Firenze / Florence to Lucca by train

When taking a train from Florence/Firenze to Lucca what won't be obvious at S.M.Novella station, is that two groups of train services operate on this route:
(1) the trains heading on to Pisa or Viareggio worth targeting, as they're faster by around 25 mins
(2) slower trains, which are more sparse in the morning, but will stand out on the departure screens, because they terminate in Lucca.

All trains also call at: Pistoia, Montecatini and Montecatini Centro

If you want to stop off on the way to Lucca by train to explore the delights of Montecatini Terme leave the train at Montecatini Centro.

If you will be heading off in the morning, look up the departure times on the Trenitalia website, even if you will be buying tickets at the station.
They are fewer departures in the morning, there is typically a gap between 09:10 and 11:38.
The departures are more frequent in the afternoon, in some hours after 13:00 there are two departures, one of which will be a slower train.

Most trains on this route are 2nd class only.

Book early and save: No

Tickets will cost the same price if purchased at the station immediately before departure.

Though on this route there are two benefits of booking tickets for your journey in advance on the Trenitalia website.

(1) You can avoid what can be long queues for the ticket machines and ticket office at Firenze S.M. Novella station

(2) You can confirm the departure times on your chosen travel date, it will help you target these faster trains.