train travel from london to florence italy

A step-by-step travel guide Take the train from London to Florence

Traveling by train from London to Florence is an unforgettable journey. The journey takes 2 days , through beautiful landscapes, stopping in Turin on the way.

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Good to know when traveling from London to Florence

First and second class.

Wouldn’t it be great if there were only a few, standardized, alternatives when choosing class? We agree. However, the train operators themselves choose what they call their different class options, which means they tend to be called things like "Sparpreis", "Super Flex Premium" and sometimes just "Seat". This is not ideal and we are working actively to standardize how ticket options are listed on All Aboard.

Which option you choose to travel with is entirely up to you. The more expensive options usually mean better comfort. If you feel unsure about what applies to each class option, you can check it out on the train operators' websites, or in their terms and conditions .

Can I charge my phone on the train?

Most long distance trains in Europe have power sockets available. In some cases, the number of power sockets may be limited in the 2nd class cars. In 1st class, however, it's most common that there are power sockets somewhere around each seat. If it's super important to you, the best way to really know is to google the name of the train (that can be found on your ticket) and you'll find out.

Wondering if there's free wifi available? Find more information here: Is there wifi on the train?

When do I receive my tickets?

Your and your fellow travellers' tickets are sent collected in an e-mail to the contact person entered in checkout. They're either delivered immediately upon purchase or in connection with your departure, but usually within 24 hours. This depends on the operator.

Before departure, it's wise to print out your tickets. This is so that there'll never be any problems (with for example internet connection or a phone without batteries) when it's time to show the tickets. But if you don't worry about that – all tickets received from All Aboard contain a QR code which you can show on the train.

Haven't received an email with tickets?

If you've received a booking confirmation email, everything should be in order.

If it's less than 48h before your departure and you still haven’t received any tickets, please contact us at [email protected] and we’ll help you.

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See the travel guide in Deutsch , Français , Español , and Svenska .

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London to Florence by train

Travel from London (United Kingdom) to Florence (Italy) by train (1209km): schedule and information to the train connection. Compare fares and buy your ticket.

London - Florence @ 2024-07-03

To travel by train from London in the United Kingdom to Florence in Italy, the main route leads from London by Eurostar train to Paris (France). In Paris you change to a direct day or night train to Milan (Italy).

Your travel route could be like that.

1 London (United Kingdom) - Paris (France) - Milan (Italy) - Florence (Italy)

The following links could be interesting for you.

train connections : popular connections travelled by other users

The route consist of more than one step. You have to buy several train tickets.

1a Travelling from London (United Kingdom) to Paris (France)

The Eurostar train from London to Paris is the fastest train connection with a travel time of 2.5 hours. You can buy cheap train tickets from 50 euros. There are up to 18 train connections daily. You can find the exact timetable and ticket prices for the Eurostar high-speed-train by clicking on the booking links. If you want to travel cheaper, you can travel by bus. The journey time takes considerably longer with about nine hours. But the tickets are much cheaper and start at 14 EUR. Companies like Flixbus offer several bus connections daily - also as a overnight trip. You can get the bus tickets via the booking links.

Where to buy a ticket from London to Paris?

Cheap train tickets! Buy your train ticket online on Omio. The easy to use booking system with very good prices and e-tickets.

Cheap international train tickets Official online shop of Netherlands railways (NS International). International train tickets for Europe including overnight trains. Buy your saver fare tickets easily and securely here.

train types: Train types you are likely to travel with. Eurostar (EST)

ferry: Ferry connections that might be helpful. Dover - Calais

train connections: popular connections travelled by other users Paris - London

search for train schedules here: Online timetable information, on which you can find relevant, up-to-date connections. rail.cc Deutsche Bahn

1b Travelling from Paris (France) to Milan (Italy)

Travel from Paris to Milan by TGV/Inoui high-speed-train. The journey time is 7 hours. The ticket fare starts from 29 EUR. There are up to four direct train connections daily. A comfortable travel option is the direct overnight train "Thello". The cheapest tickets are available for 29 EUR. The departure time in Paris is 19:15. The arrival time in Milan is 06:00. This train offers four service-classes: - couchette-compartment for 6 persons. - couchette-compartment for 4 persons. - sleeper-cabin standard for 1 to 3 travellers: a compartment with washing basin. - sleeper-cabin premium for 1 or 2 travellers: a compartment with private shower and WC. The departure train station in Paris is "Paris Gare de Lyon". The arrival station in Milan is "Milano Porta Garibaldi" or "Milano Centrale". Find the exact train schedules and buy your ticket via the given booking links.

Where to buy a ticket from Paris to Milan?

Buy your international saver fare tickets easily and securely here. Online shop of ACPRail, the rail travel experts for more than 20 years.

train types: Train types you are likely to travel with. TGV France - Italy (TGV)

night train: Night trains that might be suitable for this trip. TH 221 Paris - Venice / TH 220 Venice - Paris

train connections: popular connections travelled by other users Milan - Paris

1c Travelling from Milan (Italy) to Florence (Italy)

Travel from Milan to Florence by direct high-speed-train (Frecciarossa or Italo). The journey time is 1:55 hours. The ticket price starts at 14 EUR. There are train connections at least every hour.

Where to buy a ticket from Milan to Florence?

Online shop of the Italian Railways Trenitalia.

train connections: popular connections travelled by other users Florence - Milan

Through the Swiss Alps to Italy

Enjoying the business class of frecciarossa, relaxing while moving in a lovely night train, impressions from the trip by high-speed italo train, three hours in the executive class of frecciarossa 1000, a sea trip with an additional train ride and some interesting happenings, my train journey from milan by intercity notte to sicily, travel overnight from france to italy, need a cheap place to sleep we recommend booking.com, find a cheap flight compare prices on kiwi.com.

Do you have questions about the connection between London and Florence? Does something not work as it should? Just ask in our forum and get competent answers from our rail travel experts.

Eurail: if you want to travel this route by Eurail instead of train tickets, have a look here for reservation fees and further information.

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London to Italy by Train: Everything You Need to Know

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Traveling from London to Italy by train is our favourite way to get to Italy. We’ve done the journey in one direction or the other four times now and have never regretted our decision.

It can be difficult to resist the lure of incredibly low prices on budget airlines, but flying is always unpleasant: the long drive to inconveniently located airports; the hassle of security; removing liquids, laptops and shoes; endless queues and waits in crowded hallways to board the plane, and then the cramped flight itself.

Taking the train may be more expensive and time-consuming, but it’s a much more enjoyable way to travel.

It’s comfortable and spacious, you can enjoy the scenery along the way, and you end up in the centre of cities rather than at some distant airport.

While it is possible to travel from London to Italy by train in a single day, the journey is more enjoyable if you allow a few days and break up the journey along the way (we love a good excuse to visit Paris!).

Routes by Train from London to Italy

Perugia, italy to london by train: our experience, how to book a london to italy train trip, eurostar details, how much does the train from london to italy cost, would we travel by train from italy to london again.

The Quickest London to Italy Train Route

When taking the train from London to Italy this is the easiest, cheapest, and fastest route:

• Eurostar train from London St Pancras International to Paris Gare du Nord (2hrs 20 minutes)
• TGV train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Turin or Milan (5.5 hours or 7 hours)

Wherever you are heading in Italy you will need to change at Paris and either Turin or Milan. You can then connect to other trains across Italy.

It is possible to do this journey in one day if you take the 8.01am Eurostar from London and connect to the 12.44pm TGV, which arrives in Turin at 6.15pm or Milan at 7.49pm.

You’ll likely need to stay the night in Turin or Milan before connecting to other Italian cities.

There’s also a 3.12pm Frecciarossa train from Paris to Milan, but it doesn’t arrive until after 10pm, so I think the TGV is a better option. If you stay overnight in Paris, you could consider their morning train.

The Frecciarossa is a newer train (opened in 2021) that’s run by Trenitalia.

Below you’ll find our experiences on different routes from Italy to London plus costs and how to book tickets.

Transferring Stations in Paris

We always like to spend at least one day in Paris on our way down to Italy, but if you are leaving straight away on the TGV you’ll need to travel from the Gare du Nord station to Gare de Lyon.

This takes about 10 minutes on the RER D train (buy a metro ticket from the machine for €2.10), but I recommend allowing at least an hour to make your connection.

Sleeper Train From London to Italy

The direct Thello sleeper train from Paris to Venice was discontinued in 2020.

If you really want to take an overnight train from Paris to Italy, the only option now is taking the TGV from Paris to Stuttgart and picking up the Nightjet sleeper train direct from Stuttgart to Venice.

We’ve never done this route as we find it difficult to sleep on overnight trains and the daytime TGV is more comfortable. It also requires that extra change in Stuttgart now.

London to Turin Train

The train journey from London to Turin is a distance of 921km and about nine hours travel time (including a transfer in Paris). 

Turin Porta Susa is the first major stop in Italy on the TGV from Paris, and it’s often the best place to make a connection to other destinations in Italy.

We’ve travelled from Paris to Turin twice and it’s an easy, affordable (from €29 if you book far in advance), and scenic (via the Alps) trip that takes about 5.5 hours.

First class tickets are often only €20 more than second class if you book in advance, so it’s worth paying for the extra space.

TGV trains from Paris to Turin depart three times a day at 6.44am, 12.44pm, and 2.44pm. You can check times and buy tickets at SNCF.

On one trip we spent a few days in Turin (an underrated city that’s well worth visiting) before renting a car to explore the beautiful Langhe wine region of Piemonte.

On another trip we had an hour in Turin (enough for lunch) before continuing on the Frecciarossa train to Bologna (just over two hours) where we spent a week.

London to Milan Train

The TGV from Paris continues to Milan after Turin and takes 7 hours.

It arrives at Milan Garibaldi station so make sure that you get an onward train from the same station to avoid the hassle of traveling across Milan (many trains leave from Milan Centrale). It might be easier to change in Turin.

See the Turin section above for TGV train details.

We’re not a huge fan of Milan but it’s a good base for visiting the Italian Lakes—we love the little village of Varenna on Lake Como.

We also did the reverse trip from Milan to Paris (and on to London)—see our detailed report in the Perugia section below.

If you’d like to take an even more scenic route to Italy you could travel via Switzerland.

This involves taking the TGV from Paris to Geneva or Zurich (3.5–4.5 hours) and connecting to the Eurocity train to Milan (3.5–4.5 hours). This is a good option if you’d like to stop in Switzerland on the way.

London to Rome Train

To travel from London to Rome by train you’ll have to first take the Eurostar to Paris and then the TGV to Turin (5.5 hours) where you can pick up a train to Rome (4.5 hours).

You could do this in one day by getting to Turin as described above (leaving at 8am) and then connecting to the 7.10pm Frecciarossa train from Turin to Rome, which arrives at 11.49pm.

London to Venice Train

To travel from London to Venice by train you’ll have to first take the Eurostar to Paris.

You then take the TGV from Paris to Turin (5.5 hours) and connect to a Trenitalia Frecciarossa train to Venice (3 hours).

You could do this in one day by getting to Turin as described above (leaving at 8am from London) and then connecting to the 6.50pm Frecciarossa train from Turin to Venice, which arrives at 10pm.

See above for details on travelling to Turin and for the sleeper train option to Venice (via Stuttgart as the direct service was discontinued).

When we travelled from London to Venice by train we took a long way round via Slovenia—see below.

London to Venice by Train via Slovenia

We once spent two weeks traveling from London to Venice by train . We travelled with an Interrail pass which allowed us to hop on and off trains all over the continent.

Our long detour took us from London – Paris – Munich, Germany – Ljubljana , Slovenia. Slovenia is a gorgeous country that’s well worth the detour and it’s easy to get around by train.

To continue to Italy we took the train from magical Lake Bled in Slovenia to Venice.

To do this take the train from Bled Jezero to Nova Gorica (1.5 hours), walk 100 metres over the border to Italy and take a short bus ride to Gorizia Station where you can pick up a train to Venice (2 hours 15 minutes). Reservations aren’t needed for this route as it’s all on regional trains.

You can check train times for the Slovenia section at slo-zeleznice.si .

From Venice we continued our train trip down to Puglia and on to Sicily .

Back to Contents

A few years ago we travelled from Perugia, Italy to London, which is a distance of 1750 km and around 14 hours of travel time. We took four days to do the journey and broke it up with stops in Milan and Paris.

To make the long trip more comfortable, we travelled first class (except on the Eurostar), which wasn’t much more expensive than standard class.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of our experience. Note that train times may have changed since our trip.

Day 1: Perugia to Florence

2 hrs 4 mins (09:53-11:57)

The first train of our trip was a regional train from Perugia to Florence.

It was the most basic train we took but first class was empty and quiet and we had four seats to ourselves. Simon managed to work despite the lack of tables.

Italy was in the midst of a relentless heatwave so we were glad of the cool air conditioning.

