Train from Rome to Florence

We would like to travel from Rome to Florence by train(not with Eurostar), how long will it take to reach Florence?

Thanks in advance!

[world trecker]

It all depends on the type of train you take. Le Frecce is the fastest, I think, and I don't know the exact number, but I'd wager that a trip with this train should take about 90 minutes. I believe it's about a 200 mile trip, give or take 20 miles.

it's 197 miles, and about an hour forty minute trip.

[d360]

My recommendations for booking a Europe Train is Rail Europe. I've used Rail Pass on several occasions and they seem to have the best pricing as well as a lot of specials and promotions.

[texaco]

hey guys, I am taking my dad to Rome and Florence in August, and we are flying into Rome and will immediately take the train to Florence.

i wanna purchase the train tickets in advance, but am not sure how long it normally takes to clear customs/immigration and retrieve your luggage

Can someone give me advice and/or some estaimtes of the amount of time this will take so that I don't book a train too early? We will be arriving around 8:30 a.m. on a Saturday. Thanks for your help.

[Ruby]

I don't think you need to worry about buying your Rome-Florence train tickets in advance, but what might be a good idea is to print out a train schedule as the date of your trip approaches so you have an idea as to the time and frequency of the trains.

I would suggest going from the airport to Roma Termini and then going to the ticket windows to get your train tickets.

By the way, all train seats are assigned now so be sure you get the right car/coach, class and seat number. I've heard stories of people standing the entire 4 hour ride because they got the wrong seat!

[lynda ann]

We did the reverse journey. We got the train from Florence to Rome with pre booked tickets that we picked up at our Florence hotel.

As you are going straight there from your flight I think the best thing is to leave 2-3 hours in case the plane is delayed or your baggage retrieval takes a while. Our baggage/customs etc.. in Rome or Florence has been fairly quick. Just like on any flight, about 20 -30 mins or so in to get out of the airport.

The train is excellent. Station is quite near to the centre of Florence so you could have a little walk around or stop somewhere for a coffee /meal etc. to give yourselves some spare time in case of delays etc..

Alternatively, you can get a coach from Rome to Florence.

[dimitri67]

I just wanted to add that if you're thinking to drive from Rome to Florence, you could do that by all means, but the thing about Florence is that they have numerous restricted areas, including the historic areas and computerized cameras to catch your license plate.

However, if you're planning to visit Rome, Florence as well as Venice, without no side trips then I would suggest catching the IC train which takes abut 3 hours and cost $36 for a round-trip ticket.

[hp908]

There are many trains running directly between Rome Termini Station and Florence Santa Maria Novella Station. However, if you want a cheaper train fair, you will have to get one of the slow trains from Roma Tiburtina station.

I personally love the Eurostar trains because they are quick, however, they are super expensive, and you have to reserve a seat in advance.

[popthetrse]

I agree with the previous poster that the Eurostar train is the fastest way to get from Rome to Florence, but I personally think that the slower trains are better not only because they are cheaper but because you will get a better experience overall.

I would discourage you from using the bus to get to either Florence, Rome or anywhere else in Italy (horrible experience with backpackers). The main reason I prefer the train is that Italy is best travelled by the train as train connections are pretty good and regular.