Question: Train from Bologna to Lucca
Jul 7th, 2017, 05:10 PM
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Question: Train from Bologna to Lucca
Hi everyone,
A friend and I are traveling from Los Angeles to Lucca, and we'll arrive at the Bologna Airport on Sunday, July 23 at around 5:00 p.m. We'd like to take a train from Bologna to Lucca that evening. (We assume a train is the best way to go, since we don't want to deal with a car in Lucca.) I was wondering if anyone has any advice about routes and tickets - or any tips on getting from the Bologna airport to the train station!
It looks like we have a choice of going through Firenze or Prato. Since we don't know exactly when we'll get out of the airport and into the train station in Bologna, we're tempted to just get to the station and then buy a ticket for whichever train is leaving the soonest. Is there any reason why we shouldn't do that? Is one route preferable to the other? (Speed is probably more important to us than comfort, views, etc. at this point.) Should we buy our tickets in advance?
Thank you so much for any information you can provide! Once we're there I'm sure we'll get the hang of it - it's just this first day's travel that we need help with!
A friend and I are traveling from Los Angeles to Lucca, and we'll arrive at the Bologna Airport on Sunday, July 23 at around 5:00 p.m. We'd like to take a train from Bologna to Lucca that evening. (We assume a train is the best way to go, since we don't want to deal with a car in Lucca.) I was wondering if anyone has any advice about routes and tickets - or any tips on getting from the Bologna airport to the train station!
It looks like we have a choice of going through Firenze or Prato. Since we don't know exactly when we'll get out of the airport and into the train station in Bologna, we're tempted to just get to the station and then buy a ticket for whichever train is leaving the soonest. Is there any reason why we shouldn't do that? Is one route preferable to the other? (Speed is probably more important to us than comfort, views, etc. at this point.) Should we buy our tickets in advance?
Thank you so much for any information you can provide! Once we're there I'm sure we'll get the hang of it - it's just this first day's travel that we need help with!
Jul 7th, 2017, 05:35 PM
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Regional trains from Bologna Centrale through Prato would be the cheapest way - and you don't need to book them in advance, they cost the same now as they will if you buy them when you get there. On the Trenitalia website, I see a regional train leaving Bologna Centrale at 18:09, connect in Prato, get into Lucca 20:29, then the same connection an hour later if you can't quite make that one.
There are also connections through Florence that are a few minutes faster, but they cost more, on a Frecciarossa train from Bologna to Florence. But this option makes sense only if you miss just miss 18:09, because it looks like you'd be catching the same regional train to Lucca that goes through Prato, so it would arrive at the same time. So it wouldn't get you in earlier. And if you just missed the 18:09 regional train, it's probably too late to book the Frecciarossa to Florence (a reserved train) that late. You can book a regional train (no reserved seats) pretty much up until the last minute. (though you can't buy tickets on the train - must buy before you get on)
So can you get from the Bologna airport to the central station by 18:09? I'm not even sure catching the train from Bologna Centrale makes the most sense from the airport; maybe you can get a bus to a different train station or something. I'm not sure.
FYI, you can book Trenitalia train tickets on your phone with an app - one is the Trenit app. You can book them say the minute you get off the plane in Bologna, if you think you will get to the train station in enough time. Otherwise, you'll have to either buy the tickets from a ticket machine in Bologna or from an agent. That takes time if you are in a rush. I used the Trenit app in May and found it very handy. I paid using my Paypal account but you can probably use a US credit card, too. The ticket machines at the train station work fine too but they take either cash or chip and PIN credit cards; US chip and signature cards probably won't work (didn't for me). If there's no line to buy from an agent, that's even quicker - they'll speak English.
If you buy a paper ticket in Bologna, make sure you validate before getting on a regional train! Big fines for being on a regional train without a validated ticket. You don't need to worry about this if you buy with the Trenit app.
There are also connections through Florence that are a few minutes faster, but they cost more, on a Frecciarossa train from Bologna to Florence. But this option makes sense only if you miss just miss 18:09, because it looks like you'd be catching the same regional train to Lucca that goes through Prato, so it would arrive at the same time. So it wouldn't get you in earlier. And if you just missed the 18:09 regional train, it's probably too late to book the Frecciarossa to Florence (a reserved train) that late. You can book a regional train (no reserved seats) pretty much up until the last minute. (though you can't buy tickets on the train - must buy before you get on)
So can you get from the Bologna airport to the central station by 18:09? I'm not even sure catching the train from Bologna Centrale makes the most sense from the airport; maybe you can get a bus to a different train station or something. I'm not sure.
