Considering planning an Italian getaway from Milan to Florence by train? This guide contains all the details you need to make the journey a masterpiece.

Overview of train services

The main high-speed operators on the train route from Milan to Florence are Trenitalia Frecciarossa and Italo.

Trenitalia Frecciarossa

Operator details

Frecciarossa (Italian for "red arrow") is Italy’s flagship high-speed train and a convenient option if you're seeking a high-speed train from Milan to Florence. Its red exterior signifies both speed and Italian design. Operated by Trenitalia, Frecciarossa prioritises punctuality, quality and connectivity between Italian cities.

Route

The Frecciarossa uses mainly high-speed lines between Milano Centrale train station and Florence Santa Maria Novella Train Station (Firenze SMN), making limited stops between major cities.

Train features

Frecciarossa trains feature spacious seating, quiet cabins and large windows. You'll find complimentary Wi-Fi and power outlets, too. Several classes are available. Common amenities include a cafe car where you’ll find refreshments, making this an ideal choice for anyone booking train tickets from Milan to Florence.

Benefits

The perks of Frecciarossa travel include a passenger-centric experience that combines speed, style and satisfaction. You also get all the benefits that make high-speed train travel desirable — speed, comfort, convenient station access, easy check-in and a low carbon footprint. The Frecciarossa is one of the best trains from Milan to Florence, offering short travel times and luxurious features.

Italo

Operator details

Italo, Italy's primary private high-speed rail, offers competitive options for passengers travelling on the Milan to Florence train route. Owned by Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori, it provides an excellent alternative to Trenitalia.

Route

Italo uses the same high-speed tracks as Frecciarossa, departing from Milano Centrale Train Station and arriving at Florence Santa Maria Novella Train Station (Firenze SMN). It’s a great option for passengers looking for a fast train from Milan to Florence.

Train features

Italo offers modern amenities, including Wi-Fi, power outlets and a bistro car. The complimentary Italo Live portal provides digital entertainment access. First-class options include added perks for comfort-seeking travellers.

Benefits

Italo provides competitive prices and excellent service, making it a popular choice for Milan to Florence train travel. Eco-friendliness, convenience and affordability further enhance its appeal. Whether you’re booking a high-speed train from Milan to Florence or searching for cheap trains from Milan to Florence, Italo delivers a reliable option.

Schedule details

Quickest journey time and total distance

The fastest Milan to Florence trains can travel station-to-station in a travel time of approximately 1 hour and 39 minutes, covering a distance on the ground of about 249 kilometres.

Earliest and latest departure times

If you want to catch the first train of the day from Milan to Florence, it leaves at about 05:00 on weekdays. The last train leaves at roughly 21:20.

For weekend travel, the first train departs at about 05:00, while the last train leaves around 21:20. Whether you're travelling on a weekday or weekend, planning your train from Milan to Florence in advance ensures smooth scheduling.

Average number of daily trains

Between Frecciarossa and Italo, approximately 64 trains trains leave Milano Centrale Train Station for Florence each day, offering numerous options for those booking tickets.

Frequency of departures

A train from Milan to Florence departs Milano Centrale roughly every 14 minutes, making it easy to find a time that suits your schedule. Travellers looking for the best train from Milan to Florence will appreciate the convenience of frequent departures.

Ticket information

Ticket prices

Ticket costs depend on factors like class, service, day of travel, time of booking and available discounts. If you're travelling on a weekday afternoon or during a holiday, prepare for higher fares.

Here are some live estimates for Milan to Florence train tickets:

• Cheapest ticket on the route: €3.07

• Average cost if booked 30 days in advance: €58

• Average cost if booked 7 days in advance: €52

Importance of booking in advance

Advance booking offers significant benefits, including cheaper prices, more options and avoiding potential delays during peak travel periods. You can book a train from Milan to Florence with up to 10 and a half months days of notice. For the best rates, purchase tickets at least 30 days in advance or, if that’s not possible, at least 7 days before departure. Booking a high-speed train from Milan to Florence early can save both time and money.

Point-to-point tickets vs. rail passes

The two most common options for Milan to Florence train tickets are point-to-point tickets and rail passes.

Point-to-point tickets

Point-to-point tickets are ideal for travellers going directly from one city to another. A Milan to Florence train ticket covers one specific journey, making it perfect for those travelling straight from Milano Centrale to Florence.

Rail passes you can use from Milan to Florence

If Milan and Florence are just two of many stops you intend to make, in Italy or elsewhere in Europe, a rail pass may be the way to go. With a rail pass, you can pick your travel days and take multiple trains on those days — any train you want, as long as it is covered by the pass (most of which are!).

For many trains, you don’t have to reserve in advance; you can just show up and hop on a train. (Note that high-speed trains often require a seat reservation.) Best of all, you have hop-on-hop-off privileges, so if you want to explore along the way, you can just catch the next train.

• Eurail Pass: good for 33 countries in Europe, available to non-EU residents. You can choose a Global Pass for 33 countries or pick a pass for one country, like the Italy One Country Pass.

• Interrail Pass: offers nearly identitcal coverage to that of the Eurail Pass. The main difference is that the Interrail Pass is reserved for European residents.

Train stations served

Milan Centrale

Milan Centrale is a bustling transportation hub located in the heart of the city, near metro lines and city bus networks. It serves as the departure point for most high-speed trains from Milan to Florence, including both Frecciarossa and Italo services. Approximately 120 million passengers pass through this impressive station every year.

