Traveling from Rome to Florence is a straightforward commute with a variety of different travel options. In this guide, we break down all the different modes of transportation between the two cities to have a seamless journey.
Rome and Florence both serve as historic and artistic epicenters of Italy, separated by just a few hundred kilometers and thousands of years of history.
As they’re each considered one of the best cities to visit in Europe, many travelers make their way from Rome to Florence while galavanting around Italy.
Plus, after exploring over 2000 years of history among all the incredible things to do in Rome, continuing your journey through history in Florence is a no-brainer.
In this guide, we’ve outlined all the different transportation options to get from Rome to Florence so you can find the best mode for your specific trip and budget.
Rome to Florence
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Rome to Florence by plane
Flying from Rome to Florence is straightforward with direct routes and multiple daily departures.
If you’re choosing to fly, be sure to factor in the cost of airport transfers and all the additional transit time that comes with air travel, to be sure it’s best for your trip.
Airlines and airports
ITA Airways is the main airline with services from Rome to Florence.
Planes depart from the Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and arrive at the Florence Airport (FLR) in just 55-minutes.
Ticket cost
Expect to pay around €75 for a one-way flight from Rome to Florence. If you need to check a bag or have a specific departure time in mind, expect to pay more.
The price is consistent year-round and doesn’t vary during the off-season or during the week. You can book a ticket directly from the ITA Airways website.
Rome to Florence by train
The train is the most popular way to get from Rome to Florence. There are dozens of departures daily so you’ll have lots of flexibility in your timing.
Railway options
Italiarail, Italo, and Trenitalia are the main railway providers with comfortable and reliable services to Florence.
These trains depart from Roma Termini, the main train station in Rome’s city center, starting around 5:30 a.m. and arrive at the Santa Maria Novella Station in Florence well into the late evening.
Amenities, travel times, and departures/arrivals will vary depending on the provider, but they’re pretty comparable in terms of comfortability and cost.
Italo alone has 30 trains daily to Florence, add that to the dozens of routes from Trenitalia and Italiarail, and you have plenty of options to choose from.
High speed trains vs. commuter trains
There are two different types of trains that service the route from Rome to Florence: high-speed and commuter.
The high-speed routes are specifically tailored for tourists to get to Florence as quickly as possible and are direct. These are the preferred services for traveling between Rome and Florence.
The commuter trains cater to locals, make more frequent stops, take much longer, but are a bit more budget-friendly than the high-speed services. You can expect a ride to take 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Trenitalia and Italiarail offer both high speed and commuter trains. Italo is privately owned and only offers high-speed trains.
How long does the high speed train take from Rome to Florence?
The fastest train from Rome to Florence takes 1 hour and 36 minutes.
How to book: You can book train tickets at Roma Termini Station when you arrive or book online, in advance through Italo, Italiarail, or Trenitalia. We recommend booking online as it’s super easy to search routes and book anytime.
Insider Tip: You can use the Trenitalia app to book your train tickets up to immediately before boarding. Just be sure you enter the train station names in Italian. The main station in central Florence is Santa Maria Novella, listed as ‘Firenze S. M. Novella.’ Rome is ‘Roma – Termini.’
Good to know: Italo high-speed routes must be booked in advance as it’s a privately-owned company.
Ticket cost
Prices for the regional/commuter trains start at €21.75 for a one way route. Italo’s high speed trains start at €30 and a ride on Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa (high speed) starts at around €36.
Keep in mind ticket prices depend on departure time, type of route, and type of class, so the prices will fluctuate depending on what you book.
Rome to Florence by bus
Itabus, Flixbus, and Marino Bus are the three main bus companies with services from Rome to Florence. They all have affordable and comparable services, so there’s a ton of flexibility when it comes to grabbing a seat.
While bus travel typically has a bad rep, Italian bus services offer comfortable rides with ample legroom and differing amenities depending on what you book: A/C, Wifi, snacks, reclinable seats, to name a few.
Most buses leave from Roma Tiburtina Station (some Roma Termini) and arrive at the Florence Villa Costanza Bus Station. The journey typically takes 3 hours, 15 minutes with multiple breaks along the way.
