Rome and Florence: two of Italy’s most famous cities. Rome is a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with ancient history. Florence, on the other hand, is celebrated for its art, culture, and incredible food. Both cities draw huge crowds of tourists every year.
So, how far is Florence, Italy from Rome? And what’s the best way to travel between these two must-see destinations? This article breaks down the distance between Rome and Florence and explores your transportation options, from high-speed trains to rental cars.
How far apart are Rome and Florence?
If you could fly in a straight line from Rome to Florence, you’d travel about 231 kilometers (144 miles). Of course, that’s “as the crow flies.”
In reality, the distance you travel will depend on your mode of transportation and the specific route you take. We’ll explore the different ways to get from Rome to Florence and how long each one takes.
Traveling by Train: The Fastest Option
If you’re looking for the quickest way to get from Rome to Florence, hop on a train. Both Italo and Trenitalia operate high-speed trains that can whisk you between the cities in as little as 1 hour and 25 minutes, although some trips can take as long as 1 hour and 42 minutes.
Trains run frequently between Rome and Florence, so you can usually find a departure time that suits your schedule.
Most trains depart from Roma Termini, Rome’s main train station, and arrive at Firenze Santa Maria Novella (S.M.N.) in Florence. Keep in mind that some routes may involve connections, so be sure to check the details when you book your ticket.
Train ticket prices can vary quite a bit, ranging from around $21 to as much as $310, although you can often find fares starting from €14.90 if you book well in advance. Like airfares, train tickets tend to be cheaper when you buy them early.
Both Italo and Trenitalia offer different travel classes with varying levels of amenities. For example, on Italo, you might choose Lounge Italo Club, Prima Business Class, or Smart Class. Depending on the class, you might enjoy perks like Wi-Fi, personal screens, and catering services.
Traveling by bus: The budget-friendly choice
If you’re looking for the least expensive way to travel from Rome to Florence, the bus is probably your best bet.
Bus routes and travel times
The bus trip will take you a bit longer, at around 3 hours and 15 minutes, but there are direct bus routes that will take you from Roma, Autostazione Tiburtina to the Florence Villa Constanza Bus Station.
Bus operators and costs
Several bus companies operate routes between Rome and Florence. One of the most popular is FlixBus. Depending on when you book your ticket and which company you choose, bus tickets can range from about $6 to $60.
Considerations for bus travel
Keep in mind that the bus takes longer than the train. You may also encounter traffic delays along the way, so you may not arrive exactly on schedule.
Other Transportation Options: Car, Rideshare, and Plane
While trains are a popular way to travel between Rome and Florence, they aren’t your only options. You could also drive, use a ridesharing service, or even fly.
Driving
If you drive, the trip will take about 2 hours and 40 minutes and cover about 273 kilometers. Keep in mind that you’ll have to budget for fuel and tolls, and you’ll have to find (and pay for) parking once you reach Florence. Traffic can also be a bit of a headache.
Ridesharing
Ridesharing is another possibility. BlaBlaCar is a well-known ridesharing service in Italy. With ridesharing, you can expect the trip to last around 3 hours and 20 minutes and cost around $17. A bonus is that you’ll be sharing the journey with other travelers.
Flying
Flying between Rome and Florence isn’t as common, mainly because the ground transportation is so fast and convenient. However, it’s still an option. Flights, including travel to and from the airports, can take between 2 hours and 50 minutes and 3 hours and 30 minutes and cost anywhere from $75 to $300.
The airports you’d likely use are Florence Peretola Airport (FLR), Fiumicino International Airport (FCO), and Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ).
Taking the night train
The night train is a slower option, but it allows you to travel while you sleep. You can catch a night train from Firenze Campo Marte to Roma Tiburtina.
The trip averages around 3 hours and 15 minutes, and tickets typically cost between $40 and $310.
How to choose your travel method
There are many ways to get from Rome to Florence, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:
- Train: This is usually the fastest way, but it can also be the most expensive.
- Bus: The bus is the cheapest option, but be prepared for a longer travel time.
- Car: Driving gives you flexibility, but you’ll have to deal with traffic and parking.
- Rideshare: Ridesharing can be affordable and social, but might not be as reliable.
- Plane: Flying isn’t usually recommended, as ground transportation is faster.
- Night Train: You can travel overnight on a night train, but it will be slower than the high-speed train.
To compare prices and times, use a travel planning website like Rome2Rio. No matter what, think about your budget, how much time you have, and what you want to get out of the trip when you’re making your choice.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose to travel by high-speed train, bus, rental car, or private transfer, getting from Rome to Florence is easy. The best option depends on your budget, time constraints, and personal preferences.
Whatever you decide, you’ll be able to travel quickly between these two iconic Italian cities.