Go to Assisi - from Rome or Florence

Rome is best to Assisi by bus, I think, while Florence is best by train?

No wonder I couldn't find the train to Assisi, looks like there isn't one!

tnx

The train to Assisi actually takes you to Santa Maria degli Angeli, which is sometimes referred to as "Lower Assisi". You can take a shuttle bus or a taxi from the train station up to the main town of Assisi. Be forewarned about the cabs on that route - they are VERY expensive.

Here's the link to the bus company that runs from Roma Tiburtina to Assisi (the old town itself, not the lower part). Runs about 18 Euros and takes 2 hr 45 minutes: http://www.sulga.it/index.asp

The train journey from Florence is about 20 minutes longer than the journey from Rome. Assisi is accessible by train from both locations. True that the train station is in Santa Maria degli Angeli but the sign at the railroad station says ASSISI. I have a picture of it.

For us, Assisi was one of the most beautiful cities we have visited in Italy. We wished that we had spent more time there.

Note that the Basilica of St. Francis is on the lower part of the hilltown and the remainder of the hilltown is all uphill. BIG HINT: At the train station, go next door to the little shop and buy a bus ticket on the Line C bus. This bus takes you to the top of the town. Then, you can casually walk down. For us, the Basilica of St. Francis was more toward the end of our visit. We spent a lot of time in there. Very beautiful.

If you do take the train to Assissi do go into Santa Maria degli Angeli, you can't miss it, it's an enormous church. In the middle of the church you will find the tiny chapel used by St Francis and the place where he died.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_of_Santa_Maria_degli_Angeli

The train ride from Rome to Assisi is not direct but it's only about two hours with a transfer in Foligno. It was an easy trip -- and one we are glad we made.

Thanks, looking forward to going there

When we were in Perugia and wanted to visit Assisi, the TI rep said definitely take the bus instead of the train, as the train station in Assisi is inconvenient. Is a bus available from either Rome or Florence? It might be an option to consider...I know I never thought of busses before leaving home but actually took them a few times as they were faster and easier than the train in many cases. Have a great time.

Yes, we will be taking trains and busses.

Really looking forward...

thnx

I agree that the basilica in the town of Santa Maria degli Angeli is definitely worth a visit if you're in town. It's HUUUGE and contains within it the little chapel and side building in which St. Francis died.