If you’re wondering about the best way to get from Florence to Rome, keep your eyes peeled on this article. Here, you’ll learn about the top transportation options: private transfers, rental cars, trains, buses, taxis, or even flights. Everything is explained in detail so you can sort out your trip quickly, without wasting any time!
Table of Contents
Best Mode of Transportation from Florence to Rome
Also read: How to Get from Fiumicino Airport to Florence
Choosing the best mode of transportation from Florence to Rome depends on several factors, such as: the number of people traveling with you, their ages and physical condition, how much luggage you’re carrying, how much time you have, and your budget.
For those looking for comfort and who aren’t concerned about spending more, a private transfer is the top choice.
On the other hand, if you’re aiming to save as much as possible, you might end up choosing a bus journey. Tickets are usually affordable, but the trip takes longer. This is especially true when you factor in the time to get to the bus stop, which isn’t always close to your hotel.
Trains offer a middle ground: with the high-speed line, it’s the fastest way to travel from Florence to Rome and there are ticket options for every budget. There are more affordable choices in second class (which companies trendily call “smart class”), as well as Business Class and Executive Class.
Renting a car is the ideal option for those who enjoy driving and want to make stops along the way.
Taking a flight can be a valid alternative for those who need to catch further flights from Fiumicino Airport.
Of all the options, taxis are the least recommended due to high fares, and the cars not always being up to standard. A private transfer is a better option. Nonetheless, it remains an available choice.
Below, we’ll evaluate each option in detail, including tips on services you can book online to easily and quickly finalize your travel plans. Let’s dive in:
Private Transfer from Florence to Rome
Comfort is the keyword when it comes to private transfers from Florence to Rome.
At your preferred time, a professional driver will pick you up right at your hotel door in an executive vehicle. After loading your luggage into the car or van, you can relax while the driver navigates the best route based on the day’s traffic and takes you directly to your final destination, whether it’s an apartment, hotel, or even Fiumicino Airport.
The journey takes approximately three and a half hours (or perhaps a bit less, depending on traffic).
For those with an intercontinental flight scheduled from Fiumicino Airport, it’s ideal to leave the hotel about six and a half to seven hours before the flight’s scheduled departure time.
For those interested, it’s possible to book a transfer service from Florence to Rome with a stop in a city along the way, allowing you to sightsee while the driver looks after your luggage in the car.
A stopover of about three hours in the city of your choice is typically calculated. Some of the most recommended cities include Siena, Montepulciano, Assisi or Orvieto for example.
Book your private transfer from Florence to Rome with a stopover now through Get Your Guide
Renting a Car to Travel from Florence to Rome (with Tips on Stops Along the Way)
If you enjoy driving, consider renting a car in Florence and making several stops on your way to Rome. There are so many charming towns along the route that you might find yourself taking a few days to reach Italy’s capital!
Some stopover ideas without straying too far from your path include San Gimignano and Siena, which are two of the most visited towns in Tuscany. If you haven’t had the chance to explore them yet, they’re definitely worth a quick visit!
Wine enthusiasts will enjoy a stop in Montepulciano, further south in Tuscany, to pick up a few bottles directly from the land of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Another famously renowned town nearby is Montalcino, home to the exquisite Brunello di Montalcino wine.
For those who prefer to make a stop in the region of Umbria, the cities of Perugia and Assisi, the city of Saint Francis, are great choices.
Once in the Lazio region, it’s worthwhile to stop and explore Civita di Bagnoregio and Viterbo.
You can check car rental prices in Florence on our partner’s website, Rentcars.
Florence to Rome by Train: Which Company to Choose?
When looking to travel by train from Florence to Rome, you have two companies to consider: Trenitalia, offering both high-speed and regional train options, and ItaloTreno, which specializes in high-speed train services only.
For those seeking a high-speed train journey between Florence and Rome, either company is a good choice, potentially swayed by who offers the cheaper fares for the desired class at the time of booking.
The journey typically lasts about 1 hour and 40 minutes, departing from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station and arriving at Roma Termini station.
To save money, it’s advisable to purchase your tickets online in advance. Last-minute purchases often mean paying the full fare (for instance, with Italo, you might pay EUR 44.90 for Economy Class). By booking ahead, you could find tickets for as little as EUR 11.90.
How far in advance should you buy train tickets? There’s no need to overdo it: 2 to 3 months before your travel date is usually sufficient. Promotional fares are often available up to 3 days before departure, depending on how many seats are still unsold.
Read also: Rome to Florence by train
Traveling by Bus from Florence to Rome
The two main bus companies operating the route from Florence to Rome are Flixbus and Itabus.
Both companies feature modern and comfortable buses, and frequently offer promotional fares that are very attractive.
For instance, a search conducted on February 2, 2024, for a trip on March 19, 2024, shows that depending on the chosen time, fares can be as low as 1.99 euros.
Flixbus also offers the option to travel with an empty seat next to you for a small additional fee (ideal for those traveling alone and desiring extra space).
One important consideration is that, unlike trains which do not have a limit on luggage size and weight, bus companies may impose restrictions on the amount and dimensions/weight of luggage. So, if you’re traveling with a lot of baggage, it’s wise to weigh your options to choose the most convenient one.
Bus journeys typically last around 3 and a half hours (though this can vary depending on traffic).
Bus stations are not always centrally located, so it’s crucial to factor in the overall convenience when planning your trip.
Flying from Florence to Rome
Florence Airport is located 7km away from the Santa Maria Novella train station and can be a convenient option for travelers who need to continue their journey by air to other destinations.
Read: How to Get from Florence Airport to the City Center for an overview of available transportation options.
ITA Airways is the airline offering direct flights from Florence Airport to Rome Fiumicino Airport. In recent months, the airline has run several promotions, and with a bit of luck, it’s possible to find fares starting at 61 euros per person. Below is a search we conducted on February 2, 2024, for travel on March 19, 2024:
Currently, ITA Airways offers 4 daily departures:
Departure at 06:35 from Florence, arriving in Rome Fiumicino at 07:25 (flight AZ 1676)
Departure at 11:40 from Florence, arriving in Rome Fiumicino at 12:30 (flight AZ 1678)
Departure at 15:30 from Florence, arriving in Rome Fiumicino at 16:20 (flight AZ 1682)
Departure at 19:10 from Florence, arriving in Rome Fiumicino at 20:05 (flight AZ 1684)
Flight schedules and the number of daily departures are subject to change without prior notice.
Taking a Taxi from Florence to Rome
Another option available is to hail a taxi or pick one up from a taxi stand to travel from Florence to Rome. If you choose this route, it’s best to negotiate a flat rate before getting into the car to have a clear idea of the cost involved.
One of the largest taxi stands is located in front of the Santa Maria Novella train station.
There are no fixed fares for this journey, and the meter is usually used. You might find that many taxi drivers are reluctant to make the trip, or you could end up in a smaller, less comfortable car compared to the executive vehicles used by private transfers.
The journey from Florence to Rome takes approximately three and a half hours.
It’s worth noting that taxi rates will increase from May 2024, as announced on the City of Florence’s website. So here are the two rate tables for you to calculate!
Taxi fares in Florence from 01/01/2024:
Taxi fares in Florence from 1st May 2024:
If you like this article, please share it with your friends. If you have any questions, ask in the comments section below. Also, if you’d like to share your experience, feel free to comment below as well!
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