The journey took us through the Umbrian and Tuscan countryside past olive groves, vineyards, fields of bright yellow sunflowers, and the terracotta roofs of hill towns.

Florence is one of our favourite cities in Italy so it was a shame we only had an hour there.

Despite the heat we walked the ten minutes from the station for a glimpse of the glorious (if incredibly crowded) Duomo and a slice of pizza.

Day 1: Florence to Milan

1 hour 40 mins (13:00-14:40)

The fastest and fanciest trains in Italy are the Freccias and we took the Frecciarossa from Florence to Milan.

Seats in business class were comfortable and wide with tables, power sockets, lots of luggage space overhead, and a free drink and snack.

The scenery wasn’t the most exciting of the trip—lots of tunnels until Bologna and then flat countryside. The trip was over in no time, though.

Milan was steaming hot so we were glad our apartment was near the Eataly food emporium—an air-conditioned haven for Italian food lovers where we browsed the supermarket aisles and enjoyed a gelato and coffee.

We were visiting during the Milan Expo so we spent the evening wandering the huge site. Some of the architecture was impressive, especially the beehive themed UK pavilion.

Day 2: Milan to Paris

7 hours 26 mins (8:45-16:11)

The next day, we took the TGV from Milan to Paris.

You can get some great deals on first class on the TGV—it only cost us £4 more than second class.

Our carriage was full and disappointingly we had the seats next to each other going backwards with only a half window view, rather than the duo seats at the window with a table in-between (if you book direct with TGV you can choose your seats).

But the seats were wide and comfortable, with power sockets and large pull-down tables. The seats also recline slightly without affecting the legroom of the person behind you.

There are no free drinks in first class and the shop/cafe is very expensive, so we recommend stocking up with more than you think you’ll need before getting on the train.

As we stepped onto the train in Milan we left Italy and entered France before we even reached the border—the staff spoke French and the cafe served French classics.

The joy of travelling by train in Europe is the seamless border crossings—the train didn’t stop at the border and we never had to show our passports. It was just as easy as travelling within a country.

Over seven hours on a train may seem a lot but the journey passed quickly and comfortably. I read books and watched a film, and Simon was incredibly productive the whole day—he finds it easy to focus on trains and made some major progress on his latest project.

We could get up and walk around when we wanted, and we enjoyed the views along the way—the lush rice fields of northern Italy and the mountains of the French Alps.

We could have continued on the same day to London but we decided to spend two nights in Paris staying with our friends.

Day 3: A Day in Paris

Two nights in Paris wasn’t enough but we did our best to enjoy it.

I did a long run to the Louvre, we drank wine and ate cheese in the park, enjoyed croissants and thick hot chocolate at the fancy Angelina tea room, and walked endlessly through the beautiful streets.

Read our recommended itinerary for one day in Paris . 

Day 4: Paris to London

2 hours 17 mins (12:43-14:00)

We love the Eurostar! It’s amazing that in just over two hours you can get from Paris to London. There’s no reason ever to fly this route: the train is quicker, more comfortable, and takes you direct from city centre to city centre.

Travelling from France to the UK isn’t quite as seamless as from Italy to France.

You have to check-in for the Eurostar at least 30 minutes before departure and you need to pass through a passport check and luggage security scanners.

It was quicker and easier than airport security, though, and you don’t have to worry about the size of your liquids.

When we arrived an hour in advance, the Eurostar waiting area at Gare du Nord was very crowded as trains leave every 30 minutes in the busy summer holidays, so there were two trains worth of people waiting to board. Once the first train left we were able to get a seat.

Although we didn’t travel first class on the Eurostar it was a comfortable journey with lots of luggage storage above seats and large pull-down tables.

There are UK and European power points at every seat on the Eurostar and USB sockets in Standard Premier and Business Premier.

We arrived in London to torrential rain and were tempted to get straight back on the Eurostar to Paris!

Booking Individual Tickets 

To get the best rates on the train trip from London to Italy you need to book at least 2-3 months in advance and travel at off-peak times.

Eurostar tickets from London to Paris cost from £41 one way and can be booked up to 330 days in advance. You can book on the Eurostar website .

TGV tickets from Paris to Turin or Milan cost from €29 in second class or €39 in first class and can be booked six months in advance. You can book on the SNCF website .

For onward tickets in Italy use Trenitalia. Again if you book in advance you’ll get the best deals. For example Turin to Rome on the Frecciarossa train costs from €45.

You can usually book up to four months in advance on the Trenitalia website . Make sure to use Italian place names (i.e Torino not Turin). 

Booking the Entire Journey with Rail Europe

If you don’t want to book each ticket individually you can use Rail Europe (previously called Loco2).

Rail Europe makes booking trains across Europe easy as you can buy tickets on the French, Italian, and British railways all in one place. It costs the same as booking direct plus a small transaction fee. 

We booked with Rail Europe for our Umbria to London train trip and it was simple. You enter where you are travelling from and to and your dates and the site will suggest the best route.

You can also customise the search by adding a “via station” and stopover duration—very useful if you’d like to spend a night or two somewhere or have time for lunch along the way.

You can choose your seating preferences, but they aren’t guaranteed and we found we didn’t get the seats we wanted (the couple seats on the Freccia or TGV). If you want to select your exact seats, you’ll need to book direct with each train network.

On Rail Europe you pay for your tickets in British pounds, Euros, USD, AUD or CAD. They accept international credit cards so anyone can use the site. 

They charge a transaction fee of £6.45 (€7.45, $8.45) on non-UK train journeys over the value of £15, $15 or €15. 

Each network has different ticket collection methods so read the instructions Rail Europe gives you.

For Perugia to Florence we had to collect our tickets in the station using a reference number, Florence to Milan was ticketless (as are all the Freccia trains in Italy) and we just showed the reference on our phone, and for the TGV we had to print the eticket (mobile tickets are now available).

We were impressed by the service and think Rail Europe is the easiest way to book your train tickets between Italy and the UK.

Booking each leg of the trip directly is more work, but the main advantage is being able to choose your seats.

Travelling with an Interrail or Eurail Pass

If you want to travel between the UK and Italy as part of a longer train journey across Europe, then consider purchasing an Interrail (for UK/EU citizens) or Eurail (for everyone else) rail pass. 

We’ve travelled with a one month Global pass three times now and love the freedom it gives us to hop on and off trains all over the continent.

Some trains (including the Eurostar and fast trains in Italy) do require seat reservations for a small fee. See my Interrail planning guide for everything you need to know. 

The Eurostar is definitely the best way to travel between London and Paris. There are 16 daily trains to choose from, the fastest journey time is just 2 hours 20 minutes, and fares start from £44 each way.

For more comfort, space, and included meals you can pay extra to travel Standard Premier or Business Premier, but we’ve always found Standard class comfortable enough. 

When travelling on the Eurostar you can sometimes take advantage of their Eurostar 2 for 1 deal which gives you 2 for 1 entry to popular Paris museums such as the Musée d’Orsay and Les Galeries Nationales du Grand Palais. All you have to do is show your Eurostar ticket. Check on the website to see if the offer is currently available.

You can buy tickets from Eurostar.com or as part of a longer journey on Rail Europe .

The further in advance you book, and the more flexible you are with the day and time you travel, the lower the train fare will be.

Here is what we paid per person for a one way journey on our previous trips: 

London – Paris – Turin – Bologna

We travelled during the week in April and booked three months in advance: 

• Eurostar London to Paris £44
• TGV Paris to Turin £34.50 (First class)
• Frecciarossa Turin to Bologna £22 Total cost: £100.50

Perugia – Milan – Paris – London

This Italy to London train journey was in July and we booked six weeks in advance on Loco2 (now Rail Europe): 

• Perugia to Paris via Florence and Milan £92 (First class)
• Eurostar Paris to London £41 Total cost: £133

The train may seem more expensive than a flight on a budget airline, but once you include transport to and from airports, booking admin fees, and baggage charges if you don’t travel hand luggage only , the difference isn’t so great.

We think the higher cost is worth it for a more enjoyable and civilised journey.

Absolutely!

We always find the train journey much more pleasant and less tiring than being treated like cattle on a cramped low-cost airline.

On the train we have space to move around, comfortable seats with plenty of legroom, and we can enjoy the scenery or work along the way.

We don’t have to worry about baggage allowances, the size of our liquids, or two hour check-in times.

We get to add in some bonus cities along the way and the journey is much more environmentally friendly.

If we have a few extra days to spare we’ll definitely travel by train again.

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66 Comments

We hate flying. So are you able to give un complicated directions to southern Italy. Like many we just want the easiest route . Not a holiday By train. Does the St Pancras train stop at any stations before it reaches the tunnel? Please could you help. Thank you

Reply ↓

I answered that question at the very beginning of the Route by Train from London to Italy. You should check the Eurostar website for stops on that route.

Hi thinking of going from London to Rome by train do they provide anywhere to store a invalid scooter? Thanks Helen

I’m afraid I don’t know. I would try contacting the train companies (start with Eurostar).

My friend and I are in our 70’s. Is there a service to help you connect with the correct train and from train station to hotel? Also, any problems with the corona virus traveling on the trains?

I haven’t heard of a service like that I’m afraid. I would arrive at the station in plenty of time before your train departs to allow time to find your platform (you can always ask the staff). Taking a taxi from train station to the hotel would be easiest.

I don’t know when you are planning to travel but coronavirus is still a huge problem. It’s not currently possible to do this trip as Europe has closed its borders to non EU residents (which includes Brits now). Even by the summer there will still very likely be a risk travelling by train even if borders reopen.

Hi! We are planning a family trip to London this June with our 2 little girls (6 years old and 4 years old). We have a round trip (plane ticket) to London for 14 days and want to do a trip to Italy in the middle of our trip. We already did a trip to Paris via train from London. Where would you suggest for us to visit in Italy with that time frame and would you still recommend the train right over flight? Since we would need to travel back to London. Thank you!

It depends how much of that time you want to spend in Italy.

I think the journey is best done over two days, although it is possible to get to northern Italy (Turin or Milan) in one day. The total journey is 10 – 12 hours with at least one change in Paris, so it would be quite tiring, especially with two small children.

Where you go depends on your interests – there are so many options but I would stick to Rome or further north because of travel time. Turin is the nearest major city and there’s some lovely countryside nearby. Milan is a bit further. To get to somewhere like Venice, Florence or Rome you’d have to spend a night or two in Turin before continuing on.

If you only have a few days available, I would probably fly.

Recommendations appreciated for a trip/route from UK to Puglia with my 3 daughters?

It really depends how long you have and where interests you. London – Paris – Turin – Bologna – Rome – Puglia (perhaps start in Bari) is a great route. We did this once (but with Rome after Puglia – the train from Bologna to Puglia is quite long in one go though). There are so many options once you get to Turin or Milan.

Hi Your post really helpful we are planning to have a european tour nxt year we will start from London my worry is the hotel or accommodation. Would it be ok to have a walk in booking just in case that our journey will delay or what ever happened.. Please advise Thank you so much

I recommend booking hotels in advance to make things easier. It’s unlikely your journey would be delayed that much. If you prefer flexibility, you could just turn up but in the summer it might be difficult to find places.

hi, loved your blog found it very informative. Im from South Africa and wanting to travel to Europe. Now after i have read your blog I feel that i should do my own travel plans instead of the travel agency. You have made this journey sound so simple to plan thank you

I’m glad it helped! It is pretty simple to travel around Europe so I’m sure you can manage without a travel agent. Good luck and enjoy!

I am traveling from the US to London to visit family then on to Florence Italy by train. Planning a 2 day stay over in Paris. Are we late in purchasing train tickets for late June and what kind of luggage may we take on these trains with us?

It’s not too late, but prices might be higher now. I would book asap. You can take any kind of luggage – plenty of people take large suitcases but these can be more difficult to store as you’ll have to find space in the luggage racks at the end of the carriages. We take maximum carry on sized bags and these fit in the overhead storage on most European trains (including Eurostar). Enjoy the journey!

Hi, great to read your insights! we are travelling in August and arrive in Rome after a cruise – we have 3 nights there and then plan on train to London.. where would you recommend stopping for a night or two? We have had Milan, Paris and Reims suggested to us… unfortunately we cant avoid the weekend . thank you!

Paris would be my top choice. If you’d like to stop in Italy, I prefer Turin over Milan. I would look at train times too because you’ll likely have to choose between a really early departure from Rome to catch the morning train from Milan/Turin to Paris or get the late afternoon one and arrive after 10pm in Paris. A night in both Turin and Paris would avoid the issue (but choose a hotel near the train station to make the journey less of a hassle).

So glad to have read your article. We are planning to go to Pompeii from London with my six year old boy in August. We’ve decided not to take the flight but go on train. Any suggestions on how we should book tickets? We may stop somewhere in Italy on the way, perhaps Rome if it’s on the way. Many thanks, Rui

Sounds like a great trip! Rome would be the obvious place to stop. You can use Loco2 to book train tickets (reviewed in this post). Otherwise you would have to book individually with Eurostar, SNCF (for the TGV from Paris to Italy), and Trenitalia (for the Italy portion). Enjoy!

