How to Get from Rome to Florence

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The fastest and most comfortable way to get to Florence from Rome is to take a high-speed train. An alternative option is to take a regional one or to go by bus.

Let’s observe all of the possible options.

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High-speed train for 1,5 hour

Price: from 19 EUR

How far is Florence from Rome? – 300 km, or 1,5 hours by train. That is actually the best option. Especially if you want to spend a day there walking or visiting the Uffizi Gallery, have dinner and come back to Rome in the evening.

There are two train companies in Italy:

Trenitalia.com – a public company.
Italotreno.it – a private company with good quality high-speed trains.

I use both services, just checking the most appropriate options for my trips. But in general, I prefer Italotreno. The main secret is to plan your trip and buy tickets as much in advance as possible. The speed of the trains is 250-300 km/h to Florence without a stop.

Important: high-speed trains in Rome departure from Termini or Roma Tributina (also a metro station) railway stations. Keep it in mind while planning your journey.

For example, one can easily find tickets for 19 EUR in Trenitalia 1-2 months prior to the date:

If one buys tickets at a railway station or online but a couple of days in advance, the price starts from 44 EUR:

Same with Italotreno, in advance:

And at the very last moment:

Regional train for 4 hours

Price: from 21.5 EUR

Traveling on a regional train is more of a compromise for those who have a limited budget and enough time. Remember that strikes of transport service are common in Italy and it’s regional train workers who go out.

So, as I mentioned, it will take you 4 hours and 21.5 EUR to get from Rome to Florence. The price does not change, so there is no need to buy tickets in advance. The most important thing is to check the timetable and buy tickets at the official website of Trenitalia.com only. All other websites will charge you.

A bus for about 4 hours

Price: from 5 EUR

This option is for savers.

I think that if you travel by bus in Italy, choose Flixbus. The price range is 9.90 – 11.90 EUR (if not a promo), but you will be able to charge your phones and use free Wi-Fi.

Conclusion: I would say that the high-speed train option is the most comfortable way to get from Rome to Florence at a reasonable time and money. If you plan your trip in advance, the price for such a train will be lower than for a regional one. A bus is an option for those with a limited budget or who enjoy traveling by bus.

FAQ about getting to Florence from Rome

Can you make a day trip to Florence from Rome?

Yes, it is possible to make a day trip from Rome to Florence, although it would be a long day with a lot of traveling involved. Florence is about 280 kilometers (174 miles) north of Rome, and the journey by train takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours each way, depending on the type of train you take.
If you plan to take a day trip to Florence from Rome, it is best to catch an early train so that you have enough time to explore the city. Once in Florence, you can visit popular attractions such as the Uffizi Gallery, the Accademia Gallery (home of Michelangelo's David), the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (also known as the Duomo), and the Ponte Vecchio.

It's important to note that a day trip may not give you enough time to appreciate all that Florence has to offer fully, and it's worth considering staying overnight if possible to have a more immersive experience.

What is the easiest way to get from Rome to Florence?

By train. The high-speed train takes around 1.5 hours, and slower trains take around 3 hours.

How many days do you need in Florence?

To truly appreciate the beauty and history of Florence, I recommend spending at least three full days in the city. This will allow you to explore the main attractions, such as the Uffizi Gallery, the Accademia Gallery, the Duomo, and the Ponte Vecchio, as well as have time to wander through the charming streets and enjoy some of the amazing food and wine that Florence has to offer. Additionally, with three days, you can also take a day trip to nearby attractions like Pisa, Siena, or the Tuscan countryside.

What is the best way to get to Florence from Rome? By bus or train?

The best way to get from Rome to Florence is by train. Italy has an extensive rail network, and the high-speed train (Frecciarossa) connects Rome and Florence in just 1.5 hours. Trains are frequent, reliable, and comfortable, with onboard services such as Wi-Fi and refreshments. Buses are an option but generally take longer, are less comfortable and less frequent. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, I recommend taking the train.

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