We will be two weeks in Italy, staying in Venice-Florence-CT-Siena (area) then departing from Rome. Question: which train do you recommend we take between Venice and Florence, the Intercity, which is almost a whole hour longer, or ES Italia EV? Is there an advantage to taking the intercity? Can you see interesting sites along the way or should we just take the fastest train to our distanation?
Posted by
Dallas, TX, USA
1170 posts
Definitely take the ES AV (Eurostar Alta Velocita) when available. It will get you there fastest with the fewest stops inbetween. The Intercity trains are slower, and stop at every little town along the way. They are also not as modern and are quite run down. As far as interesting sites along the way, you won't see anything but graffiti coming into and out of the train stations which seem to always be located in the seediest parts of town.
Posted by
OP
Mercer Island, Washington
30 posts
Thank you! That is very helpful.
Posted by
Denver, CO, USA
1601 posts
I believe the Eurostar trains are a lot more expensive than the Intercity or the regional trains. Hence, it comes down to the cost v/s time to get to your destination.
Posted by
Mpls, MN
1005 posts
We took the Eurostar from Venice to Florence last summer as it is much faster than the Intercity. We found 2nd class on the Eurostars to be just fine and went 1st class on the Intercity trains. Buon Viaggio!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
Arnold is correct in that you need to weigh the hour saved against the higher price paid. Normally we take the slow simply because an hour doesn't make that much difference to us. Now if it was three or four hours, that would be significant.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17438 posts
Do they end up at different stations? SMN versus Rifredi? I thought the ES trains go to SMN and IC to Rifredi. Small point but worth knowing.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
Don't forget that it's easy to get from the other stations to SMN. Just walk inside the station to the newsagent's desk and get a local ticket....like a bus ticket....good for a ride on the several commuter trains/hour that will come thru heading for SMN. I think it cost a Euro, if I remember correctly...and you stamp it in the machine on the platforms.