Day Trip from Rome to Florence - Our Experience (2025 Update)

We did a day trip from Rome to Florence—and it was totally worth it.

Honestly, we weren’t sure if squeezing Florence into just one day would feel rushed, but it turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip to Italy.

The high-speed train got us there in under 90 minutes, and from the moment we stepped off at Santa Maria Novella station, it felt like we had stepped into a Renaissance postcard.

If you're wondering whether a day trip from Rome to Florence is doable—it absolutely is, and we’re so glad we made it happen.

In this guide, we're sharing cool tips on navigating Florence in a day, must-see sights like the Duomo and Uffizi Gallery, and where to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs that you won’t see in classic tourist shops.

We’ll also share how to avoid the crowds and uncover hidden gems off the beaten path.

And if Florence steals your heart—as it often does—and you decide to stay a little longer, we highly recommend Casa di Chiara. It’s a lovely, homey apartment with everything you need for a relaxing stay. Trust us, you’ll love it just as much as we do.

Skip the long lines at the Accademia and admire the replica of Michelangelo’s David in front of Palazzo Vecchio—easier access, same iconic pose!

Is Florence worth a day trip from Rome?

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth visiting Florence for just a day from Rome, the answer is 100% yes. Sure, you won’t see everything, but you’ll get a real feel for the city—and that’s what makes it special.

There’s something magical about standing in front of Botticelli’s La Primavera in person—it hits differently than seeing it in a book or online.

Then there’s the food: grab a plate of fresh Tuscan pasta (trust me, you’ll be thinking about it for days). And don’t skip the little artisan shops—Florence is full of unique gifts and handcrafted finds you won’t see anywhere else.

👍 Best way to explore Florence in a day

🚆 Best way to get from Rome to Florence for a day trip - taking a train

Taking the train from Rome to Florence turned out to be one of the easiest parts of our trip. We weren’t sure what to expect—crowds, confusion, delays? But everything went surprisingly smoothly.

From booking our tickets to stepping off in Florence’s city center, here’s how our ride went, what we learned, and a few tips we wish we’d known before hopping on board.

We’re boarding the Frecciarossa train for a fast and comfortable journey from Rome to Florence

Our tips for Rome to Florence train trip

1. Book tickets in advance - Try to book your train seats 2–3 months in advance for the best deals (prices start at €20 for Standard class and can go up to €145 for Executive). With business class seats you get extra legroom, a quieter atmosphere, and often complimentary snacks or coffee. Standard and premium seats are great too—no need to worry, they’re still comfortable and a solid choice.
2. Catch early train - We usually catch an early train from Florence (they start running as early as 5:35 AM). So far, we’ve taken the Frecciarossa train, which takes just 1 hour and 30 minutes.
3. Be at Termini Station 30 minutes early - Trains depart from Termini Station (and also stop at Tiburtina), so it's best to arrive at least 30 minutes early. We usually get there with time to spare and keep an eye on the departure boards—platforms are typically announced about 10 minutes before the train leaves.
4. Stay close to Termini - When we're in Rome, we love staying at Sophie Terrace Hotel—just a short walk from Termini. If you’ve got an early or late train, the front desk is happy to call a taxi for you.
   
   

How to book Rome to Florence train tickets?

Trainline is our favourite tool—it makes it easy to compare all train options between Rome and Florence, check times and book tickets quickly.

Your ticket gets emailed to you, which is perfect for quick access when the conductor checks it. You can also change or cancel it online if plans shift. 

👍 Pro tip! Train ticket prices go up closer to the travel date, so we try to book 2–3 months in advance (they're usually available 5–6 months ahead).

💰 Smart Rome to Florence day trip tips

The first time we did a day trip to Florence from Rome, we were so excited… and then totally overwhelmed.

We stepped off the train and were instantly swallowed by crowds, not really sure where to go or what to see first. We ended up wandering in circles, feeling like we were missing out on everything.

