Trains from Rome to Florence

I can answer 2/3 questions for you there.

Don't bother getting train reservations now, unless you are a large group travelling and you all want to sit together. If you are just a group of 4 or smaller, purchase your tickets before your board the train as there usually are plenty of seats left. You can either purchase from the ticket windows, or use the automated ticket machines. There is a great tutorial for using the automated machines located here on the roninrome.com website.

There are multiple train stations in Florence, but you will probably want to take the Eurostar Italia (ES) or Eurostar Italia Alta Velocita (AV) train between Rome and Florence. It has a mandatory reservation fee, so it is more expensive than taking a regional or intercity train, but it travels at high-speed and is well air-conditioned (a luxury for Italian trains). There are also frequent departures - take a look at the Trenitalia schedule search to see the train schedules.

These trains depart from Roma Termini station, and do not stop until they reach Firenze SMN (Santa Maria Novella) station, which is the best station for Florence, as it is within walking distance to everything - the Accademia, Uffizi, Duomo, etc.

you don't have to worry about how much time it takes from the Rome airport to the main train station at Termini. There is a dedicated train line, the Leonardo Express, that runs from the Rome airport to Termini. I think they leave about on the 1/2 hour, and the ride is 30 minutes. But the key point is there is a staffed window right at the airport station that usually doesn't have long lines; you can buy your ticket for both the Leonardo and the next train from Termini to Florence at the same time. Then when you pull into Termini just walk to your next train. This is about the only time in several trips to Italy that I haven't used the automated machines, since the tellers are convenient. BTW don't forget to stamp your ticket for the Leonardo in the yellow boxes where you enter the boarding area.

Of course it doesn't hurt to research the times in advance; I'd estimate that from landing time to getting to the train station at the airport would take about 30 minutes if you don't have any checked luggage. And the Leonardo pulls into a distant track in Termini; I'd allow at least 15-20 between its arrival and getting on the next train, and a little more would be better.

Rome aiport to termini is about 30 min by Leonardo Express, 12 EUR I think.
I would make any rezervations for the train from Rome to Florence because you never know if your flight is late or even canceled.
You can easily buy tickets from the ticket office or the automated machines.
For prices and schedule go to trenitalia.com
The EuroStar is very expensive in comparation with the other ones and it's not much difference in time.

I'm new to this site, but I wanted to thank you, Brian, because I had the same question. I also was curious to know if it is a hassle to take the Leonardo Express with luggage. Can you keep it nearby?

Hi Brian,
We always wait and buy the tickets at FCO with our tickets for the Leonardo. That way, if there's a delay in getting in or with passport control etc there's no worry about replacing the ticket. Unless you're on a really tight budget, do spring for the EuroStar train which is faster and much more comfortable (you can save by getting a second class ticket). Robyn-- it depends on how much luggage you'll have. We are strict "one baggers" so even though we had to stand the whole way to termini it was no problem. I would HIGHLY encourage anyone planning on using the trains in Italy to pare down to one main bag. When we went to Italy in May we brought another couple with us. They started referring to me as the "luggage nazi" because I would only let them come if they agreed to take on carry on bag for everything. By the end of day one I was elevated to "luggage genius" and by the end of the trip i was "luggage goddess".

The Leonardo Express train takes 30 minutes. There are luggage racks directly overhead and down both sides of the carriage. Easy to watch your own luggage. As mentioned above, pack light. Traveling by train in Italy (or other countries) does not lend itself to multiple large bags.

If you need to immediately get to Florence, I would wait until you at least get to the FCO airport ticket window before purchasing the tickets for two reasons. 1) you plane may be late. This is very common and, 2) the reservation on your ticket from Rome to Florence has a fixed train and time on it. If more that 3 hours after the train departs, your ticket is toast.

Now the good part. There are 53 trains a day running a day between Rome and Florence. Most are high-speed Eurostars with many of those runs being non-stops. The non-stop takes 1hr.40min. Trains between these two cities run more frequently than the MAX. Each train holds as many people as a 747 so don't worry about missing a train or full trains. Yes you do need a seat reservation but this comes with the point-to-point ticket when you purchase it - they come together.

Robin, all the Leonard Express does is haul people to and from the airport. Except for workers, everyone going to and from the airport has luggage and sometimes lots of luggage. It is well designed to handle luggage.

Thank you for this advice since I will be traveling from FCO to Florence. I was wondering about Florence to Civatecchia to get on a cruise. It will be a Sunday morning. Should I book that ahead of time or wait? Best suggestions?

Also, the best way from Civatecchia to Rome after the cruise?

Thanks.

Lise, "Best" is always a relative term. It depends on what you mean. I have no idea. To get to Civit... from Florence you will need to return to Rome and take the train to Civit.. It is a 45 min to 1 hr 15 depending on train. It is a basically a commuter run -- 3 to 4 an hour during the week but reduced on the weekend. But guess you would still find a couple trains an hour on Sunday. No need to reserve anything. I would buy an open second class ticket when you buy your other tickets for Florence. If returning to Rome after the cruise, BUY a RT ticket. When cruise ships dock the line to buy tickets at the Civit.. train station are very LONG.