Train travel in Italy - Help!
Jul 11th, 2011, 08:36 AM
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Train travel in Italy - Help!
Hello! My husband and I are first time travelers in Italy and we're trying to figure out how we're getting to and from each city we going to in September. Here is our itinerary:
17 September: FCO to Crowne Plaza near Vatican City (unfortunately their 12 Euro shuttle doesn't run at the time we arrive)
21 September: Rome to Monterosso (CT)
23 September: Monterosso (CT) to Greve in Chianti (we are planning on going to a city, maybe Pisa and picking up a rental car)
27 September: Greve (really some other city close by, maybe Florence??) to drop off rental car then on to Venice.
30 September: Venice city center to airport
I've seen several sites to buy tickets but I can't tell if there is one train, many trains, etc or many companies allowing you to buy tickets to the same trains.
I have found 2 sites that seem reputable but I am not sure where to start.
http://www.fsitaliane.it/homepage_en.html
http://www.raileurope.com/europe-tra...aly/index.html
Help! Thank you in advance.
17 September: FCO to Crowne Plaza near Vatican City (unfortunately their 12 Euro shuttle doesn't run at the time we arrive)
21 September: Rome to Monterosso (CT)
23 September: Monterosso (CT) to Greve in Chianti (we are planning on going to a city, maybe Pisa and picking up a rental car)
27 September: Greve (really some other city close by, maybe Florence??) to drop off rental car then on to Venice.
30 September: Venice city center to airport
I've seen several sites to buy tickets but I can't tell if there is one train, many trains, etc or many companies allowing you to buy tickets to the same trains.
I have found 2 sites that seem reputable but I am not sure where to start.
http://www.fsitaliane.it/homepage_en.html
http://www.raileurope.com/europe-tra...aly/index.html
Help! Thank you in advance.
Jul 11th, 2011, 08:39 AM
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Jul 11th, 2011, 09:05 AM
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Thanks! I guess I'm a little confused all around. So, when I get into Rome, I think I need to travel to the Termini station but then I need to get to my hotel, which is about 10km from the station. It recommends that we take a bus to the station close to the hotel. Which is fine, I just don't understand if I need to get tickets ahead of time or is it okay to get them when we get to each stop. Also, if we get tickets ahead of time (which I would really prefer), are the tickets to the trains separate from the buses or does your pass get you onto both?
Thank you! I know it's a lot of questions, but this is the part I am most nervous about.
Thank you! I know it's a lot of questions, but this is the part I am most nervous about.
Jul 11th, 2011, 09:22 AM
#4
No, don't go into Rome as your hotel is on the outskirts of Rome, closer to the airport. It will be cheaper (and much faster) just to book a shuttle from the airport directly to your hotel than taking the train in (14€ each) and then a taxi.
http://www.romeshuttlelimousine.com/...t-transfer.php
There is no point in buying your train tickets ahead of time as much of your travel will be on slow R trains which has no reserved seating and no advance purchase discount.
http://www.romeshuttlelimousine.com/...t-transfer.php
There is no point in buying your train tickets ahead of time as much of your travel will be on slow R trains which has no reserved seating and no advance purchase discount.
Jul 11th, 2011, 09:25 AM
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<<So, when I get into Rome, I think I need to travel to the Termini station but then I need to get to my hotel, which is about 10km from the station.>>
Termini is IN Rome; you'd take a train (Leonardo Express most likely) from the airport to Termini.
Your hotel is near Vatican City but it's 10km from Termini? That doesn't sound logical.
<<I just don't understand if I need to get tickets ahead of time or is it okay to get them when we get to each stop.>>
Tickets ahead of time for what? You can buy a ticket to Termini when you get to the airport. Have no idea what you mean by "each stop." At any rate, your train ticket from the airport to Termini has nothing to do with bus tickets once you're in the city.
Maybe if you posted the name and address of the hotel this would be clearer.
Termini is IN Rome; you'd take a train (Leonardo Express most likely) from the airport to Termini.
Your hotel is near Vatican City but it's 10km from Termini? That doesn't sound logical.
<<I just don't understand if I need to get tickets ahead of time or is it okay to get them when we get to each stop.>>
Tickets ahead of time for what? You can buy a ticket to Termini when you get to the airport. Have no idea what you mean by "each stop." At any rate, your train ticket from the airport to Termini has nothing to do with bus tickets once you're in the city.
Maybe if you posted the name and address of the hotel this would be clearer.
Jul 11th, 2011, 09:27 AM
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From FCO airport train station you can take a train to the Vatican City train station (not sure of proper name) but it is on the regional train service and not the Leonardo Express, a dedicated non-stop train to Termini - the Vatican station should be close it seems to your hotel.
