Venice and Florence are two of Italy's most popular destinations, each with a unique charm that makes the journey between them even more exciting. Travel from Venice, the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region. It’s an enchanting city perched on 100 small islands with winding canals to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, in Italy's Tuscany region.

Through interconnecting railways throughout Italy, Trenitalia and Italo offer travellers a grand adventure that would otherwise never be possible through any other means of travel. Rail Europe helps travellers plan convenient and enjoyable trips with comprehensive planning tools for every step of the journey. Use this guide to help plan the best way to travel from Venice to Florence.

Overview of train services: Trenitalia (Frecciarossa) and Italo (AGV)

When travelling between Venice and Florence, a high-speed train takes about 1 hour and 53 minutes to complete the journey - roughly 205 kilometres.

Travellers can expect 50 trains to make this journey each day. The first train from Venice to Florence departs from Venice Santa Lucia or Venice Mestre stations at about 05:26 during the week. The last train to Florence departs Venice at roughly 19:38. On weekdays and weekends, travellers can take advantage of a consistent schedule on Italy’s railway.

Train services available

Trenitalia and Italo are two train operators that provide fast, comfortable and convenient high-speed train service from Venice to Florence.

Trenitalia

Trenitalia is a state-owned railway and Italy’s largest train operator, with over 250 departures a day. It connects passengers to cities nationwide and is well-known for its fleet of high-speed Frecce trains, which means arrow in Italian. The fleet consists of three impressive frecce trains, ranging in speed:

Frecciarossa

The Red Arrow is the fastest frecce train in the fleet. It travels between Turin via Milan and Salerno, reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h.

Frecciargento

The Silver Arrow is the second fastest frecce train in the fleet. It travels between Milan and Rome to the toe and can reach up to 250 km/h.

Frecciabianca

The White Arrow is the third fastest frecce train in the fleet. It travels between Turin via Milan to Venice and beyond, reaching speeds of up to 200 km/h.

Aside from its incredibly fast speed, Trenitalia sets the bar when it comes to offering its passengers comfort and varying classes of quality service. However, whether travelling Business or Standard Class, all passengers onboard the Frecciarossa trains from Venice to Florence have access to complimentary Wi-Fi and the FRECCE portal, a free entertainment platform to enjoy films, TV shows, music, newspapers, weekly and monthly magazines. Through this portal, passengers also have access to real-time ETA updates.

Trenitalia's service also takes the hassle out of luggage. As long as passengers carry their luggage on the train and store it safely in the luggage racks, they won't be subject to weight limits. All passengers will also have access to a varied food and drink selection via Trenitalia’s catering service, FrecciaBistrò, with fresh, seasonal dishes, including allergy-friendly options.

Italo

Italo is locked in fierce competition with Trenitalia. While Trenitalia is notably the largest Italian railway, Italo shines as the first operator to use Alstom’s new AGV trains, which hold the world record for top speeds on the rails.

Like Trenitalia, Italo connects passengers to cities throughout Italy by operating 118 trains daily, typically running hourly on the main Milan-Florence-Rome-Naples route. The Italian train company has a strong sustainability initiative by running eco-friendly trains made from ninety-eight percent recyclable material that consumes 30 percent less energy than average trains, ensuring their trains are better for the environment and passengers.

While this railway has an affinity for staying green, its trains are largely known for their vibrant red exteriors and bullet-fast speed, nicknamed Ferrari. However, its lush interiors may be more impressive, making this first private high-speed rail operator an absolute dream to ride.

In Italo trains from Venice to Florence, passengers will find Italian leather seats with ample legroom in all classes, making this operator slightly more luxurious in terms of overall comfort. Italo also offers all passengers complimentary Wi-Fi and power sockets for electronic devices.

Italo service also includes luggage storage on all trains. Passengers must safely store their hand luggage below their seat or in the luggage racks. All passengers will also have access to a varied food and drink selection via Italo’s self-service vending machines and class service level.

Venice to Florence train schedule

  • Fastest train: 1 hour and 53 minutes

  • Total journey distance: 205 kilometres

  • Earliest train leaving during the week: 05:26

  • Earliest train leaving during the weekend: 05:26

  • Latest train leaving during the week: 19:38

  • Latest train leaving during the weekend: 19:38

  • Average number of daily trains: 20 minutes

  • Departure frequencies: 50 trains

Venice to Florence train ticket information

Travelling by train from Venice to Florence is the best option. The Venice to Florence train price can depend significantly on many factors, including your service operator, the class of service and the distance travelled at your preferred Venice to Florence train times and date.

Prices can also fluctuate depending on how far in advance you purchase your Venice to Florence train tickets. Tickets for this route go on sale 11 months in advance, giving you access to the best booking prices and available seating options.

Importance of booking in advance

While booking a train from Venice to Florence on short notice is always possible, it won’t save you any money. Booking in advance can help passengers get cheap train tickets. Venice to Florence high-speed train tickets go fast, but both Trenitalia and Italo allow passengers to book in advance, giving them access to the best ticket rates.

Train stations serviced from Venice to Florence

Venice Santa Lucia

Venice Santa Lucia Train Station is Venice’s main station on the Grand Canal. Built between the 1930s and the 1950s, this iconic train station's name comes from demolishing the Church of Santa Lucia, where the station now stands. Due to its central location, this train station is the best place to board a Venice to Florence high-speed train.

Facilities and services available

  • ​​Connections to regional trains, shuttle buses, city buses, water taxis and water bus services

  • Baggage consignment, restrooms, ATM, Wi-Fi

  • Gift shops and specialty stores

  • Trenitalia and Italo executive and club class lounges

  • Restaurants, cafes, beer and spirits Read more details about the Venice Mestre train station in the station guide.

