Train service
Trenitalia
Trenitalia is Italy’s state-owned rail operator, running high-speed, intercity, and regional trains across the country and beyond.
SNCF
SNCF is France’s state-owned rail operator, running high-speed, regional, and international TGV services across Europe.
Train tickets
Omio
Omio connects you with over 1,000 transport providers - trains, buses, flights, and more - to simplify your travel planning.
Trainline
Trainline sells rail and coach tickets worldwide on behalf of major UK and European transport companies.
Raileurope
Rail Europe is a leading travel tech company specializing in European train bookings for over 15,000 travel professionals worldwide.
Rail pass validity
The Interrail Global Pass is valid for travel from Amsterdam to Florence, as it covers multiple countries across Europe, including the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. The Interrail One Country Pass would not be applicable as it only covers travel within one country and the journey from Amsterdam to Florence crosses multiple countries. The Eurail Pass is also valid for non-EU residents traveling from Amsterdam to Florence, covering the same countries as the Interrail Global Pass. Residents of the EU would not be eligible for the Eurail Pass.
Getting around
Upon arriving in Florence by train, most likely at the central Santa Maria Novella (SMN) station, you have several local transportation options to get around the city. Florence has a tram network, with two primary lines in operation. The T1 tram line runs from Villa Costanza, located outside the city to the southwest, through to Careggi Hospital to the north, passing through the city center and a stop near the SMN station. The T2 line runs from the SMN station to Peretola Airport. These trams are efficient and a good way to avoid the traffic in the city center.
Although Florence does not have a metro system, you can rely on buses for transportation. The city buses, operated by ATAF, cover extensive routes throughout Florence and can be a convenient way to reach areas not served by the tram. Tickets for both the tram and buses can be purchased from vending machines, most newsstands, and some bars.
If you prefer a taxi, they are readily available at taxi ranks near major squares, train stations, and can also be booked by phone. Taxis in Florence are run by several different companies, so be sure to verify the fare structure, as they operate on a metered system with additional charges for luggage, night travel, or travel on public holidays.
Ridesharing services like Uber are not available in Florence, but an alternative is to use a ride-booking app called Free Now, which allows you to book a taxi via the app directly from your smartphone. This service can be very handy, especially if you don't want to wait at a taxi rank.
Keep in mind that Florence's historic city center is quite compact, making it wonderfully pedestrian-friendly, so walking is often the most enjoyable way to explore many attractions.
Onward connections
Florence, centrally located in Italy, serves as a major hub for train travel, connecting to various destinations both domestically and internationally. Domestically, one of the most popular routes from Florence is the high-speed train connection to Rome. Trenitalia's Frecciarossa and Italo services offer frequent daily departures from Florence Santa Maria Novella station to Rome Termini, with the journey taking approximately 1.5 hours. Another key domestic connection is to Milan, which is also served by Frecciarossa and Italo trains, averaging a travel time of around 2 hours. For those interested in exploring northern Italy, trains to Venice are readily available, generally taking about 2 to 2.5 hours on high-speed options.
International connections from Florence are particularly convenient to Switzerland, with services to cities like Zurich and Geneva via Milan that take about 6 to 7 hours in total. These connections often involve using Trenitalia or Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) services. Another international option is traveling to Munich. This typically involves a change at Bologna or Verona, followed by an express service through the scenic Alps, usually totaling about 7 to 8 hours.
Travelers can also head towards France. While there is no direct high-speed service from Florence, one can reach Paris by transferring in Milan, where TGV or Trenitalia trains continue onwards to the French capital in approximately 7 to 8 hours in total. This extensive network of high-speed and regional train services from Florence makes it an excellent starting point for exploring both Italy and neighboring countries by rail.
Best time to visit
The best months to visit Florence are typically April to June and September to October. During these periods, the weather is pleasantly warm, ideal for exploring the city's historic sites and enjoying outdoor activities without the oppressive summer heat. Early spring and early fall offer a balance between comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months.
In terms of cost, visiting during these shoulder seasons can also be beneficial as accommodation prices tend to be lower than during July and August, although still busier than the winter months. Traveling by train to Florence is convenient and allows you to avoid the summer's high travel prices and crowded conditions.
Florence hosts various festivals and cultural events throughout the year, with April's Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart) being particularly noteworthy during Easter celebrations. Additionally, September features the Rificolona Festival, a traditional lantern parade that adds a unique cultural experience to your trip. These events, combined with the pleasant weather and moderate prices, make spring and early fall the ideal times for visiting Florence by train.
Frequently asked questions
What affects the cost of a train ticket from Amsterdam to Florence?
According to EveryRail, prices are dynamic. Demand affects ticket prices. Tickets cost more during peak travel times. Booking in advance often provides lower prices. Last-minute purchases tend to be pricier. Seasonal variations influence costs. Holidays see higher ticket prices. Train class impacts the fare levels. Discounts and promotions can reduce costs. Weekdays may be cheaper than weekends. Rail company pricing strategies affect prices. Currency exchange rates may play a role.
What trains run from Amsterdam to Florence?
Trains operated by SNCF run from Amsterdam to Paris. Trenitalia operates trains from Paris to Florence. Flixbus operates buses that can travel from Amsterdam to Florence.
How long does the train from Amsterdam to Florence take?
According to EveryRail, the train from Amsterdam to Florence takes between 15 and 18.5 hours.
When is the best time to travel from Amsterdam to Florence?
The best time to travel depends on several factors. Consider crowd levels when planning. Avoid peak tourist seasons for fewer crowds. Prices are generally lower during off-peak times. Check for promotional fares during less popular months. Demand affects ticket availability. Weekdays often have less demand than weekends. Early morning trains can also be less crowded.
What’s the best route or train to take from Amsterdam to Florence?
Flixbus runs direct bus services from Amsterdam to Florence. No direct train services operate on this route. Travelers can create connecting train journeys by combining SNCF with Trenitalia.
What rail passes can I use to travel from Amsterdam to Florence?
According to EveryRail, the Global Pass applies for this route. The journey from the Netherlands to Italy involves travel between different countries.