Sorry...Train Question
 

I know there are a zillion places to learn about the trains, but could you answer this, please, if there’s an easy answer?

On the Trenitalia site, when a train is going from Point A to Point C, and there is a “Change Station” at point B, it shows the arrival time at Station B. How do you know how much time you have to change and/or wait? Thanks.

In the Info column to the left of the connection you want, click on the number (1, 2, 3, 4) and you will get a detail screen with the intermediate departure time.

Thank you Music. Yikes, I just looked, and I have 5 minutes to change trains. Is that even possible?

Or, do we just stay on the train, I wonder. . .I hope so.

When you enter your destinations you will get a list of train options, usually about 4 on one screen. They will be numbered 1-4 on the left side. Click on the number you want and when the next screen appears you will have actual train numbers. If there are 2 then you will have to change trains. If you click on the train number, you will get a list of all the stops. That is helpful because you will be able to tell when your stop is coming up.

If you are worried about not having enough time to change trains, then look to see if you can have more time to change. If you're going from A to C and have to change at B to a train leaving at, say, 1200, then do a separate search for trains from A to B arriving before 1200: you may find that you can start a little earlier, have a more relaxing journey, and perhaps have time for a coffee when you change trains.

Hi M,

>I have 5 minutes to change trains. Is that even possible?<

What is your route?

((I))

I'm no expert, but will chime in in a general way about trains.

Sometimes a few minutes is sufficient for changing trains. Be standing at the door w/ your suitcase as the train stops, get off quick, maybe you'll change platforms, then on to another train. Depends on the size of train station too, little towns are easier than cities.

All that said, my experience is mostly Swiss only a little Italian, which may be very different!

Thanks, everyone. The train in question is from Rome to Perugia. God and AA willing, we will arrive in Rome at 8:00 am and want to get on the earliest possible train or bus to Perugia.

One train leaves Rome at 9:36 and has a 7 min. change in Foligno.

The next train leaves Rome at 11:14 and has a 7 min. change in Terontola/Cortona.

There is a train that leaves at 12:14 that is non-stop, but I want to leave Rome as early as possible; I know we'll be exhausted and just want to get settled.

If we have a choice between Eurostar or R (which I guess means Regional?), does it matter?

Hi M,

ES* trains are more likely to be on time, are newer and are more comfortable, eg, the AC works most of the time.

You will more than likely make the 11:14. You should have no trouble making the connection in Terentola. Have your backs ready to go when the train stops.

At worst, you will have to walk down a flight and up a flight to cross the tracks.

((I))

Thanks, Ira. I think my biggest concern is getting off one train and not being able to figure out where the other one is, but luckily daughter is better at navigation than I am. :)

Does make me think, though, it might be a good idea to know ahead of time if/when another train leaves in case we do miss connection.

Also, do you have to revalidate your ticket before getting on a connection?

If your journey is covered by one ticket, you only have to stamp it at the start of the journey; you don't stamp it when you change trains.

Thank you, Geoffl.

If you miss the 13:31 train out of Terontola-Cortona, there is another one at 13:44.

Thanks, Music. That's a relief.