We are looking to travel from La Spezia to Venice in October. The connection to our train in Florence is 15 minutes. We want to book 1st class, but afraid we may not make it. I have some issues with my hips, so I can't really run. Any thoughts if this doable? If we miss can we get on another train without paying? Thanks in Advance!
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
15 minutes is an eternity. 10 minutes is doable. The website wouldn't have offered you this connection if it wasn't possible.
If you book this as one through journey, and the first train is late, then they stamp your ticket and you can get on the next train. But this is only if the first train is late. If you waste time getting a coffee and a sandwich and miss the train, that is your problem.
Florence (Firenze S. Maria Novella) is a dead-end (terminus) station, with all the platforms parallel. You have to walk to the front of the train, quick glance at the departure board, and then across to the platform for your next train, and find the correct coach. If you are running late, just jump on the first coach and walk down in the train (slower).
Most booking engines will allow you to specify a longer connection time, if you are slower walking than average. This would also allow you to have a quick look at Florence.
P.S. First class is not necessary, 2nd class is comfortable enough.
Posted by
New Orleans
1215 posts
Ditto to what Chris said, with this one caveat: My experience of trains in Florence (and I've probably arrived or departed from Florence at least 30 times over the last 10 years), is that the first class cars are usually the cars closest to the front of the train, as it stands in the station. Thus, if you arrive and depart on first class cars, you may well have significantly less walking up and down platforms in order to make your connection.
Posted by
Green Bay
20987 posts
Looking at the schedule, looks like you will be arriving on a 2nd class only Regionale. So when you board, see if you can get seats in the car closest to the engine. Then be standing by the door with your luggage as the train enters the station. Then you will be off the train close to the crossing in a 1 or 2 minutes. Your Freccia train will be arriving from Rome, and it is hard to say which end will be the 1st class cars. Looks like it will be stopped in Florence SMN for only 8 minutes, so it is likely you will be standing on the platform as it arrives into the station.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thanks for your replies. This is information is very helpful! Train tickets booked! :)
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32330 posts
" If we miss can we get on another train without paying?"
The train from Florence to Venice will be a high speed Freccia. Your tickets will be specific to train, date and departure time, so can ONLY be used on the one train listed on the ticket. If you miss that train, you MUST speak with a Conductor or or official at the ticket office and have your ticket changed as Chris described. If you board the train without doing that, you'll be subject to hefty fines on the spot since you'll be deemed to be travelling without a valid reservation for the train you're riding on!
Note that there's often a HUGE queue at the ticket office in Florence.
I'm assuming you booked your tickets to Venezia Santa Lucia station?