Hi. I am going to see a friend in England whom I have not seen in 28 years! After that I want to see Italy. This blog is great. I am nervous but excited! Where or how do I begin ?

How exciting! It depends how much time you have, but if you want to travel by train I’d recommend a stop in Paris and then the most popular spots in Italy are Venice, Florence and Rome (you could visit them in that order). I’d recommend a side trip to the Tuscan countryside from Florence as well.

If you have longer to explore there are so many amazing places in Italy. You can see the posts we’ve written here: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/category/countries/europe/italy/

You could look on the Loco2 website to play around with train times and see what’s feasible for you.

Have an amazing time! Erin

Hi, loved your blog. If I wanted to do a train trip through Italy starting in Paris, Florence, Venice, Rome, then back to Paris. In which order should i do this trip by train. Thank you very much.

I would probably do Paris-Venice-Florence-Rome (via Turin)-Paris.Enjoy!

Glad to have found this article on internet. I’m starting to plan a trip for my daughter and I from London to Rome in November. What is the best station to use in Rome? Also, any idea on price for this time of the year? It’s early to get ticket prices on Loco2. Thanks a lot.

Roma Termini is the main station in Rome and is where the fast trains will likely stop. Prices vary so dramatically I can’t say for sure, but you should pay less than we did as November is low season. For the lowest prices book three months in advance and avoid weekends.

Hi! I was so happy to find this. You explained everything so clearly. It will be my first time traveling to Europe. Im wanting to hop a train from London to Italy but will want to do an overnight, straight thru where we can sleep in a cabin type room. Any suggestions?? Keep up the good work!!

Hi Rose, You could take an afternoon Eurostar train to Paris then the overnight train from Paris direct to Milan, Verona or Venice and arrive in the morning. They have sleeper cabins for 1-3 people or cheaper couchette cabins with bunks for 4-6 people. Have an amazing trip! Erin

This article is so helpful! You write in such a clear way and I am very thankful. You have given me so much help so that I can plan my trip! I have a question too. The trains you mentioned between Rome and Paris: do they offer a roomette like Amtrak in America does? Some trips in America are better in the roomette we have found-more space, quieter, calmer atmosphere… Thank you again and keep up the great articles, Frances in the Upper South

Hi Frances, I’m glad you found the post useful! The TGV train that we usually get doesn’t offer private cabins, but the overnight Thello train between Paris and Venice (it stops at Milan where you could change for Rome) does—their Premium Cabin is for 1-2 people.

Have a great trip! Erin

Hello, I am a single mom from Chicago, my daughter and I will like to explore Europe on the train, it will be our best trip ever, I have a little limitation due to a knee injury, my question is if there any areas that I should be concern due to my limitation.

Hi Maria I am sure you’ll be fine. I imagine the trickiest thing will be getting on and off trains. I recommend packing light so you don’t have so much luggage to lug around, but at least you’ll have your daughter to assist you.

Some railway companies offer assistance for disabled travellers so you might want to look into that if your mobility is very limited. More info here: https://www.seat61.com/Europe-train-special-needs.htm

Have an amazing trip! Erin

This sounds like a great way to explore Paris AND Italy! Would love to try this out!

We love having an excuse for Paris! We definitely recommend it!

Are you allowed to exit the train at any station – for example if you find a town that is on the route that you want to explore – and take another train later? Thank you for your website. I have never been to Europe, but always thought I would love to be able to travel Europe by train.

Steve Atlanta, GA USA

Usually the cheapest tickets are booked in advance for specific trains. If you want that kind of flexibility though I highly recommend a Eurail pass – it’s a great way to travel.

I just wanted to thank you for sharing your trip with us. I want to see many regions of Italy and was not sure the best way to plan it out. Thank you.

Train is a fantastic way to explore Italy – have a wonderful trip!

May God bless Italy (Amen…………..

How wish I can go to london and get more Educated I will seriously focus and feel happy but I’m only praying to God for my dreams to come through, He/She who’s gonna be my mentor I’m promising that you will never be disappointed cause you make me to be somebody when I’m no body, I’m an orphan I was born on October 8 1998, I lost my father on the 1of Jenuary 2015 and lost my mother on the 13 of Jenuary 2016 I’m so sorry please don’t be offended for saying this cause I knew I’m not the only one such thing has happened to just that it pains me a lot to remember the death of my parents may there gentle soul rest in peace, My name is Okafor jimmy I live in Italy, please our people I really need your help +393512470150 my number -Thanks and God bless you.

I’m so much happy for it’s real.

You did it just the right way – I love to slow down while travelling by train… :-)

I’d always catch a train over the plane. Even the cheap seats on the train tend to be more comfortable. The not having to go through a bunch of queues, security, getting to the airport insanely early all seems worth it. Also, there is something much more romantic and adventurous about travelling by train that you don’t get when you hop on a budget flight.

It helps that I’m a total overplanner too and can grab the super cheap fares by booking early :)

It helps so much if you can book in advance – there are some great deals to be had.

Love this post!!! you show us a different way to travel around europe and it doestn matter if is alot of time , sometimes i really hate airports

I totally agree with the budget airlines being located in stupid places – Unless you live in London, Stansted is just a real pain to get to. Glad you enjoyed the train journey, and overall, I don’t think it is massively more expensive, especially considering that you can stop off at interesting cities along the way. The trains as you have shown them also look a lot easier to work on than using a laptop on a plane!

What a great way to travel. We have somehow been convinced that travelling by plane is more comfortable and faster. But is it really? Hours to get to an airport the 3 hours in advance required; lines; all the bothers of packing and unpacking all the time to go through customs; a plane where there hardly is any room to move around and then doing it all over again once landed. I live in Sardinia and have to take a plane whenever I have to travel, but I do prefer trains.

Excellent Story. The train was awesome.

Great trip and great cities to visit. I love going on vacation with the train. It’s something magical about the whole experience. Also, nice pictures!

I absolutely love train travel. Whenever I get the chance I travel this way. It’s also can be more efficient as you don’t have to check in early, commute to the airport and once you arrive by train usually you are right in the middle of the city. So much more relaxed.

Thanks for sharing your experience with us. Europe is a beautiful continent among all.

This is a very timely post as I’m planning on heading back to the UK from Thailand overland! Great post & I’m now super excited for the Italian leg of our trip :)

Wow, that sounds an amazing trip! Enjoy!

I’ve also met a lot of people who prefers slow traveling with trains; not only that it’s comfortable, hassle-free, you’d also get to witness the most beautiful scenery along the way.. I guess that’s what we all love about traveling through trains. You have beautiful shots, btw. :)

I love this post–you break it down with so many useful tidbits. It’s been many years since I’ve taken multi-day, long-distance train ride in Europe. I’ve started taking the train more here in California for short trips and am loving the convenience and comfort.

Looks great! We’ve been talking about taking a train journey rather than a flight to London but always assumed it would be too expensive and time consuming. I think we’ll look into it more now. :-)

Anyone can do it! Start with a weekend tour in England – there’s great riding there, and the National Cycling Network is an easy place to start. Don’t camp – do the credit card touring style – and keep mileage low.

Careful though, as you might get addicted. Let me know if you ever need advice on gear or bikes, I’m happy to help.

Nice write up – sounds like a good trip!

Trains are fun, but don’t forget bicycling! That slows down the experience even more. We’re loving our cycle tour of Europe right now. I will say that the train system here is SO much better than the one in the U.S.

We are always so impressed by long distance cyclists! We’re not that hardcore ourselves :)

And it’s better for the environment! :)

Yes, definitely!

I’ve done Sicily/Calabria/Puglia to Somerset (and back again) a few times, and I far prefer it to flying as an experience. When I have the time to do it, I tend to do minibreaks of 1 or 2 days in Rome (which is where all the trains to and from the south originate/finish) and Paris, just to break the journey up a little bit. It’s a journey I haven’t done for a couple of years, but this is the second story I’ve seen about train travel in as many days, so I’m getting the urge to do it again! Loco2 is new to me, and looks great – I shall have to check it out …

Yes, the journey to Sicily is particularly interesting as you get the whole train on the ferry experience!

how do you go about planning this. I am trying to plan our trip and do not know where to start. Want to go from Rome to London Please email me [email protected]

The Man in Seat 61 is the best resource https://www.seat61.com/Italy.htm#London to Bologna, Florence, Rome, Naples

I hope you don’t mind me replying to your email only I noticed you wrote your trip as ‘Somerset……to’. I am returning from many years in Australia next week to live in south Devon and have had almost a life-long wish to take my mother to Rome for a few days in October. Unfortunately, she’s now 91 and although remarkably well for her age standing in airport queues and the whole airport experience would not be good for her. I was thrilled to discover the train travel option. Absolutely wonderful. I’d like to have 2 stopovers on the way. Would you have any suggestions please? Also, with Rome. I am hoping there will be some fast track options for entry to major tourist attractions? Thank you for any advice.

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Quick Guide For Traveling From London To Florence, Italy

• Last updated May 31, 2024
• Difficulty Beginner

• Category Travel

Are you dreaming of exploring the picturesque streets of Florence, Italy, but not sure how to get there from London? Look no further! In this quick guide, we'll walk you through the various transportation options, including flights, trains, and buses, so you can easily plan your journey and start packing your bags for an unforgettable adventure in this Renaissance city. So, whether you prefer a fast and convenient flight or a scenic train ride through the beautiful European countryside, we've got you covered. Let's dive into this quick guide and turn your dreams of visiting Florence into a reality!

What You'll Learn

Planning your trip from london to florence, transportation options for traveling from london to florence, exploring the sights and attractions in florence, tips and recommendations for a memorable trip to florence.

If you're looking to travel from London to Florence, Italy, you're in for a treat. Florence is a beautiful city rich in history, art, and culture, and it's definitely worth visiting. To help make your trip planning easier, here are some tips and information on how to travel from London to Florence.

Choose a Mode of Transportation:

• By Air: The fastest way to get from London to Florence is by taking a direct flight. There are several airlines that offer direct flights from London airports to Florence, such as British Airways, Vueling, and Ryanair. The flight duration is approximately 2 hours.
• By Train: If you prefer a more scenic journey, you can take a train from London to Florence. You will need to take the Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Paris Gare du Nord. From there, you can transfer to another train that will take you to Florence. The total travel time is around 10-12 hours.
• By Bus: Another option is to take a bus from London to Florence. Several bus companies offer this route, and it typically takes around 20-24 hours, with stops along the way. This option is more time-consuming but can be more budget-friendly.

Plan your Departure:

• Flights: Consider booking your flight well in advance to secure the best price. Check different airlines and travel websites for deals and compare prices. Also, remember to check the baggage allowance and any visa requirements before you book.
• Trains: If you choose to travel by train, it's best to book your tickets as early as possible to get better deals. You can book your Eurostar tickets online or through a travel agent. Additionally, check for any connections or transfers you may need to make.
• Buses: When it comes to buses, there are several companies that provide services from London to Florence. Research different companies, compare prices, and check their schedules. It's also a good idea to read reviews and consider comfort and amenities onboard.

Decide on Accommodation:

Florence offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Consider your budget and preferences when choosing your accommodation. It's advisable to book your stay in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to get the best deals and secure your desired location.

Plan your Itinerary:

• Florence is a city rich in history and art, so plan your itinerary accordingly. Don't miss iconic attractions like the Florence Cathedral, Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio. Take time to explore the charming streets and squares, indulge in local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the city's vibrant atmosphere.
• Consider purchasing a Florence City Pass or a guided tour to make the most of your visit and skip the long queues at popular attractions.

Prepare for your Trip:

• Check the weather forecast for Florence during your travel dates and pack accordingly. Don't forget essentials like comfortable walking shoes, a travel adapter, and any necessary travel documents.
• Familiarize yourself with the local currency, Euro, and make sure to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with your cards.
• It's also a good idea to have travel insurance to protect yourself from unexpected events or emergencies.

In conclusion, traveling from London to Florence can be an exciting adventure. Consider the mode of transportation that suits your preferences and budget, plan your departure and accommodation in advance, and create an itinerary that allows you to make the most of your time in this enchanting Italian city. Prepare for your trip and get ready to immerse yourself in Florence's beauty, history, and culture.

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Are you planning a trip from London to Florence, Italy? If so, you're in for a treat! Florence is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and incredible art scene. To make your journey as smooth as possible, here are some transportation options for traveling from London to Florence.

The most convenient option for traveling from London to Florence is by flying. Several airlines offer direct flights from London to Florence, with a flight time of approximately two hours. Once you arrive at Florence Airport, also known as Amerigo Vespucci Airport, you can easily reach the city center by taxi, bus, or rental car.

