We want to do a day-trip from Rome (Termini) to Assisi. Do we need to book more than a day in advance for a direct train? Do we need to have reserved seats? I'm concerned about booking in advance and then hitting a rainy day.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23653 posts
First, there are only a couple direct Regionale Veloce trains - (0800, 1430 - from a quick check.) All of the other trains are a combination of Regionale and Regionale Veloce trains with one change. The time difference is about 30 minutes. The is no discount or reserved seats on a Regionale trains therefore there is no advantage to purchasing tickets in advance. Buy them the day you want to go. Remember -- any ticket without a seat assignment must be validate (time stamped) prior to boarding.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
What Frank said.
Additionally, trains from Roma Termini to Assisi may share a track, with the Assisi-bound train being 400 meters away from the railhead, so be sure to leave enough time to validate your ticket and get to the train.
Posted by
California 🦋
5301 posts
The train from Roma Termini to Assisi is a Regionale train so there are no reserved seats on this type of train.
You can certainly buy your tickets the day before or the day of travel.
I'd choose a time when you can take a direct train, which will take a bit over two hours, rather than a time when you have to transfer trains, because this will add time to your journey.
Assisi is an amazing city, and if you have the time, I'd suggest staying at least an overnight, so you can experience the city at night when all the day trippers have departed.
Once you arrive to the train station in Assisi, you can take a bus up to the city (line "C") which runs every 30" (bus time does not coinside with train arrival so you may have to wait) or take a taxi (more expensive). You can buy bus tickets at the bar within the train station ( €1.30pp)
Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
FYI, a taxi from the train station to the upper town is about 15 euros. And they'll drop you off right at your hotel. The bus parking lot might be a good ways below your hotel, requiring you to haul bags uphill. (Parts of Assisi are very steep.)
Posted by
OP
Huntington, CT
62 posts
Thank you all for your advice. Now I have one more concern checked off my list!
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Buses from the train station to the upper end of Assisi (Piazza Matteotti) are frequent, and if you are daytripping, makes it easier to walk through town more or less downhill.
Posted by
OP
Huntington, CT
62 posts
Good tip, Zoe. We'll plan on seeing the upper town first before lunch and then make our way down toward the church. Thanks.