Our Diary: How We Travel from Dubrovnik to Rome and Florence (Frequently)

When we first planned a trip from Dubrovnik to Rome and Florence, we weren’t sure if it would be smooth or chaotic.

Fast forward a few years — this route has become second nature.

In this diary-style guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how we travel (frequently) between these iconic cities: from choosing the best flights to catching the right trains — and all the little discoveries in between.

Our Favourite Way to Travel This Route (In Brief)

After trying just about every option, our go-to method is flying from Dubrovnik to Rome, then hopping on a high-speed train to Florence.

It’s fast, smooth, and honestly—pretty enjoyable. The flight takes about an hour and a half, and once we land in Rome, we’re usually on a train to Florence within an hour or two.

The trains are comfortable, scenic, and run so often that we don’t even stress about booking too far ahead. It’s the perfect mix of speed and experience—and it leaves us more time to actually enjoy each city.

✈️ Flying from Dubrovnik to Rome

Airlines that run this route (e.g., Croatia Airlines, ITA Airways, Vueling)

We’ve flown this route many times, and it’s usually the fastest and easiest way to get from the Adriatic coast to the heart of Italy.

Croatia Airlines, ITA Airways, Ryanair and Vueling all run regular direct flights from Dubrovnik (DBV) to Rome—mostly to Fiumicino (FCO), which is Rome’s main international airport.

Best times to fly / how often you do this

Flights are especially frequent during the spring and summer, which is when we tend to travel the most.

Price ranges, flight duration

The flight itself takes just about 1.5 hours, but we usually allow extra time at the airport, since Dubrovnik’s terminal can get busy during peak season. Fiumicino is well-connected to the city by train, and from there it’s easy to catch a high-speed train to Florence.

Prices vary a lot depending on the season, but we usually pay between €60 and €120 per ticket when booked in advance. Occasionally, Vueling offers cheaper deals if your schedule is flexible.

Sure! Here’s the updated Dubrovnik mini-guide with the cable car ride added:Mini Guide: Authentic Experiences in Dubrovnik

• 🌅 Watch the Sunrise from the City Walls
  Start your day early with a peaceful walk along Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls. The sunrise over the Adriatic Sea is breathtaking and the city is wonderfully quiet.
• ☕ Enjoy Coffee in Old Town
  Grab a coffee at one of the charming cafés tucked into Dubrovnik’s narrow streets—perfect for people-watching and soaking up the medieval vibe.
• 🚠 Take the Cable Car for Stunning Views
  Hop on the Dubrovnik cable car for a quick ride up Mount Srđ. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of the red rooftops, shimmering sea, and surrounding islands—a must-do for first-timers.
• 🚤 Take a Boat Trip to Lokrum Island
  Just a short ferry ride from the Old Town, Lokrum offers peaceful nature trails, a botanical garden, and secluded swimming spots—great for a half-day escape.
• 🍤 Savor Fresh Seafood by the Harbor
  Dine at a seaside konoba (traditional tavern) and indulge in fresh Adriatic seafood like grilled fish, octopus salad, or black risotto.
• 🌿 Explore Hidden Gardens and Quiet Corners
  Beyond the main tourist spots, discover peaceful gardens like the Arboretum Trsteno or find quiet spots in tucked-away alleys to enjoy a slower pace.
  
  

Spending a couple of days exploring Rome

When we fly from Dubrovnik to Rome, we like to spend at least a couple of days exploring the Eternal City before hopping on the train to Florence.

Rome is a city that deserves more than just a quick stop — its rich history, vibrant neighborhoods, and amazing food always keep us coming back. Whether we’re marveling at the Colosseum, wandering through the charming streets of Trastevere, or grabbing espresso at a tiny café, those few days give us a chance to slow down and really soak in the Roman atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to break up the journey and recharge before continuing north to Florence.

Would you like help writing a transition sentence to connect this with the surrounding sections?

Authentic Experiences in Rome

• ☕ Enjoy a Roman Espresso Ritual
  Start your day like a local by grabbing a quick espresso at a classic bar like Sant’Eustachio. Standing at the counter, soaking in the buzz, it’s a simple but iconic Roman moment.
• 🌆 Sunset Views from Gianicolo Hill
  For breathtaking panoramic views over Rome’s skyline, head to Gianicolo Hill at sunset. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and perfect for photos.
• 🖼️ Discover Hidden Art in Small Museums
  Skip the crowds and explore gems like Palazzo Altemps or Villa Farnesina. These spots showcase stunning Renaissance art in a quieter setting.
• 🍷 Sip Wine in a Cozy Enoteca
  Unwind in a cozy wine bar with a glass of Italian vino and some local cheeses. Trastevere is packed with charming enotecas to choose from.
• 🎭 Catch a Street Performance in Piazza Navona
  Experience the lively spirit of Rome through street artists, musicians, and performers who bring this historic piazza to life.

