Florence is one of Italy’s busiest train hubs, offering fast and convenient connections to cities like Rome, Milan, Venice, and even international destinations such as Paris and Munich. Its main station, Santa Maria Novella (SMN), is centrally located and handles over 160,000 travelers daily. Here’s what you need to know:
- Main Stations: Florence has three key train stations – Santa Maria Novella (SMN), Campo di Marte, and Rifredi.
- Operators: Trenitalia and Italo provide high-speed and regional services, with ticket prices starting at $28.
- Key Routes: Travel to Rome in as little as 1h 26m, Milan in 2h 15m, and Venice in 2h 5m. International routes include Paris, Zurich, and Vienna.
- Facilities at SMN: Ticket offices, luggage storage, premium lounges, restaurants, and step-free access.
- Local Transport: Seamless connections to Florence’s buses and trams, including the T1 and T2 tram lines.
Whether you’re exploring Tuscany or planning a European rail trip, Florence’s train network makes travel easy, fast, and accessible.
Florence train station guide
Florence Train Stations
Florence has three main train stations, each serving different travel routes and needs.
Santa Maria Novella (SMN) Station
Santa Maria Novella is the main train station in Florence, located right in the historic center. Built between 1932 and 1934, this iconic station has 19 platforms and offers step-free access throughout [1][2].
Here’s what you’ll find at SMN:
| Service Category | Facilities |
|---|---|
| Ticketing | Trenitalia and Italo ticket offices, Self-service machines |
| Luggage | Luggage office (near Platform 16) |
| Premium Services | Sala Freccia Club (for Executive/Business class), Casa Italo |
| Assistance | Sala Blu (accessibility support), Currency exchange, Post office |
| Amenities | Restrooms (near Platform 5), Passenger lounge, Restaurants, Cafes, ATMs |
SMN is the go-to station for most travelers, but Florence has two other stations for regional and northern routes.
Campo di Marte Station
Campo di Marte is located east of the city, about a 39-minute walk or a short train ride from SMN. While smaller, it provides all the essential services travelers might need [2].
Rifredi Station
Rifredi Station is another key point, connecting northern routes to Bologna and beyond. It offers basic facilities to meet travelers’ needs.
All three stations are accessible, with features like step-free access and support services such as the Sala Blu at SMN [1][2].
Train Companies and Routes
Florence’s rail network offers both domestic and international connections through several operators.
Trenitalia Services
Trenitalia, Italy’s national rail provider, operates an extensive network serving Florence. Their services include:
| Service Type | Description | Key Routes |
|---|---|---|
| Frecciarossa | High-speed trains | Rome (≈1h 40m), Milan, Naples |
| Frecciargento | High-speed on mixed lines | Venice, Trieste |
| Intercity | Medium-distance routes | Coastal cities, regional capitals |
| Regionale | Local stopping services | Destinations across Tuscany |
On busy routes like Rome–Florence, Trenitalia offers 4–6 departures per hour, with select trains featuring complimentary WiFi [5].
For those seeking additional high-speed options, premium services are also available.
Italo Train Network
Italo, a private high-speed rail operator, provides a modern and premium travel experience on major Italian routes. Highlights of their service include:
- A state-of-the-art fleet
- Free onboard WiFi
- Fewer disruptions during strikes
- Direct connections to cities like Rome, Milan, and Naples
Italo typically operates 2–3 trains per hour between Florence and key destinations [5].
Other Train Services
Florence is also a gateway for international rail travel, with routes extending into Europe:
| Destination | Starting Price | Journey Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Paris | $59.95 | Via Milan and Lyon |
| Munich | – | Overnight Nightjet service |
| Zurich | $53.90 | Scenic Alpine route |
| Vienna | $64.90 | Multiple daily connections |
For international trips, travelers often change trains at hubs like Milan, Munich, or Zurich. Booking tickets several months in advance can help secure better fares, especially for overnight and high-speed services.
Regional trains also connect Florence to numerous towns across Tuscany and nearby regions. These services run frequently and are budget-friendly. Children under 4 travel free without a seat on national trains, while kids aged 4–15 enjoy a 50% discount on base fares [3][4].
This diverse range of services makes Florence an excellent starting point for exploring Italy and beyond.
Tickets and Booking
Ticket Purchase Options
You can buy Florence train tickets through the official channels of Trenitalia and Italo. These platforms provide real-time updates on availability and pricing. Booking early is often cheaper, especially during busy travel seasons [6].
| Purchase Method | Payment Options | Ticket Format |
|---|---|---|
| Official websites | Credit/debit cards, PayPal | Digital or print-at-home |
| Mobile apps | Digital wallets, cards | Mobile ticket |
| Station kiosks | Cards | Paper ticket |
| Ticket offices | Cash, cards | Paper ticket |
Now, let’s take a look at the service classes these trains offer.
Service Classes
Both Trenitalia and Italo provide a range of service classes to cater to different budgets and preferences [7].
Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa trains offer four service levels:
| Class | Amenities |
|---|---|
| Standard | Free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, easy food service, quiet carriage |
| Premium | Complimentary drinks and snacks, morning newspaper |
| Business | Larger seats, drinks and snacks, morning newspaper |
| Executive | Fast-track service, FrecciaClub lounge access, gourmet meals |
Italo trains also have several options:
| Class | Amenities |
|---|---|
| Smart | Most affordable option |
| Comfort | Wider seats and extra legroom |
| Prima | Welcome food and drink selection, fast-track boarding, more space |
| Executive Club | Includes Prima services, extra-wide seats, Italo Club Lounge access, personal entertainment |
Train Routes from Florence
Italian Destinations
Florence plays a key role in Italy’s high-speed train network. The Rome–Florence route, covering 231 km (144 mi), can be completed in as little as 1 hour and 26 minutes on Italo’s fastest service [8]. The first train departs at 7:10 AM, and the last service leaves at 7:25 PM.
