I will be flying to Florence and spending four days there before needing to get to Milan to meet someone. Can anyone advise me on the train service between Florence and Milan? I heard it was best to buy train tickets in advance from the US rather than waiting to purchase them at the station. Is this true? If so, what is the best way to go about it? Thanks.

Hi Diane <BR>Look up www.trenitalia.com for timetable. <BR>You can buy your tickets in advance in any travel agency here in Italy. <BR>You must punch the ticket in the station before you get on the train - this is to validate it. <BR>Helen Donegan, editor Italywithus.com - <BR>a free monthly eZine. <BR>[email protected] <BR>www.italywithus.com

I would not purchase in the US, it will cost you more. You will have plenty of time to purchase in Florence. As mentioned, you can purchase from a travel agency or at the station. If you purchase at the station, I would not wait until the last minute, the Florence station can be very busy.

Many thanks for your responses and advice, Helen and mk. I've checked the schedule on line and will buy ticket once in Florence.

...that Diane, Helen Donegan and mk are all the same person? <BR>

Well I live in Umbria and I like to look up the questions here to see what interests visitors to Italy - I can get ideas for articles for my ezine - if I see a question I can answer it is no bother for me to send a reply. <BR>I don't know where Diana and mk are in the world but I really can't see it being worth anyone's time to write a question and then answer it. <BR>Helen Donegan, editor Italywithus.com - <BR>a free monthly eZine. <BR>[email protected] <BR>www.italywithus.com

I live in Boston and have never been to Italy and I appreciate both Helen and mk's responses. Be as suspicious as you want. I've gotten what I need and I think this is a great forum for just that.