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The fastest and most comfortable way to get from Rome to Florence is by high-speed train service. Alternatively, you can take a regional train or bus for a cheaper price. A high-speed train ride will take you to the destination in 1.5 hours, with the one-way ticket cost starting from 19 euros. Distance from Rome to Florence is short, and even by bus, you will reach the destination in 3.5 hours with the one-way ticket cost starting from 12 euros. Although two famous Italian cities are located near each other, you can also reach Florence by plane. The journey will take 55 minutes with a minimum cost of 90 euros (round trip). For tourists interested in traveling by taxi or private transfer, the journey cost will start from 400 euro.
The distance between Rome and Florence is 344 km by road and 276 km by the direct air
Let’s consider all transport options:
By Train
The most convenient way of getting from Rome to Florence is by high-speed train. Train fare for the one-way ticket starts from 19 euros, and you will reach the city in 1.5 hours. It is one of the best options for day trips from Rome. Just imagine, you can visit the Uffizi Gallery, walk around the city, have a tasty dinner, and then quickly return to Rome in the evening.
This kind of transportation goes from Roma Termini station to Florence Santa Maria Novella
The best train operator is ItaloTreno (read my review) for its high-class service and all amenities to travel with comfort. If you wonder how to go from Rome to Florence, I recommend you choose this option.
Book tran ticket online on www.italotreno.it/en
How Long and How Much?
Since getting to Florence from Rome by train is the best and fastest way, it is also the most expensive. As mentioned above, the price for the one-way ticket for the express train starts from 19 euros and the duration is 1.5 hours to reach the destination. Moreover, do not forget to plan your journey to the station in Rome from which you will have a train to Florence. Usually, trains depart from Roma Termini, the central station of Rome. Therefore, you will easily reach Roma Termini if you live near any Roman train station. Also, many buses will get you to this station, but I recommend using trains or the metro, for not to be late.
ItaloTreno
ItaloTreno’s prices for the one-way ticket start from 19 euros. You can easily purchase a ticket from their official website. Also, it is always better to plan your trip so that you can find cheaper tickets.
Here you can see different prices for the tickets. As is shown in the screenshots, the cost varies according to the time of departure and class. “Prima” means the first class, dedicated to the travelers seeking journeys with maximum comfort. The “Smart” option gives the best deals, but don’t worry. Its comfort level is still excellent.
When you return from Florence to Rome, better book tickets in advance. You have to ensure that there are available spots left on the train for the time you chose in the Eurail schedule. Usually, the best option is to take a return bullet train at 7–8 pm, so you will have enough time to discover Florence in one day. Moreover, you will come back to Rome until midnight.
This is my suggestion for the plan for one day trip from Rome to Florence (using ItaloTreno). Even if these two cities are not far from each other, it is always a good idea to come earlier and explore new destinations without crowds of tourists.
Trenitalia
Trenitalia is an excellent alternative way to reach Florence from the Eternal City. However, the website has a bit more complicated registration procedure, and sometimes there are faults. Trains from this service depart once an hour, and I suggest you take the high-speed train Frecciarossa. Regional train rides have the same price, but it will take almost four hours to reach the city.
Direct Train from Fiumicino Airport
There is only one direct train from Rome Fiumicino airport to Florence. According to the timetable, it departs daily at 3:08 pm. Be ready, because ticket price goes up if you book it right before your journey or if you plan your trip on holidays. You can get to the Fiumicino by taking a taxi, ordering a private transfer, by bus or bullet train Leonardo Express.
The ticket price starts from 19.90 euro if you book it several months in advance. The average cost is 45.90 euros in economy class and 62.90 euros in business class.
By Bus
FlixBus.com company is one of the most popular services for budget travelers who want to visit Florence from Rome since it is the cheapest kind of transportation to travel. Buses depart from Rome Tiburtina Station once in 1-2 hours. You can book tickets online or buy them directly at the bus station. The journey will take 3 hours and 15 minutes. Bus fare starts from 9.99 euro.
Buses arrive to Villa Costanza Tram T1 stop in Florence
Full-Day Small Group Tour from Rome
If you want to visit Florence, as well as Pisa, in the format of a one-day tour, then I advise you to book a Smart Group Tour.
You will be picked up directly from your hotel in Rome. You will see the main sights in Florence – Giotto’s Bell Tower, a stunning dome by Brunelleschi, Giotto’s Bell Tower, Ponte Vecchio bridge, and a copy of Michelangelo’s David along with the gallery of statues in the adjacent Loggia dei Lanzi.
Then you will have free time for lunch. Depart Florence will be at 2:30 pm and head to Pisa for a guided tour of the spectacular Square of Miracles (Piazza dei Miracoli). The legendary Leaning Tower, medieval cathedral (Duomo), and Baptistery will be seen. You will leave Pisa at approximately 5:00 pm for the journey back to Rome. Around 22:00, you will return to your hotel.
