I'm flying into Rome direct from the United States and am scheduled to arrive at 8:50am. I want to go directly to Florence on the high speed Eurostar train to start my trip. Most information I've read suggests reserving such a train a few days in advance but as I am landing in Rome and going directly to the train this won't be possible. Do you think I'll still be able to get a train? I understand it isn't possible to reserve these trains ahead of time online from the US, right? If it IS possible to reserve ahead of time any suggestion for what train I should book if my flight is scheduled to land at 8:50am. Thanks!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
Whoa !! Slow down, Dad. There is something like 53 trains a day between Florence and Rome so the probability of not getting a ticket is very low. You can reserve any train in Italy out about 90 days from US by using the trenitalia.com site. But it is not wise to book a ticket when flying in because of the many variables related to landing, etc. If you buy ticket far enough in advance, you can get deep discount BUT these are no change tickets. When you are at the airport, the ticket office for the Leonard Express into Rome Termini will also sell you the ticket for Florence. By then you can judge which train to take time wise. There is a high speed train at least every hour. With a 8:50 arrival you would be in good shape for a departure for Florence after 12:00 pm.
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4162 posts
Dan ,Arriving on a transatlantic flight and going directly to Florence , I would not buy a ticket in advance . The Frecce , or high speed trains , require train specific reservations ( departue time ,carriage and seat ) If there is some flight or arrival delay and you miss a given train , you are out the cost of the ticket . The best way for you , IMO , is to purchase the ticket at the airport train station where you also buy tickets for the Leonardo Express train to Roma Termini station . At Roma Termini ,you will change for the train that takes you to Firenze Santa Maria Novella station . For more details go to the " Ron in Rome " website , THE best source for Italian rail information .
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
That is not quite true. If you buy a regular full fare ticket in advance and miss the train you have an hour to exchange it for a new ticket - no extra charge. Depending on the discount ticket, some will give a credit for a full fare ticket if you miss. However, the really deep discount tickets are no refund, no change. Just be sure you understand the terms of the ticket when you purchase.
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4162 posts
@ Frank ,Sorry , you're quite right , I missed that . Many Thanks , Steve
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16061 posts
If one pays the full 'base' fare then why bother with purchasing in advance a ticket? Just buy at the station.
There is ZERO chance of not finding seats from Rome to Florence. There are 2 to 3 trains an hour and at most they are 80% full. In the unlikely event one train is sold out, the next train 20-30 min later will have plenty of seats.