If you prefer a more scenic and relaxed journey, you can take a train from London to Florence. The Eurostar connects London with various European cities, including Paris and Brussels. From London, you would take the Eurostar to either Paris or Brussels and then transfer to a high-speed train, such as the TGV or Thalys, which will take you to Florence. The total travel time by train is around 10-12 hours, depending on the connections and transfers.

Traveling by bus from London to Florence is another option for budget-conscious travelers. Several bus companies operate routes between the two cities, offering both daytime and overnight journeys. The journey takes approximately 18-24 hours, depending on the stops and route. While this option may take longer, it can be a more affordable choice for those on a tight budget.

If you prefer the flexibility and convenience of driving, you can rent a car and embark on a road trip from London to Florence. The distance between the two cities is approximately 1,100 miles, and the journey takes around 17-19 hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions. You can choose to make stops along the way and explore different cities or attractions. However, keep in mind that driving in a foreign country may require an international driver's license and familiarization with local traffic laws.

Combination of Transportation:

Another option is to combine different modes of transportation for your journey. For example, you can fly from London to a major Italian city like Rome, Milan, or Pisa and then take a train or bus to Florence. This option allows you to break up your journey and explore other parts of Italy.

No matter which transportation option you choose, remember to plan ahead, book your tickets in advance, and check for any travel restrictions or requirements. It's also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the current COVID-19 guidelines and protocols to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Bon voyage!

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Florence, the capital city of the Tuscany region in Italy, is a charming and historic destination that attracts millions of visitors each year. Known for its art, architecture, and cultural heritage, this picturesque city offers a plethora of sights and attractions that are sure to leave you in awe. If you're planning a trip to Florence and want to explore the best it has to offer, here is a guide to some of the top sights and attractions that you should not miss:

• The Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore): Start your visit to Florence by admiring the magnificent Duomo, one of the city's most iconic landmarks. This Renaissance masterpiece is known for its impressive dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. Climb to the top of the dome for panoramic views of the city, and don't forget to explore the interior to marvel at the stunning frescoes and artwork.
• Uffizi Gallery: If you're an art lover, a visit to the Uffizi Gallery is a must. This world-renowned museum houses an extensive collection of Renaissance art, including works by masters such as Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Raphael. Be prepared to spend a few hours exploring the gallery and taking in the beauty of these timeless masterpieces.
• Ponte Vecchio: No visit to Florence would be complete without a stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, one of the city's most iconic bridges. This medieval bridge is lined with shops, selling jewelry, art, and souvenirs. Take a leisurely walk across the bridge, admire the views of the Arno River, and perhaps even find a unique souvenir to take home.
• Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens: Explore the opulent Pitti Palace, once the residence of the powerful Medici family. Admire the stunning architecture and explore the various museums housed within the palace, including the Palatine Gallery, the Royal Apartments, and the Museum of Costume and Fashion. Afterward, take a stroll through the beautiful Boboli Gardens, a vast outdoor park filled with fountains, sculptures, and manicured green spaces.
• Accademia Gallery: Head to the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's famous sculpture, David. This larger-than-life masterpiece is considered one of the greatest works of art ever created. Admire the intricate details and the sheer perfection of this iconic statue, and take the time to explore the other artworks on display in the gallery.
• San Lorenzo Market: For a taste of local culture and gastronomy, visit the bustling San Lorenzo Market. Browse through the stalls selling fresh produce, local delicacies, leather goods, and souvenirs. Don't forget to sample some traditional Tuscan dishes, such as panini, pasta, and gelato, at one of the market's many food stalls.
• Piazzale Michelangelo: To enjoy breathtaking views of Florence, make your way to Piazzale Michelangelo. This panoramic terrace offers a stunning vista of the city skyline, including the iconic Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. It's a perfect spot to watch the sunset or simply soak in the beauty of Florence.

These are just a few of the many sights and attractions that Florence has to offer. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking to immerse yourself in the beauty of this enchanting city, Florence will not disappoint. So pack your bags, prepare your camera, and get ready to explore all that Florence has to offer.

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Florence, Italy, known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, is a city full of history, art, and culture. From its stunning architecture to its world-renowned museums, Florence offers a wealth of experiences for visitors to enjoy. If you are planning a trip to this enchanting city, here are some tips and recommendations to help make your visit truly memorable.

• Getting There: The easiest way to travel from London to Florence is by air. There are several flights available from London airports to Florence's Amerigo Vespucci Airport. Alternatively, you can also take a train from London to Florence, which offers a scenic journey through the picturesque countryside.
• Accommodation: Florence has a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget. If you want to experience the charm of the city center, consider booking a hotel or a bed and breakfast near the historic center. For a more peaceful stay, you can look for hotels in the surrounding countryside or on the outskirts of the city.
• City Center Exploration: The historic center of Florence is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is best explored on foot. Start your day with a visit to the iconic Duomo, a magnificent cathedral that dominates the city skyline. Climb to the top of the dome for breathtaking views of Florence.
• Art Appreciation: Florence is home to some of the most famous art museums in the world. The Uffizi Gallery houses an incredible collection of Renaissance masterpieces, including works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. Be sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues.
• Ponte Vecchio: Don't miss a visit to the Ponte Vecchio, Florence's oldest and most famous bridge. It is lined with shops selling jewelry, art, and souvenirs. Take a leisurely stroll across the bridge and enjoy the stunning views of the Arno River.
• Dining Delights: Florence is known for its delicious Tuscan cuisine. Indulge in a traditional Florentine steak at one of the many authentic restaurants in the city. Be sure to try the local specialty, ribollita, a hearty vegetable soup. Don't forget to pair your meal with a glass of Chianti, the region's renowned wine.
• Day trips: Florence is conveniently located in the heart of Tuscany, making it the perfect base for day trips to the surrounding countryside. Take a tour of the Chianti wine region and sample the local wines. Visit the medieval town of Siena, famous for its Gothic architecture and annual Palio horse race. Alternatively, you can explore the charming hilltop towns of San Gimignano and Volterra.
• Shopping Spree: Florence is a shopper's paradise. From high-end fashion boutiques to local artisan workshops, there is something for everyone. Explore the designer stores on Via de' Tornabuoni or browse for leather goods at the San Lorenzo Market.
• Gelato Indulgence: No trip to Italy is complete without indulging in some gelato. Florence is home to some of the best gelaterias in the country. Sample flavors like pistachio, stracciatella, and hazelnut as you stroll through the city streets.
• Time to Relax: After a day of sightseeing, take some time to relax in one of Florence's beautiful parks or gardens. The Boboli Gardens, located behind the Pitti Palace, offer a peaceful retreat with stunning views of the city.

With these tips and recommendations in mind, you are well-equipped to make the most of your trip to Florence. Immerse yourself in the city's rich history, appreciate its artistic treasures, and savor the delicious cuisine. Florence is sure to leave a lasting impression and create memories that will stay with you long after you leave.

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Frequently asked questions.

The most common way to travel from London to Florence is by air. There are multiple airlines that offer direct flights from London to Florence. Another option is to take a train from London to Florence via Paris or Milan.

The duration of the journey from London to Florence depends on the mode of transportation chosen. A direct flight from London to Florence typically takes around 2 hours, while a train journey can take around 13-15 hours with transfers.

The cost of traveling from London to Florence varies depending on the mode of transportation and time of booking. Flights can range from around $100 to $400 or more. Train tickets can range from around $150 to $300 or more, depending on the class and type of train chosen.

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The Man in Seat 61

Trains between European cities

Trains from florence.

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Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, i want to go from florence to....

       Select your destination... A Coruna Alicante Amalfi Amsterdam Andorra Athens & Greece Avignon Barcelona Basel (Basle) Belgrade Berlin Bern (Berne) Brasov Bratislava Brussels Bruges (Brugge) Bucharest Budapest Cannes Catania Cesky Krumlov Cinque Terre Cologne Copenhagen Dubrovnik Dusseldorf Faro Frankfurt Geneva Gothenburg Granada Hamburg Helsinki & Finland Innsbruck Interlaken Istanbul Krakow Kyiv Lausanne Linz Lisbon Ljubljana London & UK Lucca Luxembourg Luzern (Lucerne) Lviv Lyon Madrid Malaga Malmo Marseille Milan Monte Carlo Montenegro - Bar, Podgorica Montreux Moscow Munich Naples Nice Oslo Palermo Pamplona Paris Perpignan Pisa Pompeii Porto Prague Rome St Moritz St Petersburg Salzburg San Sebastian Santiago de Compostela Seville Sicily Siena Sofia Sorrento Split Stockholm Toulouse Valencia Venice Verona Vienna Vigo Warsaw Zurich Zagreb & Croatia Zermatt

       Click here for journeys starting in another city

       Florence SMN station guide

      Recommended hotels in Florence

Before you buy your tickets

Take a moment to read these tips for buying European train tickets .  It answers all the usual questions, "Do I need to book in advance or can I buy at the station?", "Can I stop off?", "Are there Senior fares?" and that old favourite, "Should I buy an $800 railpass or a €35 point-to-point ticket?".  How far ahead can you buy train tickets?

European train travel FAQ

Which station in florence.

The main station in the city centre is Firenze Santa Maria Novella , usually abbreviated to SMN .  It's a terminus, with easy level access between street, concourse and all platforms so no problem with luggage. To save reversing in the SMN terminus, some trains by-pass Florence SMN calling at Firenze Campo di Marte which is a taxi ride away, just on the edge of the city centre.  In the text below Florence means Firenze SMN unless it says otherwise.  A third station, Firenze Rifredi , is also not as central as SMN.  See map of Florence showing stations .  Florence Santa Maria Novella station guide .

Florence to other Italian towns & cities from €9.90, www.italiarail.com

2.  www.thetrainline.com is also easy to use, in €, £, $, small booking fee.  Sells tickets for Trenitalia and Italo and can also book trains in other countries.  Allows seat choice from a seat map on Trenitalia high-speed & Intercity trains.  More about Thetrainline .

3.  www.raileurope.com is easy to use, in €, £ & $, small booking fee.  Sells tickets for Trenitalia and Italo and can also book trains in other countries.  More about Raileurope .

Florence to Rome, Naples, Milan, Turin & Venice

A choice of operator:  Trenitalia or Italo

You have a choice of operator on the high-speed Naples-Rome-Florence-Milan-Turin & Rome-Florence-Venice routes :  State-owned Trenitalia or privately-owned Italo .  Both are excellent, red-hot competition has driven quality up & fares down, see my advice on which operator to take .

Trenitalia uses Frecciarossa 500 s & Frecciarossa 1000 s on the Naples-Rome-Florence-Milan-Turin route and a mixture of Frecciarossa 500 , Frecciarossa 600 & Frecciarossa 1000 on the Rome-Florence-Venice route.  Italo operates a train every hour or so, using its original AGV trains on the Naples-Rome-Florence-Milan-Turin route and mostly its new EVO trains on the Naples-Rome-Florence-Venice route, see the Italo page for more details .  I can recommend all of these trains!

How much does it cost?

Florence to Rome or Venice starts at €19.90 in 2nd class or €29.90 in 1st class.

Florence to Naples starts at €29.90 in 2nd class or €39.90 in 1st class.

5.  www.italotreno.it is Italo's own website, in €, easy to use.  It only sells Italo trains .

Florence to Pisa

Check train times at www.italiarail.com or www.trenitalia.com , but you can just buy regional train tickets at the station from the ticket office or Trenitalia ticket machines , there is no advantage in buying in advance other than saving time at the station.

Trains of this type link Florence with Pisa & Livorno.

Florence to Siena

In Siena, the station is at the foot of the hill and it used to be a steep trek up to the old town.  However, there's now a series of modern escalators and moving walkways that ferry you almost painlessly to the top of the hill, from where it's just a minute or two's walk to the Porta Camollia at the entrance to the old town.  From the Porta Camollia it's a pleasant 15 minute stroll to the famous Piazza del Campo.

Trains of this type link Florence with Siena.

Florence to Lucca

Vivalto double-deck regional train, used from Florence to Lucca and some services from Florence to Pisa.

Florence to Pompeii , Sorrento, Amalfi

Florence to palermo, catania, siracuse & sicily.

Option 1, Florence to Sicily by daytime trains - an epic ride

You can travel from Florence to Palermo, Catania or Siracuse by train in a day, with two departures every day, early morning & mid-morning.

Take a Frecciarossa high-speed train from Florence SMN to Rome Termini or Naples Centrale , then the afternoon InterCity train from Rome Termini & Naples Centrale to Sicily.

The journey takes you along the coast past cliffs and beaches to the toe of Italy, then the Naples-Palermo/Catania/Siracuse train gets shunted onto a ferry to cross the Straits of Messina , a unique experience, have your camera ready.  There's no catering car on the InterCity train , so bring your own picnic and bottle of wine or beer.

Fares start at €39.80 in 2nd class or €59.80 in 1st class.  Fares vary so book ahead.

Option 2, Florence to Sicily by an overnight sleeper - the time-effective option

Step 1, take an early-evening Frecciarossa high-speed train from Florence SMN to Rome Termini in as little as 1h19.