Traveling between Florence and Milan is also quick, with high-speed trains completing the journey in 2 hours and 15 minutes (Trenitalia Press Release, March 2023).
| Destination | Travel Time | Distance | Daily Departures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rome | 1h 26m–1h 30m | 231 km (144 mi) | First: 7:10 AM; Last: 7:25 PM |
| Milan | 2h 15m | – | Multiple daily services |
Trenitalia and Italo operate high-speed trains that reach speeds of up to 155 mph [9]. These trains come with perks like Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard dining. In addition to domestic routes, Florence serves as a connection point for international travel.
Cross-border Routes
Florence isn’t just a hub for Italian travel – it also links to major European cities. Destinations like Lyon, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Prague can be reached via routes that often involve transfers at key hubs such as Milan, Munich, Zurich, or Vienna. These journeys may combine high-speed trains with overnight sleeper services.
| Destination | Route Details | Starting Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Lyon | Via Milan; total journey ≈6h 25m | $59.90 |
| Brussels | Via Munich with an overnight and day service | $62.80 |
| Amsterdam | Via Milan and Zurich with an overnight service | $69 |
| Prague | Via Vienna with an overnight service | $73 |
For longer trips, trains are an eco-friendly alternative, producing 96% less carbon dioxide compared to air travel [8]. This makes rail an excellent option for exploring Europe while reducing your environmental impact.
Local Transport Guide
Florence offers a variety of local transport options to ensure easy travel between the train stations and the city. These services complement the city’s well-connected rail network.
Station Transfer Options
Getting from Florence’s train stations to your accommodation is straightforward, thanks to the city’s trams and buses. From Santa Maria Novella (SMN) station, the T1 Leonardo line runs between Scandicci and Careggi, while the T2 Vespucci line connects SMN to Florence Airport and Piazza San Marco (starting January 25, 2025) [10].
| Transfer Option | Cost | Validity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus/Tram Ticket | $1.85 | 90 minutes | Validate the ticket when boarding |
| Direct Purchase | $3.25 | 90 minutes | Exact change is required |
| SMS Ticket* | $2.17 | 90 minutes | Available only for Italian SIM users [10] |
These options easily integrate with Florence’s public transport system, which is covered in the next section.
City Transport System
Public transportation in Florence revolves around buses and trams, operated by Autolinee Toscane. The AT-Bus mobile app is a handy tool for planning routes and purchasing tickets [10]. Tickets are valid on both buses and trams, but remember to validate them – fines start at $43 if you don’t [11].
The tram network includes two primary lines:
- T1 Leonardo: Villa Costanza – SMN – Careggi
- T2 Vespucci: SMN – Florence Airport – Piazza San Marco
Day Trips by Train
Florence’s central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Tuscany and beyond. Short train rides can take you to some of the region’s most famous destinations.
| Destination | Travel Time | Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Bologna | 35–40 min | University of Bologna, Two Towers |
| Pisa | 1 hour | Leaning Tower, Piazza dei Miracoli |
| Siena | 1 hour | Piazza del Campo, Siena Cathedral |
| Lucca | 1 hour | Medieval walls, Duomo di San Martino |
| Arezzo | 1 hour | Piazza Grande, Basilica of San Francesco |
For nearby spots, buses offer convenient alternatives. For example:
- Bus 7 connects SMN station or Piazza San Marco to Fiesole.
- Bus 13 serves Piazzale Michelangelo.
- Bus 25A reaches Villa Demidoff in Pratolino [10].
Travel Timing and Schedules
Timetable Changes
Train schedules are updated twice a year, with tickets typically available up to four months in advance. However, as updates approach, the booking window may become shorter. It’s a good idea to check official schedules a few weeks before your trip to stay informed. Keep in mind that seasonal weather can also impact train punctuality and travel conditions.
Seasonal Travel Notes
Florence experiences a Mediterranean climate with distinct seasonal variations that can influence travel plans. Here’s an overview of key weather patterns and what to expect:
| Season | Temperature & Climate | Travel Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Around 60°F–80°F | Moderate crowds, except for Easter week, making it a good time to visit. |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Warm to hot; July averages 86°F | Busy travel period; many locals vacation in August, leading to reduced activity. |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | Around 60°F–80°F | Comfortable weather with fewer tourists, ideal for sightseeing. |
| Winter (Nov–Feb) | Cooler; January averages 41°F | Rain is more frequent, especially in November, which sees about 102 mm of rainfall. |
Plan ahead to avoid surprises, especially during peak seasons or when weather conditions might affect your journey.
Summary
Santa Maria Novella (SMN) is Florence’s main train station, serving around 59 million passengers every year. Located in the heart of the city, it connects travelers to local, regional, and international destinations while offering convenient amenities and accessibility.
Here’s a quick look at what SMN offers:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Station | Santa Maria Novella (SMN) – a 10-minute walk from Florence’s Duomo |
| Airport Access | T2 tram connects to the airport in about 23 minutes |
| Luggage Storage | Secure storage available – around $6.50 for the first 5 hours |
| Public Transit | Excellent connections to buses, trams, and other transport options |
SMN is the perfect hub for exploring Florence. Its central location makes it easy to visit major landmarks, while its connections to Trenitalia, Italo, and international night trains (like routes to Munich and Vienna) ensure seamless travel beyond the city.
Florence’s travel patterns shift with the seasons. Summers (June–August) are especially busy, and the Mediterranean climate can affect travel conditions. Planning ahead is key for a hassle-free trip.