We are a party of 6 females, including 2 teenagers. We are going to be Rome but would like to spend 1 day in Florence. The hotel offers a van service for $90 pp round trip. 2 1/2 hours each way 7 hours in Florence. Train 1 1/2 hours but need to get 6 people to train from hotel for 8:33 a departure. The hotel is in the Vatican neighborhood. We will be in Rome 2nd week in April. Any input would be appreciated.
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
Take the subway to the Termini train station. Take the train to Florence and then come back the same way. Much easier and cheaper than a van.
Posted by
Ballwin
833 posts
The train is worth it because it is faster, and will also allow you more flexibility. Sure, you may have to wake up early to catch the train but you will save money as well. Through the trenitalia site it will look like each leg will be 45 euro, but then when you get to the end you have the option to buy the mini, base or flessibile fares. Through the mini (see other threads or see the Ron in Rome blog for details on what each one means) it is only 36 euro roundtrip. Less money paid for transportation means more shopping money at the leather market!
Posted by
OP
el segundo, CA, usa
64 posts
Thanks--Train it is. I will book tickets today. Thanks for your help.
Chris
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
Christine, I think you can easily take the metro and train. if your credit cards will work, you can buy the Trenitalia MINI discounted tickets online before you leave the USA. The Trenitalia website seems to be accepting more US credit cards and the MINI discounts can save you up to 60%. If necessary, you can use this link - Booking on the Trenitalia Website - for some guidance. It has a section committed to the Le Frecce trains (the fastest) and you can buy your Florence tickets there! If you can't buy tickets in advance, you can still use the kiosks in the train station. If you've never been on the trains in Italy, you might read Riding Trains in Italy for some helpful hints. I lived in the Vatican area for 3+ years and almost always took the metro into the Roma Termini station. Depending on where you're staying, the Lepanto, Ottaviano, or Cipro stations are available. If these are not convenient, the #64 and #40 buses are also an option. These links, The Metro in Rome and Riding buses in Rome can also help you. If you are planning to get back AFTER 21:00 on any day but Saturday, the Metro Line A closes at 21:00. But there are substitute buses to get you back to the Vatican area. Enjoy your day!
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
Christine, do make sure you book your train tickets into Florence S.M.N. or Firenze S.M. Novella (same station - English/Italian names). This is the downtown station you would want for visiting the city. There are other stations in Florence so you want to make sure you're headed to the RIGHT one - Good Luck!
Posted by
OP
el segundo, CA, usa
64 posts
Thanks for your great advice. Were are planning to stay late in Florence so we will look into the bus or a cab. Chris