You are traveling relatively little on trains so forget anything about a railpass - but I would encourage you to pay a little extra for the benefits of first class on Italian trains - at least long-distance ones - a much more relaxed experience if on the trip of a lifetime and especially if hauling luggage around - I have ridden zillions of Italian trains for decades now and IME first class is definitely worth the extra money - there are Fodorites that vehemently dispute this but that is my experience. Check out these fab sites for lots of info on Italian trains - www.seat61.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com; www.ricksteves.com. There will be no problem booking all your trains once in Italy - you could do it all at once in FCO train station - all your trips but www.trenitalia.com has online advance discounts usually but then these are train-specific and cannot be changed nor refunded easily I believe - but IME you will never have problems getting on any of the zillions of daily trains - especially in first class where typically there are quite a few empty seats.
You are traveling relatively little on trains so forget anything about a railpass - but I would encourage you to pay a little extra for the benefits of first class on Italian trains - at least long-distance ones - a much more relaxed experience if on the trip of a lifetime and especially if hauling luggage around - I have ridden zillions of Italian trains for decades now and IME first class is definitely worth the extra money - there are Fodorites that vehemently dispute this but that is my experience. Check out these fab sites for lots of info on Italian trains - www.seat61.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com; www.ricksteves.com. There will be no problem booking all your trains once in Italy - you could do it all at once in FCO train station - all your trips but www.trenitalia.com has online advance discounts usually but then these are train-specific and cannot be changed nor refunded easily I believe - but IME you will never have problems getting on any of the zillions of daily trains - especially in first class where typically there are quite a few empty seats.
Jul 11th, 2011, 09:30 AM
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Never mind, I see it's the Crowne Plaza on the via Aurelia Antica..
This is right from the hotel's website.
From Termini train station: metro A direction Battistini. Stop at Cornelia Subway Station. From Cornelia bus n. 889
This is right from the hotel's website.
From Termini train station: metro A direction Battistini. Stop at Cornelia Subway Station. From Cornelia bus n. 889
Jul 11th, 2011, 09:34 AM
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Something sounds wrong about your hotel info. Vatican City is nowhere near 10K from Termini. I think you may find yuor hotel is much farther from the center than you think - and a PIA to get back and forth from.
OK - so you hotel is NOT near the Vatican - it's much further from the center of things - and you will need to understand how the buses and taxis work to get yourself into and out of the center of Rome. Since the "shuttle" seems to run very rarely - plan on spending a lot of time and money getting to where you really need to go to see things.
I suppose it's too late to change to a hotel in the center of town - so you can walk to a lot of sights?
OK - so you hotel is NOT near the Vatican - it's much further from the center of things - and you will need to understand how the buses and taxis work to get yourself into and out of the center of Rome. Since the "shuttle" seems to run very rarely - plan on spending a lot of time and money getting to where you really need to go to see things.
I suppose it's too late to change to a hotel in the center of town - so you can walk to a lot of sights?
Jul 11th, 2011, 09:56 AM
#10
>>>Something sounds wrong about your hotel info. Vatican City is nowhere near 10K from Termini.<<<
The hotel is not in Vatican City (it's on the west side). It's in the suburbs of Rome a good distance from the center which is why there is no point in going into Rome's main train station from the airport as Termini is on the opposite side of Rome from this hotel. Many people book this hotel because they are using their hotel points.
>>>but I would encourage you to pay a little extra for the benefits of first class on Italian trains - at least long-distance ones <<<
Many R trains have no 1st or 2nd class - it's all cattle class.
The hotel is not in Vatican City (it's on the west side). It's in the suburbs of Rome a good distance from the center which is why there is no point in going into Rome's main train station from the airport as Termini is on the opposite side of Rome from this hotel. Many people book this hotel because they are using their hotel points.
>>>but I would encourage you to pay a little extra for the benefits of first class on Italian trains - at least long-distance ones <<<
Many R trains have no 1st or 2nd class - it's all cattle class.
Jul 11th, 2011, 10:07 AM
#11
>>>From FCO airport train station you can take a train to the Vatican City train station (not sure of proper name) but it is on the regional train service and not the Leonardo Express, a dedicated non-stop train to Termini - the Vatican station should be close it seems to your hotel.<<<
You can't actually take a train to the Vatican station (private station inside the Vatican walls) although there has been talk of opening this up to the public. There was a lot of construction around this last time I was at the Scavi office in the Vatican, but don't think it really had to do with making this station available to the public.
There is a Roma S Pietro station, but would require a change of trains at Trastevere. Too much hassle with luggage and you would still need to get from there to the hotel. Book the shuttle.
You can't actually take a train to the Vatican station (private station inside the Vatican walls) although there has been talk of opening this up to the public. There was a lot of construction around this last time I was at the Scavi office in the Vatican, but don't think it really had to do with making this station available to the public.
