Travelbound44

What a nightmare experience with this small budget bus company. We made reservations with them for transportation from the Rome airport to the Civitavechia cruise port and back 6 months before our arrival for a 21 day cruise. We had also booked a Livorno/Pisa/Lucca bus service while in Livorno. They cancelled our ride from the Rome airport to the cruise port without even telling us which meant we would have been stranded at the airport if not for our hotel Manager at Hotel Traghetto keeping tabs on our arrival. The worst part is that it has been over 8 weeks without a refund for services they cancelled without notice. When I asked an employee while in Italy why, he told me it happens a lot. If they don't have enough people to make money, they cancel, no refund? The bus trip from Livorno to Lucca/Pisa was in a bus with very little A/C and rude hosts. They only know what is in the little pamphlet they hand out and nothing else. We made it back to the cruise ship with little time to spare. Everyone on the bus was uncomfortable and worried about missing ship. Spend your hard earned vacation dollars on any company not named Tuscany Bus. Very bad experience.

bvlenci

I'm sorry this happened to you. For future reference, or for others needing transportation from Rome to the cruise port, there are (at least) two very reliable companies:

Rome shuttle taxi limousine service airport and port
RomeCabs.com Transfer and Tours in Italy

Neither company requires any payment in advance. They do ask for your credit card number to protect them from no-shows.

There are certainly other reliable shuttle services, but I know these two.

TDudette

Thanks for the info, Travelbound44.

Travelbound44

We ended up using Bob's Limo service. They do have a share ride that is less than having the "limo" to yourself. The driver explained everything about Civitavechia as we drove to the port. He gave us more info than The Tuscany Bus Livorno/Pisa/Lucca guide and we were only with him for 40 minutes, imagine that!

aliced

We used Tuscany Bus from Livorno port into Florence two months ago (early Sept.) and were very pleased. It was where it was to be in the town of Livorno, the employees were easy to spot in bright green shirts, the bus was very comfortable (weather was in mid-80s), driver was extremely cautious and did not exceed speed limits (too many horror stories here in the States and elsewhere of bus accidents), was clear in when and where in Florence we were to find the bus to return, departed on time, and returned us to port area of Livorno as scheduled. We wanted transportation, no tours. We booked online from home before our departure (as we also did for Positano ferry and train to/fro Rome from Civitavecchia port) and were happy to say no issues with any. Sorry for your unfortunate experience.

whitehall

We have used Civitavecchia Shuttle Express, small minivan, excellent driver, on time and reasonable price.. And we have taken the train, and it's a whole lot cheaper.

Travelbound44

aliced: Glad to hear you had a good experience with Tuscany Bus. Not only have we never received a refund but they misled and lied to us about their intentions.We wish everybody to have great experiences while traveling.

aliced

From Civitavecchia found the train the cheapest and fastest way into Rome. It's about a 20 min pleasant walk along the sea, but you can taxi to/from it. The express gets you to Termini station in under an hour, with a previous stop at the San Pietro (Vatican) stop. By far cheapest and fastest way. But train strikes were not an issue for us which always helps.

Travelbound44, perhaps you will get a refund after all if you keep bugging them, I hope so.

bvlenci

Transportation strikes are strictly controlled in Italy, never last more than and one day and must always be announced well in advance. For some reason (so workers can get a long weekend?) strikes are most often called for Friday. Occasionally, they're on Saturday or Monday, but I can't remember a midweek strike ever.

You can determine whether a strike might affect your trip before leaving home. This is the official website where strikes are announced:

Scioperi - mit2

It's only in Italian, but a lot of it is understandable, and Google Translate can help with the rest. (Plug the URL into the text box.) "Ferroviario" means "railway". Remember that in Europe, dates are written day-month-year.

Announced strikes are often cancelled after mediation, so check again shortly before your travel day.

Travelbound44

We realize Tuscany Bus is not interested in giving us a refund. They claim to have applied it to original card used which expired 6 moths ago. Over 8 weeks ago we had given them updated info on card to use. Our bank has no record of refund and informed us that they do not accept refunds to an expired card. Tuscany Bus just keeps ignoring this. I wish everyone safe and happy travels.