FYI, you can book Trenitalia train tickets on your phone with an app - one is the Trenit app. You can book them say the minute you get off the plane in Bologna, if you think you will get to the train station in enough time. Otherwise, you'll have to either buy the tickets from a ticket machine in Bologna or from an agent. That takes time if you are in a rush. I used the Trenit app in May and found it very handy. I paid using my Paypal account but you can probably use a US credit card, too. The ticket machines at the train station work fine too but they take either cash or chip and PIN credit cards; US chip and signature cards probably won't work (didn't for me). If there's no line to buy from an agent, that's even quicker - they'll speak English.
If you buy a paper ticket in Bologna, make sure you validate before getting on a regional train! Big fines for being on a regional train without a validated ticket. You don't need to worry about this if you buy with the Trenit app.
Jul 7th, 2017, 05:50 PM
#3
Going through Firenze would be the fastest.
There is frequent bus service between the Bologna Airport and the Bologna Centrale train station.
http://aerobus.bo.it/en
I would buy the train tickets after getting to the station.
The trains leaving at 6:25p and 7:25p take 2:04 hours. The connecting time is 11 minutes, so be ready to get off when the train arrives in Florence. If you miss the connection from the 6:25p train, the next train to Lucca is an hour later. If you miss the connection from the 7:25p train, the next train to Lucca is 2 hours later.
The last train option of that day departs Bologna at 9:25p and takes 3 hours, so I'd try hard to catch one of the earlier trains, even if it meant taking a taxi to the train station. If you take the last train, make sure your lodging knows when to expect you.
If you intend to use trains to explore from Lucca, here is the Trenitalia website. Use Italian spellings of town names.
http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en
There is frequent bus service between the Bologna Airport and the Bologna Centrale train station.
http://aerobus.bo.it/en
I would buy the train tickets after getting to the station.
The trains leaving at 6:25p and 7:25p take 2:04 hours. The connecting time is 11 minutes, so be ready to get off when the train arrives in Florence. If you miss the connection from the 6:25p train, the next train to Lucca is an hour later. If you miss the connection from the 7:25p train, the next train to Lucca is 2 hours later.
The last train option of that day departs Bologna at 9:25p and takes 3 hours, so I'd try hard to catch one of the earlier trains, even if it meant taking a taxi to the train station. If you take the last train, make sure your lodging knows when to expect you.
If you intend to use trains to explore from Lucca, here is the Trenitalia website. Use Italian spellings of town names.
http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en
Jul 7th, 2017, 07:23 PM
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Take the regional trains only--same time to get from Bologna Centrale to Lucca, and they are much cheaper, costing about 13 euro each...it is a pleasant ride. There is one at 6:09 & 7:09, Under not circumstances, take the train that leaves at 20:40-it's the milk train and takes twice as long. If you have to, take one of the fast trains--they run different times, cost about 2x as much.
Before you get to Lucca make sure you have checked the map of the city to know which gate to go thru to get to where you are staying. The trains station is about 60 meters from the city walls, and it an easy walk. Just orient yourself as you come out of the station
Lucca is one of my favourite towns; if this is your first time you will love it. The Da Vinci Exhibit is there right now---see it if you have not seen it. Let me know if you want more info
Before you get to Lucca make sure you have checked the map of the city to know which gate to go thru to get to where you are staying. The trains station is about 60 meters from the city walls, and it an easy walk. Just orient yourself as you come out of the station
Lucca is one of my favourite towns; if this is your first time you will love it. The Da Vinci Exhibit is there right now---see it if you have not seen it. Let me know if you want more info
Jul 7th, 2017, 11:38 PM
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Reading this it looks like you need to take a taxi to the central station to have any hope of catching those convenient trains. If it were me, I would plan to stay the night in Bologna. Even if the plane lands by 5pm, getting onto a train at 7.25 pm is not a sure thing, especially if you need to take time to buy a ticket.
Bologna is a nice city although the parts around the train station are not the nicest. But there is a very highly regarded restaurant near the train station, called Via Serra, that isn't expensive. There is a nice little hotel called Il Guercino very close by to it, or a bigger AC hotel.
