We are renting an apartment for a week in Montepulciano and will have a rental car. We want to go into Florence for a daytrip and are trying to figure out the best way to do this. We are a family of four and it looks like it would cost around 120 euros if we took the train from Chiusi to Florence. Since we already have a rental car (and no, we don't want to drive into or too close to Florence) would it make sense for us to drive closer to Florence and then hop on a train? What's easy and economical?
Posted by
montepulciano, SIENA
21 posts
Hello!! I just checked on www.trenitalia.com and got that the IC train from Chiusi to Florence is euro 21 one way per person and euro13.80 one way per person in second class. If you take the R train (R means regionale= Local) it is cheaper: euro 13.80 in first and 9.20 in second one way. If you do have children under 12 ask for the special family fare. Any way it is very easy going to FLR by train and perhaps it is not worth to take and then PARK the car!!! If you consider the toll for the motorway, petrol, stress and parking fee...it is better the train!!! Give a look to the Ferrovie italiane web site it is also in english and you can find out times and prices.
Ciao!!!
Serena
Posted by
montepulciano, SIENA
21 posts
excuse me... euro 21 in in first class...
Posted by
Twin Cities, Minnesota
1825 posts
That fare sounds awfully high-is it for 2nd class tickets. We took the train from Montevarchi into Florence a couple years ago and I remember it being only a few Euros for each of us. But, yes, don't drive into Florence-go closer and hop a train if the tickets really are this expensive.
Posted by
Twin Cities, Minnesota
1825 posts
Cindy, for a short trip like this, 2nd class would be just fine. The seats are like the ones on our motorcoaches here in the states. I suggest you drive to the train station the night before-check out where to park, then buy your train tickets from the machine at the station. All you need to do the next morning is show up and board the train. (Don't forget to validate your ticket before you board.)
Posted by
OP
Ely, MN, USA
274 posts
I'm really confused about this, so please forgive my ignorance. Can I just show up at the Chiusi train station and purchase tickets before the train leaves, or do I need to do that a couple days in advance? I also can't find an answer to what age constitutes a "child". I have kids ages 12 and 15. Are they children or adults? And then... my last question is, there's a bunch of choices on the website for the type of ticket you're purchasing regarding discounts and exchanges. I know I'm not purchasing online, but do I need to know what the differences are if I buy directly at the train station? (Sorry for all the questions!)
Posted by
montepulciano, SIENA
21 posts
Cindy, if you are staying in Montepulciano you can go at the tourist office in town (it is called PROLOCO and the address is Piazza Don Minzoni 1)and get the tickets there. This is the only point where you can buy train tickets in Montepulciano. Or you can buy tickets in Chianciano Terme in Piazza Italia at the tourist information as well. Usually they charge 1 euro for each ticket. If you buy the tkts at the train station you won't pay the extra 1 euro each. You can buy the tickets even 5 minutes before getting on the train expecially if the train you choose does not require a seat reservation (Regionale train does not allow reservation). Chiusi is 20 km out of Montepulciano and I think it is not worth the trip to save 4 euros!!! SO...Solution 1) Go to the tourist office in Montepulciano or Chianciano and get the tkts there even the day before or when you want
Solution 2) check the times at the tourist office and also ask them the number of seats available (they can check it on the computer). If the seats are still a lot 1 day before departure you can also buy the tickets at Chiusi train station just before boarding. (And you will save 4 euros)
The web site for the tourist office in montepulciano is www.prolocomontepulciano.it
If I'm updated a child in Italy is from 4 to 12 years old and they usually pay 50% less. So your biys are 1 adulkt and 1 child.
ciao
Serena
Posted by
OP
Ely, MN, USA
274 posts
Thank you, Serena!!!! This is VERY helpful!!! Exactly what I need to know. Thanks for being so specific. I feel much better!
Posted by
Mpls, MN
1003 posts
Hi Cindy--I also think the stress-free train would be the way to go. We went through Chiusi after our stay in Montepulciano enroute to Sorrento and it is not a very big town. I think you will easily be able to drive to the train s, park and even get your tickets the day of your journey. The tkt kiosks are very easy to use or just go to the counter. The regionale train would be fine. May take a bit longer but not by much. I was unaware that you could get reservations for regionale trains.
Posted by
Richmond, Ky, USA
277 posts
I would suggest going to the Trenitalia web site, and printing off the train schedule for the days you might be traveling. We did this for ever day we were traveling, and then studied the schedule the night before. I simply circled the one that I wanted tickets for, and handed the page to the cashier. Easy, for both them and us. Enjoy, Jeff
Posted by
Montepulciano
1 posts
Why not drive to Scandicci, west of Firenze, near the A1, and take the new Tramvia from there to Stazione Centrale (Santa Maria Novella)? You'll need to do a little research, but it's been running for more than a month now, and I'd imagine there's parking available, probably free, but cheaper than parking downtown.
BTW, there is parking under Fortezza di Basso, very easy to reach from the Viali