Rome to Florence Train: Frecciarossa vs Italo, Stations, Fares and Tips (2026)

The Rome to Florence train is one of the easiest rides in Italy. High-speed trains leave all day and cover the distance in about an hour and a half. The real decisions come before you board. You pick an operator and a fare, then check your station and plan what to do with your bags. This guide puts those choices in order, using only figures from official pages.

Last updated: September 26, 2026

Rome to Florence by train at a glance

Figures come from the operators’ own pages, checked September 2026. For the wider rail system, see our guide to trains in Italy.

Frecciarossa or Italo: which Rome to Florence train to take

Two companies compete on this route. Trenitalia is the national operator, and its red Frecciarossa reaches 300 km/h, according to its Frecciarossa page (checked September 2026). Italo is a private company that runs only high-speed trains.

According to the Italo route page, its trains generally take 1 hour and 25 minutes, and 32 trains run each way every day (checked September 2026). The same page advertises fares from about €14.90. Meanwhile, the Trenitalia route page says the Frecciarossa reaches Florence “in just over an hour and a half” (checked September 2026).

In practice, the two are close. So pick the one whose departure time fits your day, then compare fares. There are, however, two differences worth knowing:

• Onward connections: Trenitalia can sell a Frecciarossa plus a regional train on one ticket, for example Rome to Florence and then on to Pisa or Lucca. Italo cannot, because it runs no regional trains.
• Classes: the Frecciarossa offers Standard, Premium, Business and Executive. Italo uses its own class names, starting with Smart.

Stations: Termini, Tiburtina and Santa Maria Novella

In Rome, most travelers board at Roma Termini, which is central and served by both metro lines. Italo also lists Roma Tiburtina on its network page (checked September 2026), and some high-speed trains stop there as well. Always check which Rome station is printed on your ticket.

In Florence, meanwhile, the trains arrive at Firenze Santa Maria Novella, usually shortened to SMN. It sits on the edge of the historic center, a short walk from the Duomo.

There is one exception to plan for. During engineering works, high-speed trains can skip SMN. For example, Italo announced that on January 24 and 25, 2026, its trains would stop at Firenze Campo di Marte or Firenze Rifredi instead, with shuttle buses between the two, according to its travel notice. As a result, it pays to reread your booking confirmation the day before you travel.

Booking early vs buying on the day

High-speed trains use dynamic pricing, and the cheapest quota sells out first. Therefore, book early for weekends, holidays and busy seasons. On a quiet weekday, however, buying on the day usually still works. You will simply pay more and have fewer departures to choose from.

Trenitalia’s cheaper fares also come with deadlines. According to its fare conditions (checked September 2026), Super Economy fares go on sale until midnight six days before departure and allow no changes. Economy fares close at midnight two days before. Base fares, by contrast, stay on sale and are the most flexible. Italo sells Flex, Economy and Low Cost fares, with flexibility falling as the price drops. Our guide to Italian train tickets and fares explains each fare in detail.

Regional tickets work differently. A digital regional ticket activates at the scheduled departure of the train you chose, according to Trenitalia (checked September 2026). By contrast, a paper regional ticket must be validated at the station before you board, according to the regional travel rules.

The slow route: regional trains via Orvieto, Chiusi and Arezzo

Before the high-speed line opened, all trains between the two cities used the historic line. It runs through Orte, Orvieto, Chiusi, Terontola and Arezzo, and regional trains still use it today. Consequently, the trip takes far longer than on a Frecciarossa or an Italo.

The reason to take it is the stops. Orvieto, on its rock above the valley, makes a natural break, and Arezzo is worth an afternoon too. In addition, from Chiusi and Terontola you can reach southern Tuscany and Lake Trasimeno. For example, you could leave Rome in the morning, spend a few hours in Orvieto and reach Florence by evening. If you would rather see Orvieto with a guide from Rome, there is an Orvieto day trip from Rome.

