Rome to Florence Day Trip

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A Rome to Florence day trip is definitely an amazing way to get a taste of the city and totally worth. Hop onto a fast train at Roma Termini, enjoy a pleasant 90 minutes ride and you'll find yourself in the heart of Florence.

Once there, you'll have plenty of choice for what to do and to see. You'll have a hard time to decide, among visiting famous museums, enjoying on lively squares, eating delicious food or maybe shopping for a unique goods.

Continue reading for valuable insights on train travel, must-see attractions, and unique souvenirs to bring home. We'll also share some insider tips on avoiding the tourist crowds and maximizing your Florence experience.

Should Florence capture your heart and you find yourself extending your stay for a couple of days, we highly recommend Casa di Chiara. This charming and elegant apartment offers all the comforts of home - we're confident you'll absolutely love it!

Rome to Florence day trip by train (the best option)

Taking a high-speed train is obviously the best option to get from Rome to Florence. You'll love modern and comfortable trains, that departs from both Termini Station and Tiburtina as early as 5:35am (the last one from Florence is around 10pm).

We suggest you to catch one of the earliest trains to get to Florence as early as possible. Avoid regional trains, which are slower and travel nearly 4 hours each way, making them impractical for a day trip to Florence.

Trains arrive at Firenze Santa Maria Novella (the main Florence's train station), which is only a 10-minute walk from the heart of the city.

High-speed trains are the best option for your Rome to Florence travel

Train tickets for Rome to Florence day trip

There are a range of ticket options for Rome to Florence day trip. The prices start from €20 for Standard class to €145 for Executive class.

The price also depends on the type of ticket. Super Economy tickets (change to a different train is not possible and refund is also not possible, Economy tickets allow you to change the date or time of travel once before your train's departure while Base tickets allow you to change the date and time as many times as you wish and you can request a refund (with 20% fee).

Note that train the prices of train tickets rise as your date of travel get closer. That's why it's good to book them well in advance (companies release the train schedules and tickets 4-5 months in advance).

Trainline is the website that allows you to compare all trains on specific date so you can choose the one that suits you best.

The booking process is very simple and the train ticket is emailed to you (you'll have it at your fingertip - convenient when you need to show the ticket to the train staff). Plus, you can easily change them or cancel online if needed.

👉 With Trainline, you can buy tickets for Rome to Florence day trip in just a few clicks at no extra cost!

Firenze Santa Maria Novella is where trains from Rome arrive

Is Rome to Florence day trip worth it?

Yes sure!  There's no way to cover all Florence has to offer in one day, but there's definitely time to see enough to make the trip worth it! Here are a few useful tips:

1. TAKE ONE OF THE EARLIEST TRAINS FROM ROME - Try to set out as early as possible on your Rome to Florence day trip. If you can get there at about eight or nine in the morning, you can have a full day of exploration. It’ll be tiring but worth it!
   
   
2. PLAN YOUR ITINERARY IN ADVANCE - Read on to find out which are the highlights of Florence you should see and explore on your Rome to Florence day trip. You don't have to visit all of them, just pick the ones that might be of your interest and enjoy the rest of the time soaking up the atmosphere tasting delicious food and shopping.
   
   
3. YOU DON'T HAVE TO VISIT ALL - You don't have to visit any of popular museum, such as the Uffizi and Accademia. Choose instead the less-crowded, such as the Bargello, or smaller one - Orsanmichele. Or skip all the museums, and visit one of the churches, such as the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella or Basilica di San Lorenzo (both worth visiting!)

Explore the Duomo and other sights

Once you reach Piazza del Duomo, you can admire Florentine's Cathedral (with stunning red-tiled cupola), the Giotto's Bell Tower and the Baptistery of St. John. The entrance to the Cathedral is free, but lines can be long (so you can skip this step). Instead, go around and admire all the sights, while taking some amazing photos. 

It's possible to climb the cupola (91m high and 45.5m wide; made by Filippo Brunelleschi), but you need to reserve the tickets in advance (online or at the ticket office at the Ticket office - Piazza di San Giovanni 7).

