I will be in Italy next week and know that I want to take the Eurostar train from Rome to Florence. How early do I need to buy the tickets - can I show up a half hour before the train leaves to get my ticket and board? Do you need a reservation for a 2nd class Eurostar train? I'm wondering if I should get the ticket on line to play it safe. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

We have never bought train tickets on-line for Italy. We always buy them after we get there but usually go to the station the day before we need them and purchase them. Although we have purchased them the same day - the Eurostar from Rome to Florence in July might be really crowded. I don't think I would wait until a half hour before. Others can probably advise you better but I wouldn't wait until the last minute.

I concur with cheriegal - buy your train tickets at least a day before you travel. They have easy-to-use vending machines at train stations that dispense of tickets and you can use your credit card to make the purchase.

Concur with previous posters; best to buy your ticket at least a day or ahead as you're traveling during the busy season of July. For a very detailed thread on aspects of train travel, specifically on the Eurostar check out >>>
Eurostar Italia: Differences between First and Second Class
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34419647

Just a thought about 2nd class ES trains- they are advertised as being air conditioned, but were very hot nonetheless. If that will bother you, spring for the 1st class tickets where the AC works fine.