Here’s the thing: Florence is magical, but if you only have one day, you’ve got to plan a little. Trust us—it makes all the difference.

1. Book museum and sight tickets ahead - If you want to climb the Duomo, visit the Uffizi, or see Michelangelo’s David, book your tickets ahead of time. Lines can get crazy, and some places have timed entry.
2. Book guided tours ahead - A guided walking tour (see our top picks!) is also a great option if you want to hit the highlights without the stress of navigating it all yourself.
3. Don't try to see everything - That said, don’t try to pack your entire bucket list into one day. You’ll just end up rushing through everything—and that’s not the Florence experience you want.

Some of our favourite moments were the unplanned ones: wandering down quiet side streets, finding quirky little shops, or grabbing a table at a tucked-away trattoria with incredible handmade pasta.

So yes, plan your must-sees. But also leave time to just be in Florence. Slow down, look up, get a little lost. That’s when the magic really happens.

🗺️ Our suggested one-day Florence itinerary

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).

Best tours for visiting the Duomo complex!

Wander through Piazza della Signoria and experience Palazzo Vecchio

We love soaking up the summer vibe in Piazza della Signoria—sun, energy, and beauty all around

You'll stumble upon the Piazza della Signoria when exploring Florence, as it's set in the very heart of the city. We adore this beautiful square as you have everything here.

We love to admire the Michelangelo's David (it's replica - the real thing is at Accademia), stroll through the Michelozzo's courtyard in Palazzo Vecchio (free to enter), sit below the Loggia dei Lanzi and people watch...

Or just stroll around the square and capture photos from any angle... While there, go to the nearby Via della Condotta - many small shops and eateries...

If you want to explore the wonders of Palazzo Vecchio, you’ll need to book a ticket. And if you're after stunning views of the city, definitely climb the Arnolfo Tower—it’s 95 meters tall and absolutely worth it.

Someday, we’d love to take the tour of Palazzo Vecchio’s secret passages—it sounds so intriguing!

See world-class art at the Uffizi Gallery (we absolutely adore it)

We visited the Uffizi Gallery during our Rome to Florence day trip and loved discovering masterpieces by Botticelli and Caravaggio

Wondering if you need to visit the Uffizi Gallery on your Rome to Florence day trip?

If you're an art lover, it’s definitely worth fitting into your Florence itinerary!

Here, you’ll see world-famous masterpieces like La Primavera by Botticelli and Medusa by Caravaggio. Keep in mind that the Uffizi Gallery is one of Florence’s top attractions, and it can take a few hours to explore fully—so be sure to book skip-the-line tickets, like this one!

You might also consider booking a guided tour of the Uffizi, which lets you see the highlights quickly.

We loved our City Wonders tour—small groups, a great guide, and fast-track entry. We got straight inside and saw a lot in just 1.5 hours! Honestly, we didn’t expect to be so impressed by the Uffizi, but it completely wowed us.

After the visit, we took a break at the Coin department store café nearby and enjoyed a delicious schiacciata sandwich—perfect after a morning of art.

If you’re short on time during your day trip from Rome to Florence, you could just explore part of the gallery or save it for another visit.

Explore the beautiful the Bargello Museum (home to world-famous sculptures)

We found the Bargello Museum’s building, made of the beautiful brown pietraforte stone, absolutely stunning

Just around the corner from Piazza della Signoria, you’ll find our favourite museum in Florence: the Bargello Museum. It’s perfect if you want to experience world-class Renaissance art without the crowds—and for a lower price.

The museum houses incredible sculptures, including Bacchus, one of Michelangelo’s early masterpieces, and the Bronze David by Donatello. We also loved the impressive porcelain collections and intricate Renaissance goldwork.

The Bargello itself is a beautiful historic palace, and the peaceful courtyard is absolutely stunning. The wooden benches there are ideal for taking a break from sightseeing.

