Rome to Florence by Train: Your Comprehensive Guide Before Booking Your Ticket

Traveling from Rome to Florence by train is not only a convenient choice but can be an exciting and memorable experience. This article provides all the necessary details to make your train journey from Rome to Florence as smooth as possible. Whether you’re curious about ticket prices, luggage policies, or simply seeking tips on how to make the most of your journey, you’ll find all the answers here.

Which Train Service Should You Choose for Your Rome to Florence Journey?

When it comes to traveling by train from Rome to Florence, two primary companies come to mind: Trenitalia and ItaloTreno.

Both Trenitalia and ItaloTreno operate high-speed trains between Rome and Florence, offering passengers the unique experience of riding an Italian high-speed train. These trains can hit speeds of over 300km per hour (185 miles per hour), making the journey from Rome to Florence in half the time it would take by car!

Before booking, it’s worth comparing the fares and schedules of both companies to find the one that best suits your travel times and budget.

Understanding the Difference Between Trenitalia and ItaloTreno

You might hear the names Trenitalia and Ferrovie dello Stato used interchangeably. That’s because Trenitalia is part of a larger group, Ferrovie dello Stato, which has been operational since 1905 and holds the distinction of being Italy’s oldest active railway company.

Trenitalia’s offerings extend beyond high-speed trains. They also operate local (Regionali) and long-distance (Intercity) trains.

So, if your travel plans include smaller cities or secondary stations, Trenitalia or its partners in the Ferrovie dello Stato group might be your go-to choice.

In contrast, ItaloTreno, established in 2006, is Italy’s first private company to compete with Trenitalia/Ferrovie dello Stato in the high-speed rail network. Until recently, ItaloTreno’s services were limited to routes with high-speed railway lines.

However, to broaden their reach, Italo purchased a bus company, Itabus, in 2023. This move allows them to offer combined tickets to places not accessible by high-speed trains.

Both Trenitalia and ItaloTreno are committed to providing quality services, making either a solid choice for your transportation needs.

What’s the Train Travel Time from Rome to Florence?

The length of a train ride from Rome to Florence can vary considerably, depending on the type of service you choose.

For the fastest option, hop on a high-speed train. This will get you from Rome (either from Rome Termini or Rome Tiburtina) to Florence (either to Firenze S.M.N or Firenze Campo di Marte) in about 1.5 hours, and usually without any stops in between.

In need of accommodation in Florence? Check out our recommendations here.

If you’re not in a rush and wish to take in the scenic Italian countryside, you might opt for a local Regionale train. Though this journey can take over 4 hours due to numerous stops at charming intermediate stations like Orte, Attigliano-Bomarzo, Alviano, Orvieto, and more, it can provide a unique travel experience.

Lastly, the Intercity train offers a balance between speed and sightseeing. While it does make stops at some key cities along the way, you’ll arrive in Florence in roughly 2 hours and 40 minutes.

What are the main railway stations in Rome?

The primary railway station in Rome is Roma Termini, but there are also many train options from Roma Tiburtina station.

Read also: How to get from Fiumicino Airport to Florence

What are the main railway stations in Florence?

The primary railway station in Florence is Firenze Santa Maria Novella, often abbreviated to Firenze S.M.N.. There are also many train options from the Firenze Campo di Marte station, located near the current Florence stadium.

Read also: How to get from Florence Airport to the city center

What’s the price range for a train journey from Rome to Florence?

If you’re traveling by high-speed train from Rome to Florence, ticket prices generally hover around 50 euros for second class, escalate to about 86 euros for Business Class, and peak at around 145 euros for the plush comforts of Executive Class.

But here’s an insider tip: You can snag substantial savings if you book your tickets online in advance!

Train companies frequently launch enticing promotional deals, sometimes offering high-speed tickets for a mere 20 euros in second class. There have even been lucky travelers who’ve nabbed them for an unbeatable 9.90 euros!

Just to illustrate, you can see promotional fares starting from 19.90 euros in Smart (2nd class) on the Italo website below. This snapshot was taken from a search performed on July 12, 2023, for a journey scheduled on July 21, 2023.

One word of caution before you proceed with your booking: Do scrutinize the ticket conditions. Promotional tickets, while cheaper, typically come with rigid terms, often not allowing changes or offering refunds in case of cancellation.

Full-fare tickets, though pricier, usually offer more flexibility if you need to adjust your travel time or date. Some may even offer a partial refund if you find yourself needing to cancel before the train’s departure. With promotional fares, in most scenarios, if you don’t board the train, you’ll have to say goodbye to the full ticket value.

When should I book a train trip from Rome to Florence?

There are plenty of trains running from Rome to Florence daily, so if you’re at Rome’s primary station, Roma Termini, chances are you’ll find a Florence-bound train departing within the next few hours.