To climb the cupola, you need to make 463 steps, which are relatively steep (not suitable for claustrophobic). Once at the top, you can enjoy stunning views of the city and the Tuscan hills in the distance.

We recommend taking a tour, to access areas that aren't open to the public. 

Behind the Cathedral, there is Opera del Duomo Museum, a fascinating museum that explores history of the Duomo).

👉 Want to make the most of your Rome to Florence day trip? Join this 2.5-hour guided tour and see the Duomo, its cupola as well as Opera del Duomo Museum.

Wander around Piazza della Signoria (visit the Palazzo Vecchio)

The Piazza della Signoria is a must when visiting Florence on a day trip from Rome. You'll easily reach this square - it's very central, a short walk from the Duomo and close to the Uffizi.

Head here and enjoy capturing amazing photos from every angle and soaking up the atmosphere. The Michelangelo’s David statue adorns the entrance to the Palazzo Vecchio (the original could be seen in the Accademia).

Get inside the Palazzo Vecchio to see the first courtyard, which is completely free. For exploring a bit more and visiting the museum, you'll need to buy a ticket. This guided tour takes you onto exploration of Palazzo Vecchio's hidden locations.

It's possible to climb the Arnolfo tower (which is 95m tall). Once the top you can enjoy amazing vistas of the city and the Duomo.

Spend a couple of hours at the Uffizi Gallery (see world-class art)

Wonder if you need to visit the Uffizi Gallery on your Rome to Florence day trip? It totally depends on your priorities and interests. The Uffizi houses artworks from the most famous artists, such as Botticelli, Caravaggio, Michelangelo...

If you decide to visit, be sure to get your tickets well in advance, to get the desired date and time slot. Opt for skip-the-line tickets to avoid waiting in line and get straight inside. The good option would be taking this guided tour, that shows you the best of the Uffizi in only 1.5-hour.

See Michelangelo's David at the Accademia Gallery

The Accademia is not a large Florence museum when compared to the Uffizi, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in its contents!

The Accademia Gallery was opened in 1784 after Michelangelo's David was moved here from Piazza della Signoria the year prior. The Accademia Gallery is the second-most visited museum in Florence, and therefore there are always big lines in front of it.

So if you plan to visit it, be sure to book your tickets well in advance - you can easily do it online.

Explore the Bargello Museum (world famous sculptures)

If you are on a day trip from Rome to Florence, and want to skip large museums, such as the Uffizi or Accademia, we recommend visiting the Bargello Museum.

Only a short walk from Piazza della Signoria, this museum houses sculptures from the famous artists such as Michelangelo, Ghiberti and Donatello, as well as impressive porcelain, goldworks, jewels, ivory and glazed terracotta works.

You'll love spending a couple of hours exploring this sculpture museum, as it's not crowded at all. Plus, it has a beautiful courtyard, where you'll can have a break sitting on the wooden benches. Tickets are easy to buy on the spot (costs €10).

Visit beautiful Orsanmichele Church and Museum

As you stroll from Piazza del Duomo towards Piazza Signoria, you'll stumble upon a hidden treasure: the Orsanmichele Church and Museum. It's a perfect spot for those seeking a less crowded experience (buy your tickets at the Via dei Calzaiouli office for €8).

Inside the church, you'll be captivated by the stunning frescoes adorning the ceiling and the Madonna and Child marble tabernacle by Bernardo Daddi. Once you've soaked in the church's beauty, head to the museum to marvel at an impressive collection of bronze and marble sculptures of saints.

For a special treat, head to the top floor where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Florence's iconic skyline. This is also an ideal spot to catch your breath and relax (on conveniently placed benches).

Have a stroll along the Arno River (with Ponte Vecchio)

Having a stroll down the banks of Arno River is a must while visiting Florence from Rome. It's enjoyable walk with a views of the beautiful bridges and buildings along the river. And amazing opportunity for more stunning photos, whether rain or shine.

