Milan to Florence train with Italo

How to Travel by Train from Milan to Florence: Best Routes, Tickets & Tips

Introduction

When planning my recent Italian adventure, the route from Milan to Florence stood out—not just because of the destinations but because it gave me the chance to indulge in one of my greatest travel passions: trains. I’ve ridden iconic railways across Europe and the world, from the Japanese Shinkansen to the Swiss Bernina Express, and each journey brings its own magic. This time, it was Italy’s turn to surprise me. In this guide, I’ll show you how to enjoy this route to the fullest.

Route Overview

You’ll be traveling from Milan (Milano Centrale) to Florence (Firenze Santa Maria Novella), covering about 300 km through the heart of Italy. The best way to make the journey? By train. You have four main options:

• Frecciarossa (Trenitalia): High-speed, premium service
• Italo: High-speed, competitive pricing and comfortable
• Intercity (IC): Mid-speed, affordable, and comfortable with fixed seating
• Regionale: Slower, with multiple stops, but the most budget-friendly

For most travelers—and train lovers like me—high-speed trains strike the perfect balance. Intercity, however, is an excellent middle-ground option for those who don’t mind a slightly longer journey and want to save a bit more.

Transportation Experience

As someone deeply in love with trains, especially European ones, I couldn’t resist the appeal of another high-speed adventure. I chose Frecciarossa but also considered Italo, which offers similar comfort and fares. I briefly looked into Intercity trains, too, which take about 3 hours and 40 minutes and offer both First and Second Class options, as well as reclining seats, air conditioning, and mandatory seat reservations.

Booking through Omio was seamless. I compared all options—Frecciarossa, Italo, Intercity, and Regionale—selected my time and fare, paid with my card, and received my ticket instantly via email and app. Renting a car briefly crossed my mind, but sipping coffee while gliding through the Tuscan countryside won—again.

Route Details

Departure and Arrival Stations

Situated in the northern central part of the city is the grand Milan Central Train Station. The station is well-connected to the rest of Milan city via metro transport, including buses and trams. It’s spacious and architecturally stunning. Arrive 15 minutes early, then simply scan your QR code at the platform and board.

Florence Santa Maria Novella Train Station is located in the city center, just a 10-minute walk from the Duomo. Inside, you’ll find many shops, restaurants, and even a travel agency. It’s clean, well-organized, well-connected, and in a lively part of the city.

Schedule and Frequency

Trains depart every 30 minutes on average, especially high-speed ones. Intercity trains are less frequent but run several times a day. I took the 11:10 a.m. Frecciarossa and arrived by 12:50 p.m.—right on time.

Onboard Experience and Services

Train Classes and Facilities

I traveled in Standard Class, which felt anything but basic. Leather seats with ample legroom, power outlets, and reliable Wi-Fi made the ride smooth. The onboard café bar offered espresso and snacks. Everything was clean, and the staff were very professional.

Food, Staff & Cleanliness

The service was efficient, and the restrooms spotless. Bonus: between Bologna and Florence, the train exits tunnels to reveal rolling Tuscan hills. Definitely grab a window seat on the right-hand side.

Ticketing Advice and Budget Breakdown

I booked three weeks in advance and paid €29. Early birds might find deals from €19, especially with Omio promo codes. Intercity tickets usually start from €12, with a travel time of around 3h 39m. Regionale tickets start around €9–€17, but they take even longer and don’t offer seat reservations.

Top Tips and Personal Recommendations

• Pack light: Florence’s cobbled streets don’t mix well with big suitcases.
• Stay hydrated: Bring a refillable water bottle and a snack.
• Sit comfortably: Choose a forward-facing seat.
• Document your travels: Keep a train travel log if you're a rail enthusiast like me.

Bonus: Scenic Views & Best Seats on the Train

Between Milan and Bologna, you’ll cross the Po Valley with its farmhouses and vineyards. Just before arriving in Florence, the train reveals glimpses of rolling Tuscan hills and terracotta rooftops.

Best seat tips:

• Grab a window seat on the right-hand side (facing Florence) for views.
• For quiet, choose Frecciarossa Business, Italo Prima/Club, or Intercity First Class.
• Avoid seats near the café for less foot traffic.

Conclusion

For anyone traveling from Milan to Florence, the train is unbeatable: fast, scenic, and stress-free. Booking through Omio made everything seamless. Whether you’re a rail enthusiast or simply curious, this journey is part of the adventure, not just the way to get there.

About the Author: Maria Kofou

• Job Title: Travel Journalist
• Bio: Travel journalist based in Athens, rail enthusiast, and travel content creator. She has written for major travel outlets and leads curated group trips for solo women. When she's not riding high-speed trains or scenic routes, she’s podcasting, storytelling, or planning her next rail adventure.