Tickets for the Bargello Museum are easy to buy at the entrance and cost just €10. It's the perfect choice for a day trip to Florence from Rome!

Visit beautiful Orsanmichele Church and Museum (a hidden gem)

The Orsanmichele Museum in Florence is home to impressive large sculptures of saints, making it a must-visit for art lovers

As you walk from Piazza del Duomo to Piazza della Signoria, you’ll come across a hidden gem: the Orsanmichele Church and Museum.

It’s the perfect quick stop—you can explore both in less than an hour. First, grab a ticket (it’s €8) from the office on Via dei Calzaiuoli, then head inside to admire the colourful frescoes on the ceiling and the stunning Madonna and Child marble tabernacle by Bernardo Daddi.

Afterward, cross the street and climb the stairs to check out the impressive collection of bronze and marble sculptures of saints. And at the top, you’ll find the real treat—an amazing view of Florence’s skyline that’s perfect for snapping some photos!

Stroll along the Arno River for the best views of Ponte Vecchio

A quiet stroll along the Arno River—one of the simplest and best ways to enjoy Florence

Whether we’re in Florence for just a day or staying a bit longer, we never skip a walk along the Arno River. It’s the perfect way to unwind, take in the stunning views, and do a bit of people-watching.

We usually start with a gelato from La Strega Nocciola (our favourite spot!), then cross the famous Ponte Vecchio—though we’ll admit, it’s always pretty crowded. From there, we love to take a leisurely stroll along the river toward Ponte Santa Trinita, our favourite bridge in Florence. It’s quieter, and the view back toward the Ponte Vecchio is absolutely picture-perfect.

No matter the weather—rain or shine—the Arno and the buildings lining it are just beautiful. If you're visiting Florence, especially on a day trip from Rome, make sure this walk is on your list. You won’t regret it.

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!).

Where to eat on your trip to Florence from Rome

Don’t skip trying a schiacciata sandwich while in Florence — this crispy, flavourful flatbread is stuffed with Tuscan cured meats and other local goodies

Florence is a dream destination for food lovers, and even if you’ve only got one day in the city, there’s still time to dive into some unforgettable Tuscan flavours. From quick bites to cozy trattorias and sweet treats, here’s how to make every meal count.

Start your day like a local with a coffee and pastry at a neighborhood café. One of our favorite spots is Caffè Rivoire, a historic gem right on Piazza della Signoria—it’s the perfect place to sip an espresso and soak in the morning buzz of the city.

If you’re planning a sit-down meal, be sure to book ahead—Florence’s best restaurants fill up fast. Two of our go-to spots are Antica Trattoria da Tito, where you can try the legendary bistecca alla fiorentina, and Da Garibaldi, known for its welcoming atmosphere and classic Tuscan dishes.

For something more casual at lunchtime, we love I' Girone De' Ghiotti, a small eatery near Piazza della Signoria serving up loaded schiacciata sandwiches (starting at around €6). These crusty, flavor-packed sandwiches are a local staple—and seriously addictive.

No visit is complete without gelato, and Gelateria La Carraia is one of the best in town. Go for a scoop of creamy pistachio or try something different like ricotta and fig—you won’t regret it.

Before heading out, we always stop by Leonardo Firenze to pick up a pack of cantucci or brutti ma buoni—classic Tuscan cookies that make for the perfect sweet souvenir (or mid-travel snack).

And if you’re after more gourmet goodies, don’t miss Pegna, where you’ll find everything from truffle-infused treats to beautifully packaged olive oils and pasta.

Even with just 24 hours, Florence serves up a full course of unforgettable flavours. Trust us—you’ll be planning your next trip before dessert is even finished.

Coccoli, fried dough balls usually eaten with stracchino cheese, are the ideal nibble throughout the day

Florence ideas for foodies!