There is a Roma S Pietro station, but would require a change of trains at Trastevere. Too much hassle with luggage and you would still need to get from there to the hotel. Book the shuttle.
Jul 11th, 2011, 10:14 AM
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I'll let others haggle about how to best get to your hotel ..... as for your other questions ....
Research thru the Trenitalia website (fyi, Rail Europe charges a service fee when purchasing thru their site). BUT you really won't need to buy tix ahead .... I do find that it's helpful to review your routes online and even print out so you know which trains you hope to travel on.
Rome to Monterosso - Travel time will be 4 to 4 1/2 hours.
Obviously best to choose the quickest most direct option .... in this instance you'll have to change trains at least once, or possibly twice (depending on what you choose). Ideally, one of the faster trains (EuroStar or Frecciarossa) will get you to LaSpezia .... or the InterCity (IC) trains are also okay. At LaSpezia Centrale, you'll then change trains to a slower local (pokey!) train that will get you to your final destination. The transfer time between these two trains may show up as only a few minutes .... DON'T WORRY .... LaSpezia Centrale is a tiny train station with only a few tracks (no problema w/ 7 minutes between arrival/departure times).
When you're ready to depart the Cinque Terre, you could take train to Florence to pick up your rental car for the Greve in Chianti portion of your trip. OR, or, may consider picking up rent car in LaSpezia. Been awhile since I was there, however think Hertz (?) has an office within walking distance from station .... (want LaSpezia Centrale, as there is another stop for LaSpezia).
Greve in Chianti -- after a few days here, you then plan to go to Venice? Actually you could drive to Venice and drop it there .... or should you prefer not to drive it all the way there, then perhaps a drop-off in Bologna or Verona (Verona is even closer to Venice), and then take train on to Venice.
Research thru the Trenitalia website (fyi, Rail Europe charges a service fee when purchasing thru their site). BUT you really won't need to buy tix ahead .... I do find that it's helpful to review your routes online and even print out so you know which trains you hope to travel on.
Rome to Monterosso - Travel time will be 4 to 4 1/2 hours.
Obviously best to choose the quickest most direct option .... in this instance you'll have to change trains at least once, or possibly twice (depending on what you choose). Ideally, one of the faster trains (EuroStar or Frecciarossa) will get you to LaSpezia .... or the InterCity (IC) trains are also okay. At LaSpezia Centrale, you'll then change trains to a slower local (pokey!) train that will get you to your final destination. The transfer time between these two trains may show up as only a few minutes .... DON'T WORRY .... LaSpezia Centrale is a tiny train station with only a few tracks (no problema w/ 7 minutes between arrival/departure times).
When you're ready to depart the Cinque Terre, you could take train to Florence to pick up your rental car for the Greve in Chianti portion of your trip. OR, or, may consider picking up rent car in LaSpezia. Been awhile since I was there, however think Hertz (?) has an office within walking distance from station .... (want LaSpezia Centrale, as there is another stop for LaSpezia).
Greve in Chianti -- after a few days here, you then plan to go to Venice? Actually you could drive to Venice and drop it there .... or should you prefer not to drive it all the way there, then perhaps a drop-off in Bologna or Verona (Verona is even closer to Venice), and then take train on to Venice.
Jul 11th, 2011, 10:24 AM
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Being as you are train newbies http://tinyurl.com/eym5b can help. It is an illustrated introduction to train travel in Europe.
When renting a car in Pisa be aware of the Z.T.L. That stands for <i>zona traffico limitato</i>, restricted traffic zone. Florence also has a Z.T.L. Violations are very expensive. You should also have an International Driving Permit when driving in Italy.
When renting a car in Pisa be aware of the Z.T.L. That stands for <i>zona traffico limitato</i>, restricted traffic zone. Florence also has a Z.T.L. Violations are very expensive. You should also have an International Driving Permit when driving in Italy.
Jul 11th, 2011, 10:27 AM
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<i>- there are Fodorites that vehemently dispute this but that is my experience and IME first class is definitely worth the extra money</i>
Okay, I'll confess, I be one of those that, uh, let's say respectfully disagrees with PalenQ. But not vehemently! Rather would suggest that when traveling on one of the nicer high speed trains for a distance taking 3 hours or less, you really don't need to opt for 1st class. Hey, if your budget allows then by all means, go for it.
<i>- there are Fodorites that vehemently dispute this but that is my experience and IME first class is definitely worth the extra money</i>
Okay, I'll confess, I be one of those that, uh, let's say respectfully disagrees with PalenQ. But not vehemently! Rather would suggest that when traveling on one of the nicer high speed trains for a distance taking 3 hours or less, you really don't need to opt for 1st class. Hey, if your budget allows then by all means, go for it.
