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

We adore Italy and travel a lot from Dubrovnik to the beautiful cities of Rome and Florence. So far we become experts in this and know all the tricks and tip for a pleasant, quick and comfortable travel.

After a 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)

Croatia and Italy are in last years well connected by numerous flights. Therefore, the easiest way to travel from Dubrovnik to Italy is by plane.

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. The flights takes just over an hour.

Best times to fly / how often you do this

Flights from Dubrovnik to Rome are frequent from April until end of October, but during the winter only Croatia Airlines flies (twice a week).

You can opt for flying first to Zagreb and then catching Ryanair flight to Rome. For flying directly to Florence, you could opt for taking a plane to Pisa and then taking train to Firenze Santa Maria Novella. We suggest you to buy your plane tickets well ahead to find the cheapest ones. However, Vueling regularly offer sales so you can save a few euros.

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.

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 neighbourhoods, 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.

🚄 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 favourite parts of the trip.

We’ve tried both Trenitalia and Italo, and while both are great, we usually go with Trenitalia, which has comfortable trains, and offers more departure times. 

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 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 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 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.

Craving more Italy? Check out these:

Best tours in Rome

Things to do in Monopoli

Spending one day in Milan

Best Florence food tours

Benvenuti!

Join us as we wander through Italy, tasting incredible food and discovering hidden — and well-loved — gems along the way

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