I just read on another board that tickets to the Uffizi can be bought at the train station. When I was in Florence last year, we just got in line and bought tickets and went in. Luckily, we only waited about 20 minutes. I am "guiding" some friends this time, and I don't want them to waste any time. Is there a difference between tickets and reservations? Has anyone bought tickets at the train station?

When I was there I picked up my tickets (with a reserved entrance time) at the train station tourist info window, but it is my understanding that the policy was changing and that the tickets would no longer be distributed there, but at the museum itself. Perhaps someone can confirm this. <BR>A ticket is just admission which you can buy on the spot, sometimes after waiting in a long line. A reservation is for a specific entry time, and you bypass the <BR>entrance line entirely. <BR>more information <BR>website for buying advance tickets to museums in Florence: <BR> www.waf.it/museires.htm <BR>Or call the Uffizi directly during their office hours, choose a time, leave your name, and they'll give you a 15-minute entry time window and a five-digit confirmation number. (In Italy, call 055-294-883. From the US, dial 011-39-55-294-883. Open Mon.-Fri. 8:30-18:30, Sat 9:00-12:00). At the Uffizi, walk past the long line to the special entrance for those with reservations, give <BR>your name and number, pay (cash only), and walk right in. <BR>www.uffizi.firenze.it Uffizi gallery <BR>

Marty, great question and wonderful info. right above, thank you Elaine. Will save all of us alot of time when in Florence. <BR>Thanks, <BR>Anne

Better yet let your hotel do it!!!

I highly recommend getting reservations prior to your visit. Either call the Uffizi directly (as recommended in an earlier post) or have the hotel make the reservations-- but definitely get them. My husband and I were there in July and there was a huge line waiting to get tickets. It was such a great feeling to just walk up to the entrance (they have a list) and go right in. If it's a busy time, you will not regret it!

I just did this today - very simple. A live body actually answered the Uffizi number (given in a previous post), gave me a reservation number and time - was told to be there 10 minutes ahead to pick up tickets at the museum. The whole phone call didn't last over 2 minutes.