Assisi to Rome by Train? by Bus?

Pat,

That's a very easy trip by train, and there are numerous departures each day, including Sunday. Some of the trains on that route have one change while others are direct. I'd probably take the departure from Assisi at 11:26, arriving Roma Termini at 13:56 (time 2H:30M, current fare €9.90 PP).

That train is a Regionale Veloce so it's awkward to buy tickets for those in advance, and they come with restrictions. There's no price break for advance purchase, so the easiest solution is just to buy at stations in Italy either at a ticket window or from a Kiosk. With that train on a Sunday, you should be able to purchase your ticket on the day of travel.

One important note though - with all Regionale trains, you MUST validate the ticket prior to boarding the train on the day of travel, or risk hefty fines which will be collected on the spot!

Buses are less frequent on Sundays, I also recommend the direct train.

I agree 100% with Ken. (I'm in Assisi now and will be doing the same thing this coming Sunday.) You'll have to get down to the train station, and buses from Assisi to the station can be iffy. Allow one hour to get from Assisi to the station. (Two days ago, on a Saturday morning, I had to wait 30 minutes for a bus to the station.) You'll want to have enough time to buy your tickets (which only takes a minute if there's no one in front of you.) You can buy it from the little newspaper stand in the station. The guy there speaks enough English for the basic transaction.

He will print out a ticket on a strip of white paper. Immediately go and validate it in one of the machines. There's a correct end and side of the ticket to stamp - at the bottom where it says "convalidate prima della partenza." The ticket is good for six hours after you validate it.

I'm not sure what track this train arrives on (probably #1, which is the most convenient, but do double-check by looking at the overhead signs. You want Regionale Veloce 2483 to Roma Termini.) The train travels mostly in a southerly direction, so you'll want to sit on the left-hand side of the train, facing your destination, if you want to be out of the sun. The cars can get pretty toasty if the air-conditioning isn't working well. You'll put your bags overhead.

To add to Michael's comments, Buses from Assisi to the rail station will be less frequent on Sundays. This might be one case where a splurge for a Taxi ride might be worthwhile. On my last visit there, I used a Taxi from the station to the hotel and it was certainly a lot easier.

Do keep in mind that taxis to/from the train station are expensive, so be prepared to pay 15 euros for a 5 minute ride. There are taxi queues at the major parking lots, right next to the bus stops. If there's not a taxi there, just wait. They will show up, usually dropping someone off from the train station.

The taxi drivers here are very bold when it comes to tipping. I took one taxi up from the station after asking in advance about how much it would be. He said 15 or 16 euros. We arrived at my apartment and he turned around and said "15". I gave him a 20 euro note. Then he actually asked if I wanted my change back. Heck, yeah I do. You don't get a 33% tip on a five minute ride for a fare that's already ridiculous. No need to tip on such a huge fare. He was a little grumpy but he did give me the 5 euros in change.

Strange, I have spent lots of time in Assisi over the decades and I have never found the busses to be iffy, although I have found them behind when going from station to Assisi, rarely have I found that the case going the other way especially when getting on the bus at Piazza Matteotti. Take the bus from Piazza Matteotti at the top of Assisi. That is the start of the trip back to the train station, you will be assured of a seat and room for you bags. The tourist office in Piazza Commune will have bus schedules so you can plan better. Also, the busses are not big so do not take up seat space with you bags.

I've never had a big problem with the buses although the posted schedule doesn't always reflect the actual times.

If you are staying closer to the basilica, there is a second bus stop/capolinea at the lower end of town as well, at Piazza Unita d'Italia.

Wow. Thanks for all the info. It sounds like we will be just fine without a car and can easily train to Rome on a Sunday.

Pat,
Taking the train from Assisi to Roma Termini was very easy. This past Tuesday we took the Orange bus from Piazza Matteotti, it was on-time, to the train station. We used train #2483, direct-no changes, to Rome at 11:26 am. Train was a couple minutes late...but who cares. Had a bite at the station and off to Hotel Aberdeen.
As info, we stayed at Hotel Ideale, which is just off Piazza Matteotti, in Assisi. Dined at Trattoria Ermine, mentioned in the RS guidebook. Great meals.
Gene

We used train #2483, direct-no changes, to Rome at 11:26 am.

Yep, that's the train we used from Assisi to Roma Termini a couple of years ago. Worked well. And you're right about Trattoria Ermine -- wonderful. Try the gnocchi!

Assisi departures board photo

trkman222-We have reservations at Hotel Aberdeen in Rome too but later in June. Thanks for the info!