Hi there! I am starting to work on details for our trip this coming September. We are planning on taking the DD bus from Florence airport to Lucca. From previous posters and research it looks like it is possible. I downloaded the AT bus app but have been having a hard time finding the route. It also seems I could buy tickets on the app but also having a tough time figuring it out. I am fully aware it is probably too far out but I wanted to play with it a bit so I know what to do once the date gets closer. Anyone use the app and successfully buy tickets for this route? In recent years we have tried to sort out as much of this as possible prior to departure as possible rather than trying to figure it out upon arrival. If you are familiar with the app or this route I would really appreciate your reply! Thanks!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15809 posts
You can also use the TabNet app.
I'm not sure if you can also buy a ticket at the airport inside the terminal maybe at a store displaying the AT logo.
Posted by
OP
Orlando FL
201 posts
Hi Roberto- I have that app as well. I created an account but when it wants to verify my phone number I never get the sms text even though I put the US flag as required and my phone number. It is very odd. Unfortunately once I log in I can’t get past that page.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15809 posts
I've never used the AT app since I generally buy paper tickets at the tobacconists' shops, but I had your same problem with some Italian taxi apps. Somehow I never receive the confirmation link via SMS to my US mobile number. Generally however the apps have a way around that and you can request to resend you a verification code to your Telegram or your WhatsApp. See if that is the case with the AT app.
Posted by
OP
Orlando FL
201 posts
Hi Roberto,
Great suggestion. Unfortunately it only gives country codes represented by flags as an option. Frustrating. WhatsApp would have been great but no option I am afraid. We aren’t picking up our car until we are heading out of Lucca two days later. The bus seems the easiest way but I don’t want to get caught out trying to figure out where to buy bus tickets. The train websites have all been very easy to navigate so I suppose we could take the tram in and train to Lucca but with the bus only taking an hour that seemed to be the best option.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15809 posts
I'm pretty sure you can buy those extra-urban tickets on board. I would imagine that is possible since the extra-urban tickets vary in price depending on the distance covered. The distance from the FLR airport to Lucca is about 70 km (45 miles).
It will cost you no more than 1.50-2 euro extra compared to the online pre-purchase, but the whole ticket purchased on board won't cost more than 10 euro.
But check is there is a store at the airport that sells tickets, maybe the store that sells newspapers.
Posted by
OP
Orlando FL
201 posts
Thanks Roberto! I am ok with paying more. Do you know if the buses take credit cards now? Thanks!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15809 posts
I don't know if they do. For sure the automatic kiosk at the tramway at the airport does accept cards, but I don't know if you will be able to pay with a card on board. Just carry cash just in case. You can withdraw cash at an ATM at the airport. (look for ATM displaying Bancomat logo, because the once managed by Euronet, which display the ATM, give lousy exchange rate).
Posted by
OP
Orlando FL
201 posts
Thanks Roberto. Let’s hope that there is a bancomat atm left at FLR. Last time I flew into FCO they had all been swapped out for the Euronet machines. I hate getting money before we go as the exchange is normally terrible. I will do some more research and see what I can come up with. Thanks again!