Hello, looking for tips on the best way to travel from Rome to Florence and then from Florence to Milan. Thinking a train from Rome to Florence, then perhaps a flight from Florence to Milan? Thank you in advance!
Posted by
Seattle
4637 posts
You can do both by train.
Posted by
Green Bay
20254 posts
Not only can you do them both by train, it is the quickest way.
Posted by
OP
16 posts
Is there a particular train line you'd recommend?
I'm guessing I need to purchase tickets in advance for these?
Posted by
Seattle
4637 posts
It takes 1 h 40 min. from Florence to Milan by Eurostar Italia. The train is direct with one stop in Bologna. Trains go quite often with one to two hours intervals.
Posted by
Green Bay
20254 posts
There are, surprisingly, 2 companies that that operate on the train line, which is a specially built high speed line where the trains can run at 200 mph. Trenitalia is the Italian national railway and operates the most trains, but there is also a private company, Italotreno, that runs fewer trains and about the same price that some people say (I haven't ridden them) are newer and a bit nicer.
The prime reason to buy in advance is to get deep discount prices for nonrefundable, non-changeable tickets. They operate much like airlines, buy a nonrefundable ticket and get a big discount, or pay more for a flexible ticket.
www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en
http://www.italotreno.it/en
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15260 posts
Train is the only option. There are no flights between Florence and Milan since the high speed rail line was completed. The plane couldn't compete with the train.
You don't need to purchase train tickets in advance. You can buy them on the spot. However you will pay the full 'base' price. As mentioned above, advance purchase will give you a chance at a discount, albeit with a loss of flexibility as discounted tickets are non refundable.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
For an introduction to Italian trains, see this, from train guru The Man In Seat 61: http://www.seat61.com/Italy-trains.htm#.VgpcISuLhlw
and this, from the wonderful Ron In Rome: http://www.roninrome.com/transportation/train-travel-italy
For Italy, unlike some other places, the base fare (full fare) on trains isn't insanely high. So, if you need total flexibility, it's not unreasonable to just buy tickets when you get there. However, if you can commit to non-refundable, non-exchangeable tickets bought in advance online, you can save a lot. Your choice.