives on time and you get through immigration/passport control fairly quickly, you might be able to catch the 09:08 Leonardo Express which would get you to Termini in time to catch the 10:20 high-speed train to Florence. But I wouldn't count on it. Because of the distance you'll have to walk inside inside the station to make your connection, taking the 09:38 Leonardo Express won't get you to Termini in time to catch the 10:20 train. I think you'll probably have to plan on taking the 11:15 high-speed train to Florence. Then if you manage to catch the 10:20 train, you can let out a cheer.

Yes I am staying within the walls.

Thanks Tim. I guess I was spoiled last time because we were out of the airport within 20 mins. I appreciate everyone giving me advice and setting proper expectations.