Rome to Florence train with Italo

Rome to Florence by Train: An Italian Local’s Guide to the Frecciarossa Experience

Introduction

As an Italian who loves exploring her own country, I could not skip the opportunity to take a day trip to stunning Florence from my city, Rome. Taking the train is the fastest, most comfortable, and most relaxing route—it will let you avoid the airport chaos and stressful Italian highway traffic. Here is how I went from Rome to Florence by train and why I would choose this route again.

Route Overview

The distance between Rome and Florence is approximately 275 kilometers, but the journey is shorter than you think. It's only 1.5 hours by train, making the railway one of the most efficient ways to travel between these two Italian cities.

I chose the Frecciarossa high-speed train, which is the fastest train and has no stops, but you can also choose Italo or other Trenitalia options. These trains depart frequently from Roma Termini and arrive at Santa Maria Novella, both centrally located and well-connected stations, which makes them super convenient for a day trip.

Transportation Experience

I booked my train via Omio, and it only took a few minutes to compare departure times, ticket prices, and train options. I chose the early Frecciarossa service and grabbed a window seat in the Business Class area, sipping on some fresh juice and watching the world wake up while admiring the beauty of the Tuscan countryside. If you’re asking whether you should take the train or bus from Rome to Florence, my answer is absolutely the train.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

Roma Termini is right in the heart of the city, and it’s easily reachable if you are staying in the historic center. I arrived early and grabbed an espresso from one of the cafés in the station. The rest of the stores hadn't opened yet, but if you are traveling during the day, I recommend going a little bit early to check them out.

Firenze Santa Maria Novella is just as convenient! Despite it being smaller than Rome’s station, it still has great cafés and shops and is located just a short 10-minute walk from downtown Florence.

Schedule & Frequency

There are high-speed trains running between Rome and Florence nearly every 15-30 minutes throughout the day. I caught a Frecciarossa at 7:30 AM and arrived in Florence by 9:20 AM, just in time for breakfast!

Onboard Experience and Services

I rode in Business Class on Trenitalia's Frecciarossa, and it was well worth it. The seat was super comfortable, with extra legroom, Wi-Fi, USB power outlets, and restrooms exclusive to our coach. There was also a tray table available where I could work or do my makeup.

Traveling with big suitcases wouldn’t be an issue either, as there are plenty of areas to store bags. We were also given morning snacks, including juice and biscuits, which definitely made the 1.5-hour journey feel smooth and relaxing.

Ticketing Advice & Budget

The earlier you book Rome to Florence train tickets, the better! I booked only one month in advance and managed to score a relatively cheap ticket in Business Class. Here is what I spent:

• Frecciarossa Business Class: €49
• Seat selection: €2
• Taxi to Roma Termini: €12
• Coffee at Roma Termini: €1.20

Total: €64.20

Top Tips & Recommendations

As I have always been a lover of the Tuscan countryside, watching the scenery shift from Rome’s cityscape to the hills of Tuscany is always magic. Here are my tips to get the most from your journey:

• Always arrive at least 30 minutes before your train’s departure: That way, you will have time to find your platform and even grab an espresso.
• Compare ticket classes: Use sites like Omio to see if upgrading to Business or First Class is worth it for your route.
• Remember to validate regional train tickets: If you're connecting to a regional train, make sure you stamp your paper ticket before boarding to avoid a fine. For the Frecciarossa, you do not need to validate your e-ticket.
• Book a window seat: This will provide you with the best views!
• Don’t miss the Feltrinelli store: You can find it inside the Firenze Santa Maria Novella station, and it has great gift options and souvenirs!

Conclusion

Whether you're sticking to a budget or upgrading for a little extra comfort, the high-speed train from Rome to Florence is hands down one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to travel in Italy. With comfortable seats, small treats, and a quick journey time, it's such a smooth and stress-free alternative to driving or flying. Book your tickets now on Omio, and start exploring Italy like a local!

About the Author: Eleonora Colamarino

• Job Title: Travel Content Creator
• Bio: Eleonora is a travel content creator with a focus on all things Italy, giving daily tips and tricks on how to experience Italy better, with a local focus.