Looking for how to take a train from Florence to Venice, or any other destination from Florence? Below will provide you with detailed instruction on how to navigate Santa Maria Novella, the train station in Florence, Italy. This post is all about how to take a train in Florence to any destination, with Venice used as an example!
Train From Florence
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Booking Train Tickets in Italy
The fastest way to get to Venice 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.
Italy Train Prices
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. They are very student budget friendly.
- Train from Florence to Milan cost around 70-90 Euros round trip.
- Train from Florence to Rome is anywhere from 35-60 Euros round trip.
- Train from Florence to Cinque Terre or the Almafi Coast is around 90-110 Euros.
How to Board a Train
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!
Covid Requirements
***COVID-19 Note: Masks are required currently, as well as a COVID health pass. This can be your CDC Vaccination card or the green pass issues by the Italian Ministry of Health.
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.
