How to get to Florence Santa Maria Novella Train Station

Travel from Florence city center to Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station

Florence is a city in the northern half of Italy, famous for its culture, Renaissance art and architecture as well as its iconic monuments. Some of it most characteristic sites are the Piazza del Duomo square, the Ponte Vecchio medieval stone bridge, along with being the home of the renown David of Michelangelo statue. On a train to Florence, you’ll be arriving at the main Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station. This train station in Florence is one of the busiest railway station in Italy used by about 59 million people a year. It located just northwest of the heart of Florence and is even walking distance if you find yourself near the Piazza del Duomo.

If you wish to travel from Florence city center to Florence train station, your options are driving, walking or hopping on a public bus. There are various buses that stop near the Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station, like the routes 6, 11, 14 and 23.

How far is it from Florence city center to Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station?

If we’re considering the Piazza del Duomo and its surroundings the historic center of Florence, the Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station is just about 0.6 miles (1 km) away. Walking from the city center to the train station is probably the most convenient way to go. Starting from the Piazza del Duomo, head west on the Via de Cerretani in the northwest corner of the square. Continue until the street gradually turns right and becomes Via Panzani. Follow the Via Panzani a couple blocks until you arrive at the Piazza della Stazione (Station Square). This walk only takes about 10min.

If you don’t wish to walk the 10min, or you need to make it to your train time at Florence station with luggage, make your way west on the Piazza di San Giovanni road out the southwest corner of the Piazza del Duomo. When you arrive at a crossroads two streets down, the 6 and 11 bus stop is on your left.

What is the best way to get to Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station from Florence city center?

The best way to get from the city center to the Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station is probably on foot. Depending on where you are in the city center, the route is most likely walkable. Locate the Piazza del Duomo, it’s probably where you’ll be starting your visit in Florence anyway. Head to the west end of the square where it turns into the Piazza de San Giovanni. Take the street in the northwest corner of the square, Via Cerretani, and start walking. The road will gradually turn right and turn into Via Panzani as you pass Hotel Cerretani on your right. Continue on Via Panzani for three blocks until the street opens up to the Piazza della Stazione (Station Square) and the station is at the far end. It’s possible to cover this distance of about 0.6 miles (1 km) in around 10min.

Tourist in a Florence Station. Source: Shutterstock

Where is the airport in Florence and how to get there?

The Florence Airport is about 4.5 miles (7 km) from the main Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station. It takes more or less 20min to get to the station by car, however, there is also public transportation. The T2 tram is the best option to take for a direct route between the Florence Airport and train station. The stop is just outside the terminal and arrives at the Piazza della Stazione in around 23min.

How accessible is Florence train station for those with limited mobility?

The RFI Trenitalia Italian railway is constantly and progressively implementing measures to create a barrier-free experience for passengers with reduced mobility transiting through their stations. As for information about train station in Florence, the station offers a service for passengers who may need it, assisting with getting off and on trains as well as managing the station. It only requires for passengers to request this prior to their departure for them to help as best possible.

The Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station is equipped with wheelchair accessible elevators to get around the station and the platforms are not elevated, allowing step-free access onboard. The station is at street-level on the east entrance where the station parking lot is. From there, getting around the station can only get complicated due to the amount of travelers transiting through it. Most Trenitalia trains are wheelchair accessible and have accessible seating, however you can check with the railway company beforehand for specific routes.

Night trains to/from Firenze Santa Maria Novella

There are night trains arriving and departing through Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station operated by the Austrian railway company, ÖBB. The departures from the Florence train station for overnight trains tend to leave in the evening and they arrive the next morning in either Munich (Germany) or Vienna (Austria).

Traveling by train in Florence: Sustainable journey

The RFI railway company has dedicated its efforts to search for innovative products and solutions that can guarantee improving the efficiency and effectiveness of more sustainable developments. The operations are committed to maintaining the train network and ensuring a rational use of natural resources to reduce its negative environmental impact.

Local tips: Florence train station points of interest

The Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station is a modern building, equipped with a variety of shops and eateries to meet traveler’s needs. It’s possibly the most transited train station in all of Italy, seeing about 59 million travelers per year. There are various restaurants inside as well as other services like a post office, photo booth, pharmacy and a travel agency. It’s located in a busy area lined with cafes and stores outside. The station is fairly close to the historic center of Florence and its top attractions. Just a 10min walk away you’ll find the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore and its iconic red dome as well as the Palazzo Vecchio, currently the town hall of Florence. If you make your way from there towards the Arno River, you’ll come across the medieval stone bridge, the Ponte Vecchio. Across the river is the Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens.

• Take in the magnificence of the Piazza del Duomo
• See the famous David de Michelangelo statue
• Stroll through the streets of the historic district
• Try some Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine beefsteak)
• Indulge on some Italian Gelato

A tourist enjoys the cityscape of Florence. Source: Shutterstock

What to do in Florence

The picturesque city of Florence in Italy is famous for its iconic Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore and its large red dome, facing out to the Piazza del Duomo. Get lost in the streets of Florence and explore its multiple museums and art galleries, and taking in the Renaissance architecture. Among the highlights of the beautiful city of Florence is the Baptistery of St. John, as a work of art of the 12th century. When you’re ready to sit down and indulge on magnificent traditional dishes, you must try a “bistecca alla Fiorentina” (beefsteak Florence-style) or some truffle and mushroom tagliatelle pasta. If you want to keep walking and see all there is to see with no time to stop at a restaurant, try some typical street food like a Lambredotto sandwich and finish you meal off with your favorite flavor of gelato, the Italian version of ice-cream.