Ticket prices range from €5 – 21 ($5.46 – 22.91 USD) depending on the time and carrier you book with.
No matter when you book, bus tickets are always affordable going to Florence, which is a huge plus. You can book them directly at the bus station or you can guarantee yourself a good seat and departure time by using Bookaway.
Rome to Florence by car
If you don’t want to rely on public transport and get to Florence on your own time, a rental car is a viable option. Especially if you want to make a road trip out of the journey and make stops along the route.
Self-driving routes from Rome to Florence
Rome and Florence are separated by over 270 km (167 miles) and connected by two routes: A1/E35 and the Raccordo Autostradale Firenze.
Tip: Keep cash or card on you as both routes include tolls.
The most straightforward route is along the A1/E35. It’s 271 km (168 miles) and takes just over 3 hours in normal traffic. It’s a scenic route as you pass through Orvieto, Arezzo, and many other small towns.
The other option is the Raccordo Autostradale Firenze. It’s about 305 km (217 miles) and takes 3 hours and 26 minutes to get to Florence. It follows the same route most of the way as the A1, but instead of continuing north near Arezzo, it travels through the main Tuscan wine region.
Good to know: Getting to Florence with your own car rental is straightforward, however it’s important to note that driving in both Rome and Florence is a bit more complicated. And Florence doesn’t allow unauthorized cars in their city center.
Getting a rental car in Rome
If you’re interested in using a rental car to get from Rome to Florence, the best place to start your search is Discover Cars. From their site you can compare pricing with all the big rental companies in Rome and all the different pick-up options around the city.
Search & Compare Rental Car Prices
- Discover Cars: We personally use this aggregate site to compare rental car prices from all the big name companies and get the best price possible.
- Booking.com: We’ve had good experiences finding rental cars with this site (formerly RentalCars.com) in the past.
When inputting all your details to find a car, be sure to note if you’re doing a roundtrip rental from Rome or a one-way rental to Florence. A lot of companies offer a one-way option for a surcharge, but a handful do not, so keep that in mind.
Taking a taxi from Rome to Florence
One of the most expensive ways to get from Rome to Florence is by taxi.
A one-way route will likely run you back roughly a few hundred euro and take about 3 hours in normal traffic. This can be a good option if you’re traveling in a group and can split the cost of a taxi, or if you have room in your budget for a straightforward mode of transport.
You cannot hail a taxi from the street in Rome. You’ll need to go to one of the taxi stands around the city or use an app like FreeNow or ChiamaTaxi to arrange a ride.
Alternative driving options
Lyft does not operate in Rome. Uber is an option, however it’s only Uber Black, Uber Lux, or Uber Van. All of which cost significantly more than using a regular taxi in Rome.
Note that when using the Uber App, if there are no Uber drivers available, they will connect you with a local cab instead.
Be sure to download our complete packing list for Italy! It’s packed with good suggestions and insider tips to help plan your Italy trip. And it’s completely FREE, so why not!?
Rome to Florence by private transfer
The most straightforward and seamless way to get from Rome to Florence is with a private transfer.
Out of all the transport options, this is the most expensive one, but it can be reasonably priced if you’re in a larger group. By using this service, you have the benefit of being picked up directly from your hotel or airport in Rome and taken straight to your hotel in Florence.
In normal traffic, it will take you nearly 3 hours to get there if there is normal traffic. So while it isn’t the most efficient option, if you have the time to give, it may work for your trip.
Our go-to service for private transfers is Bookaway. They offer top-notch services, and we’ve enjoyed the seamlessness and quality of their services to travel around.
Guided tours from Rome to Florence
An interesting and unique way to get to Florence is by joining a guided tour. They offer a more well-rounded experience where you can explore the city hands-free.
- From Rome: Day Trip to Florence with Lunch & Accademia Entry: Join an expert guide as you explore the Accademia Gallery, Piazzale Michelangelo, and get to know the city’s historic center. Once you work up an appetite, you’ll indulge in an authentic lunch with local wine before heading back to Rome.