Bologna is a nice city although the parts around the train station are not the nicest. But there is a very highly regarded restaurant near the train station, called Via Serra, that isn't expensive. There is a nice little hotel called Il Guercino very close by to it, or a bigger AC hotel.
Jul 8th, 2017, 06:31 AM
#6
In Bologna's train station, most of the regional trains leave from up top (street level). There are several lower levels that take a good amount of time if you have to trek to the bottom level (where the fast trains leave from). It's multiple escalators plus walking some longish hallways to reach that lowest level. You would have to allow enough time in the station to reach them.
In the past you haven't been able to purchase regional train tickets online more than a week in advance plus more restrictions apply so be careful if you chose that option. There might be a tobacco store (or convenience type) in the airport with the Trenitalia logo where you could simply purchase your ticket before heading to the train station (any stores that sell tickets have the Trenitalia logo on their window somewhere).
If you buy a ticket for a fast train, you are buying for that specific train/time and it includes your seat (no need to validate the ticket). If you buy for regional trains online in advance, it will be for a date and approximate time window (pay attention in the purchase process to see if you have to board within a certain number of minutes). Regional trains have no seat reservations. Regional tickets with date and times don't have to be validated (it will say in the process), but regional trains bought walk up that don't have that restriction will need to be validated in the machine trackside before boarding.
In the past you haven't been able to purchase regional train tickets online more than a week in advance plus more restrictions apply so be careful if you chose that option. There might be a tobacco store (or convenience type) in the airport with the Trenitalia logo where you could simply purchase your ticket before heading to the train station (any stores that sell tickets have the Trenitalia logo on their window somewhere).
If you buy a ticket for a fast train, you are buying for that specific train/time and it includes your seat (no need to validate the ticket). If you buy for regional trains online in advance, it will be for a date and approximate time window (pay attention in the purchase process to see if you have to board within a certain number of minutes). Regional trains have no seat reservations. Regional tickets with date and times don't have to be validated (it will say in the process), but regional trains bought walk up that don't have that restriction will need to be validated in the machine trackside before boarding.
Jul 8th, 2017, 06:53 AM
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If you want to take the fast trains in Bologna station, have the taxi driver take you to the entrances that service the fast trains and simply go down the escalators. You will definitely need a taxi if you are trying to make one of those evening trains. Don't even think about taking the bus.
If you book in advance the 19.25 train to Florence and miss it, you can change your ticket for a train leaving the next day. On Sunday in July, you should have little trouble finding a hotel room in Bologna with air conditioning. You can start by walking across the street from the train station and asking.
I think there are now 3rd party websites that sell regional tickets if you want one.
Where are you coming from? If you are taking multiple connecting flights from the US to get to Italy and thus will be jet-lagged, exhausted, maybe you really should consider slowing down and actually planning to spend a night in Bologna. Have dinner. It could be more than 90 degrees when you arrive, and racing around train stations, tired, nothing to eat for hours -- not a great idea.
However if you are just hopping down from Ireland or Vienna someplace else in Europe without being jet lagged, you might want to go for it. Be definitely take a taxi to the station and I say book that 19.25 to Firenze.
If you book in advance the 19.25 train to Florence and miss it, you can change your ticket for a train leaving the next day. On Sunday in July, you should have little trouble finding a hotel room in Bologna with air conditioning. You can start by walking across the street from the train station and asking.
I think there are now 3rd party websites that sell regional tickets if you want one.
Where are you coming from? If you are taking multiple connecting flights from the US to get to Italy and thus will be jet-lagged, exhausted, maybe you really should consider slowing down and actually planning to spend a night in Bologna. Have dinner. It could be more than 90 degrees when you arrive, and racing around train stations, tired, nothing to eat for hours -- not a great idea.
However if you are just hopping down from Ireland or Vienna someplace else in Europe without being jet lagged, you might want to go for it. Be definitely take a taxi to the station and I say book that 19.25 to Firenze.
Jul 8th, 2017, 01:28 PM
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Thank you all for the great responses! There's so much useful info here!
We'll definitely take a taxi, and I just put the Trenit app on my phone. I now understand how to recognize a regional train vs. a fast train, so that will help too!
I wish we could slow down and spend the night in Bologna, but we have an Italian class in Lucca on Monday morning. We'll be pretty wiped out, I'm sure, but we'll be happy to be in Italy! It's good to have the info about where to stay and eat in Bologna just in case we miss the train.
