Transfers Rome to Florence return.

I think you have pretty well covered your options. You excluded train and air. You did not mention bus but assume that is excluded also since you would have to go into Rome to get the bus. Given the distance it is going to be hard to a "reasonable" transfer by a private vehicle. You could try Romecabs.

Eek...I'm going to step out on a limb and declare that we're pretty much a 'take the train b/n Rome and Florence' crowd here on the Helpline. If you're willing to share why you don't want rail (mobility issue, number of travelers, etc.), perhaps we could get our creative juices flowing...Are you adverse to renting a car? Otherwise, I think it's going to be very expensive.

Maureen, I have the same question as Eileen. Is there a particular reason you're unable to travel by train? Travel by Leonardo Express & EuroStar Italia / Alta Velocita is by far the easiest, quickest and least complicated method to get from FCO to Florence. As you've noted, the other options have a considerably higher cost! Cheers!

Thank you to everyone for your input. We appreciate it. We will probably go the train route. Take care!

just came back from our europe trip.the eurostar train from rome to florence is the way to go .less than 2 hrs takes you right into the town of florence. dave

Maureen, in that case (if you haven't already scoped things out) go to the Italian train website http://www.trenitalia.com/ At the top of the page, click on the English flag. I don't know your travel dates, but the most you'll spend per person is €45 each way (2nd class; €63 1st), and the trip takes 1h30m. The trains are direct, and there are no stops (lucky you!). The stations are called Rome (Roma) Termini and Florence (Firenze) S.M.Novella. Here's a link that will show you what your train should look like; look for the brown seats at the end of the grouping of 10 photos ("Frecciarossa" train). You can compare 1st and 2nd class. http://www.seat61.com/Italy.htm

WOW, this site and your help is amazing. I am looking into the trains right now. Only downside I heard was difficult to get large suitcases on? Thanks again for everyones input!

You are responsible for getting your own luggage on and off trains. Carry-on sized bags will fit on the rack above your seat. Anything larger will need to go in the racks at the end of the car. If possible, limit yourselves to one carry-on bag plus a day pack per person. At most, don't go bigger than 24". If you need to store your luggage at the end of the car, consider securing it to the rack with a cable lock. For tips on packing light, read the articles under the "Packing" heading on this page.

A few comments to add..... "If you need to store your luggage at the end of the car, consider securing it to the rack with a cable lock." Be sure to remove the Cable Lock in adequate time before your stop. In some cases, the trains only stop for a minute or so, and that's not a good time to be "fumbling" with the lock. That won't be a problem in your case, as you're taking a direct trip from Roma to Florence, but a good thing to note for "future reference". It's also a good idea to note the method for releasing the doors - sometimes a large red push button, sometimes a lever. The first part of your trip will be on the Leonardo Express from FCO to Termini. The airport station is easy to find - just follow signs to "Treni". You can buy tickets either at a ticket booth or one of the automated Kiosks (credit card required). The cost is €15 PP if purchased at a booth and €14 PP at the Kiosk. You can also buy your ticket from Rome to Florence from the Kiosk. One VERY IMPORTANT point to mention - BE SURE to validate your tickets in the yellow machine BEFORE boarding! If you're caught with an unvalidated ticket, the fines will NOT be a pleasant start to your trip! The Leonardo Express arrives on Track (Binario) 26 which is at the far end of Termini. It will take you 5-minutes or so to walk to the front to check the electronic boards to see which Track your train to Florence is on. You'll have reserved seats on the trip to Florence so be sure to note the Train No., Car No. (Carozza) and Seat No. (Posti) that's listed on your ticket. continued....

Part II.... You may find it very helpful to browse This Excellent Website, which has lots of information on travelling in Italy. For good reference information, you may also want to download a copy of Rick's Rail Guide. Click the "Railpasses" link at the top, and then look in the lower right corner for the link. Cheers!

If you don't mind answering, exactly what does "large suitcase" mean - what are the dimensions, how many pieces, and are (all of) you physically able to handle all of this luggage - honestly (lift overhead, carry them in front of you up and down narrow steps)? I can't check right now, but I believe from looking up your trains earlier that Rome and Florence (being major stops) spend a bit more time at the platform - maybe 10 mins or so - but whether 2 mins or 10 mins there'll be others trying to get on and off, too, so the on/off points get congested. If you have lots of heavy luggage, someone has to get off of the train while luggage is handed down to them...all the while others are getting on and off. Not fun, but doable if truly necessary. Hopefully, at most each of you will have a carryon-sized bag and maybe a smaller daybag.

This becoming one of those postings where it would be nice if we could rewind and start over with all the information. The whole thing seems very incomplete. Could Maureen tell us exact what they want to do and when.