- Florence: Full-Day Trip by High-Speed Train from Rome: On this full-day trip you’ll join a local guide and go on a walking tour of the city visiting the Uffizi Gallery,
Piazza del Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Afterwards, explore the city center at your own relaxed pace.
Psst! Looking for other adventures just outside the city? We put together the ultimate list of best day trips from Rome and best day trips from Florence to give you some fun ideas!
FAQs about traveling from Rome to Florence
We’ve covered a ton in this guide for getting to Florence, but here are answers to any more questions you may have.
What is the easiest way to get from Rome to Florence?
The train is the easiest way to get from Rome to Florence.
What is the quickest way to travel from Rome to Florence?
The high-speed train is the fastest way to get from Rome to Florence. The trip takes just 1 hour and 36 minutes.
Do I need to book a train from Rome to Florence in advance?
Not necessarily. There are dozens of trains departing daily and they are not likely to overbook, even during high season.
However, we’d recommend booking 1-2 days in advance if you can, to have the most options for choosing your seats, etc. But you can purchase train tickets up to the time they arrive, so technically there is no need to book in advance.
Is the train from Rome to Florence scenic?
Yes! During your ride you’ll pass through the scenic Tuscan countryside with rolling wine hills and medieval villages.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Rome to Florence?
Buses are the cheapest way to travel from Rome to Florence.
Is a day trip from Rome to Florence worth it?
In our opinion, Florence is worth much more than a single day trip. There is so much incredible history and fun things to do in Florence, we’d recommend prioritizing travel to Florence over Rome.
In our opinion, you can easily see the highlights of Rome in just a few days, but Florence deserves at least a week.
Is there a direct train from Rome to Florence?
Yes. There are numerous direct trains that leave Rome daily. Check Italo, Italiarail, or Trenitalia for daily schedules and pricing.
Is it better to fly into Rome or Florence?
The answer to this question depends mostly on your itinerary, as well as your budget and travel style.
Traveling between the two cities is quick and easy, so you really can’t go wrong with flying into either one.
Is Florence worth visiting?
HECK YES! As the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to some of the world’s most magnificent pieces of art, you could wander the city for years and never run out of things to do.
Are you planning a trip to Italy?
We have lots of resources on travel in Italy and destinations throughout the country. Check out our Italy Homepage for everything you need to know, or start by reading some of our favorite Italy articles here:
- Classic 10-day Italy Itinerary
- Best Things to Do in Rome (on your first visit!)
- Where to Stay in Rome: Neighborhood Guide + Best Hotels
- Best Things to Do in Florence (you won’t want to miss!)
- Unforgettable Things to Do in Tuscany
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Are you planning a trip from Rome to Florence and still have questions? Comment below and we’ll do our best to find you the answers you’re looking for!
The fastest way to get from Rome to Florence is to take the high-speed train. It takes only 1.5 hours to get from the center of Rome to the center of Florence. Any other way of traveling between the cities will take you at least twice as long.High-speed trains run about every 20-30 minutes throughout the day from about 6am to 9pm.There are 2 types of trains between Rome and Florence: high-speed trains and regular trains. High-speed trains cover the distance of 300 km between the cities in 1.5 hours. They do not stop anywhere, stopping only in Rome and Florence. Regular trains, on the other hand, are slower and stop frequently. Because of this, the travel time stretches for 3-4 hours.I always choose only high-speed trains, Since I bought the tickets on the day of the trip, I paid 20€ for the regular train instead of 40€ for the high-speed train. And even though I saved money, the train took twice as long to get there, so I was a bit wrinkled all day. And I won’t talk about the comfort level. So you need to decide what is more important for you – time or money.
Wow, you have done an amazing job of providing a comprehensive and engaging guide for exploring Rome and Florence. You have covered all the important aspects of each mode of transportation, such as cost, time, comfort and convenience. I enjoyed reading your tips and recommendations for each option, as well as seeing your photos. You have inspired me to visit these two beautiful cities soon!