Please sign in to post.

Plan time for security checks at train stations?

Posted by on

After watching a RS video last evening, we are wondering if we need to plan additional time at the
train stations for security checks. Some of our scheduled changeover times are at a minimum.
These are the stations we are arriving at with changeovers:

-Sienna to Florence SMN where we are then changing trains to Naples, 18 minutes

-Florence to LaSpezia where we are then changing trains to Vernazza, 6 minutes

-Vernazza to LaSpezia where we have 11 minutes to connect to the train for Pisa. At Pisa we have 15 minutes to connect to Empoli. And then in Empoli we have 9 minutes to connect to Sienna.

Will any of these stations have security checks that would delay the changeover?

Also, how early should we arrive at the major train stations...Florence, Venice, Naples (we will have prepaid tickets) before our departure time?

Thanks!

Posted by
6876 posts

IME there's generally airport-style security only for Eurostar or similar high-speed trains. The screening for those seems faster than what you go through at the airport, but it is something you need to allow time for.

At stations with less fancy trains, the security is generally minimal - but you could always get lucky and there might be some spot checking.

6 minutes sounds too tight for my tastes anywhere. Tight connections for any transportation = stress. I'd rather have time to kill and be relaxed.

Posted by
16895 posts

There are no security checks in Italy. There is a ticket-control gate before accessing the platforms at Florence SMN (also Milano Centrale and Roma Termini) but you'll already be behind that gate upon arrival from Siena.

Florence is a dead-end station, so a simple layout with tracks access directly from the main floor. Your transfer times should be fine, but do be up and at the train door with your luggage in advance, before the train stops, so you're not stuck at the back of a line.

Regional trains from La Spezia to Vernazza run 2-3 times per hour, so you can just catch the next one if you miss the 6-minute connection.

Posted by
23661 posts

The only security check that we have experiences is the Eurostar to Paris and that was close to an airport type. In Spain have encountered very light screen that is very quick at the head of the platform.

The is no point in arriving earlier than 30 mins prior at any station. Most of the time the track information for your train will not be posted until 20/30 minutes before departure so there is no reason to be there very earlier. There is no check in. Just go to the platform and wait for the train.

This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.