The most unusual bridge is the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge), which is always crowded with tourists (except early morning). The bridge is lined with jewelley shops, so it's great opportunity for some shopping.

Take a walk from the Ponte Vecchio along the river to Ponte Santa Trinita. This bridge is one of the best for taking unbeatable photos.

Enjoy stunning Piazza Santa Trinita

This stunning square, is another beautiful Florence spot for walking, relaxing or just taking amazing photos. The Church of Santa Trinita on the west side of the square, is another free sight of Rome, and it' so peaceful and beautiful. The square leads to the Arno River and Ponte Santa Trinita - our favourite Florentine bridge.

The column of Justice in the middle and several Gothic and Renaissance palaces makes this square so beautiful. The piazza is traversed by the Via de' Tornabuoni, dotted with luxurious shops.

Visit one of many Florence's churches

If you don't want to spend time in big museums, you can check out some of Florence's churches instead. The good news is that some of them are free to visit.

We all know the spectacular Duomo, Santa Maria del Fiore, but there are also plenty of other churches worth discovering in Florence.

Basilica di Santa Croce is in a square with the same name (about 10-15 minutes southeast of the Duomo). It's the biggest Franciscan church in the world and where some important Italians are buried (like Michelangelo and Galileo Galilei). You might like to have a guided tour here!

Close to the train station, you'll see the Santa Maria Novella Basilica (from the 15th century). Inside, there's amazing artwork. The fancy outside looks just like it did when it was finished in 1470. Don't forget to see the cloisters too!

You need a ticket to go inside, which lets you see the church, cloisters, and museum (it costs 7.50 €; you can buy a ticket and audio-video guide online).

The Basilica of San Lorenzo (one of Florence's oldest churches) is still important for its design. It has lots of art by famous Renaissance artists (like Donatello) and is where many Medici family members are buried (in the Medici Chapels).

Basilica di Santa Trinita is near Ponte Santa Trinita (and it's free to enter). The paintings are worth looking at. It's not too crowded and feels peaceful inside.

Near Piazzale Michelangelo, you'll find San Miniato al Monte, a pretty Romanesque Church that's worth visiting. It's from the 11th century and has beautiful artwork and design. The best part is that it's free and usually not very crowded.

Explore the Oltrarno (across the Arno river)

For visiting more authentic part of Florence, head across one of bridges, and get to Oltrarno. Walk around and explore, stumbling upon small artisan shops, goldsmiths, bookbinders and leather shops. This is where you can pick the unique souvenirs for your and the loved ones!

As you walk away from the river, the area becomes more authentic. Sit down at one of the local trattorias to taste the famous Tuscan food, such as ribollita soup or Florentine steak.

Or just stop at gelato shop and get a treat yourself with a scoop of this creamy delight! We love Gelateria La Carraia (close to Ponte alla Carraia), that offers delicious gelato (and affordable too!).

Want to see the best of Florence in one day? Consider taking these tours:

Florence in a Day: Michelangelo's David, Uffizi guided city walking tour with Walks Italy

This walking tour of Florence, that lasts for 5 hours, brings you the very best of Florence. Your guide will take you to the Accademia Gallery and the magnificent Duomo and then through the streets and squares of Florence to adore sights and palaces. A visit to the Uffizi is also included and all of these with skip-the-line tickets. The tour starts at 9:45am close to the Duomo.

Best of Florence: Small Group Tour Skip-the-Line David & Accademia with Duomo with Walks Italy

Begin with skipping the line at the Accademia Gallery (to see Michelangelo's David), then continue to visit the Florence's Cathedral. Next, stroll the streets while visiting the spots like Piazza della Signoria and Church and Museum of Orsanmichele. This tour shows you a lot in just 3 hours.

Highlights & Hidden gems of Florence private tour with City Unscripted

This guided tour, that lasts for 2 hours, will take you to the secret corners of Florence, away from tourist crowds. You'll explore quiet streets like Via Taddea (where the author of Pinocchio was born) and see Michelangelo's Laurentian library. You can customised your tour according to your wishes (you'll receive a questionnaire after the booking). This tour is a true gem!

