We are in Chicago headed to Rome-then Florence. We carried on so are wondering about the train tickets. We plan to get our ticket for the train from the Rome Airport (FCO) to the Rome Train Station and also planned to get our ticket from the Rome Train Station to Florence at the same time. Our question is this: Are we buying a specific time for a train or just the ticket to get on any train we can get to? We just don't know how to gauge the time thing. We are leaving soon so if someone could answer me, I would be most grateful.
Posted by
Austin, TX, USA
492 posts
If you are buying a higher speed train ticket from Rome to Florence, then yes, you are buying a ticket for a specific train at a specific time. Look up the train schedules from Rome to Florence for roughly the time you think you may be able to make it, figure at least two hours to get through passport control and then some more time to find the FCO train station, get your tickets and then possibly wait for your train and get to Termini (this is a regional train so you just get the next train to Termini after buying your tickets). Print out the list of possible trains and take that with you when you purchase the tickets. At that point you should have a better idea of which train to Florence you will be able to catch. If you have extra time at Termini, you can find restrooms, espresso, food to take on the train to Florence maybe.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Is it too late for you to buy the Rick Steves Italy 2010 book? It answers this question and many others you're likely to have when you won't have time to wait for a response on a bulletin board.
Posted by
OP
San Diego, CA, USA
130 posts
Awesome; that is the exact information I needed. We have the Italy book and Florence book of Rick Steve's but after reading it cover to cover, I could not find my answer. I sooo appreciate your help!
Posted by
Wichita
831 posts
Cindy, Yes, you are buying a ticket for a specific train (assuming you want a fast train) but you don't have to worry. The ticket agent at FCO will sell you a ticket for the next train you can catch at termini as well as the express to termini.
Posted by
Austin, TX, USA
492 posts
And there are a few websites that can help with these types of questions too: http://www.seat61.com/Italy.htm http://www.roninrome.com/%20category/transportation http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/trains/index.htm