getting from florence airport to main train station
 

I arrive into Florence by air then want to travel to Spello the same day by train. Is there a train from the airport to the main station?

any views on how important it is to buy advance puchase train tickets in Italy - I'll be there in July.

Shuttle bus or taxi---not that far---about 20E for a taxi.

There is no train from the airport. The direct bus is about 7 euro and takes 15-20 minutes, dropping you at the front of the train station. You can pay the bus driver. As you exit the airport terminal, go to the right and cross the road the taxis arrive by- the bus stop is right there. I believe the bus runs every 15-20 minutes.

Check the trenitalia train site for fares and schedules to Spello. I would think that the fastest route would be to Foligno or Perugia, then change to the short train ride to Spello, but check the site to make sure.

Enjoy your trip!

Shuttle bus 6€ - Volainbus (travel time about 15 minutes)

http://www.ataf.net/en/timetables-an...InBus&LN=en-US

Taxi - 20€

http://www.aeroporto.firenze.it/en/p...port/taxi.html

We take a taxi but make sure you go to the taxi stand as people will approach you inside the terminal asking if you need a taxi.

>>>any views on how important it is to buy advance puchase train tickets in Italy - I'll be there in July.<<<

Since the fast trains don't stop in Spello, you don't need to advance purchase. This route is mostly (perhaps all) regional trains (no seat reservations possible, no discounts, can't sell out). Tickets for regional trains are only sold 7 days in advance online and have more restrictions than tickets bought in Italy.

There are a couple of departures that don't require changing, but don't know if the times will work for you. They are your fastest option (2:45 - 15€). Departure at 12:09 or 14:09 or 16:09 (didn't check later). Holiday/Sunday schedules might be a bit different.

Otherwise, you have to change trains in Terontola-Cortona (next fastest option), or next option - change twice (Terontola and Perugia).

Regional trains don't have amenities so grab a snack/drink at the Florence station to take on the train. You must also validate your ticket before boarding for regional trains (not necessary for fast trains as they are for specific seats on specific trains).

If you opt for changing trains, regional trains are often scheduled for 1 minute stops (sometimes 2-4 minutes, but not much more than that). This means you need to know when your stop is coming up (check the list of stops on Trenitalia for the train you are thinking of taking- click the i next to the train) and be at the door with your luggage ready to get off. The train will not wait for you to do so. Ditto for catching the next train. Even if you take the train without changing, you need to know when Spello is coming up and be ready to get off (the Spello stop is 1 minute on the train that doesn't require a change).