We're wondering when is the best time to buy tickets for the direct Frecciargento train from Fiumicino Airport to Santa Maria Novella Station in Florence – in advance or wait until we arrive? We will arrive on United Airlines 42 from Washington Dulles at 8:10 am. I see there's a train departing at 11:08 which works fine.
Also, if anyone is familiar with getting from Terminal 3 (where I think United flights arrive) to the airport train station, can you give us a quick idea of how to navigate.
Posted by
Chicago
8230 posts
You can either buy it if you have internet access while in the air (if you know for sure your flight will arrive on time)
or wait til you get there.
This thread from earlier today has some instructions on how to navigate.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/train-ticket-help-please
Posted by
OP
173 posts
If you buy it in the air, do you just board the train with the ticket on your phone?
Posted by
Chicago
8230 posts
That is correct. Trenitalia has an ap . The conductor scans the QR code
http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en/Purchase/Mobile-Ticketing
(make sure the battery)
This one is good too
https://www.trainline.eu/information/trainline-eu-app
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
While you can save money by purchasing tickets for the 11:08 direct train in advance, there are at least 2 big downsides. If your flight arrives late and you miss the train, you've lost the price of Super Economy tickets and must purchase new Base Rate tickets. Perhaps more importantly, it's a long boring wait for the 11:08 train. If your flight arrives on time and you take the first available train, you would nearly be to Florence by the time the 11:08 train departs. The change of trains at either Termini or Tiburtina is easy, so don't let that deter you. The general consensus of posters on this site (and I agree) is that you shouldn't buy train tickets in advance for your day of arrival. All that said, occasionally there are Super Economy tickets on the 11:08 train for 19.90 euro, but only you can decide if they're worth the gamble and the long wait.
Posted by
OP
173 posts
That makes perfect sense. Thanks!
We'll take the first train possible and switch at Termini or Tiburtino.
Just for the record, the Trenitalia App is only for Android phones.