Trenitalia Tickets

It depends on the type of ticket. The only reason to pre-purchase tickets is to take advantage of the discounts available. But the discount tickets can be no change, no refund or very limited change ability depending on the level of the discount. All kind of things can affect the timing including taking forever getting through immigration. So you best action is buy a full fare ticket after you arrive. Full fare on the Italian trains are very reasonable.

Larry, your concern about a late plane is valid. First, there are 55 trains a day from Rome to Florence so you are not going to miss a train. They run 3 per hour during the day. As soon as you retrieve your luggage and clear Immigration, you can make your way to Terminal 3 where there is a train station. At that station, you can buy the fastest tickets to Florence at that time. You will pay full fare at this point (14Euro for the Leonardo Express and 45Euro for the high-speed to Florence) Just give yourself about 20 minutes to change trains at Rome-Termini as the Leonardo Express from the airport comes in on tracks that are a short distance from the high-speed trains. You need a little time to walk into the main terminal platform and review the large digital signboard to locate your train. If you want to buy in advance, you can purchase Super Economy fares for as low as 19Euro for the high-speed. You can also buy Economy tickets at a slightly higher fare. The SE tickets are both non-refundable and non-exchangeable. The Economy ticket is also non-refundable but it can be exchanged prior to departure for a fee. If you plane is late and these trains depart, either of these tickets will be toast.

Curious as to why you are flying into Rome and immediately taking the train to Florence, and why not fly into Florence instead?

Frank is exactly right about the type of ticket. Super Economy fares are the cheapest and are non-changeable and non-refundable. By example, a 1st class standard fare is about $87 and super economy for the same train is $40. I would consider giving yourself 2 hrs. to get from the airport to Termini station (it is about 30 mins. by Leonardo Express train from the airport)that gives you 1.5 hours to get luggage and through immigration. Then build in another another hour just in case and if you end up breezing through everything - you will have saved enough on the Super Economy fare to buy a nice lunch or do shopping at Termini station (it has great stores and some nice restaurants)The train from Rome to Florence is only 1.5 hours.

Larry, Larry's info on the track for the Leonardo Express is a little outdated. The Leonardo Express now comes in at track #24. It may be several meters away from your connection, but not the half-kilometer that it used to be. Remember to validate the LE ticket.