How to Take the Trains from Rome to Florence: Honest Review & Tips (Updated 2025)

Over the last few years, we’ve taken trains from Rome to Florence more times than we can count—and every time, it’s been the easiest and most stress-free way to make the journey.

We’d heard people rave about Italian trains, especially the high-speed ones, but it wasn’t until we were zipping through the Tuscan countryside with a coffee in hand that we really got it.

We booked our Rome to Florence train tickets on the Frecciarossa, which is Trenitalia’s fastest train (alongside Italo), and it was absolutely the right choice. The journey only took 1.5 hours, and we were surprised by how comfortable everything was.

Planning to travel from Rome to Florence by train?

Our guide covers everything you need to know — including:

• How long is the Rome to Florence train journey?
• Rome to Florence train schedule for 2025
• The best train from Rome to Florence
• Train ticket options from Rome to Florence (where to buy)
• What to do if your Rome to Florence train is cancelled
• Taking the Frecciarossa train from Rome to Florence - Our experience
• Insider tips for a smooth Rome to Florence train journey
  
  

We usually take Frecciarossa trains when traveling from Rome to Florence, and each time we love the fast and comfortable ride!

How long is the Rome to Florence train journey?

The train from Rome to Florence usually takes around 1.5 hours if you hop on a high-speed train. Slower trains can take up to 4 hours, but most travellers prefer the fast ones for a quick and easy trip.

Taking the train from Rome to Florence is so fast and convenient, it’s actually perfect for a Rome to Florence day trip—you can explore the highlights of the city and be back in Rome by evening.

👍 Discover Florence's highlights in just 3 hours

Rome to Florence train schedule 2025

Wondering how often trains run from Rome to Florence? You’re in luck—this is one of Italy’s busiest and most convenient routes.

High-speed trains like Frecciarossa and Italo start rolling out around 6am and keep going until about 10pm.

During busy hours, you’ll find departures every 15 to 30 minutes, so it’s super easy to find a time that works for your travel plans—whether you’re heading out early or catching a later train after a lazy Roman breakfast.

👉 Book your train tickets online quickly and hassle-free!

✅ Tips:
- Book high-speed trains in advance for the best fares.
- Regional trains are slower but may suit flexible budgets.
- All trains arrive at Firenze Santa Maria Novella, central to city attractions.

The best train from Rome to Florence: What we recommend (and what to skip)

After comparing different options and doing a dozen of rides ourselves, here’s everything you need to know—plus what we recommend based on speed, comfort, and overall experience.

🚄 High-Speed Trains: 100% Worth It

Let’s just get this out of the way: high-speed trains are hands-down the best way to travel from Rome to Florence. They’re fast (about 1.5 hours), comfortable, and run often. You’ve got two main choices here: Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa and Italo.

1. Trenitalia Frecciarossa: Most Flexible Schedule

If you want the most options for travelling from Rome to Florence throughout the day, Frecciarossa is your best bet.

• Trains start as early as 6am and go until around 10pm
• During peak times, there are departures every 15–30 minutes.
• They leave from Roma Termini and arrive at Firenze Santa Maria Novella—both right in the city center.

There are different seat classes (Standard, Premium, Business, Executive), but even the basic option is pretty comfy. You get free Wi-Fi, power outlets, clean bathrooms, and plenty of luggage space. 👉 Check out Trenitalia Frecciarossa train schedule!

2. Italo Treno: Stylish and Surprisingly Affordable

If you’re into modern design and love a good deal, you might want to try Italo instead.

Even in their base-level Smart class, the seats are roomy, the interiors are sleek, and the ride is super quiet. There’s free Wi-Fi, too—which came in handy for researching restaurants in Florence while we rode.

Italo offers four seat classes:

• Smart
• Comfort
• Prima
• Club Executive

Prices are usually similar to Trenitalia, and sometimes even cheaper if you book early. We haven’t personally taken Italo between Rome and Florence yet, but it’s high on our list for next time—mostly out of curiosity and to see how it compares comfort-wise. 👉 View Italo train schedule here!

