Nicolemp

Is it necessary to pre-book train travel from Levanto to Lucca?. We need to travel on June 30 in the morning in order to arrive before the car rental shop closes in Lucca. Are these routes usually full or can we just buy a ticket at the train station before departure?

kybourbon

No, mostly R trains, but requires multiple changes. Why aren't you picking up the car in La Spezia?

Nicolemp

What is an R train? Regional? Also, I never thought to pick up the car in La Spezia because I thought it was a small town, and we have found that if there is a rental agency, they are not always open on the weekend. If there is a rental agency there, then that does make sense. We need to get to lucca for a cooking class and overnight stay so thought that is where we would rent from. Good idea! thanks

kybourbon

Yes, regional train.

Many people pick up or drop off cars in La Spezia. La Spezia is bigger than Lucca. Most rental places close at 1 on Saturday and are closed all day Sunday. Lucca won't have any better hours than La Spezia. June 30th appears to be a Sunday so neither city will have offices open.

Pisa airport is about 30 minutes by train or bus from Lucca. Many people pick up there as they have longer hours. I doubt you will find any car locations open on Sunday in the area other than Pisa or Florence airports.

http://www.pisa-airport.com/aeroporto_di_pisa_78.html

Nicolemp

What is the difference between an intercity train, and regional?
It is actually june 29 (saturday) that we need to pick up our car in lucca and can take the train from levanto to lucca and arrive at 10:27 am-enuf time to get to the car rental office which closes by noon.
Do we save any money by pre-booking our train tickets or is it the same price if we buy on day of travel for that journey?? thanks!

kybourbon

Some places are only served by R trains which are the slower regional trains that stop in little towns. No discounts, no reserved seats, often no AC. IC trains are only slightly better and usually have compartments of six seats (you would be sharing with others). Seats are reserved. Usually the AC will work, not always. The fast trains (AV) are between major cities only, don't stop at small towns, have amenities (restaurant/snack cars). Lucca is mostly served by R trains.

You can save a euro or two on the IC train by booking in advance, but not much on this route as the tickets are really cheap. The IC ticket Levanto/Viareggio is only 10€ regular price.

>>>can take the train from levanto to lucca and arrive at 10:27 am-enuf time to get to the car rental office which closes by noon.<<<

Have a plan B if your train is late or you miss a connection.

FYI - R tickets must be validated trackside before boarding or you can be fined.