Step 2, take one of the two Intercity Notte sleeper trains from Rome to Sicily, one usually leaves Rome Termini around 20:30, the other 23:00.

At Villa San Giovanni at the toe of Italy the train is shunted onto a ferry to cross the Straits of Messina .  It's a unique experience, have your camera ready.  In Messina the train splits, one portion goes to Cefalù & Palermo, the other to Catania, Taormina & Siracuse, arriving in the afternoon.  More about trains to Sicily .

Tip:   The earlier sleeper boards the train ferry around 4am, I'd take the later sleeper to experience the train ferry at a more reasonable 6am!

The sleeper trains have Comfort couchettes with 4-berth compartments, ideal for families.  They also have sleeping-cars with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin.  The couchettes convert to seats for daytime use, the sleepers convert to a private sitting room with sofa.  There's no restaurant car (although morning tea or coffee is provided), so bring your own picnic and bottle of wine or beer.  One of the trains normally has an Excelsior sleeper with a few deluxe compartments with en suite toilet & shower.  More about Italian domestic sleeper trains .

Florence to Rome starts at €19.90, then Rome to Sicily starts at €39.90 with a couchette, from €79.90 with a bed in a cosy 2-bed sleeper or from €87.50 with a single-bed sleeper all to yourself.  Book ahead for Trenitalia's cheap Super-Economy and Economy prices.

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Florence to London from €105

For travel between Florence & London in either direction, see the London to Italy page .

Florence to Paris from €48.90

See the Florence to Paris by train page .

Florence to Lyon from €54.90

Step 1, travel from Florence to Milan by high-speed Frecciarossa , leaving Florence SMN at 12:55 and arriving Milan Centrale at 14:50.

Florence to Milan starts at €19.90 in standard (2nd class) or €29.90 in business (1st class).

How to buy tickets

Florence to Nice, Cannes, Monte Carlo

There are several departures from Florence to Nice & the Côte d'Azur every day, see the Italy to Nice page for details .

Florence to Brussels & Bruges from €57.80

Step 1, travel from Florence to Munich by Nightjet sleeper train , leaving Florence Campo di Marte at 22:08 Mondays-Thursdays or Florence SMN at 22:31 Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, arriving Munich Hbf 09:22.

This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video .

Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Step 2, travel from Munich to Brussels by ICE , leaving Munich Hbf at 10:48, change at Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen , arriving Brussels Midi 17:35.

ICE trains have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Fares start at €37.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Stay overnight in Lyon , The Ibis Budget Lyon Centre - Gare Part Dieu is affordable & right next to Lyon Part Dieu station with good reviews, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Lyon also gets great reviews and is just a few minutes walk away.

Day 2, travel from Lyon to Brussels by direct TGV, with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi:

On Mondays to Saturdays you can leave Lyon Part Dieu at 05:50 arriving Brussels Midi at 09:43.

Or on any day of the week you can leave Lyon Part Dieu at 08:30 arriving Brussels Midi at 12:11

Buy tickets for each of these trains at either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (whichever you prefer).  Book each train individually, adding it to your basket, then check out.

www.raileurope.com and www.thetrainline.com connect to both the Italian and French booking systems so you can book all these trains in one place, in plain English, in €, £ or $.  Booking opens up to 4 months ahead .  There's a small booking fee.

The Italian trains are ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.  For the TGV, you print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.

First book Florence SMN to Turin Porta Susa and add to basket.  Then book Turin Porta to Brussels Midi for the following day, add to basket & check out.

Tip:   Before running the Turin to Brussels enquiry at www.raileurope.com , click More options and enter Paris (any station) as a via point with a stopover duration of at least 1 hour to ensure a robust connection.  If you don't do this, the system allows cross-Paris connections as tight as 40 minutes, which I consider too tight.

The Italian train is ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.  For the two French trains, you print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.

Day 2, travel from Munich to Brussels by ICE , leaving Munich Hbf at 08:47, change at Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen , arriving Brussels Midi 15:35.

ICE trains have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Exact times may vary, earlier or later departures are also available.

Fares start at from €39.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Florence to Amsterdam from €64

Incredibly, it's possible to get from Florence to Amsterdam in a single day using high-quality high-speed trains with some wonderful views of Italian & Swiss lakes.  It's a long day, however, so consider using a sleeper (option 2) or breaking up the journey with an overnight stop at Zurich or Munich (options 3 & 4).  But here's how to cross Europe in comfort by train in a single day.

Step 2, travel from Milan to Frankfurt by EuroCity train leaving Milan Centrale at 11:20 and arriving Frankfurt (Main) Hbf at 18:44.

Update: A freight train derailed in the Gotthard Base Tunnel in August 2023, in 2024 trains are still being diverted over the original (very scenic) Gotthard line taking an extra hour and with fewer departures.  This direct Milan-Frankfurt train is cancelled until further notice.  Please use one of the other options.

Step 3, travel from Frankfurt to Amsterdam by ICE3 , leaving Frankfurt (Main) Hbf at 19:28 and arriving Amsterdam Centraal at 23:29.

This train runs daily except Saturdays and a few other dates.  ICE3 trains have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Milan to Amsterdam start at €59.90 in 2nd class or €119.90 in 1st class.

Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead for the cheapest prices.

Option 2, Florence to Amsterdam using the Zurich-Amsterdam Nightjet sleeper - scenic & time-effective

Book from Florence to Milan at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee).  Booking usually opens up to 4 months ahead .  It's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.

A later departure is theoretically possible, but you should allow plenty of time in both Milan and Zurich when connecting with a sleeper train.  Take some time to look around the magnificent Milan Centrale - can you spot Mussolini ?

The EuroCity train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & fee WiFi.  It's a lovely ride across Switzerland through the Alps past various lakes including Lake Lugano, see the Milan to Zurich video .  Have your camera ready!

On arrival in Zurich you've time for dinner, I recommend steak-frites and a beer or two at the Brasserie Federal on the main concourse .

Fares start at €29 in 2nd class or €49 in 1st class.  Fares work like air fares, book ahead for the cheapest prices.

Important: A freight train derailed in the Gotthard Base Tunnel in August 2023, in 2024 trains are still being diverted over the original (very scenic) Gotthard line taking an extra hour and with fewer departures.  Until further notice, you'll need to leave Milan Centrale earlier, at 15:10 arriving  Zurich HB 19:27.  And that means you also currently need to leave Florence SMN 2 hours earlier, at 11:55.

This comfortable Nightjet train has an air-conditioned AB33 sleeping-car with 1 & 2 berth compartments with washbasin.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  Watch the Amsterdam-Switzerland sleeper video .

Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Book this train at www.oebb.at .  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead , sometimes less.

Tip:   This train may be listed in the search results twice, once as an IC with seats, once as an NJ with couchettes/sleepers.  Choose the latter!

Step 1, travel from Florence to Munich by Nightjet sleeper train , leaving Florence Campo di Marte at 22:08 Mondays-Thursdays or Florence SMN at 22:31 on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, arriving Munich Hbf 09:22.

Step 2, travel from Munich to Amsterdam by ICE , leaving Munich Hbf at 11:51, change Frankfurt (Main) Hbf , arriving Amsterdam Centraal 20:29.

ICE trains have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Exact times may vary.

Fares start at €39.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Update: A freight train derailed in the Gotthard Base Tunnel in August 2023, in 2024 trains are still being diverted over the original (very scenic) Gotthard line taking an extra hour with fewer departures.  Whilst this continues, you'll have to leave Florence SMN at 14:55 arriving Zurich HB 22:27 or there are earlier departures, check times online.

The Italian trains are ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.  For the Eurostar, you print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.

Florence to Luxembourg

Step 1, travel from Florence to Munich by Nightjet sleeper train , leaving Florence Campo di Marte at 22:08 on Mondays-Thursdays or Florence SMN at 22:31 on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, arriving Munich Hbf 09:22.

Option 2, Florence to Luxembourg with overnight stop in Zurich

Day 1, travel from Florence to Milan by Frecciarossa & Milan to Zurich by EuroCity train as shown in the Florence to Switzerland section .

You can leave Florence SMN as late as 15:55 arriving Zurich HB 22:27, but an earlier train will give you more of an evening in Zurich.

Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com , both easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee.  It's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.

Florence to Geneva, Zurich, Luzern, Basel & Switzerland from €49

Choose between fast, comfortable & scenic (option 1, using mainline trains) and slow, comfortable, fabulous world-class highlight-of-your-trip scenic (option 2, via the Bernina Express).

Update: A freight train derailed in the Gotthard Base Tunnel in August 2023, in 2024 trains are still being diverted over the original (very scenic) Gotthard line taking an extra hour and with fewer departures.  Check times online.

Florence to Milan start at €19.90 in 2nd (standard) class or €29.90 in 1st (business) class.

Buy tickets from Florence to anywhere in Switzerland at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .

Both easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee.  Booking for Italian domestic trains & the international EuroCity trains normally opens 4 months ahead .

Now for the science bit.  Trenitalia's ticketing system can sell tickets for the international EuroCity trains between Italy & Switzerland, and obviously for its own trains within Italy, but cannot access SBB's ticketing system so cannot sell any journey involving a Swiss domestic train.

Meanwhile, the Swiss ticketing system can sell Swiss domestic tickets & tickets for the international EuroCity trains to Italy which it jointly runs with Trenitalia, but it cannot access Trenitalia's ticketing system so cannot sell Trenitalia's cheap fares within Italy.

Step 1, run an enquiry on the all-Europe online timetable provided by German Railways at int.bahn.de .  Look for a suitable journey, ideally with as few changes as possible.  Note down the trains you want, identifying the Italian train, the EuroCity train and any Swiss domestic train.

For example, say you ran an enquiry from Florence to Zermatt.  You'd pick a journey that suits you:  A high-speed Frecciarossa from Florence to Milan, a EuroCity (EC) train from Milan to Brig, then a Swiss train from Brig to Zermatt.  Then you'd split the booking like this:

Step 2, book the Italian train and EuroCity train using the Italian ticketing system at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or www.italiarail.com (easy to use, in €, $ or £, they'll refund the €3.50 booking fee to seat61 users if you email them afterwards at [email protected] ) or www.trenitalia.com (in €, more fiddly, requires Italian-language place names, see advice on using it ).

In our example, you'd book from Florence to Brig.  Booking opens 90 days ahead.  Italian high-speed trains and the EuroCity are ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.

Step 3, now add a Swiss domestic ticket separately using either www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in CHF, €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Swiss Federal Railways site www.sbb.ch (in €, no fee).  Regular Swiss tickets are fixed-price, cannot sell out, and are good for any train that day, so this bit isn't as crucial.  You could buy at the station on the day if you like!

In our example, you'd book from Brig to Zermatt.  Booking opens 60 days ahead (if necessary, wait to book this bit).  You print your own ticket.

Option 2, Florence to St Moritz, Chur & Zurich via the scenic narrow-gauge Bernina route

This is much slower and takes more effort to book, but it's the best Swiss Alpine train ride of all, an amazing experience.  Watch the video .

The 10:20 from Milan connects with the Bernina Express itself, with time for a sandwich and beer in Tirano, see the Bernina Express page .

However, these trains run every 2 hours throughout the day, fare around €12, check train times at www.trenord.it .

No reservation necessary or even possible, just buy a ticket to Tirano from the self-service machines at Milan Centrale & hop on the next train.

Florence to Barcelona, Madrid & Spain from €89

Day 1, travel from Florence SMN to Milan Centrale on any afternoon or evening train you like.

It takes as little as 2h23, trains leave every hour, all these trains have cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Stay overnight in Milan :  Affordable hotels with good or great reviews just outside Milan Centrale include the Hotel Bristol , Hotel Bernina , 43 Station Hotel , B&B Hotel Milano Central Station , Guesthouse Teodora .  Pricier more upmarket hotels include HD8 Hotel , Glam Hotel , Made to Measure Business , Starhotel Echo or Starhotel Anderson .

Day 2, travel from Milan to Lyon by Frecciarossa, leaving Milan Centrale at 06:25 & arriving Lyon Part Dieu at 11:10.

Update:  The direct Milan-Lyon-Paris line via Modane was blocked by a landslide in August 2023, and remains blocked in 2024.  Until further notice, all direct Milan-Lyon trains are cancelled.  Please use another option.  More information .

This is a lovely ride at low speed snaking through the Alps, see the photos & information here .  The train has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, sit back and enjoy the ride.

Day 2, travel from Barcelona to Madrid by AVE-S103 high-speed train , leaving Barcelona Sants at 21:20, arriving Madrid Atocha at 23:50.  Earlier departures may be available with other operators, but I recommend allowing at least an hour between trains in Barcelona and it's better to stick with the same operator if you can when making connections, in this case Renfe.

Stay overnight in Barcelona.  The Hotel Barcelo Sants is the top choice here, it's part of Barcelona Sants station so easy to use when arriving & departing by train, with great reviews & good feedback from Seat61 users.  See other suggested hotels near the station .

