We are flying into Rome on a Sunday and staying in Cortona. Does the train from Rome go to directly to Cortona? We wanted to rent a car in the Tuscany area, but they aren't open on Sunday. Trying to figure the best way to do this. Does anyone have suggestions? We are 1st time travelers to Italy.
Posted by
6763 posts
This is a common conundrum since it would be simplest to get a car at airport, but driving that far on no sleep would be ill advised, and many small town offices closer to Cortana will be closed. Before I did anything else, I would determine if anything can be changed. Can I get to Rome a day earlier without great penalty, can I change anything else about the bookings?
Posted by
OP
2 posts
It would be too costly to change to a day earlier at this point. Could we take the train and a taxi to our hotel? Rent on car on Monday in Cortona?
Posted by
6763 posts
That sounds like the best course— I would inquire with accommodations about a transfer have been pleasantly surprised several times with a ride!
Posted by
57 posts
Does the train from Rome go to directly to Cortona?
Check on trenitalia.com/en.html , but put a day of travel before June 14.
Could we take the train and a taxi to our hotel?
Where is your hotel? I doubt there are metered cabs in a village of 20,000 , but I'm sure there are buses and private drivers.
I'd consider two alternative options:
- airport train from "Fiumicino Aeroporto" (aka FCO) to "Roma Tiburtina" station; Trenitalia IC train from Roma Tiburtina to Orvieto. Sleep in Orvieto, see the stunning Duomo, get your car on Monday. Drive for 1h and 40 minutes to Cortona.
- airport train from FCO to Roma Tiburtina station; take a 2h 40m bus to Siena. Spend the night there and get your car on Monday. It's an 1 hour drive to Cortona.
But, whatever your choice... get an IDP, do not drive while you are still jetlegged in a foreign country, do not drive into the ZTL areas and remember that locals know where the speed traps are.