Venice to Florence train with Italo

The Best Way to Travel from Venice to Florence? The Train

Introduction

When planning a smooth and scenic journey through Italy, the Venice to Florence train is one of the most popular routes for good reason. I wanted a fast and stress-free way to leave the canals of Venice behind and head toward the Renaissance charm of Florence—and the train was the perfect choice.

I booked my Venice to Florence ticket through Omio on my phone while sitting near the Grand Canal, and within seconds, my seat was confirmed. I’ve used Omio for several of my European train trips, and it’s always quick and seamless. If you're considering this route, here’s everything you need to know—plus helpful tips to make your ride even more enjoyable.

Route Overview

The Venice to Florence train connects two of Italy’s most iconic destinations. The distance is about 260 km (160 miles), and the journey typically takes between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the train type.

Trains on this route are operated by Trenitalia and Italo, offering a range of choices for every budget and travel style:

• Frecciarossa (Trenitalia) – High-speed and premium, with modern comfort
• Italo– Private high-speed operator with great deals and stylish trains
• Intercity – Slower but comfortable with fixed seating and lower fares
• Regionale (Regional trains) – Budget-friendly, slower, and with more stops along the way If you're looking for comfort and speed, Frecciarossa or Italo is ideal. But if you're on a budget or not in a rush, Regionale trains offer a more local and affordable experience.

Transportation Experience

I recently traveled from Venice to Florence as part of a north-to-south rail trip through Italy. I’ve taken this route more than once and tested different options—high-speed and regional alike.

On Omio, I compared Frecciarossa, Italo, Intercity, and Regionale options side by side. The interface made it easy to choose the right train based on duration, departure time, and ticket price—all in one place.

Route Details

Departure and Arrival Stations

The train from Venice to Florence connects two of Italy’s most iconic and accessible rail hubs: Venezia Santa Lucia (S. Lucia) and Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN). I’ve personally traveled through both stations multiple times, and they’re among my favorites in Italy for ease, charm, and central location.

Venezia Santa Lucia is located right on the Grand Canal, offering one of the most unique arrivals in Europe—walking out of the station and immediately seeing gondolas and water taxis is a moment you won’t forget.

The station itself is compact, making it easy to navigate, even during busy travel hours. It’s accessible by vaporetto (water bus), water taxi, or on foot if you’re staying nearby. Inside, you’ll find helpful signage in both Italian and English, automated ticket machines, currency exchange desks, cafés, and small shops.

I always recommend arriving 20–30 minutes early, especially if you’re boarding a high-speed train, to give yourself time to enjoy the view or grab a coffee canal-side.

On the other end, Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN) is Florence’s main railway station and one of the best located in Italy—just a 10-minute walk from the Duomo and within easy reach of the historic center, shops, and accommodations. Every time I’ve arrived in Florence by train, I’ve appreciated how quickly I can be walking among Renaissance landmarks right after stepping off the platform.

Inside SMN, you’ll find ticket counters, self-service kiosks, a pharmacy, luggage storage and plenty of food options, ranging from quick espresso bars to sit-down cafés. The left-luggage service is especially useful if you arrive early or depart late and want to explore without your bags. Taxi ranks and local buses are right outside the main entrance, and the station connects easily to both the tram network and regional buses serving Tuscany.

Schedule and Frequency

Trains from Venice to Florence depart frequently throughout the day, starting around 5:30 AM and running until about 8:30 PM.

• Frecciarossa / Italo: Around 1h 55m – 2h 05m
• Intercity: Around 2h 30m – 3h
• Regionale (Regional): Around 3h 45m – 4h 30m, often requiring a change in Bologna or another hub

Note: Regionale trains do not offer seat reservations and can be slower due to frequent stops, but they’re ideal for budget-conscious travelers. Expect to pay as little as €14–€18 for a one-way ticket.

Intercity: Comfortable fixed seating, air conditioning, and basic onboard services. Some routes may have vending machines or basic refreshment trolleys. Regionale Trains: Simple and functional, with basic seating and limited amenities. No food service onboard and no Wi-Fi. However, trains are clean and reliable for short or regional hops. Great for travelers making multi-stop itineraries through smaller towns.

Ticketing Advice and Budget Breakdown

Ticket prices vary by train type and how far in advance you book.

Regionale fares are generally fixed and don’t fluctuate much with demand. For high-speed trains, booking a few days to weeks in advance can unlock the best prices. You can easily compare and book all options through Omio, where digital tickets are sent to your phone and can be scanned directly at the platform.

Top Tips and Personal Recommendations

• Book early for high-speed trains to get the best price.
• Validate your ticket at yellow machines if you’re taking a Regionale train.
• Travel light—Florence’s cobblestone streets are not suitcase-friendly.
• Check platforms on the app a few minutes before departure.
• Bring water and snacks, especially on Regionale or Intercity trains with limited services.
• Sit on the right-hand side heading south for better views of the Tuscan countryside.

Conclusion

Taking the train from Venice to Florence is a smooth, scenic, and flexible way to travel across northern Italy. Whether you’re gliding through the country on a high-speed Frecciarossa, saving with a regional connection, or opting for something in between, the journey itself is as rewarding as the destination.

Florence awaits—with no baggage claim, no taxi queues, and no delays. Just step off the train and into Renaissance magic.

About the Author: Maria Kofou

• Job Title: Travel Journalist
• Bio: Maria Kofou is a travel journalist based in Athens, a rail enthusiast, and a 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.