I did think to book a night in Bologna on the way back home so I could be on time for my early morning flight. But I didn't think about allowing more time on the way to Lucca. It just felt like if I booked a flight leaving LAX on 7/22, it wouldn't be a problem to get to a class on 7/24. Silly me!
KrisMom, I would love more info on the DaVinci exhibit and anything else you recommend in Lucca. My friend and I will be there for one week, and I'll be there alone for a second week. We're very interested in taking side trips to off-the-beaten-path places, via train or bus. I was thinking I might post a separate question about side trips, but if any of you have suggestions, I would welcome them! As far as our interests, we both like exploring towns, seeing beautiful things, eating and drinking! We have a list of possible nearby places to see, but the only thing we have booked for sure is a trip to Torre del Lago/Viareggio for the Puccini Festival.
We'll definitely take a taxi, and I just put the Trenit app on my phone. I now understand how to recognize a regional train vs. a fast train, so that will help too!
I wish we could slow down and spend the night in Bologna, but we have an Italian class in Lucca on Monday morning. We'll be pretty wiped out, I'm sure, but we'll be happy to be in Italy! It's good to have the info about where to stay and eat in Bologna just in case we miss the train.
I did think to book a night in Bologna on the way back home so I could be on time for my early morning flight. But I didn't think about allowing more time on the way to Lucca. It just felt like if I booked a flight leaving LAX on 7/22, it wouldn't be a problem to get to a class on 7/24. Silly me!
KrisMom, I would love more info on the DaVinci exhibit and anything else you recommend in Lucca. My friend and I will be there for one week, and I'll be there alone for a second week. We're very interested in taking side trips to off-the-beaten-path places, via train or bus. I was thinking I might post a separate question about side trips, but if any of you have suggestions, I would welcome them! As far as our interests, we both like exploring towns, seeing beautiful things, eating and drinking! We have a list of possible nearby places to see, but the only thing we have booked for sure is a trip to Torre del Lago/Viareggio for the Puccini Festival.
Jul 8th, 2017, 01:43 PM
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Did you get a great rate into Bologna, out of curiosity? Why did you pick Bologna to fly into/out of and not, say, Pisa, which is really close to Lucca?
I don't think you absolutely must take a taxi from the airport to Bologna Centrale. (It's always possible you will arrive early too.) There seems to be frequent airport bus service (every 11 minutes during much of the day) and it takes about 25 minutes:
http://aerobus.bo.it/en
If for some reason you just miss the leaving bus or are running late then take a taxi. If you have 45 minutes spare at the airport and see the bus is about to leave, and you've already bought the train tickets on your phone, just take the bus.
I don't think you absolutely must take a taxi from the airport to Bologna Centrale. (It's always possible you will arrive early too.) There seems to be frequent airport bus service (every 11 minutes during much of the day) and it takes about 25 minutes:
http://aerobus.bo.it/en
If for some reason you just miss the leaving bus or are running late then take a taxi. If you have 45 minutes spare at the airport and see the bus is about to leave, and you've already bought the train tickets on your phone, just take the bus.
Jul 8th, 2017, 09:26 PM
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Another very helpful response - thank you, Andrew. It's good to know the specifics on the buses. Now we'll have enough info to make a good decision depending on when our flight gets in, etc.
Yes, I chose Bologna because the flight (Air Berlin) was $1,000 cheaper than anything I could find to Pisa or Florence, and it also had the best-timed layovers. I figured it was worth a little extra hassle. And I'm looking forward to spending a day in Bologna on my way back. I got an incredible deal at the Hotel Corona d'Oro. It should be a nice last night in Italy, I hope.
Yes, I chose Bologna because the flight (Air Berlin) was $1,000 cheaper than anything I could find to Pisa or Florence, and it also had the best-timed layovers. I figured it was worth a little extra hassle. And I'm looking forward to spending a day in Bologna on my way back. I got an incredible deal at the Hotel Corona d'Oro. It should be a nice last night in Italy, I hope.
Jul 9th, 2017, 04:23 AM
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The bus from the airport does not drop you off at the entrance to the fast trains. The escalators on that side of the Bologna train station are hard to find (easier, a small elevator) and then you still need to move your luggage under the tracks of the entire length of the train station, which is not air conditioned at that level.
