My host in Florence just sent me an email about taking the train from Rome to Florence using the Tiburtina Train Station which threw me for a loop. We had planned on catching the train from Termini. Anyone have experience with either and know why she recommends the station in the "outskirts" of town instead of Termini?
Tiburtina isn't really on the "outskirts", its in the city about a mile northeast of Termini. It is a through station, not a terminal station, so the trains there just stop for a few minutes and then keep going. It is also the only place for Italo high speed trains. It is 4 Metro stops away from Termini. It really comes down to which station is more convenient for you.
Are you taking the Italo train or the Trenitalia Frecciarossa?
And where is you hotel in Rime located?
Sam, Italo now operates a couple of trains to Florence from Termini as well but yes, Tiburtina may have been recommended as many more of their trains depart from that station, and tickets are often available for attractive prices.
But you wouldn't have any problem at all getting a Trenitalia Frecciarossa train from Termini, Angelino.
Unless you're using Italo trains, Termini will be more convenient with numerous Freccia departures, and many more choices in departure times. Note that your destination station in Florence will be Firenze S.M. Novella (unless your host has recommended a different station).