Rome to Orvieto Train Question

Didn't remember from my 2015 visit so had to look at the Google Maps website. As you approach Orvieto, the best view would be from the left side of the train. I've never been good at figuring out how to get a seat on a specific side of the car, but often there are plenty of empty seats and you can move around if you want to.

Thank you acraven. Yes, by looking at google maps looks like the left side has the better views as approaching Orvieto. Now all I need to know is what direction are the cars facing when departing Rome Termini. As stated in a previous post, I'm directionaly challenged. LOL

Most of the trains are Regionale trains to Orvieto. Since seats are not reserved, grab the best seat when you get on. or after the train starts moving. And some of the Regionale trains are faster than the fast train so just grab a Regionale ticket and they are the cheapest. Buy the tickets when you get there. Not a good idea to buy Regional tickets on line.

Train cars are designed to run in either direction so it would impossible to forecast with any accuracy the direction your seat will be on the train.

On the right side you'll have a good view of the St Peter's when leaving Rome.
A practical tip for Orvieto: across the railway station you've got the funiculare to bring you up. Saves a EUR 15 taxi ride. Tickets at the railway station.

Yes, absolutely use the funicolare. I'd only use a taxi if I had way too much luggage and was facing a long walk to my hotel.

I believe there's a tourist office very near the train station and the base of the funicolare. It's nice to pick up a map there so you feel free to wander around on your way to the heart of the old town (for those of us who don't like walking around with electronic devices in hand). You can also check to see whether there's an English-language tour scheduled soon that you might want to rush to catch. Those leave from the tourist office in the upper town, which is a good walk from the top of the funicolare.

Tourist info office is across the piazza from the Duomo. They give excellent advice.

From the train station, cross the street to the funivia Entrata, buy your ticket for the funivia which is also good for the little bus which will be waiting to take you up to the Piazza del Duomo.

Wow, thank you everyone for your great tips and suggestions, they will come in handy as I'm planning my trip.

Orvieto is on the left side of the railway line, but coming from Rome you see it only at the last minute, when you should better queuing at the exit as trains stop only a couple of minutes.

No way to know which way seats are facing on the Trenitalia web site, as a lot of trains may reverse their direction even multiple times during their whole runs. However, there are no reversal stations between Rome and Orvieto.

Thank you lachera for the reply and information. I won't worry about it and enjoy the ride instead. I do have a tendency to over think things and need my thinking readjusted from time to time.

Here's a tip that I followed from a friend of mine when we went to Orvieto. If you can, try to time your first view of the facade of the duomo so that it's in the light of the setting sun. Breathtaking.

For closer views of the Duomo facade, go to the museum scross the street, upper floors have windows that look across to the Duomo.

I was surprised how far down the platform for the train to Orvieto was at the Rome Termini. it was on the far left hand side when facing the trains and just keep walking, if i was on my own i would never have found it....hubby can speak italian ....boy it helps...but he did get help from a 'gypsy' who he just walked off with trying to find which carriage to get on.....do you think i was happy...i had to raise my voice at him to come back as an italian man waiting for the train gave me the 'watch out' sign