Are you looking for the best way of getting from Rome to Florence? You are in the right place. I have done this journey myself, multiple times and using virtually every means of transportation available, and here I will be sharing everything you should know for a safe, smooth and easy journey.
Florence is a favorite tourist destination in Italy. Back in 2019, more than 15 million tourists spent at least one night in Florence. And many many more visited the city on a day trip from a different location. To be fair, the gorgeous capital of Tuscany deserves way more than a day (last time I was there, I spent three full days and even then it felt rushed!), but if that’s all you have you will be happy to know that it can easily be visited on a day trip from Rome.
Indeed, the distance between Rome and Florence is 232 kilometers (145 miles), so even if you’re driving, you could easily visit Florence, see a few sights and drive back to Rome on the same day. However, it’s easier (and quicker) to take public transport between the two storied cities. Curious to find out more? Continue reading, as I will share all the best ways of traveling between the two cities.
Check out my post The Best Day Trips From Rome.
How To Get From Rome To Florence
Taking the train from Rome to Florence
Florence and Rome are connected by Italy’s well developed railway network, providing the opportunity to visit two of the country’s most famous destinations. The route between Rome and Florence by train is plied by high speed rail, and it’s usually the preferred option for travelers moving between the two.
There are a number of direct train services between Rome and Florence, which include bullet trains. This means that the travel time and amenities on offer with each different train do vary.
The train from Rome to Florence leaves from Rome Termini station in the center of the city, and connects to Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station.
Make sure to read my posts How Many Train Stations Are There In Rome?, How To Use Rome Metro and A Guide To Rome’s Public Transport.
How long does the train from Rome to Florence take?
The fastest train journey by train between Rome and Florence takes one hour and 36 minutes. This high speed railway connection boasts speeds of up to 190 mph (305 kmh). There are different types of bullet train that run on this route: these include the Frecce, Intercity and the privately run Italo trains.
Then there are the local trains. These are not as quick, but also not as expensive, making them a good budget option. You’ll need to factor in around a three and a half hour travel time for local trains between Florence and Rome.
How much does the train from Rome to Florence cost?
The prices for train travel between Rome and Florence starts at as little as €21,75 one way for the regional/local trains. Prices can also start around €30 for a ticket for a high speed Italo train, which must be booked in advance, and around €36 for a ticket on a Frecciarossa train. The earlier you book a ticket the better, both for a better deal on the fare (it can climb to €50) and a better seat on the train.
For the price of the ticket on the high speed trains, you get to ride a well-equipped train with a long list of amenities. These include space for your luggage, sometimes Wi-Fi, restrooms, and food and drink services.
How often does it run?
The train from Rome to Florence starts running around 5:30 am and leave throughout the day, with services ending late in the evening, depending on what train company you’re using. For example, the Italo train has 30 trains that depart throughout the day from Florence to Rome and vice versa. To these, you need to add the many trains operated by Trenitalia. In other words, you won’t be left with no train between the two cities!
You can check the schedule and prices of the trains to Florence on the official website of Trenitalia or on the Omio app here.
Getting the bus to Florence from Rome
Buses are consistently the cheapest way to travel between Rome and Florence. While you can get a good deal on train travel, this can require you to shop around and to book way in advance; buses, however, are always affordable.
One of the most popular bus companies that ply the route between Florence and Rome is FlixBus. Tickets for your preferred seat can be booked online, or else they can be purchased at the bus station on the day of your travel.
Buses bound for Florence usually leave from Rome Tiburtina Bus Station; many also leave from Rome Termini. Usually they arrive at Florence Villa Costanza Bus Station.
How long does the bus to Florence from Rome take?
It takes around three hours and 15 minutes for the bus to get from Rome to Florence. Don’t worry: there are regular breaks along the way.
How much does it cost?
A one way journey costs as little as €5, though tickets can be as expensive as €21, depending on the company (there are several to choose from, including Itabus, Flixbus and Marinobus).
Depending on the bus you choose, there are varying amenities on offer. Some buses feature Wi-Fi and extra comfortable seats, while some may offer refreshments, too. It depends on the vehicle.
You can check the schedule and prices of the bus to Florence from Rome on the Omio app here.
How often does it run?
There are around 50 different bus departures per day, which includes a handful of night bus services also. The earliest departing from Rome for Florence is 00:15 and the last is 11:55 pm.
Driving from Rome to Florence
Self-driving is another option. It’s extra convenient for those who don’t want to rely on public transport and want to travel at their own speed. It’s a good choice if you’d prefer to stop off at cities and other destinations along the way.
However, if you want to spend more time in Florence rather than swinging by on a road trip, it’s probably a better option to get public transport. Driving around Florence is a bit of a nightmare, parking is expensive and there are many pedestrianized streets.
If you are keen on driving though, it’s not a bad option. There are many trusted international car rental companies available throughout Rome and at the airport, too.
Check out the prices of car rental in Rome here.
How long does it take to drive to Florence from Rome?
By road, the distance between Rome and Florence is 275 kilometers (170 miles) and takes just over three hours. There’s a lot you can stop off and see along the way: you could stop off at Viterbo, San Gimignano, and/or Civita di Bagnoregio, for example.
How much does it cost?
The cost of hiring a car is the main thing you’ll be thinking about, but there are also tolls to pay on the road and the price of fuel to consider on top of that. Tolls, for example, can cost around €30.
A hire car can cost as little as €30 per day, but can creep up to €80. This depends on the season, how far in advance you book, and the type of car. It’s best to book online ahead of your trip rather than in-person for the best deals. Make sure to shop around on comparison sites like Discover Cars to get an idea of the prices.
Check out the prices of car rental in Rome here.
Private transfers between Rome and Florence
For a hassle free way to travel between Rome and Florence, private transfer could be a great choice. This basically means you’ll have a private car with a driver who’ll pick you up from your accommodation and drive you all the way – just sit back and relax. It will cost you though: €400 per person, one way, is not uncommon.
You can book your private transfer to Florence here or here.
For a more budget friendly option (semi-shared transfer), click here.
For a transfer from Fiumicino Airport, click here.
Taking a guided day trip to Florence from Rome
If you’re heading to Florence on a day trip from Rome, then you may want to consider a guided tour. Not only will this option get you from A to B in relative comfort (though beware that most day trips are by high speed train), but you’ll also have a knowledgeable guide showing you around.
Tours like this are usually conducted in a small group, and as well as highlights of the city (and perhaps even lunch), you may stopover in a few hotspots in the vicinity, i.e. Pisa. You won’t have to worry about a thing, only the prices – a small group tour can cost a minimum of €115.
You can book your day trip to Florence from Rome here. For a day trip by high speed train, click here or here.
Make sure to also read my post How To Plan A Day Trip From Rome To Florence.
Heading further out? Check out my post How To Get From Rome To Cinque Terre.
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