🚄 Rome to Florence by High-Speed Train

Once we land in Rome, we almost always take the high-speed train to Florence — it’s fast, easy, and honestly one of our favorite parts of the trip.

We’ve tried both Trenitalia and Italo, and while both are great, we usually go with Italo. It’s slightly cheaper most of the time, has comfy seats, and their app is super easy to use. That said, Trenitalia offers more departure times and options like the Frecciarossa, which is just as fast — so we choose based on timing and price.

The ride from Rome to Florence takes around 1.5 hours, and trains run roughly every 20–30 minutes throughout the day. You leave from Roma Termini and arrive at Firenze Santa Maria Novella, which is right in the center of Florence — no taxis needed.

Ticket tip: We always book through the Italo or Trenitalia apps. It’s usually cheaper to book at least a few days in advance, especially during weekends or holidays. Also, skip the printed tickets — mobile QR codes are all you need.

One of our favorite memories? Watching the countryside roll by with an espresso in hand, just unwinding after the flight. It’s the perfect way to transition from the energy of Rome into the slower pace of Florence.

Our Travel Diary Highlights

A few short stories or personal snapshots (like diary entries)

• A sunrise in Dubrovnik before heading to the airport
• A coffee break in Rome between connections
• Your favorite train ride view into Tuscany

A Sunrise in Dubrovnik Before Heading to the Airport

There’s something magical about waking up early in Dubrovnik. One morning, we caught the soft golden light spilling over the red rooftops as the city slowly stirred awake. The calm Adriatic stretched out before us, and we sipped coffee on a quiet terrace, soaking in the peace before the day’s travel hustle. It was the perfect, serene start before rushing off to the airport for our flight to Rome.

A Coffee Break in Rome Between Connections

Layovers can be a drag, but not when you’re in Rome. On one stopover, instead of waiting at the airport, we hopped on the Leonardo Express train into the city. Just a short walk from Termini Station, we found a cozy café tucked away on a side street. Over a creamy cappuccino and a flaky cornetto, we watched locals chatting and morning life buzzing by. Those simple moments remind us why we love traveling this route so much.

Favorite Train Ride View Into Tuscany

The train from Rome to Florence is more than just transportation — it’s a chance to see Italy’s stunning countryside. One afternoon, we settled into our seats right by the window. Rolling hills dotted with cypress trees, vineyards stretching as far as the eye could see, and quaint villages passing by made the journey feel like a moving postcard. With a good playlist and a warm drink in hand, it’s one of our favorite parts of the trip.

🧳 Things We've Learned from Doing This Route Often

Traveling this route frequently has taught us a lot — sometimes the hard way! One big lesson: always leave plenty of time between connections. We’ve missed trains or scrambled through airports more times than we care to admit, especially when flights are delayed or trains get crowded. Now, we build in buffer time so we can relax instead of rushing.

Booking tickets early is another game-changer. We used to wait until the last minute, only to pay more or miss out on the best seats. Nowadays, we use apps like Rome2Rio and Omio to compare routes and prices, and always book flights and trains a few weeks ahead if possible.

Also, keep your airline and train apps handy. Mobile tickets and real-time updates have saved us more than once when plans changed unexpectedly.

In short: plan smart, stay flexible, and always expect the unexpected — that’s how we keep our trips smooth and enjoyable.

Final Thoughts on the Dubrovnik → Rome → Florence Route

• Encourage readers to try it
• Mention how this route connects coastal and cultural highlights
• Link to related guides (if you have: Florence city guide, Dubrovnik things to do, Rome layover tips, etc.)

FAQ Section (Optional) 🟩 H2: ❓ Quick Questions About This Route

• How long does it take to travel from Dubrovnik to Florence?
• Can you do it all in one day?
• Is it better to fly or go overland?
• Do you need visas (if relevant)?

Use these in headings, paragraphs, alt text, and meta descriptions:

• Dubrovnik to Rome flights
• Dubrovnik to Florence by train
• How to travel from Dubrovnik to Italy
• Dubrovnik to Rome itinerary
• Rome to Florence by train
• Best way to travel from Dubrovnik to Florence
• Croatia to Italy travel route
• Dubrovnik to Florence travel tips
• Adriatic to Tuscany travel

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