My travel companion and I will be flying into Rome (FCO) for the first time in early June and land at 16:05. We then have to take a train to Florence where we will spend our first night. I've been studying train schedules all afternoon and have been trying to determine how much time we will need to make it off the plane, get our luggage, go through immigration and get to the train. The 4 I'm looking at right now leave at 17:23, 17:38, 17:53 & 18:23. They each take about the same amount of travel time and have only one stop, at Termini before getting to SMN. What is your opinion on the safe amount of time we'll need to make the train based on your experiences?
I've also been monitoring a convo earlier in the day about pre-purchasing train tickets and am tempted, but I too am saddled with Murphy and am not anxious to lose my money should we have to cancel. What are the odds there will be available seats if I wait to purchase tickets in May? I really appreciate you all sharing your valued experience with me.
Posted by
Chicago
8230 posts
buy the ticket when you get there; there are many trains I counted 10 leaving for Florence from Termini after 16:05; or buy the 18:23 departure once you know that your plane is leaving on time on the way to Rome.
edit: yeah that is a good question Frank is asking
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23653 posts
Where are you coming from at 4.05? That is a little late for an international flight. Makes a difference if you have to go through immigration or not.
Posted by
OP
Hermitage, TN - USA
33 posts
We're flying from Nashville into Heathrow, then on to FCO. We're booked through so shouldn't have to go thru immigration in London. If I'm wrong, please let me know.
Posted by
Firenze, Italy
1759 posts
Please note that you do not have a stop in Termini; you have to change train in Termini.
Posted by
OP
Hermitage, TN - USA
33 posts
lachera, yes I understand. It looks like there is 25 minutes to change trains if I choose the 16:23 train. Is that not enough time? And how concerned should I be about the trains being on time?
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8207 posts
It comes down to whether time or money is more important. If you pre-book, you likely will need to have a good pad of time (saving money by buying ahead), or you increase the risk that a delay and you can lose the value of the tickets and have to buy another or you show up with plenty of time and have to wait for your train, delaying arrival in Florence. If you just show up and buy a ticket, then you pay a bit more, but you get to choose the next train at no risk and get to Florence at the soonest possible time.
My vote would be to just show up and buy a last minute ticket on the next train.
Posted by
OP
Hermitage, TN - USA
33 posts
I can do my homework and know what trains are available and when before we get there so we won't have to study so much at the train station. It is adjacent to the airport, correct?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23653 posts
At that time of day, immigration could be one to three hours. Should be closer to an hour, maybe an hour and half but three is not totally unexpected. So plan accordingly. Trains rarely sell out so you will have plenty of seats to choose from.
Posted by
OP
Hermitage, TN - USA
33 posts
Frank, that long even though we have nothing to declare?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23653 posts
It is immigration (passport control) and not customs. Having nothing to declare means nothing if there is a big crowd and only two officers on duty. Checked luggage ????
Posted by
OP
Hermitage, TN - USA
33 posts
You have a point. Let's hope for the best and maybe Murphy will stay home this trip :)
Posted by
133 posts
You can easily get your tickets at the station in FCO. I wanted to point out that there are several ticket machines - if the first ones you encounter have lines of people, just keep moving toward the station (even past the turnstiles) as you will find many more ticket machines. There will be no need to stand in a long line, and seats rarely, if ever, sell out. The machines are easy to use and when you put in your destination, the next several options will appear for you to choose from. There are also ATM machines in the hallway leading to the station, and a kiosk for purchasing Italian Sim card for your phone if you need one. Bon Voyage!
Posted by
OP
Hermitage, TN - USA
33 posts
Thanks for this. It's the most reassuring I've heard yet. I'll still do my due diligence and have my choices ready when we get there. Will have been flying since 8pm Nashville time the day before and we'll both be really jet lagged so I don't want to leave much to chance. The consensus is that we'll wait until we get there to purchase our train tickets and can also take advantage of the ATM on the way. Now, let's hope the stars all align and Murphy is nowhere to be found for this trip :o) I appreciate you all and happy travels to you all!