Also, you can get on an airport bus, thinking it will leave shortly and you have plenty of time, when just before departure, an entire tour group of 15 off 20 shows up, needs to buy tickets, stow their luggage, board the bus -- and then this group gets dropped off, not at the train station but, several stops before, and it takes time for them to retrieve their luggage (heaven help you if they have bikes).
If your flight arrives early, take a taxi to the Bologna train station and get something to eat. You won't have time otherwise -- not in Florence or after you check in to your place in Lucca. There are food kiosks on the lower level of the station where the fast trains depart.
Of course, if your kids won't be able to afford to go to college if you spring for a taxi -- which for 2 of you will cost about 3 euros more than 2 bus tickets -- then by all means try to save money taking the bus. By a round trip ticket since you can use it returning to the airport for your journey back home.
Also, you can get on an airport bus, thinking it will leave shortly and you have plenty of time, when just before departure, an entire tour group of 15 off 20 shows up, needs to buy tickets, stow their luggage, board the bus -- and then this group gets dropped off, not at the train station but, several stops before, and it takes time for them to retrieve their luggage (heaven help you if they have bikes).
If your flight arrives early, take a taxi to the Bologna train station and get something to eat. You won't have time otherwise -- not in Florence or after you check in to your place in Lucca. There are food kiosks on the lower level of the station where the fast trains depart.
Of course, if your kids won't be able to afford to go to college if you spring for a taxi -- which for 2 of you will cost about 3 euros more than 2 bus tickets -- then by all means try to save money taking the bus. By a round trip ticket since you can use it returning to the airport for your journey back home.
Jul 9th, 2017, 06:44 AM
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LALucia, sounds like you got a great deal to fly to Bologna! I probably would have done that too. It's worth spending time in Bologna for the food alone!
I would "practice" with the Trenit app if you think you might use it. It is easy to use, but you can't register with Trenitalia as an American - you must buy the ticket as a "guest" so must enter all info in each time you buy a ticket (birthday, etc.). And if you have a Paypal account be prepared to use that to buy the tickets or a US credit card. I assume you'd have a working smart phone in Bologna when you land.
massimop, you may have missed the fact that taking the 18:25 or 19:25 train via Florence doesn't get the OP in earlier than the regional train via Prato at 18:09 or 19:09. Either via Prato or Florence, they would connect to the same regional train that gets into Lucca at 20:29. If they take the 18:25 via Florence, they'll connect to the same regional train that arrives in Lucca at 20:29 or 21:29. The good only reason to take the (more expensive) train via Florence would be if they couldn't quite make the 18:09 but could make the 18:25 (or the 19:09 vs 19:25). The difference in fare, it seems, is 13.35 euros vs 30.50 euros per person. I guess I'd take the Florence train and spend the extra 34 euros to avoid waiting another hour for the regional train, if the timing worked out exactly that way. Otherwise, I don't see the point myself.
If the OP arrives so late that they miss even the 19:09, then I'd take whatever train gets in to Lucca earliest, whatever the cost.
I would "practice" with the Trenit app if you think you might use it. It is easy to use, but you can't register with Trenitalia as an American - you must buy the ticket as a "guest" so must enter all info in each time you buy a ticket (birthday, etc.). And if you have a Paypal account be prepared to use that to buy the tickets or a US credit card. I assume you'd have a working smart phone in Bologna when you land.
massimop, you may have missed the fact that taking the 18:25 or 19:25 train via Florence doesn't get the OP in earlier than the regional train via Prato at 18:09 or 19:09. Either via Prato or Florence, they would connect to the same regional train that gets into Lucca at 20:29. If they take the 18:25 via Florence, they'll connect to the same regional train that arrives in Lucca at 20:29 or 21:29. The good only reason to take the (more expensive) train via Florence would be if they couldn't quite make the 18:09 but could make the 18:25 (or the 19:09 vs 19:25). The difference in fare, it seems, is 13.35 euros vs 30.50 euros per person. I guess I'd take the Florence train and spend the extra 34 euros to avoid waiting another hour for the regional train, if the timing worked out exactly that way. Otherwise, I don't see the point myself.
If the OP arrives so late that they miss even the 19:09, then I'd take whatever train gets in to Lucca earliest, whatever the cost.