Check the exact connections in the Trenitalia app, including whether your chosen journey needs a change. Also, remember the regional ticket rules above.

Luggage, strikes and other practical details

Luggage

There is no check-in. You carry your bags on board and store them yourself. According to the Trenitalia FAQ, luggage travels free if it fits in the spaces provided. Italo, meanwhile, sets a limit of 75 x 53 x 30 cm per piece in Smart class, according to its luggage page (both checked September 2026). Racks near the doors fill quickly on this busy route, so board early.

Strikes

Rail strikes, called sciopero (strike), are announced in advance. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport lists them on its strike calendar; filter by the rail sector. For long-distance trains, Trenitalia publishes a list of guaranteed services (checked September 2026). So if a strike falls on your travel day, check that list and consider a train that runs.

From Santa Maria Novella station to the center

In most cases, first-time visitors can simply walk. The Duomo, the San Lorenzo market area and many hotels are within a short walk of SMN. If your hotel is farther out, the T1 tram stops at Alamanni and Unità, right by the station, according to Firenze Tramvia (checked September 2026). The T2 tram to the airport connects with T1 at Unità.

On a day trip, you can leave bags at the station. According to the station’s official site, the Ki Point luggage storage is on the ground floor and opens from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (checked September 2026).

Day trip or overnight in Florence?

First, a day trip by train works if you arrive early and pick two or three priorities. Timed entries decide the day. So book them first, then choose your train around them. Our one day in Florence guide shows a realistic plan. For the cathedral complex, read Florence Duomo tickets before you pick a pass. For the Uffizi, see Uffizi tickets.

However, one day barely scratches the surface. An overnight stay lets you see the city after the day-trippers leave. It also gives you a base for Tuscany. If you stay, remember the local tourist tax in Italy is charged per night at your hotel. From Florence, the next leg is often north; see our guide to the Florence to Venice train. For a full week, the 7 days in Italy itinerary is built around this rail line.

Guided experiences in Florence

If your time is short, a guided visit can cover the essentials in a few hours. Our pages on a Florence walking tour with David and the Duomo and an Accademia tour to see David suit a first visit. For lunch, there is a Florence food tour. Our guide to the best tours in Florence for first-timers compares the main formats.

Alternatives to the Rome to Florence train

Bus: buses are sometimes cheaper, but slower. According to FlixBus, the fastest trip takes 2 hours 15 minutes, with stops including Rome Tiburtina and Florence Villa Costanza (checked September 2026).

Car: the A1 motorway links the two cities, but a car makes sense only if you plan to explore the Tuscan countryside. The whole historic center of Florence is a limited traffic zone (ZTL). According to the City of Florence, electronic gates record plates, and the main sectors apply Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (checked September 2026). Read our guide to driving in Italy before you rent.

Continuing north? Our Rome to Venice train guide covers the direct trains, Santa Lucia vs Mestre and a stopover in Florence.

Rome to Florence train: frequently asked questions

How long is the train from Rome to Florence?

On the fastest high-speed trains, Italo says about 1 hour 25 minutes and Trenitalia says just over an hour and a half (checked September 2026). Regional trains on the historic line take much longer.

Is Italo or Frecciarossa better from Rome to Florence?

Both are fast and comfortable on this route. Pick the departure time and fare that suit you. Choose Trenitalia if you need one ticket that continues to a regional destination such as Pisa or Lucca.

Which station do trains from Rome arrive at in Florence?

Firenze Santa Maria Novella, a short walk from the Duomo. During engineering works, some trains can use Firenze Campo di Marte or Firenze Rifredi instead, so check your booking.

Should I book the Rome to Florence train in advance?

Yes, if you want a cheaper fare or travel on a weekend or holiday. Trenitalia Super Economy fares close six days before departure and Economy fares two days before.

Can I do Florence as a day trip from Rome by train?

Yes. With a morning train and pre-booked timed entries, you can see the Duomo area and one museum. However, an overnight stay gives a much fuller visit.