• If you want to truly experience Florence’s food scene, we highly recommend joining a food tour. One we loved was the Florence Sunset Food Tour in Oltrarno with Walks of Italy. It takes you to authentic local spots where you can sample everything from cured meats and cheeses to Tuscan wines and gelato—all while learning a bit of history behind each bite.
• Prefer something hands-on? This fun 3-hour pasta-making class lets you create fresh pasta from scratch—like ravioli, fettuccine, and tortellini—under the guidance of a local chef. You'll cook, eat your creations, and finish with cake and limoncello.

Florence guided tours for day trippers from Rome:

A guided tour of Florence is a great way to make the most of your time.

You’ll get a quick dose of art, architecture, and history, then have the rest of the day to explore on your own—unwind in cafés, dine at local trattorias, grab a gelato (Gelateria La Carraia is our favorite), stroll along the Arno River, or shop for souvenirs...

1. Florence in a Day - Michelangelo's David, Uffizi guided city walking tour (Walks Italy)

If you want to see the best of Florence in just one day, this guided tour is a great choice. The guide meets you right next to the Baptistery of St. John at 9:45am and takes you on a relaxed five-hour walk around the city. You’ll visit the Accademia and Uffizi Gallery (with skip-the-line access) and check out other top sights along the way.

2. Best of Florence - Small Group Tour with Accademia and Duomo (Walks Italy)

Short on time but want to see Florence? This guided day trip from Rome to Florence covers the city’s highlights in just three hours.

Starting near the Accademia Gallery, you’ll skip the line to see Michelangelo’s David, visit the Florence Cathedral, and stroll through the historic center—including Piazza della Signoria and Orsanmichele. With a small group and expert guide, it’s a relaxed yet efficient way to experience Florence’s top sights in one unforgettable morning.

3. Highlights & Hidden gems of Florence private tour (City Unscripted)

This Florence guided tour is a true gem. It takes you away from the usual tourist crowds to explore some off-the-beaten-path spots. You'll spend two hours with your private guide, wandering through quiet streets like Via Taddea (where the author of Pinocchio was born), and visiting Michelangelo’s Laurentian Library. You can tell your guide what you’d like to explore and choose the time that works best for you.

4. Best of Florence Treasure Hunt Tour for Kids & Families (Raphael Tours)

Traveling to Florence with kids? This fun 2.5-hour walking tour is perfect for families, keeping children aged 5+ engaged with games, iPads, and flashcards. Explore highlights like Santa Croce, the Porcellino statue, Piazza della Signoria, and Ponte Vecchio—all while the kids learn and have fun. Starting in Piazza della Signoria, it’s a relaxed, stress-free way to enjoy Florence together.

Best day tours from Rome to Florence and the rest of Tuscany

Tuscany, with its rolling hills, vineyards, and medieval villages, is one of Italy's most iconic regions. While it may seem like a destination that deserves a leisurely multi-day trip, it’s absolutely possible to experience its charm in a single day — with the right guidance.

And the best way to do it? An organised tour from Rome.

Taking an organised tour from Rome to Tuscany allows you to make the most of your time, without the stress of planning or navigating unfamiliar roads.

Instead of worrying about driving, parking, or missing out on must-see sights, a tour ensures a smooth, efficient journey.

You’ll get the chance to visit famous Tuscan towns like Florence, Siena, or San Gimignano, with expert guides who can bring the region’s rich history, art, and culture to life.

With an organised tour, you’ll also benefit from convenient pick-up and drop-off locations in Rome, allowing you to enjoy Tuscany without the hassle of public transportation or renting a car.

And, of course, you won’t miss out on iconic experiences, such as sampling local wines, tasting traditional Tuscan dishes, or simply soaking in the picturesque landscape.

If you're pressed for time but want to see the best of Tuscany, an organised tour is your ideal option. You'll get all the highlights, the history, and the beauty — without the effort.

