Getting from Rome to Florence (270km, 1.5 hours by high-speed train) is one of the most common route questions for this region. Here is every option compared honestly.

At a Glance:
✔ 🚂 High-Speed Train — Trenitalia Frecciarossa: 1.5 hours, €15–45 booked ahead
✔ 🚌 Bus: 3.5–4 hours, €8–18
✔ 🚗 Drive: 3 hours,

🚂 High-Speed Train — Trenitalia Frecciarossa (Best Option)

Journey time: 1.5 hours | Cost: €15–45 booked ahead | Frequency: Hourly+

The Frecciarossa (Red Arrow) high-speed train between Rome Termini and Florence Santa Maria Novella is one of Italy's finest rail journeys — comfortable, punctual and arrives centrally in both cities. Book through trenitalia.com or italiatrenitalia.eu 4–8 weeks ahead for the cheapest fares (€15–19 is achievable). Italotreno also runs this route at competitive prices.

🚌 Bus (Budget Option)

Journey time: 3.5–4 hours | Cost: €8–18 | Frequency: Multiple daily

FlixBus serves the Rome–Florence route at very low prices. Slower than the train but very cheap. Departs from Tiburtina bus station in Rome. Book through flixbus.com.

🚗 Drive

Journey time: 3 hours | Distance: 277km | Route: A1 Autostrada del Sole

Driving is significantly slower than the train once you factor in Rome and Florence's notorious traffic and parking difficulties. Only practical if you plan stops along the route (Orvieto, Arezzo, Siena) or need to carry equipment.

✔ Our Recommendation

High-speed train without question — arrives centrally in both cities, takes 1.5 hours and costs €15–45 depending on how far ahead you book. The speed advantage over driving is enormous when you factor in Rome's traffic.

Practical Notes

Both Rome and Florence are in Italy — no border crossings. Currency: Euro throughout. Italy's high-speed trains (Frecciarossa and Italo) are among Europe's finest — punctual, comfortable and fast. Rome Termini is well-connected by metro (Lines A and B) and bus. Florence Santa Maria Novella is in the city centre — most hotels are within walking distance.

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Skip the Luggage Hassle

Luggage Forward ships your bags directly between hotels — no dragging suitcases on trains, buses or through cobblestone streets. Book collection from your current hotel and it arrives at the next one before you do.

👉 See also: Rome Guide | Florence Guide

FAQs

How long does it take to get from Rome to Florence?
270km, 1.5 hours by high-speed train. Time varies by transport — see each option above.

What is the cheapest way from Rome to Florence?
The bus is almost always the cheapest option. Book online in advance for the best prices.

Do I need special documents for this route?
EU, UK, US, Canadian and Australian citizens generally travel without visa on these routes. Always carry a passport for any border crossings.