Venice Mestre

Venice Mestre is one of the two train stations in Venice and is located just outside on the mainland. While Santa Lucia Train Station is considered the main train station, Venice Mestre is a junction station four miles from the city centre. Opening its doors in 1842, Venice Mestre is a stop for passerby trains before crossing the causeway to Venice Santa Lucia.

Facilities and services available

  • ​​Connections to regional trains, city buses and taxi

  • Baggage consignment, restrooms, ATM, Wi-Fi

  • Gift shops and specialty stores

  • Restaurants and cafes

Florence Santa Maria Novella train station (Firenze SMN)

Florence Santa Maria Novella Train Station is one of Italy’s busiest train stations, with roughly 160,000 travellers passing through daily. Built in the 1930s, it is a prime example of Italian modernism, blending modern and contemporary architecture.

Facilities and services available

  • Connections to regional trains, metro trains, shuttle buses, city buses, taxi services

  • Baggage consignment, lost and found, restrooms, ATM, Wi-Fi

  • Gift shops and speciality stores

  • Pharmacy, bank, post office, currency exchange

  • Executive and club class lounges

  • Restaurants, cafes, passenger lounges

Read more details about Florence Santa Maria Novella train station in the station guide.

Travelling with Frecciarossa and Italo – boarding process

Security and boarding procedures with Frecciarossa from Venice to Florence

Both Frecciarossa and Italo's boarding process is fairly straightforward. If travelling from Venice to Florence with Frecciarossa, there is no check-in required before boarding the train. However, we recommend that passengers arrive 15 minutes before departure, allowing time to navigate to the platform, safely find their seats and store their luggage.

Security and boarding procedures with Italo from Venice to Florence

When travelling with Italo from Venice to Florence, neither check-in nor customs procedures are required before boarding the train. We recommend that passengers arrive 15 minutes before departure, allowing time to navigate to the platform, safely find their seats and store their luggage.

While check-in is not required before boarding the train, tickets will be scanned once onboard and passenger ID checks may be done randomly.

Navigating the stations and boarding

Navigating to the correct platform is much simpler than one would think. Frecciarossa and Italo trains at Venice and Florence stations can be found on the station's departure boards. Passengers can also check the platform number by checking their ticket provider's website or ticket information.

Train classes and services

Italo and Trenitalia are both known for offering comfortable travel, no matter which class of service you choose. Each does provide a bit of a different experience, so take note.

Frecciarossa trains from Venice to Florence

Executive Class

The ultimate luxury travel experience, comfortable ergonomic leather swivel seats, a memorable gourmet catering service and an open bar.

Premium Class

Premium seating with ample legroom, quiet carriage and a complimentary sweet or savoury snack.

Business Class

Spacious seating, quiet carriage and complimentary food box.

Standard Class

Comfortable standard seating, onboard food and drink (including meals) are available to purchase from the bar carriage.

Italo trains from Venice to Florence

Club Executive

Italo's best onboard travelling experience includes large, spacious seating in fine Italian leather, drink and meal service at your seat and complimentary access to seatback entertainment or from your own device.

Club Executive Salotto

Private club lounge access, complimentary wine and cocktails and exclusive buffet access.

Prima Business

Roomier seating, food and drink served at the seat and complimentary Wi-Fi with access to seatback entertainment or from your own device.

Smart Ambience

Wider than normal seats and ample legroom, reclining leather seats, fold-down tables, power sockets and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Travel documentation and customs requirements

Venice to Florence trains are domestic, meaning they do not cross into foreign territory. Passengers will not need special travel documentation or customs procedures to board. However, train tickets will be scanned once onboard and passenger ID checks may be done randomly.

Frequently asked questions

What is the duration of the train ride on this route?

The shortest Venice to Florence train duration is 1 hour and 53 minutes.

What is the distance by train from Venice to Florence?

The distance by train from Venice to Florence is roughly 205 kilometres.

Is there a Venice to Florence night train?

No. Due to the relatively short trip duration, there is no night train along the Venice to Florence high-speed train route.

How much are ticket prices?

Ticket prices vary significantly based on the preferred service class, train operator, time and date of service and advanced booking. Please see our current live estimates for train ticket costs from Venice to Florence:

Cheapest ticket on the route: US$3.70

Average cost of a ticket on this route if you book 30 days in advance: US$40

Average cost of a ticket on this route if you book 7 days in advance: US$47

What tips do you have for boarding and booking?

Always book in advance for the lowest prices on Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa and Italo trains from Venice to Florence.

When you have to travel at short notice, opt for off-peak Italo and Frecciarossa trains. Avoid busier times such as mornings and evenings, Fridays and Sundays, or holidays.

Pay attention to your luggage. Both trains allow hand luggage without weight restrictions as long as they fit in the luggage rack.

Please allow 15-30 minutes before departure, which will allow you time to navigate to the platform, safely find your seat and store your luggage.

Are there train operator details?

Venice to Florence, Italy, is offered by Frecciarossa and Italo high-speed trains. Frecciarossa offers four seating classes and allows for hand luggage with no weight restrictions on all tickets.

Italo high-speed trains from Venice to Florence also offer four seating classes. They are the go-to high-speed luxury operator with spacious leather seating for all passengers. Both high-speed train operators cover all major tourist destinations in Italy, including Rome, Milan and Naples.

Are there specific travel features and services?

Frecciarossa and Italo service prides itself on offering accessible travel options for travellers with disabilities or reduced mobility. Flexible ticketing options are available to provide travellers with peace of mind.

How far in advance can I book?

Trains for this route can be booked 11 months in advance.

Is there direct service on this route?

Yes! There is a direct train service from Venice to Florence.