Florence Sightseeing Tour for Kids & Families with Raphael Tours

The whole family will enjoy this 2.5-hour tour of Florence's highlights. The guide will keep your kids engaged with interactive activities using iPads and flash cards while exploring areas such as Santa Croce, the Porcellino, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio... The tour is suitable for kids over 5 years!

Florence is open-air museum - Orsanmichele Church

Rome to Florence organised day trips - completely hassle-free

Ditch the stress of planning and embark on a well-organized Rome to Florence day trip. Several tour operators provide these excursions, with many offering convenient pickup and drop-off services right from your Rome accommodation.

Opting for one of these tours means you can forget about the headaches of transportation timetables, purchasing train tickets, and navigating Florence upon arrival. Plus, you'll have a knowledgeable local guide at your disposal, ready to answer your questions about the best spots for food and drinks.

Visitors can't stop raving about these full-day excursions from Rome to Florence:

1. Day trip from Rome to Florence (by train)

The guide on this Rome to Florence trip ensures that everything runs smoothly. They'll accompany you on the train ride, and later you'll explore independently (armed with excellent tips on what to visit and where to dine). The agency takes care of booking your train tickets. The tour is ideal if you are travelling by train in Italy for the first time! The meeting point is Bar Caffé Trombetta at 7:30am (close to Termini Station).

2. Florence and Pisa from Rome: Full Day Small Group (by mini van)

This day trip from Rome to Florence (and Pisa), that lasts for 12 hours, begins with picking you up from your Rome accommodation by modern mini van. Once you arrive to Florence, you'll explore the major sights on your own, then you'll continue to Pisa and have several hours there to sightsee. At the end of the day, the driver will safely take you back to Rome. Note that tickets for the sights are not included!

3. A sweet walking in Florence from Rome (by car)

Escape Rome for a day on this guided trip to Florence. You'll travel to Florence by a comfortable vehicle (in a company of your private guide). Your itinerary will be loaded with sightseeing and gourmet food tastings, with free time to explore on your own. A completely hassle free way of discovering the wonders of Florence! This is a private experience!

4. Rome to Florence & Tuscany day tour (by train)

This full-day trip takes you from Rome to Florence by train, where you'll meet local guide. He will take you on a guide tour of the city. After the tour, you'll have around 5 hours to explore on your own (to leisurely wander around Florence and have a lunch). Or take a wine tasting and lunch at a family-run Tuscan winery followed by a visit to San Gimignano. All transfers on this tour are included!

Activities food lovers will love in Florence

If you are a food lover, then you should definitely visit Mercato Centrale, which is a short walk from major sights. This is the place for taking that instagramable photos of fresh fruits and veggies, sample a chunk of Parmigiano or a slice of prosciutto, try an extra virgin olive oil. This is the place to get a real taste of Florence. 

If you’re a foodie, why not purchase a bottle of Tuscan olive oil, balsamic vinegar or even truffle oil to ship home? The market can also prepare vacuum-packed Parmigano-Reggiano so you can eat a real staff from now on. See a list of products you'll love to buy in Florence!

If you are a foodie, then joining a food tour would be a great idea. You guide will take you through the city, telling you more about sights while stopping at the best restaurants and eateries to taste classic Tuscan dishes, such as lampredotto panini, schiacciata,  hearty soups or pasta along local wines.

Travellers truly love this 3-hour tour with 10 tastings (plus wine) and this food tour exploring Sant'Ambrogio Market and Oltrarno. These could be your best memory from Florence!

2. Taking a cooking class (pasta + sauces)

Grab a rolling pin and knead some dough in this cooking class that’s all about making a fresh pasta from scratch. A local chef will demonstrate how to prepare 3 kinds of pasta (ravioli, fettuccine and tortellini) using a rolling pin and pasta cutter and sauces as well. The best part is eating what you've prepared. In the end, you'll have a cake and limoncello! You'll adore this amazing experience that lasts for 3 hours! See more great cooking classes in Florence and Tuscany!

For those adventurous - something completely different!

