# Florence to Rome Train: the Line That Taught Europe to Go Fast 231 km of Direttissima link Florence and Rome in as little as 2 hours 6 minutes — the same corridor that opened, in 1977, as the first dedicated high-speed railway in Europe. **Key facts** - Distance: 231 km (about 143 miles), Santa Maria Novella to Termini - Fastest journey: 2 hours 6 minutes - Frequency: ~27 combined daily departures across Trenitalia and Italo - Direttissima opened: 1977 (first section), completed 1992 ## About the route Trenitalia and Italo both run nonstop high-speed services on the Direttissima, a dedicated line connecting Firenze Santa Maria Novella with Roma Termini, covering the distance in around 2 hours 6 minutes. Rather than following the winding older main line through Umbria's hill towns, the Direttissima runs almost dead straight through a long sequence of tunnels, cuttings and viaducts across the Apennine foothills. Driving the same route takes 2.5-3 hours depending on traffic; flying adds an airport transfer at both ends that the train skips entirely — both stations sit in the historic center. ## Stations **Firenze Santa Maria Novella** — Florence's central terminus, a 10-minute walk from the Duomo. **Roma Termini** — Rome's main hub, connected to both metro lines, a short walk from Repubblica. Some services also call at Roma Tiburtina. ## A short history of going fast - **1861** — the earliest rail connection between Florence and Rome followed a winding route through Umbria's hill towns. - **1930s** — electrification sped up the historic line through Chiusi, Orvieto and Orte, though sharp curves still capped speeds. - **1977** — the first section of the Direttissima opened on 24 February, widely credited as the first dedicated high-speed railway in Europe. - **1992** — the line was completed end to end, engineered for 250 km/h, cutting the era's fastest journey to about 1h20m. - **Today** — Frecciarossa 1000 and Italo AGV trainsets, both rated for 300 km/h, share the same tracks — covering the route in around 2h6m. ## Route, stop by stop (nonstop services skip these) Florence Santa Maria Novella → Arezzo (passed) → Orvieto (passed) → Orte (passed) → Rome Termini ## Trenitalia or Italo: which train to book | Operator | Frequency | Classes | From (lowest fare) | |---|---|---|---| | Trenitalia (Frecciarossa/Frecciargento) | 2h 6m, ~27 direct daily | Standard–Executive | ~€14.90 Super Economy | | Italo (NTV) | 2h 6m, ~27 direct daily | Smart–Club | ~€14.90 Smart | ## Classes & amenities **Standard / Smart:** free WiFi and at-seat power, 2-2 airline-style seating, bar car or trolley service, luggage space with no restrictions. **Business / Executive:** 2-1 seating with more legroom, complimentary at-seat food and drinks, priority boarding, lounge access where available. ## Booking tips 1. Book 90-120 days ahead for the lowest Super Economy/Smart fares. 2. Compare both operators — prices shift day to day between Trenitalia and Italo. 3. Pick the right Rome station — most trains arrive at Termini, some at Tiburtina. 4. E-tickets work fine on a phone, no printing needed. 5. No airport-style security — arriving 10-15 minutes early is enough. 6. Seat reservation is included with every fare. 7. Most of the ride runs through tunnels — don't expect much scenery. 8. Cheaper fares are usually non-refundable — pay more for flexibility if plans might change. ## FAQ **How long does the train from Florence to Rome take?** Nonstop Frecciarossa and Italo services cover the route in around 2 hours 6 minutes. **How far is it from Florence to Rome by train?** 231 km (about 143 miles) via the Direttissima. **Which stations do trains use?** Firenze Santa Maria Novella and Roma Termini (some services also call at Roma Tiburtina). **What's the cheapest way to get from Florence to Rome by train?** Super Economy/Smart fares from around €14.90-19.90, booked 90-120 days ahead. **Are there direct trains?** Yes — around 27 combined nonstop departures a day, no changes required. **Is there an overnight train?** No — the trip is too short (under 1.5 hours) for a sleeper service on this corridor. **Trenitalia or Italo — which should I book?** Both run the same line at the same speed and frequency; compare fares for your travel date. **Is Business class worth it?** On a 90-minute ride, Standard/Smart Economy is comfortable for most travelers. **How far in advance should I book?** 90-120 days before travel for the lowest fares. **Is the train faster than flying or driving?** Yes for most travelers — both stations are central, and driving takes 2.5-3 hours. --- Book tickets: https://highspeedtrains.com