Jul 9th, 2017, 07:28 AM
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Kybourbon: As of very recently, all regional train tickets, not just those bought online, are for a specific date, and can be used anytime that day. They can be changed before that date. This is a measure to combat fare beating. Regional tickets bought online are for a specific date <b>and</b> time window.
Massimop: If you miss a reserved train, you can reschedule it, provided it was a full-price ticket and you change it within an hour of the scheduled departure, at a ticket window or authorized seller. If there's a line at the ticket window, you may have a tight squeeze. Discounted tickets can't be changed on the day of travel.
Massimop: If you miss a reserved train, you can reschedule it, provided it was a full-price ticket and you change it within an hour of the scheduled departure, at a ticket window or authorized seller. If there's a line at the ticket window, you may have a tight squeeze. Discounted tickets can't be changed on the day of travel.
Jul 9th, 2017, 01:36 PM
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Thanks once again! I think I'm starting to get the hang of this. Who knew there were so many factors to take into account!
I've been looking through the Trenit app and I'm understanding things much better. I've even got a handle on the fast trains' Base/Economy/S Economy spectrum vs. the Standard/Premium/Business spectrum!
One question - given the rather short connection times, is there any advantage to changing trains in Prato rather than in Florence? Possibly Prato's a smaller station where it would be easier to find the train? Also, going through Florence we'd be changing from a high-speed train to a regional train - would that make finding the train more complicated?
I'm sure I could come up with even more questions, but I'll control myself and make this the last one! Thanks!
I've been looking through the Trenit app and I'm understanding things much better. I've even got a handle on the fast trains' Base/Economy/S Economy spectrum vs. the Standard/Premium/Business spectrum!
One question - given the rather short connection times, is there any advantage to changing trains in Prato rather than in Florence? Possibly Prato's a smaller station where it would be easier to find the train? Also, going through Florence we'd be changing from a high-speed train to a regional train - would that make finding the train more complicated?
I'm sure I could come up with even more questions, but I'll control myself and make this the last one! Thanks!
Jul 9th, 2017, 02:19 PM
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Lucia, if you want, you can "follow" a trip (trains with connetions) in Trenit. It's the middle of the night now as I post this, so probably no trains running - but you could "follow" any particular trip, then see which platform numbers are used at the various stations. To see the platform numbers in Trenit in a trip you are following, you have to follow a trip in progress (or just recently in progress I think).
Anyway - you could try to guess which platforms would be used on that day by checking a trip say tomorrow with Trenit. Nice to use Trenit to check platforms and delays in transit too, so when you hop off your first train, you already know if the next train is late or on time and which platform it is boarding from! You don't have to get off and look for a monitor; you know it's on, say, platform 2, so just loo for that as soon as you hop off. And if your connecting train happens to be a few minutes delayed, then you can breathe a little easier.
Florence S.M.N. station (which I have been through a few times) is almost certainly larger than Prato's (never been through), but I think S.M.N. is easy to navigate as there are no subways between tracks as I recall (in most Italian train stations, you must take steps down from a train platform, then cross under and take steps up to another platform.). On my last trip to Italy in May, a few of my connections happened to be on adjacent platforms - I got off one train and ran across to the waiting train on the opposite platform - no steps! Love when that happens.
I had several tight connections in May (like 6 min each) on a trip via regional trains from Venice to Camogli; I made both of the tight connections easily, but then the third train was 30+ minutes delayed, so I missed the easy connection on that trip and had to take the next train. I think these connection times are derived over years of practice to be as efficient as possible. Sometimes you will miss a connection, though - it happens.
Anyway - you could try to guess which platforms would be used on that day by checking a trip say tomorrow with Trenit. Nice to use Trenit to check platforms and delays in transit too, so when you hop off your first train, you already know if the next train is late or on time and which platform it is boarding from! You don't have to get off and look for a monitor; you know it's on, say, platform 2, so just loo for that as soon as you hop off. And if your connecting train happens to be a few minutes delayed, then you can breathe a little easier.
Florence S.M.N. station (which I have been through a few times) is almost certainly larger than Prato's (never been through), but I think S.M.N. is easy to navigate as there are no subways between tracks as I recall (in most Italian train stations, you must take steps down from a train platform, then cross under and take steps up to another platform.). On my last trip to Italy in May, a few of my connections happened to be on adjacent platforms - I got off one train and ran across to the waiting train on the opposite platform - no steps! Love when that happens.
