I leave for Italy in just over two weeks! My mom and I are planning to take the train from Florence to Vernazza on June 24 and from Vernazza to Lucca on June 26. I know La Spezia will probably be a stop along both of those trips. I haven't booked these and hoped I would while in Italy. Do you think that will be a problem? Should I try to book those legs of our journey now? I'd prefer waiting until we are there unless anyone thinks that is unwise. I did purchase Venice - Florence tickets already. The rest of our trip involves a rental car. Thanks!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16235 posts
You don't need to buy anything in advance. The morning you leave from Florence buy the tickets when you get to the station. The ticket windows tend to have a 10-15 min long line. But if you buy them at the machines using a credit card, there are no lines. The machines operate in any language you choose, incl. English, just like the ATMs. Buying in advance is worthwhile only if you can snatch a discounted (albeit non refundable) ticket. However from Florence to Vernazza you'll probably be on Regional train (commuters). No discounts on Regionals and they don't sell out.
Posted by
OP
Eugene, OR, USA
21 posts
Thank you Roberto. That was just the information I was hoping for!
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Andrea, most likely, you will be on Regionale trains from Florence to Vernazza and from Vernazza to Lucca. Depending on the runs, you might be on a higher-speed train between La Spezia Centrale and Pisa Centrale. But, it's mostly on Regionale trains. You cannot buy these tickets online in advance unless you are within 7 days of the travel date. Roberto has the best instructions above. Just be sure to validate your Regionale tickets before boarding.