Florence to Milan train with Italo

Transportation experience

I booked my ticket the night before via Omio, and it couldn’t have been simpler. I had a few different departure times to choose from, and once I selected my train, the mobile ticket was instantly available in my email and app. Since I was doing this trip solo, I picked a mid-morning departure. That way, I could grab breakfast before boarding and avoid the early commuter rush. The train station in Florence, Firenze Santa Maria Novella, is right in the heart of the city, so I just walked there from my hotel. If you're deciding whether to take the train or fly from Florence to Milan, go with the train. Not only is it faster overall (especially once you factor in getting to and from the airports), but the stations are far more convenient.

Schedule & frequency

There are dozens of trains running this route daily, usually every 15 to 30 minutes from early morning to late evening. I took a Frecciarossa service that departed at 10:25 AM and arrived just after noon, right on time. Trains on the Florence–Milan route tend to be reliable, but I always check my platform using the Trenitalia or Omio app.

Onboard experience & services

I rode in Second Class, and honestly, it was great. The seats were wide, with more than enough legroom, and the windows were large, which made the countryside views even better. There were power outlets at every seat and free Wi-Fi that worked surprisingly well for light browsing and email. There’s also a café car onboard with sandwiches, coffee, and drinks. I grabbed an espresso and a snack midway through the ride, which was of pretty decent quality. The café car is a nice break if you're not in the mood to bring food with you. The restrooms were clean and checked regularly, and there was plenty of room for luggage in the overhead racks and at the end of the carriage. On Frecciarossa trains, you can bring as much luggage as you can carry, just as long as it doesn’t block the aisles or other seats.

Ticketing advice & budget breakdown

By booking a few days ahead, I paid €29 for my Frecciarossa train ticket. Prices fluctuate depending on demand and time of day, but if you're flexible and book early, you can often score deals. Here’s a breakdown of what I spent:

Top tips & recommendations

• Choose a window seat on the right side for more of those rolling hills and countryside views.
• Download the Omio app for live platform updates and mobile tickets, as it saves you a lot of time and stress.
• Bring headphones if you want a quiet ride, especially during peak hours.
• Grab a coffee or snack before boarding if you want something specific, though the onboard café is solid.
• Travel light if you can. There’s storage for larger suitcases, but overhead space is easiest to access.
• For those planning to keep moving after Milan, you can also check trains from Milan to Venice on Omio or buses from Milan to Rome for your next leg.

Conclusion

Florence to Milan by train is one of the easiest and most enjoyable legs of an Italian itinerary. With fast booking, comfortable trains, and beautiful scenery, everything about this journey just works. If you're heading north from Florence, booking a train through Omio is absolutely the way to go.