I had several tight connections in May (like 6 min each) on a trip via regional trains from Venice to Camogli; I made both of the tight connections easily, but then the third train was 30+ minutes delayed, so I missed the easy connection on that trip and had to take the next train. I think these connection times are derived over years of practice to be as efficient as possible. Sometimes you will miss a connection, though - it happens.
Jul 10th, 2017, 03:02 AM
#17
>>> Regional tickets bought online are for a specific date and time window.<<<
Some bought at the stations have time windows also.
There are several tracks in Prato so you might have to go down under them to catch your next train. Sometimes elevators are easy to locate and working and sometimes they aren't.
Some bought at the stations have time windows also.
There are several tracks in Prato so you might have to go down under them to catch your next train. Sometimes elevators are easy to locate and working and sometimes they aren't.
Jul 12th, 2017, 02:42 AM
#20
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andrew,
No, it is precisely because there is no time savings in getting to Lucca, and because every option involves a train change, that I highly recommend to LALucia that she reserve seats NOW on the 7.25 train. That is the train she has the best guarantee of making, and it is the most comfortable ride. It's a total nuisance to try to board a crowded regional train with unreserved seats when you are hauling luggage. You can end up needing to haul your luggage through several cars to find seats and space for your luggage. (People can even end up being forced to stand for the entire ride--- after a plane flight from LA?)
bvlenci,
I assume kybourbon is referring to the fact that if you buy tickets out of machines in train station for regional trains that they are only valid for the train you choose. The little voice in the box tells you that.
Also, it was already mentioned in the thread that tickets can be changed if you miss a train. But in the Bologna train station, that is not a simple matter. There are often lines, and the regional ticket windows are separated from the departure points for fast trains (and vice versa) by quite a distance, up and down stairs. I can't imagine anything much more aggravating and stressful and possibly very costly to the wallet than having bought a ticket for an early train figuring it's a snap to change if the train is missed, and then find yourself delayed flying in and then getting stuck on line at the station waiting to get that ticket changed -- while the 7.25 train, your last chance to get to Lucca pulls out of the station.
I would buy the discounted 7.25pm ticket in advance figuring that even if my plane comes in early, and even if I get to the station in time to board an earlier train & I'm itching to be in motion, the easiest thing to do at that point is to buy a Regional ticket and throw the 7.25pm ticket away. Yeah, yeah I know that means paying for something I didn't actually use -- but if I had just saved $1000 on my air travel, I might run wild. (In reality, if my flight came in early I'd go eat something and use my 7.25pm ticket since I'm not getting to Lucca any faster or easier taking the regional train).
No, it is precisely because there is no time savings in getting to Lucca, and because every option involves a train change, that I highly recommend to LALucia that she reserve seats NOW on the 7.25 train. That is the train she has the best guarantee of making, and it is the most comfortable ride. It's a total nuisance to try to board a crowded regional train with unreserved seats when you are hauling luggage. You can end up needing to haul your luggage through several cars to find seats and space for your luggage. (People can even end up being forced to stand for the entire ride--- after a plane flight from LA?)
bvlenci,
I assume kybourbon is referring to the fact that if you buy tickets out of machines in train station for regional trains that they are only valid for the train you choose. The little voice in the box tells you that.
Also, it was already mentioned in the thread that tickets can be changed if you miss a train. But in the Bologna train station, that is not a simple matter. There are often lines, and the regional ticket windows are separated from the departure points for fast trains (and vice versa) by quite a distance, up and down stairs. I can't imagine anything much more aggravating and stressful and possibly very costly to the wallet than having bought a ticket for an early train figuring it's a snap to change if the train is missed, and then find yourself delayed flying in and then getting stuck on line at the station waiting to get that ticket changed -- while the 7.25 train, your last chance to get to Lucca pulls out of the station.
I would buy the discounted 7.25pm ticket in advance figuring that even if my plane comes in early, and even if I get to the station in time to board an earlier train & I'm itching to be in motion, the easiest thing to do at that point is to buy a Regional ticket and throw the 7.25pm ticket away. Yeah, yeah I know that means paying for something I didn't actually use -- but if I had just saved $1000 on my air travel, I might run wild. (In reality, if my flight came in early I'd go eat something and use my 7.25pm ticket since I'm not getting to Lucca any faster or easier taking the regional train).
