Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Advice - Train from Rome to Florence

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Advice - Train from Rome to Florence

Hi, I will arrive in Rome at 9:00 am Dec 27, with a 4 yr old in tow. Can you tell me if I should take a shuttle to the train station, taxi or transportation service? Also should I purchase the train tickets in advance and reserve a seat or purchase them when I arrive at the station? Any advice would be appreciated. KD

No matter what you end up doing, KD, DON"T forget to validate your ticket in the little insignificant yellow (I think) box on the platform. Watch other passengers. If you don't do this, the fine is exhorbitant when tickets are checked. No matter what you do, don't argue with the ticket inspector on the train or the fine goes up.

I don't think you will find it difficult to take the train from the airport into Rome even with a four year old. A shuttle is a possibility also. There are some services that are reasonable and might be easier with a toddler in tow and luggage. The easiest, and the more expensive way, would be to make all of the reservations and purchase tickets here and have them in hand when you arrive. Order the shuttle or taxi walk out of the airport and take it to the Termini. It may be the best way for you. But you will still have to find the correct track and car when you get to the station. And as Rhonda said, validate your ticket before boarding. Unless one of us has done this with a small child, our advice is probably only a little help.

If you're in North America you can book through http://www.cit-tours.com, the site for CIT New York. If not, on http://www.fs-on-line.com/, and click on Ticket Office On-line. To travel in the Christmas season without seat reservations is not a good idea. There's a Eurostar train from Rome Termini at 1030 to Florence at 1205, and a (cheaper) InterCity train from Rome Termini at 1047 to Florence at 1316. Both have restaurant cars. The views of the Appenines are better from the InterCity, as you have more time to look. Welcome to Europe Ben Haines, London

KD I haven't traveled with a small child, but I have traveled with luggage, and that can be difficult in itself, getting on and off trains. If your question means that you are arriving at Rome's airport and you have to get to Termini station, if your budget can handle $40 or so, have a car service meet you at the arrivals terminal. I used Euroservice recently, but there are several services that have been recommended here. My driver was courteous and helpful, and he spoke English. And if you are an American, contact 1 800 CIT TOURS as Ben suggested, and order your tickets and seat reservations in advance. They will be promptly mailed to you. You will be paying a commission, but you will have them in your hands, be assured of seats, and avoid allowing time for waiting in any line at Rome's Termini. As mentioned, you still have to stamp your ticket in one of the little yellow-orange machines before you go to the track areas. Don't worry, you will see everyone doing that. A reserved seat is for a paricular seat in a particular train car. At the track you will notice the cars are numbered, or else show your ticket to someone and ask for help. If you get in on the wrong car, you will be faced with dragging your child and your luggage through narrow train cars until you get to the right place. There is a large two-tiered luggage rack at one end of most train cars. Sometimes these fill up very quickly. There are also overhead racks above the seats, but these are small and quite high up, difficult to get a heavy bag up there without help. Please think about all of this when you pack your luggage. Good luck.

Dear KD - there are trains running every 30 min - and it is about a 30 min drive to Termini train station - actually very convenient. No need to buy tickets in advance - get it close to the train at the Tabacchi! Enjoy!

Hi KD, I would recommend trying a limo service for the trip from the airport to the train service. I booked with [email protected]. the cost was $30 for 1 person for the trip from the airport to the hotel. He met me at the airport with a sign with my name on it and arrived on time to take me back from the hotel. I think with a child this would be the way to go. I took the train from Rome to Florence. There are machine to buy the ticket and it will talk to you in English. If you want to book the Eurostar, I would recommend making reservations as it was sold out both times I wanted to travel. However, I was able to purchase seats on the regular train with no problem. That train takes about 30-45 minutes longer which was not a problem for me. Good luck.

Many thanks to all that have replied, you have been a great help!! Kind regards and happy Holidays to you all, KD