While in Rome we would like to visit Florence, travelling by train. I've read everything on the this site about Italian trains! But I just want to know if the following will be alright?<BR><BR>Travelling on a Wednesday in early November<BR>Leaving Rome at approx 7.10am on the Eurostar 2nd class for Florence. Will buying a ticket 1 or 2 days before travelling be OK? If I try to use the automated machines at the station do you state the time and date you want to travel and does this include a seat reservaton when you get your ticket?<BR>Can you purchase a return at all? Can you purchase the return ticket at the machine in Rome.<BR>Any info would be greatly appreciated<BR><BR>PS. Does anyone know of a Rome public transport website in English?

&lt;&lt;Will buying a ticket 1 or 2 days before travelling be OK?&gt;&gt;<BR><BR>I feel sure that the answer will be yes. And personally, I would not be focused on using the automated machines, since buying from a human being at the counter is really very accommodating, whether you speak a lot of Italian or not. And sure, you can purchase your return at the same time as the outbound. Both will include the seat reservations.<BR><BR>I do not know any websites in English for the Metro nor for the (much more extensive) bus system. But taxis are such a good alternative - - and at that hour of the morning, why not indulge yourself? In fact, I would simply ask your hotel to arrange a taxi to be there for you at your hotel at 6:15 or 6:30 (which is probably a little bit earlier than necessary).<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

up, for Sara.<BR>

I wouldn't sweat getting a ticket ahead of time sinece it's such a short puddle jump and a train leave for Florence every 20 min. To clarify: if you are right at the station or an agent it would be ok to purchase it, but don't waste a precious second of your trip going out of your way to buy the ticket ahead of time. The ticket window at the station (Termini) is a snap whereas the machines can be a touch confusing.

Mid-week in Nov, no problem with getting a ticket that day. But that early in the morning you might want to purchase it beforehand. I think the ticket machines are very easy to use and I can't program anything I own without it becoming a major project. Regards, Walter

Thanks for the replies, you've put my mind at rest. I'd just read so many horror stories of long queues and not doing the right thing.