Florence to Rome train with Italo

Traveling from Florence to Rome by Train: A Relaxed Journey Through Italy

Introduction

When I planned my route from Florence to Rome, I knew I wanted something easy, scenic, and efficient — and taking the train from Florence to Rome felt like the best decision. In this post, I’ll share what the journey was like and a few practical tips if you’re planning the same route.

Route Overview

The train from Florence to Rome is one of the most popular routes in Italy. Covering just under 300 kilometers (around 186 miles), high-speed trains typically make the journey in about 1.5 hours. It’s easily the best way to get from Florence to Rome by train — fast, comfortable, and far less stressful than flying.

If you’re still deciding, you can also take the bus from Florence to Rome, but in my opinion, nothing beats the train for ease and comfort.

Transportation Experience

I booked my train ticket from Florence to Rome through the Omio app, which made everything super simple. I loved being able to compare the available options — Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa versus Italo, standard vs. business class, and different departure times. Everything was in English, and I received my mobile ticket instantly. It, honestly, took less than two minutes to book.

I’ve taken this route more than once, and if you’re wondering, "Should I take the train or bus from Florence to Rome?" — go for the train. The views, the speed, and the overall experience are just better.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

The train departs from Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN), which is in the heart of Florence. It’s easy to get to by foot or a short cab ride, and there are plenty of shops and cafés inside to grab a snack beforehand.

In Rome, you’ll arrive at Roma Termini, the city’s main train station. It’s busy but well-organized—and connected to the metro system, buses, and taxis. It’s also a short ride or 20-minute walk from many central neighborhoods.

Pro tip: My must-visit place before boarding is a well-known sandwich chain located at both the Florence and Rome stations — All'antico Vinaio! The sandwiches are huge and delicious, perfect to take with you on the train and enjoy during the ride.

Schedule & Frequency

Trains from Florence to Rome run frequently — at least two to three per hour throughout the day, starting early morning and continuing until late evening. Most are high-speed services with minimal stops. My Florence to Rome train time was about 1 hour and 32 minutes. I traveled at the end of June and took a midday train around lunchtime. It was a bit busy, which is typical for peak hours—if you prefer a quieter ride, consider traveling off-peak. The station itself can feel a bit overwhelming, especially in summer, so I recommend arriving 30 to 45 minutes early to navigate, find your platform, and settle in without stress.

Onboard Experience & Services

On my most recent trip, I took Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa in Standard Class. The seats were spacious, with tray tables, outlets and even decent Wi-Fi for casual browsing. There’s a café car onboard offering snacks and coffee, but I usually bring something from the station just in case. I chose Frecciarossa over Italo mainly for the timing and slightly better reviews on reliability, though both are solid high-speed options. If you're considering an upgrade, Business and Premium Class on Frecciarossa offer wider seats, more legroom and complimentary snacks, which could be worth it for longer trips or added comfort. There aren’t many "wow" scenic moments on this route, but it’s still beautiful to watch the rolling hills of Tuscany pass by. If you sit on the right side heading south, you’ll catch the better views.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

I booked about a week in advance and paid around €39 for a one-way ticket in standard class. Prices vary depending on how early you book and which provider you choose. You can check all of the available trains from Florence to Rome here. Here’s a quick breakdown of my travel costs:

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Arrive early at Firenze SMN to grab a snack and find your platform without stress.
• Download your ticket ahead of time in case of Wi-Fi issues at the station.
• Bring your own snacks — the café car is convenient, but station food is often better.
• Sit on the right side for nicer countryside views.
• Compare Florence to Rome buses on Omio if you're traveling super light or on a tighter budget.

Conclusion

Traveling from Florence to Rome by train is everything you want in a travel day — smooth, fast, and stress-free. It’s perfect whether you’re heading into a busy itinerary in Rome or just soaking up a slower Italian adventure. Booking through Omio made it easy from start to finish.

Safe travels, and enjoy the ride!

About the Author: Nancy Sevilla

• Job Title: Travel Content Creator
• Bio: Nancy Sevilla is a travel and lifestyle content creator who has explored over 30 countries and frequently shares solo travel tips, destination guides, and behind-the-scenes travel experiences. She recently completed a solo train journey across Italy.