Jul 11th, 2011, 10:28 AM
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For travel from Venice city center to the airport, much depends on the location of your hotel and the time you need to travel. In general, there are three options:
1- Private water taxi from hotel to airport -setimated cost about 100€
2- Public express water bus (Alilaguna) -estimated cost about 15€
3- Public local water bus (vaporetto) plus land bus -estimated cost about 6.50€
One option may make more sense than another depending on the proximity of your hotel to a vaporetto/Alilaguna stop and whether or not your hotel has its own dock. Some companies are beginning to offer shared private water taxis as well.
1- Private water taxi from hotel to airport -setimated cost about 100€
2- Public express water bus (Alilaguna) -estimated cost about 15€
3- Public local water bus (vaporetto) plus land bus -estimated cost about 6.50€
One option may make more sense than another depending on the proximity of your hotel to a vaporetto/Alilaguna stop and whether or not your hotel has its own dock. Some companies are beginning to offer shared private water taxis as well.
Jul 11th, 2011, 12:04 PM
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Wow, thank you so much everybody! I am going to look into everything tonight and hopefully have a better idea of how to get to and from everywhere we're going.
I think I will opt for the shuttle from the airport to the hotel. I've heard that the shuttle to city center runs pretty often but we may end up having to cab it - hopefully not. We did end up using Priority Club points so we won't be switching our hotel.
Good to know about the Z.T.L in Pisa. I knew there was one in Florence! Also, good to know that we could get tickets when we get there. Although I would prefer to have my travel booked to each city, we may just wait until we get there.
spaarne, I will check out the site you recommended. Looks like a trains in Italy for dummies - perfect! Thank you!
I think I will opt for the shuttle from the airport to the hotel. I've heard that the shuttle to city center runs pretty often but we may end up having to cab it - hopefully not. We did end up using Priority Club points so we won't be switching our hotel.
Good to know about the Z.T.L in Pisa. I knew there was one in Florence! Also, good to know that we could get tickets when we get there. Although I would prefer to have my travel booked to each city, we may just wait until we get there.
spaarne, I will check out the site you recommended. Looks like a trains in Italy for dummies - perfect! Thank you!
Jul 11th, 2011, 12:15 PM
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My husband and I visited Italy in May 2011. When I asked for advice on Fodors, lots of folks suggested that I fly into Venice and out of Rome, and not the other way around. Here's the thread:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-itinerary.cfm
I have to say -- This advice was right-on. It was much easier to find convenient flight times into Venice and out of Rome. Plus the train travel went smoothly from Venice to Cinque Terra, Florence, and then Rome. Plus Venice offered a gentle start to our vacation. If you have flexibility, I recommend this direction.
I found this web site super helpful too: http://www.italylogue.com/planning-a...two-weeks.html
The only part of our trip that I would change.. is possibly spending less time in Florence. In retrospect, I would spend more time in the surrounding small tuscan towns instead of Florence.
Have fun!
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-itinerary.cfm
I have to say -- This advice was right-on. It was much easier to find convenient flight times into Venice and out of Rome. Plus the train travel went smoothly from Venice to Cinque Terra, Florence, and then Rome. Plus Venice offered a gentle start to our vacation. If you have flexibility, I recommend this direction.
I found this web site super helpful too: http://www.italylogue.com/planning-a...two-weeks.html
The only part of our trip that I would change.. is possibly spending less time in Florence. In retrospect, I would spend more time in the surrounding small tuscan towns instead of Florence.
Have fun!
Jul 11th, 2011, 05:45 PM
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I think you need to assume you will be cabbing in the evening. You will certainly want to eat dinner in central rome - have the best choice of restaurants and the opportunity for an after dinner walk through the floodlit piazzas with splashing fountains. I think you will find that the shuttle has stopped running by them - and even if not a cab is well worth not having to wait for one.
Jul 12th, 2011, 02:57 AM
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>>>but I would encourage you to pay a little extra for the benefits of first class on Italian trains - at least long-distance ones <<<
Many R trains have no 1st or 2nd class - it's all cattle class>
Yes and no one takes regional trains for long distances and many R trains I have been on indeed do have some first-class seats - not all but more than a few - the r trains from FCO into Rome are indeed all cattle car class indeedy!
Many R trains have no 1st or 2nd class - it's all cattle class>
Yes and no one takes regional trains for long distances and many R trains I have been on indeed do have some first-class seats - not all but more than a few - the r trains from FCO into Rome are indeed all cattle car class indeedy!
Jul 13th, 2011, 01:36 AM
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Hello
There is only one national rail company and its called Trentatlia. http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/inde...0080a3e90aRCRD
Tickets can be brought online or at the station.
There is only one national rail company and its called Trentatlia. http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/inde...0080a3e90aRCRD
Tickets can be brought online or at the station.
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