EDITED. Is my understanding of train travel correct and does this sound like a good plan?
We are picking up a car in Rome to stay in Orvieto for a few days. Turning the car in Orvieto. Therefore, next we will take a
REGIONAL TRAIN from Orvieto to Florence..... purchase tickets day of departure. Is my understanding correct?
FAST TRAIN from Florence to Venice.....purchase tickets in advance? Is my understanding correct?
Is there anything I need to know about the regional train?
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
7052 posts
Are you staying in Florence or are you just trying to get from Chiusi to Venice?
Posted by
North Carolina
2499 posts
You could take a train from Rome to Orvieto, and rent your car there after having time to rest and adjust to the time change.
Posted by
Seattle
156 posts
Yes, no advantage in price to buy Regional tickets ahead of time. Regional trains also don’t sell out. The only thing it saves is time if you’re running late but in my experience Chiusi station is not busy and has both ticket machines and a staffed ticket window. The train itself was basic but comfortable. Plenty of room for luggage overhead in my coach.
Fast trains do sell out and prices are dynamic so you can save some money by buying tickets ahead. They are for that specific train however. I would allow some margin for delay, many of the regional trains Chiusi to Florence begin in Rome so they have the potential to accumulate some delays along the way. Florence SMN is also a large and busy station so you’ll need some time to chance platforms.
Posted by
OP
56 posts
We are staying in Florence for a few days. For some reason I could not find a car to drop off in Orvieto, which is really what I wanted. I don't know of car rental locations in Orvieto.
Posted by
OP
56 posts
Oh geeze, I just found a couple. Sorry.
Posted by
OP
56 posts
I was able to find a rental in Orvieto! Thanks all!
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34004 posts
a couple?
The only one I know of is the Hertz at the station. Unfortunately because of bad service the major US car rental broker refuses to use them. They may know something, so it is worth being careful.
Posted by
Southeast of Seattle
732 posts
Autoeurope.com, who we use for rentals in Europe does show availability in Orvieto to rent vehicles. As is suggested, it might be your best bet rather than going with a lesser known company.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
7233 posts
If AutoEurope is now offering Hertzin Orvieto that’s a recent change.
They have not worked with that location for at least the past 3 years
Posted by
Firenze, Italy
1722 posts
Between Orvieto and Florence you can use also intercity trains, that work under the ticketing rules of fast trains but have more intermediate stops than frecciarossa trains. They are more expensive (not too much) than regional trains but more confortable and about half an hour faster.