Taking a train from Rome to Florence is worth it. The alluring city of Florence dazzles even the most seasoned travelers with its picture-perfect Renaissance buildings, scenic piazzas, and world-class museums.
Approximately 143 miles separate the two cities; high-speed train is the best way to cover this route. Aside from reaching Firenze in less than two hours, trains are comfortable, affordable, well-run, and punctual. In fact, any other method of going between Rome and Florence (airplane, car, and bus, for instance) will take nearly twice as long.
To help you enjoy a seamless journey via train from Rome to Florence, we’ve put together this thorough guide answering essential questions such as where to buy tickets, what’s the best train to take, how long the ride takes, and more.
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Train From Rome to Florence: The Essential Info
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Taking the train from Rome to Florence
Traveling by train from Rome to Florence is easy and comfortable. The distance from Rome to Florence is 162 miles, and most trains travel directly between both cities, meaning you won’t be required to change trains.
Trains depart from the main train stations in Rome: the Rome Termini Station and the Rome Tiburtina Station.
The majority of the trains depart from Rome Termini Station, which is the central station of Rome, and arrive at Firenze Santa Maria Novella Station. Trains leave Rome as early as 5:35 AM and as late as 9:30 PM, and there are trains every 30 minutes. On average, there are 68 train services a day from Rome to Florence.
High-Speed Trains v/s Regional Trains
Taking the high-speed train is the fastest way to travel from Rome to Florence. They can reach speeds of up to 186 mph and will get you from Rome to Florence in only 1h30.
High-speed trains to Florence require a seat reservation in advance, and average ticket prices are €40 for the round-trip.
Intercity and Regional trains departing from Rome, on the other hand, take more time to reach Florence. Travel time can take anywhere from 3h 30min to 4h 30min. Also, these trains tend to be older. The upside is that tickets are cheaper, costing between €10-€20.
Another major difference between high-speed and regional trains is the amenities. High-speed trains are equipped with modern and luxurious amenities like air conditioning and power outlets at your seat to charge devices. There is wi-fi on most trains, and it’s possible to buy drinks and snacks from a food cart.
Train from Rome to Florence – Different Operators
The Frecciarossa, aka “Le Frecce”, is Italy’s most well-known high-speed train operated by Trenitalia. They’re known for their comfort, ultra-modern design, and reduced impact on the environment. These trains are equipped with a food carriage and free WiFi connection.
There are 4 levels of service available with The Frecciarossa –
| ➤ Standard | Free Wi-Fi, luggage zone, easy food service, and quiet carriage |
| ➤ Premium | Drinks and welcome snacks served on arrival, as well as a morning newspaper |
| ➤ Business | Drinks and snacks, morning newspaper, and larger seats |
| ➤ Executive | Fast track, access to FrecciaClub lounges in selected stations, and gourmet meals served to your seat |
The new Frecciarossa trains have 4 levels of service – Standard, Business, Executive, and Meeting Room – and two types of carriage: Silence Area, for those who want to travel in total tranquillity, and Allegro Area, for those who want to chat with their fellow passengers.
Alternatively, you can also opt for taking the high-speed train operated by Italo Treno, which runs services between many of the major cities across Italy. Italo trains are modern, air-conditioned, and have free WiFi available.
The Italo trains have four distinct classes –
| ➤ Smart | The cheapest price |
| ➤ Comfort | Wider seats and extra legroom |
| ➤ Prima | Welcome selection of food and drink, fast-track boarding, and extra space |
| ➤ Executive Club | All Prima services + extra-wide seats, access to Italo Club Lounges, and personal entertainment |
Aside from the Frecciarossa trains, Trenitalia also operates the intercity trains, which depart out of Roma Termini and Roma Tiburtina stations. Italo Treno only offers service from Roma Termini to Firenze S. M. Novella.
How long does it take to travel by train from Rome to Florence?
| ➤ Rome to Florence By High-Speed Trains | 1h 30min |
| ➤ Rome to Florence By Regional Trains | 3h 30min – 4h 30min |
Train from Rome to Florence – Ticket Information
Florence to Rome high-speed train tickets can be purchased months in advance three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. For instance, if you book in advance, it is possible to find cheap train tickets for around €15 to €20. Therefore, it’s recommended to purchase tickets for the high-speed train in advance, as fares are often lower.
Regional train tickets between Florence and Rome are valid on a range of dates and times, which means you do not have a reserved seat. They can be secured before departure at ticket stands and ticket machines inside the train station.
The train ticket can be bought in advance through one of the two train vendors, Trenitalia or Italo, or through an online train agency, TrainLine.
How much does the train from Rome to Florence cost?
| ➤ Ticket Rates (Subject to change) | Between €10 to €100 |
Is there a direct train from Rome to Florence?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Rome to Florence without having to change trains. There are 65 direct trains from Rome to Florence each day.
Train from Rome to Florence – The Schedules
| 🌄 Earliest Train | 5:30 AM |
| 🌌 Last Departure | 11:50 PM |
Which train station in Rome should you board from?
Most trains depart from Rome Termini Station, the main railway station of Rome. From Termini, you can also catch the Leonardo Express train to Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport. The station also provides daily service to all major Italian cities as well as many major European cities.
There are also high-speed and regional trains departing from Rome Tiburtina Station, which is located further east. All trains terminate at Florence Santa Maria Novella station (Station Firenze SMN).
Where is the train station in Florence located?
The Florence train station is located just at the edge of the city center. To get into the city center, where all the major attractions are located, you just have to walk straight out of the train station either directly in front of you, or just a little to your left, and cross over the big streets.
Where To Stay In Florence
✦ Hotel Leonardo Da Vinci
✦ Palazzo Vecchietti
✦ Eco Urban B&B
✦ Villa Cora
✦ Palazzo Tolomei – Residenza d’Epoca
✦ Residence Hilda
✦ The St. Regis Florence
✦ The Place Firenze
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the train from Rome to Florence take?
The train from Rome to Florence takes between 1 hour and 15 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the type of train you take. High-speed trains (Frecciarossa) are the fastest, while regional trains (Regionale) make the most stops and are therefore the slowest.
Is it better to buy train tickets in advance or at the station?
In general, it is always better to buy train tickets in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season (summer months, weekends, and holidays). This will guarantee you a seat on the train you want and you may even be able to get a discounted fare. However, if you are flexible with your travel dates and times, you may be able to find tickets at the station on the day of travel.
What are the different types of trains that run between Rome and Florence?
- High-speed trains (Frecciarossa): These are the fastest trains, with a journey time of around 1 hour and 30 minutes. They are also the most expensive.
- Intercity trains (Intercity): These trains are a bit slower than high-speed trains, with a journey time of around 2 hours. They are a good middle ground between speed and price.
- Regional trains (Regionale): These are the slowest trains, with a journey time of around 3 hours. They are the cheapest option, but they also make the most stops.
What is the difference between Trenitalia and Italo?
Trenitalia and Italo are the two main train companies in Italy. Trenitalia is a national railway company that operates a wider variety of trains, including high-speed, intercity, and regional trains. Italo is a private company that only operates high-speed trains. Both companies offer competitive fares and good service.
How do I validate my train ticket?
If you purchase a paper train ticket, you will need to validate it before boarding your train. There are yellow validation machines located at the train station. Simply insert your ticket into the machine and it will stamp the date and time on your ticket. Electronic tickets do not need to be validated.
Is there wifi on the train?
Most high-speed trains (Frecciarossa and Italo) offer free Wi-Fi to passengers. However, Wi-Fi availability on regional trains (Regionale) is more limited.
