Best Train From Rome to Florence: Which Option Is Right for You?

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

Wondering what the best train from Rome to Florence is?

We’ve made this trip many times, and every time we chose the Frecciarossa high-speed train. In our opinion, it’s simply the best option — it gets you from Rome to Florence in about 1.5 hours, is comfortable, and saves a ton of time.

On this page, we’re sharing our firsthand experience, covering the different train options, how to book tickets (and find the cheapest fares), where to catch the train in Rome, what the journey is really like, and what to expect when you arrive in Florence.

Keep reading to find out if Frecciarossa is the right Rome to Florence train for your trip.

👉 Get Rome to Florence train tickets

How long is the train ride from Rome to Florence?

The train from Rome to Florence usually takes around 1.5 hours if you hop on a high-speed train (both Frecciarossa and Italo). 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.

Wondering how often trains run from Rome to Florence in 2026?

You’re in luck—it’s one of Italy’s busiest routes.

High-speed trains like Frecciarossa and Italo run from around 6am to 10pm, with departures every 15–30 minutes during peak times. Super easy to fit into any travel schedule!

Basilica di Santa Maria Novella is just a few steps from the train station — perfect for a quick visit after arriving in Florence

How to choose the best train from Rome to Florence

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.

🚄 Rome to Florence High-speed trains (Frecciarossa and Italo)

It’s easy to spot Frecciarossa trains at the platform — both in Rome and Florence

Let’s just get this out of the way: high-speed trains are hands-down the best trains to take 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. Rome to Florence Frecciarossa Trains: 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.

2. Rome to Florence Italo trains: 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.

🚋 Rome to Florence 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.

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, it’s easy to see why—fast, scenic, and super convenient), which means prices can vary quite a bit.

Train tickets from Rome to Florence 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.

Rome to Florence train cost for 2026

Booking Tip: To get the best fares, book well in advance—such as in July for travel in September.

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

Want cheap train tickets from Rome to Florence?

The key is to book early—ideally 2–3 months ahead. We’ve scored fares as low as €19–€25, especially in the off-season (November to mid-March).

Wait too long—like during summer or weekends—and prices can jump fast. We've paid €50–€60 before just for booking late. 

Where to buy Rome to Florence train tickets?

We’ve tried a bunch of different ways over the years, and the Trainline website or app is definitely the easiest and most reliable way to book train tickets in Italy — whether you’re going from Rome to Florence or anywhere else.

Why to book Rome to Florence train tickets through Trainline?

• Compare all trains in one place - 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 is super easy - You can buy your Rome to Florence train ticket in a few clicks. After payment, your ticket shows up right away in your email or in the Trainline app. Use Trainline website - everything is in English and simplified!
  
  
• You'll have digital ticket - 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.
  

Travel between Rome and Florence by Frecciarossa train: A Firsthand review

1. Buying Rome to Florence train tickets online

As we mentioned before, we love to book our train tickets in Italy through Trainline - it's super easy and convenient. Just follow these steps:

1. Visit Trainline website / or app & Select your travel dates and input departure and arrival cities

The train station names are in Italian, so if you want to travel from Rome to Florence, you should enter Roma-Termini as the departure city and Firenze-Santa Maria Novella as the destination city.

2. Compare available trains on desired date/time

Once the search results are returned, you'll see all trains that run from Rome to Florence on that day. Choose the train time that best suits you as well the seats. Both Trenitalia and Italo on the high-speed trains between Rome and Florence offers several seat classes, from Standard to Business.

We love to take business class seats, as they offer more comfortable seats, less crowds and snacks. Buy these seats for only 30 euros several months before your travel!

👉 Both Frecciarossa and Italo offer high-speed trains between Rome and Florence!

4. Choosing the seats and extras

On the next step you can choose the seat (which costs 2 euros). You can go through the each train carriage and choose whether you need solo or double seat, window or aisle seat. You can skip this step and leave them to choose the available seats.

5. Adding passenger details & Choosing trip cover

On the next step you need to enter passenger details and email. The next you can choose trip cover for euros 1.98 in the case you miss the train or need to cancel - you'll get 100% of your ticket back. Plus it covers theft or loss of personal belongings covered up to €100.

6. Payment of the train tickets

On this step, you need to pay your train tickets either by credit card or paypal. You'll receive a confirmation email with your e-ticket(s), which you can show on your mobile device when the staff ask you.

1. Boarding the train at Termini Station in Rome

Staying at Sophie Terrace Hotel makes it easy to reach Termini Station—it’s just a 5-minute walk. Once we travelled very early, and the hotel staff called their trusted taxi for us.

When we stay further from Termini, for example in Trastevere, Prati or Centro Storico, we usually grab a taxi to Termini. Taking a metro is another good option (lines A and B pass through Termini).

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

Steps for finding and boarding the train at Termini:

1. The first thing you need to do is find the departure boards located throughout the station. Look for your train number, not the name of your destination.
2. Look for the platform number (binario in Italian) - they aren't announced super early, so keep an eye on the board. Once it's announced, go to the platform listed.
3. To get to the platforms, you need to walk through electronic gates by scanning your electronic or printed ticket.
4. Once you locate your platform, look for the train number on the electronic screens hanging up above.
5. When your train arrives, check the number of the train car (carozza). The car numbers are clearly marked on the sides of the train.
6. After boarding, locate the seat number printed on your ticket.The seats are arranged in rows, each with a number displayed above it.
7. Keep your smaller bags on the rack above your seat and larger suitcases in the luggage areas near the entrance of each car. There are no luggage fees on trains.
   
   

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 Tuscan countryside, we were surprised how smooth and quiet the ride was. We passed by rolling hills, old stone farmhouses, and tiny towns.

Frecciarossa, meaning ‘Red Arrow,’ proves it’s more than just a name with its impressive speed.

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).

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 Santa Maria Novella train 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 just outside the station (take the left exit). It’s a good option if you’d prefer to avoid the crowds and narrow streets. If your Florence accommodation is nearby and your luggage is light, walking is an easy and pleasant choice.

Just note that taxis are fairly expensive—around €10 to €15 for a 4–5 minute ride.

Insider tips for a smooth Rome to Florence train ride:

• Book early for the best prices – Train tickets are usually cheapest 2–3 months in advance, especially for business or premium class.
  
  
• Use fast 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 – Roma 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).
  
  
• 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.
  
  

Be sure to visit the courtyard of Palazzo Vecchio when in Florence — an art-filled oasis in the heart of the city

Is there a direct train from FCO (Rome's Fiumicino Airport) to Florence?

A couple of Trenitalia high-speed trains run daily from Fiumicino Airport (FCO) directly to Florence. They stop at Rome Termini, but you don’t need to get off or change trains.

To catch one, just follow the signs in the airport to the train station (same as for the Leonardo Express).

The trip takes about 2h15 and starts around €25—but direct trains are limited (2–3 per day).

For more options, take the Leonardo Express to Termini and transfer to a frequent high-speed train to Florence.

Rome to Florence Train – Our Final Thoughts

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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