What is the best way to get from Rome to Florence?

The fastest way to travel from Rome to Florence is by taking the Le Frecce high-speed train. This modern and luxurious train will get you to your destination in only 1 hour and 30 minutes.



The best and most efficient way to travel from Rome to Florence in 2026 is by taking a high-speed train, specifically the Frecciarossa (operated by Trenitalia) or the Italo. The journey takes as little as 1 hour and 32 minutes, with trains departing from Roma Termini station and arriving at Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN). These trains reach speeds of up to 300 km/h (186 mph), making the trip significantly faster than driving, which can take 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic and the notorious "ZTL" (restricted traffic) zones in Florence. The trains offer various classes of service, from "Standard" to "Executive," and feature onboard Wi-Fi, power outlets, and often a cafe car. Because the stations are located in the heart of each city, you save the time and expense of airport transfers. For the best value, it is highly recommended to book tickets at least a few weeks in advance online, as "base" fares on the day of travel can be twice as expensive as promotional rates. While buses like FlixBus exist and are cheaper (around €10-€20), they take significantly longer and are subject to highway congestion, making the high-speed rail the undisputed "gold standard" for this iconic Italian route.

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There is typically one bathroom per train car on Italian trains. On newer trains, and especially high-speed trains, they are more spacious than what you might find on an airplane and offer the same basic features as those of a plane lavatory - a flushable toilet, sink with running water, soap, and paper towels.

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Because these train trips are all about the view, cars with wrap-around windows are common. Perhaps the most popular scenic train route in Italy is the Bernina Express, which connects Tirano in Italy to St. Moritz in the Swiss Alps.

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Traveling by train in Italy means always traveling with carry-on luggage. You'll carry on board everything you have with you. It's your responsibility to bring your bags on board and stow them properly, which is a great incentive to packing light. There's no fee to bring luggage on the train.

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If you're looking to just hit the city's top highlights, three or so days should be enough. But if you're like us, hitting the hotspots will only make you curious to stay longer – especially in a place as rich with culture, cuisine, and history as Florence.

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For first-time visitors and those who have only a short time in Florence, we suggest staying in the Centro Storico or historic district. This area is the heart of Florence and here you'll find the magnificent cathedral or duomo – Santa Maria del Fiore – the Uffizi Gallery, and the Palazzo Vecchio.

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ItaliaRail is an official partner of Trenitalia, the national railway of Italy. We are the largest foreign seller of train tickets in Italy. We have direct, real-time connectivity to Trenitalia's schedule and reservation system, allowing us to give you the best fares and most up-to-date availability.

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The cheapest city to fly into is Milan, and the cheapest airport serving this city at the moment is Milan Malpensa.

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The distance from Florence to Amalfi is about 340 miles (550 km)—a long trip best started early in the morning, regardless of what means of travel you opt for. The most convenient way to get from Florence to Amalfi is by a combination of train and private transfer (4.5-5 hours).

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We highly recommend that you book out as far in advance as possible, especially for popular and high-speed routes between major cities, such as Rome to Milan, Bologna to Milan, Naples to Rome, or Florence to Rome.

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