Day 3, travel from Barcelona to anywhere else in Spain by high-speed train.

For Madrid:   AVE-S103 high-speed trains link Barcelona Sants with Madrid Atocha every hour or two in as little as 2h30.

For Granada:   Leave Barcelona Sants at 06:45 by AVE S112 high-speed train arriving Granada at 13:10.

For Malaga:   Leave Barcelona Sants at 08:35 by AVE S103 high-speed train arriving Malaga Maria Zambrano at 14:51.

For Cordoba & Seville:   Leave Barcelona Sants at 08:35 by AVE S103 high-speed train arriving Cordoba 13:42 & Seville Santa Justa 14:32.

For Valencia & Alicante:   Euromed trains link Barcelona Sants with Valencia & Alicante regularly through the day, for example one leaves Barcelona Sants at 07:15 Mondays-Saturdays arriving Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 10:10 & Alicante 12:38 or at 10:15 every day arriving Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 13:13 & Alicante 15:32.

For Santiago de Compostela, A Coruna & Vigo , there's a morning Alvia train to Galicia, see details here .

Florence to Milan starts at €19.90 in 2nd class or €29.90 in 1st class.

Milan to Lyon starts at €25 in standard (2nd), €32 in business (1st) or €149 in executive class (premium 1st).

The easiest way to buy tickets is to use either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (whichever you prefer) as you can buy all the tickets together in one place, in plain English, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee.  Booking normally opens up to 4 months ahead .  About Raileurope .  About Thetrainline .

Step 1, book an afternoon or evening train from Florence to Milan Centrale for day 1 and add this to your basket. 

Step 2, book the direct morning train from Milan Centrale to Lyon Part Dieu for day 2 and add to your basket. 

Step 3, book the afternoon train from Lyon Part Dieu to Barcelona for day 2 and add to your basket. 

Step 4 if going beyond Barcelona, book a train from Barcelona to your Spanish destination for day 3, add to basket & check out.

The Frecciarossa is ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.  For TGVs you can print your ticket or select a mobile ticket to show on your phone.  For AVE and other Spanish trains you print your own ticket.

How to buy tickets, advanced

You can of course book each train separately with the relevant operator, with no booking fee.  This means more work and it won't necessarily make it any cheaper.

Step 1, buy tickets from Florence to Milan and from Milan to Lyon at either www.italiarail.com (easy to use, in plain English, allows seat choice from a seat map, they'll refund seat61 users their booking fee if you email [email protected] afterwards) or Trenitalia's own website www.trenitalia.com , for that you'll need to use Italian-language place names, see this advice on using it .  It's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone. 

Step 2, if using the direct train from Lyon to Barcelona run by Renfe, book at the Spanish Railways website, www.renfe.com (in €, fiddly, see advice on using it ).  If using the alternative trains run by SNCF, book these at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com .

Step 3, book onward trains in Spain as a second transaction at www.renfe.com (in €, fiddly, see advice on using it ).

Day 1, travel from Florence to Marseille, leaving Florence SMN at 06:25 by Frecciarossa high-speed train to Milan Centrale , then taking the 09:10 Intercity train from Milan Centrale to Ventimiglia, a TER local train to Nice Ville and TGV to Marseille St Charles , arriving 18:32.

Day 2, take a high-speed train from Barcelona to Valencia & Alicante or from Madrid to Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Malaga.

A fast EuroMed train leaves Barcelona Sants at 16:10 arriving Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 19:02 & Alicante 21:34.

Milan to Ventimiglia starts at €19.90 in 2nd class or €26.90 in 1st class.

Ventimiglia to Nice by TER costs a fixed-price €8, although €7.50 or even €5 promotional fares are sometimes offered.

Nice to Marseille by TGV starts at €15.

Marseille to Barcelona starts at €25 in 2nd class or €45 in 1st class.  Marseille to Madrid at €44 in 2nd class or €54 in 1st class.

Barcelona to Alicante or Madrid to Malaga/Seville starts at around €30.

Alternatively, you can book each train separately like this, although it's more work and the fares should be the same, but with no booking fee.

Step 1, book from Florence to Ventimiglia using either www.italiarail.com (easy to use, English place names, and they'll refund their €3.50 booking fee if you email them at [email protected] with your PNR) or Italian Railways' own site www.trenitalia.com (you'll need to use Italian language place names).  It's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.

Step 2, book from Ventimiglia to Marseille at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee).  You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.

Step 3, book from Marseille to Barcelona or Madrid for day 2 at the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (a bit fiddly, may reject some overseas credit cards, see this advice on using it ).  You print your own ticket.

You can leave Florence SMN at 14:55, change at Milan Centrale , arriving Geneva at 21:21.

Or leave Florence SMN at 16:55, change at Milan Centrale , arriving Geneva at 23:56.

Fares start at €19.90 for Florence-Milan plus €29 upwards for Milan-Geneva.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

The TGV Duplex passes Beziers cathedral, flamingos on the lakes between Montpelier & Narbonne, the historic Fort de Salses right by the tracks before Perpignan, with great views of the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees, see more photos & information about the journey .

Book from Geneva to Barcelona at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee).  Booking opens up to 4 months ahead .  You print your own tickets or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.

Day 2, travel from Barcelona to Madrid, Valencia, Alicante and so on by high-speed train.

A high-speed AVE leaves Barcelona Sants at 18:25, arriving Madrid Atocha 20:55, with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

A fast EuroMed train leaves Barcelona Sants at 18:15 arriving Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 21:07 & Alicante 23:40.

For Granada, Seville, Cordoba & Malaga, stay in Barcelona overnight, I recommend the Hotel Barcelo Sants inside the station.  Next morning direct high-speed AVE trains leave Barcelona Sants at 06:45 for Granada and 08:35 for Cordoba, Seville Santa Justa & Malaga Maria Zambrano.

Check times & buy tickets using either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee) or Spanish railways own site www.renfe.com (in €, much more fiddly, may reject some overseas credit cards, see advice on using it ) or www.petrabax.com (in $, small mark-up).  You print your own ticket.

Booking for Spanish trains normally opens only 60 days ahead , but this varies.  Allow at least 60 minutes between trains in Barcelona.

Florence to Lisbon & Portugal

Option 1, Florence to Lisbon via Madrid

Option 2, Florence to Faro & the Algarve using a bus from Seville

Day 2, travel from Seville to Faro by bus.  Buses run from Seville Plaza de Armas to Faro several times daily, journey time around 3h40, fare around €16-€20.

Buses are run by Damas, Eva-Bus & Alsa amongst others, you can check times & buy tickets for various bus companies all in one place at Omio.com .  You print your own ticket.

Florence to Andorra

Step 2, travel from Marseille to Toulouse by Intercité leaving Marseille St Charles at 07:25 & arriving Toulouse Matabiau at 11:18.

There's a bus leaving Toulouse Matabiau station (bus stand 15) at 13:45 arriving Andorra 17:45.

Florence to Munich, Frankfurt, Berlin & Germany

Option 2, Florence to Berlin using the Zurich-Berlin sleeper

Step 1, travel from Florence to Milan by Frecciarossa , leaving Florence SMN at 11:55 and arriving Milan Centrale 13:50.

The Frecciarossa has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Fares start at €19.90 in 2nd class or €29.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or www.trenitalia.com (in €, requires Italian language place names, see advice on using it ).  Booking normally opens up to 4 months ahead .  It's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.

Step 2, travel from Milan to Zurich by EuroCity train , leaving Milan Centrale at 15:10 and arriving Zurich HB 18:27.

Important: A freight train derailed in the Gotthard Base Tunnel in August 2023, in 2024 trains are still being diverted over the original (very scenic) Gotthard line taking an extra hour and with fewer departures.  Until this is resolved, you'll need to leave Milan Centrale at 13:10 arriving Zurich HB 17:27.  That means leaving Florence earlier, at 09:55.

The EuroCity train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  It's a lovely run through the Alps, past Italian and Swiss lakes and passing through the world's longest railway tunnel, the Gotthard Base Tunnel.  Have dinner in Zurich, I recommend steak-frites and a beer at the Brasserie Federal on the main concourse at Zurich HB .

Fares start at €29 in 2nd class or €49 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or www.trenitalia.com (in €, requires Italian language place names, see advice on using it ).

Booking opens up to 4 months ahead .  It's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.

Step 3, travel from Zurich to Berlin by Nightjet sleeper train , leaving Zurich HB at 19:59 & arriving Berlin Hbf 07:20.

This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has a Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The sleeper & couchette fares include a light breakfast with tea or coffee in the morning, see the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, tips, photos & video .

Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, more fiddly, same fares). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.

Option 3, Florence to Hamburg using the Zurich-Hamburg sleeper

Step 1, travel from Florence to Milan by Frecciarossa , leaving Florence SMN at 11:55 and arriving Milan Centrale at 13:50.

Booking normally opens up to 4 months ahead .  It's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.

Step 2, travel from Milan to Zurich by EuroCity train , leaving Milan Centrale at 15:10 and arriving Zurich HB at 18:27.

Important: A freight train derailed in the Gotthard Base Tunnel in August 2023, in 2024 trains are still being diverted over the original (very scenic) Gotthard line taking an extra hour and with fewer departures.  Until this is resolved, arrival in Zurich HB is at 19:27.

Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or www.trenitalia.com (in €, requires Italian language place names, see advice on using it ).  Booking opens up to 4 months ahead .  It's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.

Step 3, travel from Zurich to Hamburg by Nightjet sleeper train , leaving Zurich HB at 20:59 & arriving Hamburg Hbf 07:53.

This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has two air-conditioned double-deck sleeping-cars (1 & 2 bed compartments with washbasin, 1 & 2 bed deluxe compartments with shower & toilet, plus a few 3-berth compartments with washbasin), couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments & ordinary seats.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The sleeper & couchette fares include a light breakfast with tea or coffee in the morning, see the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, tips, photos & video .

Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, more fiddly, same fares).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.

Leave Florence SMN at 08:36 daily, change at Verona Porta Nuova onto the 11:01 EuroCity train , arriving Munich Hbf 16:27.

Leave Florence SMN at 10:20 daily, change at Bologna Centrale onto the 11:52 EuroCity train , arriving Munich Hbf 18:28.

Leave Florence SMN at 12:36 daily, change at Verona Porta Nuova onto the 15:01 EuroCity train , arriving Munich Hbf 20:26.

Leave Florence SMN at 14:20 Monday-Friday only, change at Bologna Centrale onto the 15:50 EuroCity train , arriving Munich Hbf 22:27.

Update: A freight train derailed in the Gotthard Base Tunnel in August 2023, in 2024 trains are still being diverted over the original (very scenic) Gotthard line taking an extra hour and with fewer departures.  Until this is resolved, the direct Milan-Frankfurt train is not running.

Florence to Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck & Austria from €59

Each portion of this comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video .

If you'd like lunch and a wander around Venice, take an earlier train from Florence, for example the 07:20, 08:20 or 09:20.  The Rialto Bridge is just 20 minutes walk from Venice Santa Lucia , St Mark's Square 27 minutes walk, see map of Venice showing station .  There's a left luggage office at the station .  Of course if you haven't been to Venice before, I'd recommend an overnight stop, not just a few hours!

Fares start at €29.90 in 2nd class or €44.90 in 1st class or €59 in business class (= premium 1st).  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Rome to Bologna starts at €19.90 in 2nd class, €29.90 in 1st class.

Florence to Copenhagen , Gothenburg & Stockholm

Option 1, Florence to Copenhagen, Gothenburg & Stockholm using the Zurich-Hamburg sleeper

Booking opens up to 4 months ahead .  It's ticketless, you print your booking reference or show it on your phone.

Update: A freight train derailed in the Gotthard Base Tunnel in August 2023, in 2024 trains are still being diverted over the original (very scenic) Gotthard line taking an extra hour.  Until this is resolved, arrival at Zurich HB is at 19:27.

The EuroCity train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  It's a lovely run through the Alps, past Italian and Swiss lakes and passing through the world's longest railway tunnel, the Gotthard Base Tunnel.  Have dinner in Zurich, I can recommend the steak-frites and a beer at the Brasserie Federal on the main concourse at Zurich HB .

Booking opens up to 90 days ahead .  It's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.

Step 3, travel from Zurich to Hamburg by Nightjet sleeper train , leaving Zurich HB at 20:59 and arriving Hamburg Hbf at 07:53.

This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has two air-conditioned double-deck sleeping-cars (1 & 2 bed compartments with washbasin, 1 & 2 bed deluxe compartments with shower & toilet, plus a few 3-berth compartments with washbasin), couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments & ordinary seats.  The sleeper & couchette fares include a light breakfast with tea or coffee in the morning, see the Nightjet information page .

Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.

