Traveling from Bologna to Monterosso via train. Transfer in Firenze SMN station 18 minutes then Pisa Centrale station 14 minutes. Is this enough to make the connection? We will be traveling the Rick Steves way, just rolling carry-ons. Can we make it? 2 senior travelers good shape, can still run if we can figure out which way to go. Can we make it?
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Yes, assuming your train is on time for the connection. Firenze Santa Maria Novella is a terminus, so walk to the front of the platform, check the electronic board to locate your next track. I've made connections there in four minutes.
If your first train is so late that you miss the second train, go to the customer care desk to get rebooked at no cost. If you simply miss the train without a delay, you'll need to change your ticket if it's for a fast train, but not for the regionale train (be sure to validate tickets for the latter).
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
Those change times are adequate unless the arriving train is about 10 minutes or more late. If you're on a high speed train from Bologna to Firenze, watch the message board as you get close to Firenze and it will list track numbers for connecting trains. It's a good idea to reconfirm the track number on the Partenze board before heading to the train. Pisa has an underground passageway you use to change tracks and it has several displays showing the track numbers for departing trains. Many trains from Firenze to Pisa and Pisa to Monterosso are regional trains, and you can just get on the next regional train (R or RV) if you miss the one you planned to take. If the trip is on an Intercity (IC) train, those require a reservation and you would need to get your ticket changed or risk a fine.