However, buying your ticket just before departure typically means paying full fare, and if you’re traveling with others, there’s no guarantee you’ll find seats together.

Larger stations are equipped with both manned ticket counters and automated ticket machines. At smaller stations, you might only find automated machines, which, unfortunately, aren’t always operational. In such cases, you’re better off purchasing tickets online from the train company’s website or their mobile app.

For better rates and assured seating, consider booking your ticket online between three months and three days before your journey. There’s no need to book more than three months ahead. Indeed, if you search for a ticket a year in advance, you won’t find any availability as train companies don’t release tickets that far in advance.

Interestingly, if you’re planning an event or traveling with a large group, it’s possible to reserve an entire train carriage. For such bookings, it’s advisable to engage a ticket sales agency and book as far in advance as possible.

How many pieces of luggage can I bring on a train journey from Rome to Florence?

Before booking your tickets, it’s essential to thoroughly review all conditions of the journey as they are subject to change without notice.

In most cases, those traveling from Rome to Florence by train have no restrictions on the quantity or size of luggage they can bring (except in Italo’s Smart class = 2nd class), making train travel particularly convenient compared to airlines that often enforce strict weight, size, and quantity limitations.

Carriages typically offer luggage spaces near the entrance, as well as overhead compartments or spaces between seats in some cases.

Should you choose to place your luggage in the common areas at the entrance of the carriage, we recommend remaining nearby until the train leaves the station for security purposes. If the journey includes intermediate stops, it would be wise to ensure no one inadvertently or intentionally takes your bags.

Though infrequent, incidents of passengers mistakenly taking someone else’s luggage or unauthorized individuals boarding the train and removing bags during a stop do occur. If you find yourself in such a situation, alert the train staff immediately.

Luggage with Italo Treno: How does it work?

If you’re planning to travel from Rome to Florence with Italo Treno, it’s crucial to understand their luggage policies for a smooth journey. You can bring personal belongings and items that are easily transportable on the train, provided they’re placed in the designated spaces onboard.

Luggage shouldn’t exceed the dimensions of 75x53x30 cm in the Smart environment (for other classes, there are no size restrictions, and you can carry XXL bags as long as they fit in the luggage compartments).

Strollers, wheelchairs, and foldable bicycles are considered luggage, but they must be stored with the frame properly folded in the appropriate spaces.

It’s important to note that the transportation of bulky luggage, large objects, or traditional bicycles isn’t allowed. Additionally, your bags should have a clear and legible indication of your name and address.

You must ensure your luggage is adequately accommodated so as not to pose a risk or damage to objects, people, and animals, and it should not obstruct the train’s entrance and exit, circulation within the carriage, or the onboard service operations.

Carrying items that could cause damage, disturbances, or inconvenience to other passengers, as well as dangerous or harmful substances or items, is prohibited. Weapons and ammunition are strictly forbidden, except for security forces onboard the train servicing ITALO.

As a passenger, you are responsible for safeguarding your luggage and the objects you bring with you. In case of non-compliance with these rules, you will be required to remove such objects at the first stop and may be subject to a fine.

Finally, the passenger must allow the ITALO team to carry out the necessary checks to ensure that the transportation of luggage complies with these rules.

For more details, read the transport contract (page 19):

Luggage with Trenitalia: How does it work?

In Trenitalia’s general transport conditions, there’s a chapter dedicated to luggage transportation. It states that the company allows passengers to carry luggage and other easily transportable objects free of charge, including strollers, umbrellas, beach chairs, skis, musical instruments, etc., provided they are placed in dedicated spaces within the train.

Luggage exceeding the permitted volume is tolerated as long as it does not cause inconvenience or harm to other passengers, interfere with the train staff’s service activities, or damage the carriages.

The company prohibits the transport of malodorous substances that may disturb other passengers, as well as dangerous or harmful substances. However, materials or equipment that include hazardous accessories in their structure or operation circuit are allowed, provided all measures are taken to prevent any leakage during transport.

Bicycles can be transported free of charge on all trains, provided they are disassembled and stored in a bag or if they are foldable bicycles. The transportation of assembled bicycles is only allowed on certain Intercity trains, and a ticket must be purchased for this purpose.

The free transportation of wheelchairs, whether owned by the passenger or provided by the Italian Railway Network (RFI), is allowed on trains equipped with a specialized carriage or suitable compartment.

Passengers are always responsible for their own luggage and other transported items. Trenitalia may inspect any unattended hand luggage, including its contents, and destroy it if necessary for passenger safety and train operation. The company may also verify that the luggage and its contents are in accordance with transport rules.

Below is the original document in PDF format. See the luggage transportation conditions on page 88.

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I hope this article “Rome to Florence by Train: Your Comprehensive Guide Before Booking Your Ticket” has answered what you wanted to know, but if you have any remaining questions, feel free to ask in the comments section below.