Book from Hamburg to Copenhagen at the German Railways website int.bahn.de or www.raileurope.com

For Stockholm , travel from Copenhagen to Stockholm by X2000 train leaving Copenhagen at 14:19 and arriving Stockholm Central at 19:37.

For Gothenburg, travel from Copenhagen to Gothenburg by Öresund train , these leave every hour taking 3h50.

For Malmo, travel from Copenhagen to Malmö Central by Öresund train every 20-30 minutes taking 39 minutes.

All these trains cross the water from Denmark to Sweden over the impressive Öresund fixed link . 

Fares from Hamburg to Sweden start at €56.90.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Book from Hamburg to Stockholm, Gothenburg or Malmö as one transaction at the German Railways website int.bahn.de .

Booking opens up to 6 months ahead .  Gothenburg is listed as Göteborg Central.  If you have any problems, for example if you don't see any affordable 1st class fares, split the booking, booking Hamburg to Copenhagen at int.bahn.de and booking Copenhagen to anywhere in Sweden at either Omio.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, small fee) or www.sj.se (in SEK, has been known to reject some overseas credit cards).

You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.

Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train .  From June 2023, these trains are temporarily being operated by former German Railways intercity cars and a Danish electric locomotive, until new trains being built by Talgo arrive in 2024.  The current trains have 1st & 2nd class, power sockets at seats, but no catering so bring your own food & drink.  More about the Hamburg-Copenhagen journey .

2nd class seats are almost all open-plan like this.  There are a handful of 6-seat 2nd class compartments in one of the coaches, but only a few.

The 1st class car has 6-seater compartments like this. Larger photo .  Larger photo .

Option 2, Florence to Copenhagen, Gothenburg & Stockholm using the Florence-Munich sleeper

Step 2, travel from Munich to Copenhagen, leaving Munich Hbf 10:21, changing at Hamburg Hbf & arriving Copenhagen 21:34.

Treat this as a chill-out day with a good book and a glass or two of wine (I can recommend DB's Spätburgunder red).  You travel from Munich to Hamburg by ICE train with restaurant car for lunch, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  You travel from Hamburg to Copenhagen by comfortable EuroCity train , there's no catering car so bring your own food & drink.

Option 3, Florence to Copenhagen, Gothenburg & Stockholm by daytime trains with overnight stops in Munich & Copenhagen

Day 1, travel from Florence to Munich by daytime trains via the scenic Brenner Pass as shown in Florence-Munich option 3 above .

Day 2, travel from Munich to Copenhagen by train, leaving Munich Hbf at 09:55, 1 easy change at Hamburg Hbf , arriving Copenhagen at 21:34.

Fares start at €37.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Book this at the German Railways website int.bahn.de .  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. 

Stay overnight in Copenhagen .  The friendly Astoria Hotel is a 1930s design classic right outside Copenhagen station main entrance, see photos & information here .  Other hotels near the station with good reviews include the Nimb Hotel (5-star luxe), Radisson Blu Royal Hotel (5-star), Axel Guldsmeden (4-star), Andersen Boutique Hotel , First Hotel Mayfair (3-star), Hotel Ansgar (3-star), City Hotel Nebo (2-star).

Day 3, travel from Copenhagen to Gothenburg by hourly Öresund train in 3h53, or travel from Copenhagen to Stockholm by fast X2000 train in around 5h15 with various departures to choose from, fares from around €28 upwards.  Book this at Omio.com or the Swedish Railways website www.sj.se .

Tip:   You may be able to save money by buying a Munich-Stockholm or Munich-Gothenburg through ticket from German Railways like this:  Go to int.bahn.de , enter Munich-Stockholm or Munich-Gothenburg.  Before running the enquiry, click Stopovers , enter Copenhagen and a length of stay of (say) 12 hours.  It should then give you a Sparpreis fare with an overnight stop in Copenhagen, specified trains only, limited or no refunds.

Florence to Oslo & Norway

Option 1, Florence to Oslo via Munich & Copenhagen - by train all the way

Day 2, travel from Munich to Copenhagen by train, leaving Munich Hbf at 08:20, change at Hamburg Hbf , arriving Copenhagen 19:34.

Book this at the German Railways website int.bahn.de .

Day 3, travel from Copenhagen to Oslo by train, leaving Copenhagen at 07:30, change at Gothenburg Central, arriving Oslo Sentral 15:47.

Earlier & later departures are available, see the Copenhagen to Oslo timetable & how to buy tickets here .

Option 2, Florence to Oslo via the Kiel-Oslo cruise ferry - the most luxurious way to Norway

Day 1, travel from Florence to Milan by Frecciarossa , leaving Florence SMN at 11:55 and arriving Milan Centrale at 13:50.

Day 1, travel from Milan to Zurich by EuroCity train , leaving Milan Centrale at 15:10 and arriving Zurich HB at 18:27.

Update: A freight train derailed in the Gotthard Base Tunnel in August 2023, in 2024 trains are still being diverted over the original (very scenic) Gotthard line taking an extra hour and with fewer departures.  Until this is resolved, arrival in Zurich HB is at 19:27.

Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or www.trenitalia.com (in €, requires Italian language place names, see advice on using it ).  Booking opens up to 90 days ahead .  It's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.

Day 1, travel from Zurich to Hamburg by Nightjet sleeper train , leaving Zurich HB at 20:59 and arriving Hamburg Hbf at 07:53.

Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, more fiddly, same prices).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.

In Kiel, the Color Line ferry terminal is only 6 minutes walk from Kiel Hbf, but allow several hours between train & ferry for the ferry check-in and in case of delay.

Money-saving tip:   It's considerably cheaper to book on Color Line's Norwegian website www.colorline.no in Norwegian Krone, for example a €274 fare becomes the equivalent of €164.  You'll need to use Google Chrome translation to translate the Norwegian.  You are still able to enter a UK or other European address and contact details.  Feedback appreciated .

Florence to Helsinki & Finland

Option 1, Florence to Helsinki using the Finnlines ferry from Germany - the easiest option

Day 1, travel from Florence to Munich by Nightjet sleeper train , leaving Florence Campo di Marte at 22:08 on Mondays-Thursdays or Florence SMN at 22:31 on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, arriving Munich Hbf 09:22.

This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car   with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video .

Day 2, travel from Munich to Hamburg by ICE4 train , leaving Munich Hbf at 10:21 and arriving Hamburg Hbf 15:55.  Times may vary.

Day 2, travel from Hamburg Hbf to Lübeck by regional train then take a bus to the Skandinavienkai ferry terminal in Travemünde.

Tip:   Have dinner in Lübeck's old town, see suggested restaurant here .

Sail from Travemünde to Helsinki by Finnlines ferry.  Finnlines sail from Travemünde to Helsinki every day, boarding at 23:30, sailing at 02:45 (the exact time varies) and arriving at Helsinki's Hansa Terminal in Vuosaari at 09:15 2 nights later (Day 4 from Florence).

For full details of the transfer, check-in arrangements & ferry crossing, see the Hamburg page .

Book the ferry using the Direct Ferries website or at www.finnlines.com .

Book onward trains within Finland at the Finnish Railways website www.vr.fi .

Option 2, Florence to Helsinki by train to Stockholm then ferry

Step 1, travel from Florence to Stockholm as shown above .

Florence to Prague from €68

Step 3, travel from Zurich to Prague by sleeping-car, leaving Zurich HB at 20:40 and arriving Ceske Budejovice 08:52 & Prague Hlavni 10:39.

This train will revert to its more traditional departure time of 21:40 from 25 October 2024, with arrival times unchanged.

The sleeping-car to Prague is a modern Czech Comfortline type with nine 1, 2 or 3 bed compartments with washbasin and three deluxe 1, 2 or 3 bed compartments with en suite toilet & shower.  There are toilets and a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. Morning tea & coffee is included in the sleeper fare.  There are no couchettes on this route.  More about the Zurich-Prague sleeper .

You can spend a full day in Florence before taking an evening train, or take an earlier train and see something of Venice.  The Rialto bridge is just 15 minutes walk from Venice Santa Lucia , the Piazza San Marco is just 25 minutes walk.  Frecciarossas have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easiest to use, in €, £ or $, overseas cards no problem, small booking fee) or Trenitalia's website www.trenitalia.com (in €, more fiddly, same prices).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead .

Fares start at €29.90 in 2nd class, €44.90 in 1st class or €59.90 in business class (= premium 1st class, a real treat).  Fares vary like air fares.

Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easiest to use, in €, £ or $, overseas cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways' own site www.oebb.at (in €, more fiddly, same prices).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead .  You print your own ticket.

Day 2, travel from Vienna to Prague by swish modern Czech railjet train leaving Vienna Hbf at 19:10 and arriving Prague Hlavni at 23:16.

The excellent air-conditioned railjet train has a restaurant car with draught beer on tap, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Fares start at €14.90 in 2nd class, €29.90 in 1st class or €44.90 in business class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Florence to Bratislava & Slovakia from €64

Step 1, travel from Florence to Munich by Nightjet sleeper train , leaving Florence Campo di Marte at 22:08 on Mondays-Thursdays or Florence SMN at 22:31 on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, arriving Vienna Hbf at 09:04 next morning.

Tip:   You can check the train formation, check car numbers & see in what order cars for different destinations are marshalled using www.vagonweb.cz .  Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Austria & click nj .

You can spend almost a full day in Florence before taking an evening train, or take an earlier train and see something of Venice.  The Rialto bridge is just 15 minutes walk from Venice Santa Lucia , the Piazza San Marco is just 25 minutes walk.  Frecciarossas have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Florence to Budapest from €68

Step 2, travel from Vienna to Budapest by EuroCity train , leaving Vienna Hbf at 10:42 & arriving Budapest Keleti 13:19.

This comfortable Hungarian EuroCity train has a restaurant car, treat yourself to an early lunch and a beer or two.

There's an earlier 09:42 to Budapest, but this is not a robust connection with the sleeper.  However, trains leave every hour so by all means book a later train & spend some time in Vienna, see the timetable here .  Luggage lockers are available .

Fares start at €19.90 in 2nd class, €29.90 in 1st class or €44.90 in business class (= premium 1st).  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Day 2, travel from Vienna to Budapest by railjet train , leaving Vienna Hbf at 18:42 and arriving Budapest Keleti at 21:19. 

The air-conditioned railjet train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Fares start at €19.90 in 2nd class, €29.90 in 1st class or €44.90 in business class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Florence to Bucharest , Brasov & Romania

This comfortable train has an air-conditioned Romanian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, and a Romanian couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, see the photos on the London to Romania page .

Fares start at €39 with a couchette in 6-berth, €46 with a couchette in 4-berth, €69 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, €84 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or €162 with a single-bed sleeper all to yourself.  All prices per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

You can also book at the Hungarian Railways website www.mav-start.hu , see my advice on using it .  For Bucharest type Bucuresti .  You show your ticket in the MAV app on your phone.

Florence to Ljubljana & Zagreb

Option 1, Florence to Ljubljana & Zagreb using the Florence-Austria Nightjet sleeper train - the most time-effective option.

Step 1, travel from Florence to Bruck an der Mur by Nightjet sleeper train , leaving Florence Campo di Marte at 22:08 on Mondays-Thursdays or Florence SMN at 22:31 on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays and arriving Bruck/Mur at 06:39.

Step 2, travel from Bruck an der Mur to Ljubljana by EuroCity train Emona , leaving Bruck/Mur at 09:58, and arriving Ljubljana at 14:00. 

Change at Zidani Most for Zagreb , arriving 17:10.

It's an enjoyable ride with some great scenery.  The Emona   has air-conditioned cars and a restaurant car, treat yourself to lunch.

Fares start at €19.90.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Book from Bruck/Mur to Ljubljana or Zagreb at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, a bit more fiddly, same prices).  You print your own ticket.

Option 2, Florence to Ljubljana by daytime trains, overnight stop, on to Zagreb next day - the leisurely daytime option

By all means book an earlier train from Florence if you'd like lunch and a wander in Venice, for example the 07:30, 08:30 or 09:30.  The Rialto Bridge is just 20 minutes walk from Venice Santa Lucia , St Mark's Square just 27 minutes walk, see map of Venice showing station .  There's a left luggage office at the station .  If you haven't been to Venice before, I'd recommend an overnight stop, not just a few hours!

Step 3, travel from Villach to Ljubljana by express train, leaving Villach at 20:53, arriving Lesce-Bled 21:47 & Ljubljana 22:38.

Enjoy the scenery as the train runs along the lovely river Sava from Ljubljana to Zagreb.

Florence to Venice starts at €19.90 in 2nd class or €29.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Venice to Ljubljana starts at €26.50 in 2nd class or €39.40 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Option 3, Florence to Ljubljana & Zagreb on the historic direct route through Trieste

Direct trains from Italy to Slovenia were restored in September 2018.  Two modern air-conditioned trains now run from Trieste to Ljubljana every day, with connections from Venice - and there's now a daily Austrian EuroCity train from Trieste to Ljubljana, too.

