We see that we can change trains in Florence or at Prato Centrale to get to Bologna.
The cheaper option is thru Prato Centrale but we are wondering if there is any reason to go thru Florence instead like if they is a delay or a need to get the next train.
We are thinking of paying a bit more ( about 20 Euros more per person) to go thru Florence but don’t know if that is necessary.
Thanks!
Posted by
Green Bay
20353 posts
The trains from Prato Centrale are regional trains and make a lot of stops on the way to Bologna. The trains from Florence are highspeed trains that are nonstop, taking only 38 minutes from Florence to Bologna. Nonetheless, the total travel time from Lucca to Bologna are similar because of shorter connection times in Prato and Prato is closer to Lucca. Take your pick. Regional trains are always cheaper than highspeed trains for last minute tickets.
Posted by
San Diego, California, USA
885 posts
Facing the same decision and I've decided to go with the shorter travel time - even if it's only a few minutes - and skip the madness that this Florence SMN for a change at the tiny station of Prato instead. Fast trains are more comfortable and newer but they are a tiny part of this journey so it doesn't really factor in to my decision.
This also leaves the option of picking our time because there is no reason to buy regionale tickets ahead of time. I would really just decide on time of travel and go with the best option for you. I don't know how long we'll want in Bologna because there are some things I want to get done but we'll be there on a Sunday so I'd rather leave it open.
One tip: Bologna train station goes multiple levels down and getting to your train feels more like an airport so leave yourself some time and head to your train early. It's my impression that the fast trains are the ones that leave from deeper down so maybe using a regionale train will also mean fewer escalators but I'll need to wait to find out.
Have a great trip,
=Tod
Posted by
San Francisco, CA (USA)
539 posts
Changing trains at Firenze-SMN gives you more options. Yes there's a lot of people there but, there's also a lot more train options, from the high-speed, to the express, to the regionals doing the milk-run.