You might think that visiting Florence from Rome is too much to do in one day; look at the two cities on a map and you’ll see that they’re not exactly close. However, with a bit of planning, spending a day in Florence can be a fantastic addition to your Roman holiday – a memorable day immersed in the art and culture of this beautiful Renaissance city.
How to get to Florence from Rome
Buses are slow and private transportation is expensive. By far the best way to reach Florence from Rome is to take the high-speed train from Termini station (Trenitalia or Italotreno). The train takes 90 minutes and the cheapest tickets (booked in advance) cost about €25 one way. There are two main train stations in Florence, Firenze Campo di Marte and S. Maria Novella; the latter is the most convenient for visiting the historic centre.
When you come out of S. Maria Novella station, you should be facing the Piazza della Stazione. Cross the square and you’ll find the Piazza dell’Unità Italiana on your left. Continue south into Via Panzani, and at the end of the street you’ll find yourself in Via de’ Cerretani, which leads to the Duomo. It’s a short walk from the station, and the rest of the centre is also easily reached on foot.
Florence in a day
When planning a day trip to Florence from Rome, it’s worth keeping in mind that attractions such as the Uffizi and the Accademia often have long queues, especially during high season. We recommend booking tickets in advance, or joining a tour with Roads to Rome Private Tours, so all tickets and organisation are taken care of.
Start your day at the Accademia so you can admire Michelangelo’s David up close, and make time for other must-see attractions such as the Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo, and Ponte Vecchio. While it’s possible to visit the Uffizi on a day trip from Rome, the sheer size of the collection means that it can be time-consuming, making it difficult to do much sightseeing out of the gallery.
After a morning Accademia tour, we suggest a relaxed stroll through the historic centre of Florence, taking in the sights and the unique atmosphere of the city so beautiful it caused John Ruskin to remark, “You will begin to wonder that human daring ever achieved anything so magnificent.” The Duomo is an undisputed highlight of any trip to Florence from Rome, as you gaze up at Brunelleschi’s magnificent dome and discover the extraordinary story of its creation.
There’s no shortage of good places to eat in Florence. If you want a quick pit stop, try the food stalls as the Mercato Centrale, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, a tripe sandwich (- “lampredotto”, a local speciality!) at Da Vinattieri. For a more leisurely lunch, try Fuoco Matto (Via Ventisette Aprile 16) for a delicious Fiorentina steak, or Vini e Vecchi Sapori (Via dei Magazzini 3R), a cosy restaurant near Palazzo Vecchio.
Is it worth it?
The short answer: yes. You’ll be surprised at how much you can see in a day, and with some careful planning or the assistance of a personal tour guide, your visit won’t feel rushed. Of course the ideal way to visit Florence is to spend at least a couple of days exploring the city and its vast collections of art, but if the choice is between seeing Florence and not seeing Florence…Take the train from Rome to Florence for the perfect day trip
Read more: How to spend a day in Florence, Italy (The Culture Trip)
