How to get from Rome to Florence

Embarking on an Italian journey and puzzled about how to get from Rome to Florence? These two cities are pillars of Italian art, history, and cuisine, yet each offers its own unique flair. Transitioning from Rome's ancient grandeur to Florence's Renaissance beauty can be a smooth and enjoyable part of your trip. We'll demystify the various travel methods available for the Rome to Florence route.

How to get from Rome to Florence

Rome and Florence are both iconic Italian cities with rich history, incredible art, and vibrant culture.

Rome, the capital of Italy, is known for its ancient ruins as well as the Vatican with its stunning St. Peter's Basilica and Sistine Chapel.

Florence, on the other hand, is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance and boasts many famous works of art. So why not visit both of these legendary cities in one go?

The options for how to get from Rome to Florence vary and depend on your preferences and budget. You can choose a train, bus, car, or even a plane and each of these options has its own nuances which we will tell you about next.

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What's the quickest option to get from Rome to Florence

If you are looking for how to get from Rome to Florence in the fastest way, you can choose from the following options:

• By High-Speed Train (Frecciarossa): This is usually the fastest and most convenient option. Departing from Rome Termini Station and arriving at Firenze Santa Maria Novella in Florence, the trip can take between 1.5 and 3.5 hours depending on the route.
• By plane: Although flight is one of the quickest options, there are still some nuances to consider. Despite the fact that the actual flight takes about an hour, you can add to that the time it takes to travel to and from the airports, going through security checks, and the possibility of flight delays. If you do choose to fly by plane, you can depart from Rome Fiumicino or Ciampino airports and arrive at Florence Airport (Peretola).
• By car: If you prefer to travel by car, a car trip from Rome to Florence can also be a quick one, although not as fast as by train or plane, it is worth considering that it depends on road conditions and your driving speed. The trip will take about 3-4 hours along the A1 (Autostrada del Sole).

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By train

Duration: 1.5 - 3.5 hours | Cost: from €27

Traveling from Rome to Florence by train is a seamless and scenic journey. The main departure station from Rome to Florence is Roma Termini, the city's main rail hub. Departures to Florence from other stations are rare and the journey will take considerably longer.

Trains from Roma Termini to Florence depart almost every 10 minutes. You can choose from several train options, but the Frecciarossa high-speed trains are the best in terms of speed and comfort. These trains last about 1.5-2.5 hours and rush quickly through the picturesque Italian countryside.

The price of Frecciarossa train tickets depends on factors such as class (Standard, Premium, Business), early booking, and flexibility. Generally, the price can range from €25 to €145 for a one-way ticket.

We recommend that you book your tickets in advance to get the best fares and seats. Tickets can be booked through Trenitalia, the official website of Italian railroads, or through various online platforms and ticket offices.

The train from Rome arrives at Florence's Firenze Santa Maria Novella station, and you'll be in the center of the city, giving you easy access to its attractions and accommodations.

Love epic train journeys? Discover the 10 best railway journeys in Italy.

By rental car

Duration: 3 - 4 hours | Cost: from €40

If you prefer flexibility and you have a driver's license, a good solution is to rent a car to get from Rome to Florence. The road trip will take about 3-4 hours, depending on traffic and the route you choose. The most convenient route is along the A1 highway, also known as the Autostrada del Sole.

If you're traveling from the center of Rome, you may encounter the "Grande Raccordo Anulare" (GRA), Rome's main ring road, which can contribute to easier navigation.

As for car rental prices, they can vary depending on the type of car and rental period. On average, you will have to pay between 40 and 90 dollars per day for a standard car. We also recommend booking a car in advance to get the best rates and guarantee the availability of the dates you need.

And while traveling by rental car makes you more flexible and allows you to explore the area on your own terms, it should be noted that parking in the city centers of Rome and Florence can be difficult and expensive. On top of that, Italy has certain driving restrictions and restricted areas, so be sure to research the information and adjust your plan accordingly.

Into independent travel? Make sure to read all about getting around Italy.

By private transfer

Duration: 3 - 4 hours | Cost: from 400€

Traveling from Rome to Florence by private transfer is suitable for travelers who value privacy and comfort above all. It should also be taken into account that in comparison with other ways to get from Rome to Florence, this is the most financially expensive.

As for the prices for private transfers, they can vary depending on the type of vehicle, comfort level, and rental agency. On average, you will have to pay from €400 to €500 or more for a one-way private transfer.

To ensure availability for the dates you need and to get a more reasonable price, we recommend ordering a private transfer in advance. Many companies offer this service and you can choose an option depending on your preferences and group size. The driver will pick you up from your designated location in Rome and take you to your chosen destination in Florence.

By public transport (bus)

Duration: 3.5 - 4.5 hours | Cost: from €8

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option on how to get from Rome to Florence, then a bus is definitely the way to go. Buses depart from Rome's Tiburtina bus station and rarely from Rome's Anagnina bus station and arrive in Florence (Villa Costanza). The duration of the trip varies, but it usually takes about 3.5-4.5 hours, depending on traffic and the route of the bus.

Many bus companies such as FlixBus, Itabus, Omio, and others operate routes between Rome and Florence. Prices depend on factors such as seat type, booking time, and amenities. On average, tickets range from €8 to €40 for a one-way trip.

To get better deals, book your tickets online in advance. Buses have Wi-Fi and power outlets, which adds to the comfort of the ride. However, if you are looking for how to get from Rome to Florence faster, the bus is not your preferred option.

By plane

Duration: around 1 hour | Cost: from €80

Traveling from Rome to Florence by plane is an option, however, the relatively short distance between the two cities makes flying less practical than other forms of transportation. Rome's main airports for flying to Florence are Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and Ciampino Airport (CIA), while Florence is served by Peretola Airport (FLR) which is often referred to as Aeroporto Amerigo Vespucci.

The actual flight time from Rome to Florence is about an hour. However, if you add travel time to and from the airport, security checks, and possible flight delays, the total travel time may not be much less than other options for how to get from Rome to Florence.

Airfare prices can vary greatly depending on many factors, including the length of the flight. On average, the cost of a one-way flight with a travel time of about an hour ranges from €80 to €140. Of course, the cost will be even more if you want to take advantage of additional services.

So, while flying is about speed, you should consider the time it takes to get to and from the airport and possible delays. In terms of price, speed, and comfort, an option such as a high-speed train can provide a more efficient and scenic journey between Rome and Florence.

Planning your trip to Florence from Rome

• Check out The Rough Guide to Italy - our exhaustive, in-depth Italy travel guide that covers everything you need to know before you go, and while you’re on the road.
• Our expert-curated (fully customizable) Italy itineraries are packed with inspiration.