1. Florence & Tuscany Day Tour from Rome with Wine Tasting & Lunch (Italia Tours)

This full-day tour is the perfect way to explore both Florence and Tuscany in just 12 hours. It includes everything you need—roundtrip train travel from Rome to Florence, a guided walking tour of the city, a visit to a local winery with wine tasting and a light lunch, and a stop in the beautiful hilltop town of San Gimignano.

All you have to do is hop on the train—everything else is taken care of. Travelers love this experience and consistently rate it as one of their favourites in Italy. It’s an easy, fun, and delicious way to see the best of Tuscany in a day!

2. Tuscany Countryside including Wine Tasting & Lunch - Private Day Trip from Rome (Rome First Choice Trips)

3. Rome to Tuscany & Montepulciano Day Trip with Lunch & Wines

This full-day tour with City Wonders offers a fantastic and affordable way to explore Tuscany.

Departing at 7:30am from Piazza del Popolo (the heart of Rome), you'll head into the countryside to visit the charming towns of Montepulciano and Pienza—known for their beautiful views, historic streets, and relaxed vibe.

A highlight of the day is a three-course lunch with local wine pairings, served in a traditional vineyard cellar. It’s a true taste of Tuscany.

With round-trip coach travel and all logistics handled by friendly, knowledgeable guides, it’s a stress-free, great-value day out.

4. Hidden Tuscany Day Trip with Lunch and Wine Tastings From Rome

Unique ways to explore Florence on a day trip from Rome

Bike tour of Florence with Piazzale Michelangelo

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!

Florence hills e-bike tour (with gelato)

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!

Florence Vespa tour - Tuscan hills with lunch

This Vespa tour takes you from the heart of the city into the stunning Tuscan hills—with plenty of adventure (and food) along the way.

You’ll meet your guide near Ponte alle Grazie in Piazza dei Cavalleggeri (daily at 8:20 AM or 1:00 PM). Just bring your driver’s license and be 18+.

After a quick lesson, you’ll ride along the riverside to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking Florence, with a stop at the beautiful San Miniato al Monte. Then it’s on to peaceful country roads, past villas, vineyards, and olive groves.

The tour ends at a countryside estate where you’ll enjoy a classic Tuscan meal—bruschetta, pasta, cheese, salami, and a glass of local wine—before heading back to the city.

It’s a perfect mix of culture, scenery, and unforgettable food.

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

🎒 What to pack for a Florence day trip & Best times to go

If you're planning a day trip from Rome to Florence, packing light and smart is key.

Bring comfortable walking shoes—you’ll be on your feet exploring historic streets, museums, and piazzas. A small backpack with water, sunscreen, a portable phone charger, and a light jacket (especially in spring or fall) will keep you prepared.

Don’t forget your train tickets, ID, and a camera for those iconic Duomo shots!

The best time to go is during spring (April–June) or early fall (September–October), when the weather is mild and crowds are manageable. Trains run year-round, but weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends.

Driving from Rome to Florence in one day

Yes, you can drive from Rome to Florence and back in a day, but it’s a long trip. The drive takes about 3–3.5 hours each way, meaning you’ll spend 6–7 hours on the road. It leaves you with limited time to explore, and parking in Florence can be tricky due to restricted traffic zones (ZTLs).

If you're set on visiting Florence in a day, a faster and easier option is the high-speed train—it gets you there in about 1.5 hours and drops you right in the city center.

Even better, consider an organised day tour so you can relax and make the most of your time.

Final thoughts: Why Rome to Florence day trip is always worth it

No matter how many times we take the day trip to Florence from Rome, it never gets old. There’s something so special about exploring the heart of the city, filled with beauty, history, and the best food you’ll ever eat.

Even if you’re short on time, this day trip is absolutely doable—and totally worth it. In just a few hours, you can experience world-famous art, wander cobbled streets, enjoy a long lunch, and still make it back to Rome by bedtime.

Honestly, we fall in love with Florence all over again every time we go. And yes—we’re already dreaming of our next one.

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