🚋 Regional trains - They're cheaper... But we don’t recommend them

Technically, you can take a regional train from Rome to Florence for as little as €13, but here’s the catch:

• They take up to 4 hours
• Make lots of stops
• And aren’t particularly comfortable (especially with luggage)

If you’re trying to save a few bucks and have a ton of time, it’s an option. But honestly? The extra €20–€30 for a high-speed train is so worth it.

👉 Book train tickets at least 2-3 months in advance to score the best fares and seats (for both Trenitalia and Italo)!

Train tickets from Rome to Florence - Everything you need to know

We’ve taken the train from Rome to Florence more times than we can count—across every season—so we’ve learned a thing or two about what tickets cost, what’s worth paying for, and how to score the cheapest fares.

This route is one of the most popular in Italy (and honestly, it’s easy to see why—fast, scenic, and super convenient), which means prices can vary quite a bit.

Ticket costs depend on how early you book, which train company you choose, and what class of service you go for. A little planning can go a long way in saving you time and money.

How to get cheap train tickets from Rome to Florence?

If you're looking to buy cheap train tickets from Rome to Florence, the key is simple: book early—ideally 2 to 3 months in advance.

We usually stick with Frecciarossa high-speed trains from Trenitalia, which get you to Florence in about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

With early booking, we’ve often paid as little as €19–€25 per ticket. That’s especially true during the off-season, like late winter or early spring, when prices are typically lower.

But if you wait until the last minute—especially during busy times like summer, holidays, or weekends—prices can climb fast. We’ve paid €50–€60 before just because we booked too late. Not outrageous, but definitely more than necessary.

👍 Pro tip: Travel mid-week and avoid peak commuter hours (like Friday afternoons and Monday mornings). You’ll not only save money but also enjoy a more relaxed, less crowded ride.

With a bit of planning, it's totally possible to get from Rome to Florence quickly, comfortably, and without breaking the bank.

We managed to snag Frecciarossa business class seats for only 30 euros a couple of times — such a great deal for a comfy ride!

Where to buy train tickets from Rome to Florence?

After trying several methods over the years, we recommend Trainline as the easiest and most reliable way to buy your train tickets from Rome to Florence.

Trainline lets you see all the available trains in one place—Frecciarossa, Italo, even regional options—so you can compare prices and departure times without hopping between different websites.

Booking your Rome to Florence train ticket is quick and simple. After payment, your ticket shows up right away in your email or in the Trainline app.

No need to print anything—just have it ready on your phone and show it to the train staff if they ask. Simple, fast, and stress-free.

👍 Pro tip: Book your Rome to Florence train tickets early, especially during the summer, as this route is very popular and tickets sell out quickly. Plus, booking in advance helps you get the cheapest prices!

Use Trainline platform - everything is in English and simplified!

What happens if your Rome to Florence train is cancelled?

It doesn’t happen often, but train cancellations do occur. Once, Frecciarossa train was cancelled at the last minute.

We simply went to the Trenitalia ticket office, where we exchange train tickets for the later train - no hassle at all. The staff were helpful and spoke English very well.

Read also: How Many Days to Spend in Florence

Taking the Frecciarossa train from Rome to Florence: A personal review

1. Buying train tickets & Boarding at Termini Station

We decided to travel in the afternoon hours with Frecciarossa train from Rome to Florence. We booked our ticket online at Trainline and have it ready on the mobile.

Staying at Sophie Terrace Hotel makes it easy to reach Termini Station—it’s just a 5-minute walk. When we stay in Trastevere, Centro Storico, or Prati, we usually grab a taxi. The metro is another good option, with both Line A and Line B nearby.

Rome’s Termini Station can be a little hectic, especially during busy hours, so it’s good to get there at least 20-30 minutes early. There are plenty of places to grab a snack or coffee if you have time to spare.

The platforms (binario) aren’t announced super early, so we usually keep an eye on departure board. Once our train shows up, we just go to the announced platform and find carriage (carozza) number and hop on. 

