Rome to Florence by Train 2025 – High-Speed Travel Guide & Tips

Use these related guides to plan the rest of your Italy itinerary around this Rome–Florence train route:

• 10 Day Italy Itinerary »
• Italy high-speed trains guide »
• Best hotel areas in Rome »
• Best hotel areas in Florence »
• Flights & transit routes to Italy »
• Italy travel hub »

For most travelers, the Rome to Florence train beats buses, cars and flights. You travel city-center to city-center with no airport transfers, no traffic and frequent departures all day.

• Duration: about 1.5 – 2 hours on the high-speed route.
• Departure stations in Rome: Roma Termini or Roma Tiburtina.
• Arrival station in Florence: Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN), in the city center.
• Frequency: trains depart every 15–30 minutes most of the day.

From Santa Maria Novella you can walk to the Duomo, historic center and many hotels in under 10–15 minutes.

Two main high-speed train brands operate between Rome and Florence. Both are modern, comfortable and fast.

• Trenitalia Frecciarossa: state-run, speeds up to 300 km/h, multiple classes (Standard, Premium, Business, Executive), power sockets and Wi-Fi on board.
• Italo Treno: private competitor with sleek red trains, good prices when booked early and comfortable seats in several classes (Smart, Comfort, Prima, Club Executive).
• Both companies run direct trains between Rome and Florence with no changes required.

Official info and timetables: 👉 Trenitalia  |  Italo Treno

Departure in Rome

• Roma Termini: the main station in Rome, central and well connected by metro, buses and taxis.
• Roma Tiburtina: another major hub, especially for some high-speed Italo and Frecciarossa services.
• Arrive at the station at least 20 minutes early to find your platform calmly.

Arrival in Florence

• High-speed trains usually arrive at Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN), the main central station.
• From SMN, it is a short walk or quick taxi ride to most Florence hotel areas, the Duomo and the historic center.

Turn your departure morning into part of the experience with a relaxed breakfast near the station.

• Grab breakfast at Panella – L’Arte del Pane near Termini for fresh bread, pastries and coffee.
• Or stop at Bar Fondi for a quick cappuccino and pastry before boarding.
• Keep your ticket and platform number handy and aim to be on the platform 10 minutes before departure.

Once you arrive in Firenze Santa Maria Novella, you are already close to great food and sights.

• Try Trattoria ZaZa near SMN – popular for Tuscan pasta, steak and casual atmosphere.
• Explore Mercato Centrale, an indoor food market filled with Italian specialties, perfect for lunch or snacks.
• Take a short walk to Piazza del Duomo to start exploring Florence’s historic center.

• Book online in advance to access discounted fares (Super Economy / Economy on Frecciarossa, promo fares on Italo).
• Keep tickets on your phone – QR codes are scanned on board, no need to print in most cases.
• Choose window seats if you enjoy countryside views between Lazio and Tuscany.
• Stations offer luggage storage services if you plan a short visit or day trip.

Prices vary by date and class, but booking early often saves up to 50% compared with same-day tickets bought at the station.

• Wi-Fi: both Frecciarossa and Italo usually provide free Wi-Fi on board.
• Luggage: dedicated racks at carriage ends and overhead shelves above seats.
• Food & drinks: café car or trolley service with snacks, drinks and light meals.
• Seat selection: consider facing-the-direction seats if you are sensitive to motion.