The tour costs 200 euros per person, an advantageous offer for those who want to comfortably visit the 2 main cities of Tuscany and see the maximum of exciting things in one day.
By Car
Driving to Florence by car is also a convenient way. The distance from Rome to Florence by car is about 300 km. The idea of traveling this way is impressive if you are interested in visiting the small cities of the Lazio and Tuscany regions. For instance, you can visit Civita di Bagnoreggio, Spoleto, Orvieto, San Gimignano, Arezzo on your road from one city to another. Moreover, planning such kinds of trips for 3-5 days is better.
You can also drive to Bracciano or Lago di Bolsena lakes on your way to Florence from Rome
Flight
Yes, there is also a possibility of flying from Rome to Florence. Flights to Florence, Italy are frequent: 4 times per day, provided by Alitalia company. On average, the price is 93$.
By Taxi
Taxi from Rome to Florence is one of the most expensive options. For instance, a private transfer from Rome to Florence costs 550 euros for a one-way trip. However, it is the most comfortable way to reach the city and enjoy your journey with maximum comfort.
7 Things to Do in Florence During One Day Trip
- Visit the Gallery Uffizi, a prominent art museum located next to Piazza della Signoria in the city’s historic center. It is considered one of the most popular and important museums in Italy and the world. There are many important works, mainly from the period of the Italian Renaissance.
- Admire David by Michelangelo – is a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture created in marble between 1501 and 1504. It represents a standing male nude, who is a Biblical hero, David
- Try the Florentine steak – you will come to the city of meat lovers with many different specialties! T-bone steak is one of the most famous dishes in Florence, known as “bistecca alla Fiorentina.” According to the rules, it should be from the Chianina cow, a breed from the Valdichiana in Tuscany.
- Walk over Ponte Vecchio – one of Florence’s most fascinating and notable bridges. Don’t miss an opportunity to visit it during your trip. Optionally you can visit Palazzo Vecchio.
- Admire sculptures in Piazza Signoria – there are copies of famous masterpieces. Also, one of the sculptures is original – “Perseus with the head of Medusa” by Cellini.
- Climb to Giotto’s bell tower – one of the four main monuments on the Piazza del Duomo. The tower is 84.7 meters high and is an example of 14th-century Gothic architecture in Florence. Optionally you can also visit Florence Cathedral & Brunelleschi Dome.
- Buy a leather product – Florence has many luxury boutiques, raucous street bazaars, private workshops, and sidewalk trinket sellers. It is one of the best souvenir options in the city.
Where to Stay in Florence
There are many luxury hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts, and other accommodation options in the city center. Here’s the list of several best 4* hotels, boutique hotels, and hostels to stay in Florence:
C-Hotels Ambasciatori
C-Hotels Ambasciatori is an elegant hotel near Santa Maria Novella Church in the historic center of Florence. There are spacious rooms, a mini-bar, LCD TV. Some rooms include a balcony, a hydromassage bath, and wellness kit.
- Price: from 180 to 400 euro for 2 people per day
Atlantic Palace
The Atlantic Palace is a charming hotel next to Florence Santa Maria Novella train station. There are the rooms of the restored 14th-century monastery in a classic style. Moreover, there you will find all amenities and good service.
- Price: from 150 to 450 euros per day for 2 persons
Grand Hotel Minerva
Grand Hotel Minerva is an accommodation that features a rooftop, swimming pool, and sun terrace with amazing views of the city. It is located nearby SMN train station. Its rooms are charming and with all amenities.
- Price: from 335 to 645 euros per day for 2 persons
Grand Hotel Baglioni
Grand Hotel Baglioni is a former residence of the Carrega Bertolini Princes. It is located near Santa Maria Novella train station. All rooms are spacious, and there is free WiFi. A rooftop restaurant and a smartphone are provided in each room, so you can do free local and international calls and use mobile internet.
- Price: from 250 to 370 euros per day for 2 persons
Grand Hotel Cavour
Grand Hotel Cavour has a rooftop terrace with fascinating views over Florence Cathedral. The Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio are nearby the hotels. Moreover, a restaurant and cocktail bar works daily until midnight.
- Price: from 100 euro to 300 euro per day for 2 persons
Hostel My Friends
My Friends is one of the top-rated hostels in Florence. It is located only 45 meters from Santa Maria Novella train station. The hostel provides accommodation with free WiFi. There are classic-style rooms with an air conditioner. You can choose between rooms with private or shared bathrooms with complimentary toiletries.
- Price: from 35 euros per person per night
Dedo Boutique Hotel
Dedo Boutique Hotel has a fantastic location right near the central station of Florence. There are classic-style rooms with air conditioners, free WiFi, and parquet floors. Moreover, all rooms have a satellite flat-screen TV, mini-bar, and electric kettle.
- Price: from 70 euros per night for a room for 2 people
Have you ever been to Florence? 🙂