Just €22 or so gets you from Venice to Ljubljana, any day, any date, no prior reservation necessary, it cannot sell out, just buy at the station on the day.  Change in Ljubljana for Zagreb.  And if you've ever wondered where prosecco comes from, you'll find out on this route!

It's possible to travel from Florence to Ljubljana in a day this way, although you'll need to stay overnight & catch a train to Zagreb next morning.

Florence to Dubrovnik & Split

Option 1, Florence to Split & Dubrovnik via Zagreb - by train all the way

Option 2, Florence to Split & Dubrovnik by ferry from Ancona or Bari - more time-effective

Step 2, now add a train ticket from Florence SMN to either Ancona Centrale or Bari Centrale using www.italiarail.com (easy to use, in €, £, $ or Au$) or www.trenitalia.com (in €).  Italiarail will refund their small booking fee if you email them at [email protected] with your booking reference.  Booking opens up to 4 months ahead .  It's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone. 

Florence to Belgrade

If you'd like lunch and a wander around Venice, take an earlier train from Florence, for example the 08:20 or 09:20.  The Rialto Bridge is just 20 minutes walk from Venice Santa Lucia , St Mark's Square 27 minutes walk, see map of Venice showing station .  There's a left luggage office at the station .  Of course if you haven't been to Venice before, I'd suggest an overnight stop, not just a few hours!

Fares start at from €19.90 in 2nd class or €29.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Enjoy the lovely scenery as the train runs along the pretty river Sava from Ljubljana to Zagreb.

Fares start at €19.90, 2nd class only.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

This train was suspended due to Covid-19 and is still suspended.

Florence to Sofia

Option 1, Florence to Sofia via Budapest & Bucharest - currently the most viable option

Day 1, travel from Florence to Budapest as shown in the Florence-Budapest section .

Day 2, travel from Budapest to Bucharest by sleeper, then Bucharest to Sofia by day train, as shown in the Budapest to Sofia section .

Option 2, Florence to Sofia via Belgrade

Florence to Bar, Budva, Kotor & Montenegro

Step 2, now add a train ticket from Florence SMN to Bari Centrale from €29.90 using www.italiarail.com (easy to use, in €, £, $ or Au$) or www.trenitalia.com (in €).  Italiarail will refund their small booking fee if you email them at [email protected] with your booking reference.  It's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.

Florence to Warsaw , Krakow & Poland

Option 1, Florence to Krakow & Warsaw using the Florence-Vienna sleeper

Day 1, travel from Florence to Vienna by Nightjet sleeper train , leaving Florence Campo di Marte at 22:08 on Mondays-Thursdays or Florence SMN at 22:31 on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, arriving Vienna Hbf at 09:04 next morning.

Step 2, Vienna to Warsaw or Krakow by EuroCity train.  This is the Danubius to Krakow at Vienna Hbf on a winter afternoon.  That's the Czech through car to Wroclaw nearest the camera, the Polish cars to Krakow are ahead of it.  Courtesy of Helmut Uttenthaler.

Most 2nd class cars have compartments like this with side corridor & 6-seat compartments.

Option 2, Florence to Krakow & Warsaw with overnight stop in Vienna

Stay overnight in Vienna .  Hotels near the station with good reviews include the Motel One Vienna Hbf ,  GraetzlHotel , Hotel Schani Wien .

Day 2, travel from Vienna to Warsaw or Krakow by comfortable EuroCity train, as shown in the Vienna-Poland section on the Vienna page .

Florence to Lviv, Kyiv , Moscow

Introduced in 2017, this train consists of 2 or sometimes 3 direct Ukrainian sleeping-cars attached to a Vienna-Zahony EuroCity train.  The sleeping-cars have comfortable 1, 2 & 3 berth compartments with washbasin, see the photos below.  At Chop on the other side of the border the through sleeping-cars are jacked up to have their wheelsets changed from European standard gauge (4'8½") to Russian gauge used in Ukraine (5').

Vienna to Kyiv costs €89.60 in a 3-berth sleeper, €99.60 in a 2-berth sleeper or around €170 in a single sleeper.

Book this train at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at .

Booking for these direct sleeping-cars opens 20 days ahead, but tickets sell out a day or two after booking opens, so book as soon as the booking period opens.  If the ÖBB website says Ticket not available within 20 days it means fully-booked , if it says that more than 20 days ahead it means booking isn't open yet.

Tickets can now be printed out so you can book in either direction.  However, you must print the ticket, it cannot be shown on a mobile device.

The fare is around €92 with a bed in 4-berth kupé or €180 with a bed in a 2-berth spalny vagon.

You can book tickets starting in Kyiv at the Ukrainian Railways site booking.uz.gov.ua/en/ booking from Kyiv to Moskva Kievskaya .  You collect tickets at the station in Kyiv.  Feedback appreciated !

Florence to Athens & Greece

Florence to istanbul & turkey, railbookers custom-made tours.

If you just want to buy train tickets at the cheapest price, book online as shown on this page.  However, if you want someone to sort out your whole trip for you, arranging all your trains, hotels and transfers, and to look after you if anything affects your arrangements, talk to Railbookers.  Railbookers can tailor-make a train trip around Europe to your own specification.  Just tell them what you want and they'll advise you on the best trains, routes & hotels.  They get good reports and a lot of repeat business!  They now have offices in the UK, North America and Australia.

  UK call 0207 864 4600, www.railbookers.co.uk .

  us call free 1-888-829-4775, see website .,   canada call free 1-855-882-2910, see website .,   australia call toll-free 1300 971 526, see website .,   new zealand call toll-free 0800 000 554 or see website ., hotels in florence, hotels near florence smn.

For something fancy, try the Santa Maria Novella with a 9/10 review score and rooftop terrace overlooking the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella.  It's just a 5-minute 400m walk from the station.

For something more affordable but also an easy walk from the station, try the Hotel Art Atelier .

Other hotels nearby with good reviews include C-hotels Club , 7Florence B&B , Hotel Lombardia .

Backpacker hostels

www.hostelworld.com :  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in most cities at rock-bottom prices.

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The Best Cities to Visit in Europe by Train

Last Updated on March 4, 2024

Europe is home to some of the world’s most beautiful places, with many easily accessible by train. The continent’s extensive rail network takes you to picturesque countryside past scenic vineyards and into remote villages and bustling cities, providing a scenic journey. Train travel allows for immersive experiences, enabling you to witness the diverse scenery that Europe is known for. With efficient connections and high-speed trains, exploring Europe by rail is convenient, eco-friendly, and affordable.

Here are the best cities to visit in Europe by train.

Vienna, Austria

As one of the most culturally rich and historically significant European cities, Vienna is one of the best cities to visit by train. Traveling to Vienna by train is the best way to soak up the beauty of the Austrian countryside, passing through picturesque villages, rolling hills, and majestic mountains.

As you get off the train, Vienna will delight you with its grandeur, charm, and timeless elegance. The city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , invites exploration with its magnificent architecture, opulent palaces, and cobblestone streets lined with quaint cafes and boutiques.

Marvel at architectural masterpieces such as the majestic Schönbrunn Palace, the iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the splendid Belvedere Palace, each offering insights into Vienna’s rich cultural heritage and history.

Art and music lovers will enjoy Vienna’s vibrant cultural scene, with world-class museums, galleries, and concert halls showcasing the works of renowned artists and composers such as Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Food lovers can indulge in Vienna’s culinary delights, with traditional coffeehouses serving decadent pastries, cozy wine taverns offering regional specialties, and Michelin-starred restaurants specializing in Austrian cuisine.

Vienna’s blend of history, culture, and sophistication makes it a perfect destination to visit by train, allowing you to embark on a journey of discovery and enchantment amidst the city’s timeless beauty.

Florence, Italy

Often referred to as the “Jewel of the Renaissance,” Florence beckons for a luxurious vacation and is best seen by rail. Offering a seamless and scenic journey through the picturesque landscapes of Tuscany. Traveling to Florence by train provides a convenient and comfortable mode of transportation while soaking in the beauty of the Italian countryside, with its rolling hills, vineyards, and charming villages.

With its Renaissance architecture and artistic treasures, Florence will have plenty to delight visitors. The city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to iconic landmarks, including the magnificent Florence Cathedral, the elegant Ponte Vecchio bridge, and the renowned Uffizi Gallery, housing masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci.

Wander through the narrow streets of Florence’s medieval quarters to discover hidden gems, artisan workshops, and bustling markets selling local delicacies and artisanal crafts. Art and culture enthusiasts can discover Florence’s rich cultural scene with visits to world-class museums, galleries, and churches showcasing the city’s unparalleled artistic legacy and cultural heritage.

Florence’s blend of history, art, and culture makes it a perfect destination to visit by train, where you can immerse in the timeless charm of one of Italy’s most beloved cities.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam is one of the most delightful destinations to visit by train, offering a convenient and picturesque journey through The Netherlands’ scenic landscapes before arriving in the vibrant and culturally rich city. Traveling to Amsterdam by train provides a hassle-free and sustainable mode of transportation, allowing you to relax and enjoy the ever-changing scenery en route.

Upon arrival, Amsterdam welcomes you with its charming canals, historic architecture, and dynamic cultural scene. The city’s iconic canal belt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a fun place to stroll around, with its picturesque waterways, charming bridges, and historic canal houses lining the streets.

Wander through Amsterdam’s bustling neighborhoods to discover hidden courtyards, lively markets, and trendy boutiques selling Dutch design and fashion. Amsterdam’s world-class museums and galleries are a delight to explore, especially the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House.

Don’t miss the chance to indulge in Amsterdam’s culinary delights by visiting cosy cafes, serving delicious Dutch pancakes, bustling street markets offering a variety of international cuisines, and traditional brown cafes serving local beers and snacks.

London, United Kingdom

Offering a seamless and scenic journey through the picturesque English countryside, London is an exceptional destination to visit by train and the perfect little UK getaway . Traveling to London by train provides an immersive experience, allowing you to witness the gradual transition from lush landscapes to the bustling heart of the British capital.

London will welcome you with its blend of history, modernity, and cosmopolitan energy. The city’s historic landmarks, including the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the Houses of Parliament, showcase centuries of British heritage and architectural splendour.

Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of London, each with its unique character – from the eclectic markets and street art of Shoreditch to the upscale boutiques of Mayfair and the cultural richness of Covent Garden.

Soak up London’s culinary scene on a gastronomic adventure, with diverse options ranging from traditional British fare at historic pubs to Michelin-starred dining experiences showcasing international flavors.

Paris, France

Paris is one of Europe’s most enchanting cities to visit by train, offering a romantic and scenic journey through the charming French countryside. Traveling to Paris by train is the best way to savor the beauty of the changing landscapes, from rolling vineyards to quaint villages, immersing in the quintessential French experience.

Paris fascinates with its timeless beauty, iconic landmarks, and romantic atmosphere. The city’s majestic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum, epitomize centuries of art, history, and architectural brilliance.

Wander through the charming neighborhoods of Paris, each with a unique charm – from the historic streets of Le Marais to the bohemian vibe of Montmartre and the chic elegance of the Champs-Elysees.

Art and culture enthusiasts can revel in the city’s world-class museums and galleries, such as the Musée d’Orsay, Musée de l’Orangerie, and Centre Pompidou. Foodies can indulge in Parisian cuisine at charming cafes serving croissants and café au lait, bustling bistros offering classic French dishes, and Michelin-starred restaurants specializing in fine dining. 

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This Curated Trip Goes From Scotland to Sicily by Train

The luxurious 16-night itinerary takes you to eight of europe's best cities.

European vacations give travelers countless options, whether it's deep-diving into one location or crossing borders for a multi-country cultural excursion.

And, unlike in the U.S., you can do much of your traveling by train.

Now, you could just close your eyes and throw darts at a map to hit your target cities.

But it's probably easier to book From Scotland to Sicily by Train , a new 16-night itinerary by Rocco Forte Hotels that takes you across Europe and into some of the portfolio's best hotels.

The trip covers eight cities across the U.K., Belgium, Germany and Italy, with stops in Edinburgh, London, Brussels, Berlin, Munich, Florence, Rome and Palermo. You'll travel by first-class rail and stay for two nights in each city before hopping aboard the train and moving on.

The journey builds cultural excursions and local experiences into each city. For example, Rome might include an exclusive visit to the Vatican at dawn, so you can see the site without the crowds. You can stroll through street markets in Palermo to sample the freshest foods, take a private tour of Munich’s street art scene with a local artist, or cruise around London in a fleet of Mini-Coopers.

When it's time to retire for the evening, you'll do so in top-notch hotels. Think the Balmoral in Edinburgh, with its famous spa and afternoon tea. There's also Brown's Hotel in London's posh Mayfair neighborhood, and Hotel de Rome in Berlin, which converted an old bank into a comfortable hotel complete with a swimming pool in the former bank vaults.

They've probably cleared out all the cash, but it can't hurt to poke around.

• I am 21+ years old

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