To access the platform, we scan the ticket or show to the train station staff. 

👉 If your tickets says "Carrozza 5, Posto 12A", that means Carriage 5, Seat 12A.

2. Riding the Frecciarossa train - onboard experience

We enjoyed the beautiful Italian countryside on our train journey from Rome to Florence—made even better by the free snacks on board

As we zipped through the Italian countryside, we were surprised how smooth and quiet the ride was. We passed by rolling hills, old stone farmhouses, and tiny towns I now want to go back and explore.

The train hit speeds of 300 km/h, but you barely feel it. We definitely recommend grabbing a window seat if you can - it’s worth it for the views alone.

We sometimes enjoy booking a seat in the "silent carriage" - it’s ideal for reading, getting some work done, or just travelling in peace without overhearing phone calls or conversations.

3. Arriving in Florence: First impressions and tips

Santa Maria Novella Station in Florence has everything you need for a smooth and pleasant train journey—shops, cafés, and easy connections

Trains from Rome to Florence arrive at Firenze Santa Maria Novella station (Stazione di Santa Maria Novella), the city’s main train hub—and trust us, it's as central as it gets.

The first time we arrived, we were honestly surprised by how close everything was. You step out and you're basically already in the city - just a 10-minute walk from the Duomo (head down Via dei Banchi to reach it) and Piazza della Signoria.

That alone makes the whole train experience feel worth it. No long taxi rides or confusing transfers—just grab your bags and start exploring.

Continue along Via del Calzaiuoli (we love stopping here at Venchi for a scoop of creamy gelato!), and you'll arrive at the stunning Piazza della Signoria. Just a few steps away is the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most visited museums in the world.

If you're heading to Basilica di San Lorenzo, it’s only a 4–5 minute walk via Via del Giglio from the station—super easy, even with luggage.

The station itself is clean, modern, and easy to navigate. Signs are posted in both Italian and English, and we’ve never had trouble figuring out where to go. There’s a taxi stand right outside (just take the left exit), as well as tram stop if you are staying on the outskirts.

Where we love to stay close to SMN train station!

We found a little gem not far from SMN train station - Globus Urban Hotel - it was cosy, the staff were super welcoming, and it was just a short walk to the main sights.

Insider tips for a smooth Rome to Florence train journey:

• Book early for the best prices – Train tickets are usually cheapest 2–3 months in advance, especially for business or premium class.
  
  
• Use Trenitalia or Italo – Both offer high-speed trains; we usually go with Frecciarossa by Trenitalia for comfort and reliability (get tickets here!)
  
  
• Have more comfort - For more comfort book premium or business classes (you'll get snacks and drinks and more space to spread out)
  
  
• Give yourself some flexibility - If you can, book a ticket with some flexibility — either one that allows changes, or plan your day with enough buffer time in case of a delay or cancellation. Italy is beautiful, and a little extra time in Rome or Florence is never a bad thing!
  
  
• Arrive early – Rome Termini is a busy hub, and it can take a few minutes to find your platform, especially if it’s your first time. Arriving 20–30 minutes early gives you time to check the departure board, grab a snack, and not feel rushed.
  
  
• Watch the departure boards – Platforms are typically announced 10–15 minutes before departure, so keep checking the screens.
  
  
• Stay near Termini – If you're overnighting in Rome, stay close to the station for a stress-free departure (we recommend Sophie Terrace Hotel).
  
  
• Pack light – You’ll need to lift your own luggage onto the train and store it in racks near the doors or overhead.
  
  
• Don’t forget your ticket validation – If you’re not on a high-speed train with a reserved seat, make sure to validate your paper ticket before boarding.
  
  

Final thoughts on taking Rome to Florence trains

Honestly, taking the Trenitalia train from Rome to Florence was one of the easiest parts of our Italian trip - and one of the most relaxing.

No airport stress, no traffic, just a smooth glide through beautiful Italian landscapes. If you're planning your itinerary, we 100% recommend making this train journey part of it. We’d do it again in a heartbeat.

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