Looking for how to take the Florence train to Venice, Rome, Milan, or elsewhere? This Florence train guide will tell you step by step how to navigate the train station in Florence, Santa Maria Novella. Save this post for potential itinerary trips via a train out of Florence!
Florence Train
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Travel by Train
The fastest way to get anywhere from Florence is by train. There are several ways to book a train ticket, however I found it easiest for planning purposes to buy ahead of time from Omio. You can also book directly from Italo or TrenItalia, the two major train companies in Italy. Allow yourself at least 8-12 hours of day to enjoy the city and see everything you’ll want to see. Consider this when booking your tickets.
Through the Omio booking website, you can enter the place you are coming from and the place you want to go, as well as the date you want to leave and return, and see plenty of options for a train to your destination. If you prefer to book directly, you can always use Omio as a guide and go from there as well. I personally found that booking online is the best way to buy train tickets in Italy. This way you know ahead of time so you can plan, but also you’ll avoid any confusion or fines due to confusion at the train station.
Florence Train Station
The train station, Santa Maria Novella, is located right behind the church of Santa Maria. Head here for all of your day trips from Florence! The train station does have ticketing available inside, just be sure to validate your ticket! Inside the train station, there are spots for high speed trains, in the main terminal. There are also local slower trains that are all the way to the left in a different area when you walk into the station.
Be sure to make a note of which train you are taking! There will be security to go through when you arrive, just show them your ticket and the’ll let you through. Look for your train time and platform number on the screens above to ensure you are getting onto the right train to head to your destination!
Florence Train Boarding
The name of the Florence train station is Santa Maria Novella, located near the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. If studying abroad, this is easily walking distance from where you’ll be living in Florence. If you are not within walking distance, there is an option to take a taxi, bus, or tram to the station.
When you walking into the train station for the first time, it can be a little intimidating or overwhelming. Don’t panic, it’s not as complicated as it seems! Try to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early prior to your train’s departure, and have your train number on the front of your mind. There will be security checkpoints where you will enter showing your ticket depending on what train you will be taking. If you booked through Omio, all you’ll need is your app with the ticket QR code.
***PRO TIP: If you buy at the station, be sure to validate your ticket to avoid being fined!
After walking into the station, you’ll find a large display board with several train numbers on them. Look for your train number to see which platform you’ll need to go to. When you find your platform, look to your ticket to find which coach and seat number you’ll be in. You’ll see the coach numbers as you walk down the platform. They will be located either on the side of the train or alongside the train, or up high. There you can get on the train and enjoy the trip!
Day Trip From Florence Train
Wondering what day trips you can take from Florence and how much they cost? We’ve got you covered!
The train from Florence to Venice costs anywhere from 40-80 Euros round trip, and vary depending on the number of train changes and the time of day/season. The Florence to Venice train time is around 2 hours if you have a direct train ride, or up to 4-6 hours if you have changes. Italy train prices honestly aren’t too bad, and allow you to take trips to different places quickly and efficiently.
Train from Florence to Venice
If you’re looking to go from Florence to Venice, a high speed train is your best bet. This can easily be a day trip from Florence, just be sure to note that the train does take 2 hours each way. If you head to Venice early, and head back to Florence late, you’ll be able to make the most of your day!
With this journey you shouldn’t have to make a stop to switch trains, but if you do a likely stop is possible in Milan.
The cost of this train is anywhere from 40-80 Euros!
Train from Florence to Milan
Another great day trip from Florence is to Milan! Take a train from Florence to Milan in just under 2 hours each way. This train could likely have a stop and switch in Bologna. For a complete itinerary on a day trip to Milan, check out our post on Milan!
This trip costs 70-90 Euros round trip.
Train from Florence to Rome
Wanting to take the train to the next big part of your trip to Italy? A train from Florence to Rome is anywhere from 35-60 Euros round trip. Such a great and efficient way to get from Florence to Rome while vacationing in Italy!
This train is a quick train ride, which is super convenient if you want to avoid having an entire travel day to get to Rome! The Florence train to Rome is only about 1 hr. 30 mins.
Florence to Cinque Terre
A train from Florence to Cinque Terre or the Almafi Coast is around 90-110 Euros. A great day trip or weekend trip train ride away if you’re staying in Florence!
This post was all about how to take a train from Florence, Italy! I hope this helps you when navigating the train station, Santa Maria Novella, as a study abroad student! For more Italy travel related posts, click here.