3. Bike tour of Florence with Piazzale Michelangelo
4. Rafting on the Arno River (a true adventure)
5. Florence hills e-bike tour (with gelato)

See the major tourist attractions of Florence during this 2-hour bike tour. You'll stop at spots such as Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo, Piazza della Repubblica and explore narrow lanes of the Oltrarno, an artisan neighbourhood of Florence. The tour also takes you up to Piazzale Michelangelo for seeing amazing view of the whole city. Choose from several departures daily!

This panoramic 2-hour ride includes the descent down the Arno River that flows through the historic centre of Florence. The river offers a truly unique perspective giving you the opportunity of taking amazing photos of the famous buildings and monuments. This is a perfect mix of activity and culture. Your guides will tell you anecdotes about the river and the city itself. An unforgettable experience!

Explore Florence hills with a lots of fun on guided 2 hour e-bike tour. Start from the heart of Florence, then follow your guide from the city to the hills. Once outside the city, immerse yourself into the sound and scents of Tuscan countryside. Pass through olive groves and small vineyards, then end this tour with tasting one of the best gelato in the city. After the tour finishes, you'll still have time to explore Florence's highlights!

If this is not your first visit to Florence, consider this activities:

6. Florence Vespa tour (Tuscan hills)7. Small group Chianti wine tasting

This Vespa tour (lasts for 6 hours) is for those who want to explore beyond Florence and maybe already explored the city. The tour takes you first to see the Church of San Miniato al Monte then ride up in the hills overlooking Florence, passing through vineyards, olive trees and onto backroads.

The adventure ends with a tasty lunch (with wine) and going back to the city. You will not forget this fabulous experience!

For those who already explored highlights of Florence, we recommend this trip to the countryside. You'll visit 12th century castle and have a fun day of learning about wine and local traditions. Of course, you'll taste the best wines and have a delicious Tuscan lunch. Transport from Florence and back is included! The tour departs at 10am, so you'll still have time to explore Florence in the afternoon!

Via della Condotta (a few step from Piazza della Signoria) hiddes many small shops and food places

If you are shopaholic!

Florence is a paradise for shopping. Here you'll find so many small artisanal shops offering unique products, such as leather bags, shoes, ceramics, marbled paper... Buy unique gifts to the loved ones!

You'll love Via Porta Rossa, where you'll find many small shops, including Leonardo Firenze, where you can buy a pack of freshly baked cantucci or brutti ma buoni cookies (an ideal foodie gift!). Visit also Via della Condotta, near the Piazza della Signoria, dotted with numerous small shop (including beautiful flower shop).

Rome to Tuscany day trip

Wonder if it is possible to visit Tuscany from Rome on a day trip? Note that Tuscany is one of the most beautiful Italian regions, stuffed with medieval towns, Renaissances art cities, historic castles, green vineyards and gorgeous walking trails. It's hard to experience all that in a day.

But if you've only got a day and want to experience Tuscan life, it can be done.

We recommend taking this organised day trip that starts early so you can make the most of your time. Board an air-conditioned minibus in central Rome that will whisk you away straight into the heart of Tuscany. With a guide, you’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pienza, a beautiful example of a Tuscan hill town. Next, you'll continue to an organic farm for a tasty lunch, then climb the lookout towers at nearby Montalcino. The day ends with a wine tasting at a prestigious winery, then you'll return to Rome.

Rome to Florence day trip by car

If you want to do drive from Rome to Florence, we would recommend to visit the Val d'Orcia area, which is in the southern part of Tuscany. Also, Montepulciano, Pienza, San Quirico d'Orcia, Bagno Vignoni and all the towns in that area are amazing to visit. You'll love their golden hills and cypress trees in July.

You might stop for lunch at one of the many wineries in the area, tasting the fabulous wines they produce. take the Chiantigiana (road SR222), one of the most beautiful roads in Tuscany that reaches Florence, passing also through the Chianti area.

Planning Your Trip to Italy

Best Ways to Visit the Uffizi

Best Food Tours in Florence

What to See in Florence

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