We will arrive into Rome FCO @ 10:25 am 9/24/15 (after customs) will hope to get to Florence by 2:50pm or could go to Pisa instead as our transfer would meet in either station. Our tour actually starts in Pistoia @ 5:00 and if possible could also go directly there ....What would be the best train route suggested. We will have 1 piece of luggage each plus carry bag. Also, would it be best not to make a reservation in advance?
Thank you in advance for any suggestions.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23340 posts
How you checked your route options via trenitalia? Florence probably would be the best option. Reservations in advance is very dependent on the uncontrollable factor - When do I clear immigrations? That is the big wild card. Last time through Rome it was 2.5 hours. That is unusually long but that is what we encountered on a Saturday morning in May. You should factor in another hour for the train ride to Termini and to catch your train to ??? And exactly where do you want to go? You can get to Pistola in about 2.5 hours with one change and to Florence in about an hour, 30. Pisa probably is bad option since it is three to four hours with changes.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
I would aim for this journey, but wouldn't pre-book, as you can never be sure. Similar services operate every half hour, so it really depends on how long it takes to get to Termini from the plane.
FR 9536
14:20 departs Roma Termini
15:51 arrives Firenze SMN
RE 3702
16:10 departs Firenze SMN
16:43 arrives Pistoia
Posted by
OP
12 posts
Thank you all for your suggestions.
We will plan on the train to Florence once out of customs in Rome FCO. I understand as of Dec 2014 there is a "direct" train which makes a 10 minute stop in Termini station (no change of trains) and continues to Florence SMN station app. 2 1/2 hrs.
That is our plan at this point. Any other thoughts, please advise.
Thank you again,
Posted by
Green Bay
20254 posts
There are only 2 such trains, one at 11:08 that you will never make, and one at 15:08 that you probably won't want to hang around for unless you are delayed several hours.
Posted by
OP
12 posts
Thank you Sam.
I will confirm that info as my tour ' contact told us that there was a 12:27. Stops in termini station for 10 min then direct to SMN.