The station is an architectural masterpiece showcasing both Art Nouveau and Art Deco design elements. Initially built during Italy's early 20th-century growth period, Milan Centrale reflects a mix of elegance and functionality.

Facilities and services

Milan Centrale offers extensive facilities, including:

• Ticket offices (Trenitalia, Italo, Trenord)

• Ticket machines

• Luggage storage (KiPoint)

• Restrooms

• Shops, restaurants and cafés

• Freccia Club Lounge

• Italo Club Lounge

• Sala Blu (assistance for passengers with disabilities)

• Tourist information office

• Car rental services

• Currency exchange

• ATMs

• Free Wi-Fi

• Milan Metro access

• Bus and tram connections

• Airport shuttle services

• Accessible lifts and escalators

• Tactile routes and maps for visually impaired passengers

Florence Santa Maria Novella Train Station (Firenze SMN)

Florence Santa Maria Novella (Firenze SMN) is located near Florence's city centre and serves as the primary arrival point for passengers taking a train from Milan to Florence. This station exemplifies Italian Rationalist architecture and is near the historic Santa Maria Novella church. Over 59 million passengers pass through its terminals annually, making it one of Italy's busiest hubs.

Facilities and services

Florence Santa Maria Novella (Firenze SMN) offers a range of facilities to accommodate the millions of passengers who use this station each year. These include:

• 19 platforms

• Ticket offices and self-service machines

• Passenger lounge

• Left luggage service

• Restrooms

• Shops and eateries

• Pharmacy

• Bank

• Currency exchange desk

• Post office

• Tourist information office

• Accessibility services for passengers with disabilities

• Taxi stand

• Connections to local buses and trams

• Car rental services

• Free Wi-Fi

• Waiting areas

• ATMs

• Newsstands

• Parking facilities

• Bicycle parking

• Lost and found office

• Police station

• First aid station

• Sala Freccia Club (for premium passengers)

• Casa Italo (Italo train services office)

• Sala Blu (assistance for passengers with disabilities)

Travelling with Frecciarossa and Italo – boarding process

Security and boarding procedures

Boarding typically begins 15-20 minutes before departure for trains such as the high-speed train from Milan to Florence. While the security checks are less intensive than at airports, they are brief and may involve bag scans. Check with station operators for any delays, especially during holidays or adverse weather conditions. This applies to trains from Milan Centrale to Florence Santa Maria Novella and other high-speed routes.

Navigating the stations and boarding

Both Milano Centrale and Firenze SMN stations display real-time train information and platform numbers on screens in waiting areas and ticketing zones. Customer service staff are usually available to help and signage in English assists international travellers. Platform information for trains like the express train from Milan to Florence is also printed on physical tickets or shown on digital confirmations. Amenities such as air conditioning and luggage storage make navigating these stations more convenient.

Train classes of service

Frecciarossa

Standard Class

Standard class is the most budget-friendly option on the Frecciarossa. The seats are comfortable enough for the two-hour trip to Florence. You also have access to the onboard bistro car.

Premium Class

Premium class offers roomier seats and better padding. It includes a welcome drink and free Wi-Fi.

Business Class

Business class offers extra legroom and cushier seats. travellers also enjoy free Wi-Fi, newspapers, a welcome drink and a trolley service with snacks and drinks.

Executive Class

Executive class is the most luxurious way to travel by train from Milan to Florence. It includes extra-wide reclining leather seats, a welcome drink, meals served at your seat, free Wi-Fi and private lounge access at the station.

Italo

Smart

Smart is Italo's basic class. You get comfortable seats and power outlets. Free Wi-Fi is also available, making this a great choice for those booking cheap trains from Milan to Florence.

Comfort

Comfort class offers larger, more reclining seats with additional legroom. Passengers also receive a welcome drink and free newspapers during their train ride from Milan to Florence.

Prima

Prima is Italo's first-class option. It features wider leather seats, complimentary meals and drinks and access to dedicated lounges at some stations. It’s ideal for those seeking a high-speed train from Milan to Florence with added luxury.

Club Executive

Club Executive is the pinnacle of Italo’s offerings. This class includes extra-large leather seats, personal welcome service, complimentary meals and drinks and access to the exclusive Italo Club lounge.

Travel documentation and customs requirements

Documentation required

For domestic travel within Italy, such as on a train from Milan to Florence, you usually need only your train ticket. Immigration checks aren’t necessary for this 100% domestic journey, but carrying photo ID or a visa (if required) is recommended in case an official requests it.

Customs requirements

Customs checks are not applicable on the Milan to Florence route. However, train authorities reserve the right to search baggage if necessary.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a direct train from Milan to Florence?

Yes, both Trenitalia Frecciarossa and Italo offer direct trains from Milan to Florence, providing frequent and reliable service.

Is there a direct train from Milan to Florence airport?

There is no direct train from Milan to Florence Peretola Airport (FLR). To reach FLR, take a high-speed train to Florence Santa Maria Novella and connect to local transit.

Is there a direct train from Milan airport to Florence?

No direct train runs from either Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) or Linate Airport (LIN) to Florence. To take a train from Milan airport to Florence, travel first to Milano Centrale, then catch a high-speed train to Florence.

Which train station in Milan goes to Florence?

Milano Centrale train station is the primary departure point for trains travelling to Florence.

How long is the train journey from Milan to Florence?

The train journey from Milan to Florence takes approximately 1 hour and 39 minutes via high-speed rail, making it one of the fastest and most efficient travel options between the two cities.