9 Secret Day Trips from Florence by Train
Florence or Firenze in Italian is a major city located in the heart of the Italian region of Tuscany. Having dined under the Duomo and partied into the wee hours of the morning over Christmas and New Year’s Eve 2015, I can personally attest to the magic of this ancient city. And though you could spend your entire trip wandering around the cobblestone streets and dining at trattorias on the water, if you want the true Tuscan experience, you’ve got to leave the city of Renaissance! That’s why I’ve compiled a list of 9 Uncommon Day Trips from Florence by train that will make you want to catch the next train outta this city.
Day Trips from Florence by Train
1. Make Pizza & Tiramisu in Pisa
Price: 161 USD
Time: 3 hours
How To Get from Florence to Pisa by Train
The train journey from Florence to Pisa takes approximately 50-70 minutes, depending on the type of train you take. A basic one-way ticket typically costs around €8-€15 per person for regional trains, but the Frecciabianca high-speed train is also available with a travel time of around 37 minutes at a higher cost.
2. Private Boat Tour in Cinque Terre
Price: 379 USD
Time: 7 hours
How To Get from Florence to Cinque Terre by Train
To get from Florence to Cinque Terre by train, you can take a regional train from Florence’s main station, Firenze Santa Maria Novella, to La Spezia, which takes around 2-2.5 hours. From there, you can take a local train to the Cinque Terre villages, which takes around 10-15 minutes. A basic one-way ticket from Florence to La Spezia costs around €10-€20, while a local train ticket from La Spezia to Cinque Terre costs around €4.50 per person. It’s worth noting that there are also faster trains available such as the Frecciabianca, which can get you to La Spezia in 1.5 hours, but they’re more expensive than regional trains.
3. Breakfast at the Vatican & Guided Tour of the Sistine Chapel in Rome
Price: 122 USD
Time: 4 hours
How To Get from Florence to Rome by Train
To get from Florence to Rome by train, you can take a high-speed train such as Frecciarossa or Italo from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station to Rome Termini station. The journey takes approximately 1.5-2.5 hours, and a basic one-way ticket costs around €30-€50 per person depending on the time of day and level of service.
4. Wine Tasting on Francigena Way in Chianti
Price: 267 USD
Time: 10 hours
How To Get from Florence to Chianti by Train
To get from Florence to Chianti by train, you can take a regional train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station to Greve in Chianti station or Montevarchi station. The journey takes around 40 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the station, and a basic one-way ticket costs around €3-€10 per person.
5. Ride the Funicular ride in Montecatini Alto and Tour Lucca
Price: 223 USD
Time: 8 hours
How To Get from Florence to Lucca by Train
To get from Florence to Lucca by train, you can take a regional or high-speed train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station to Lucca station. The journey takes around 1-1.5 hours, and a basic one-way ticket costs around €6-€15 per person for regional trains, while high-speed trains cost around €25-€40 per person.
6. Stomp Grapes in a Tuscan Farmhouse in Siena
Price: 428 USD
Time: 3 hours
How To Get from Florence to Siena by Train
To get from Florence to Siena by train, you can take a regional train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station to Siena station. The journey takes around 1.5-2 hours, and a basic one-way ticket costs around €6-€15 per person, depending on the type of train. There are no high-speed trains available on this route.
Looking to spend more time in Siena? Check out the best views and bites of Siena in this one-day itinerary.
7. Relive the Twilight Book Series in Volterra
Price: 278 USD
Time: 1 day
How To Get from Florence to Volterra by Train
To get from Florence to Volterra by train, you can take a regional train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station to Saline-Pomarance station, and then take a bus or taxi to Volterra. The journey takes around 2-3 hours, and a basic one-way train ticket costs around €6-€15 per person.
8. Ride Horseback through the Medieval Town of San Gimignano and Wine Tasting
Price: 211 USD
Time: 8 hours
How To Get from Florence to San Gimignano by Train
To get from Florence to San Gimignano by train, you can take a regional train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station to Poggibonsi-S.Gimignano station. The journey takes around 1 hour and costs around €6-€15 per person for a one-way ticket, depending on the type of train.
9. Make Traditional Full Course Meal on an Italian Farm in Bologna
Price: 157 USD
Time: 5 hours
How To Get from Florence to Bologna by Train
To get from Florence to Bologna by train, you can take a regional or high-speed train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station to Bologna Centrale station. The journey time is approximately 35-90 minutes, depending on the type of train. A basic one-way ticket costs around €8-€25 per person for regional trains, while high-speed trains such as Frecciarossa or Frecciargento cost around €30-€50 per person.
Traveling by Train in Florence
Traveling by train in Florence is easy, affordable, and a fun way to see other cities in Italy. With high-speed trains like the Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, and Italo, you can easily reach Rome, Venice, and other major destinations in just a few hours. Plus, trains offer scenic views of the Italian countryside and convenient access to city centers without the hassle of driving or navigating public transportation.
How to buy train tickets in Florence Italy?
You can buy train tickets online on the Italia Rail website, at the counter of the train station, or at a kiosk at the train station. Beware long lines at the ticketing counter during busy hours. Traveling by train from Florence is a breeze, and the rail system is easily navigable even by the most novice.
The main train station is called Florence Santa Maria Novella Train Station (or Firenze SMN for short) and is a popular Central Italy hub for rail connections in the region. The other two train stations in Firenze are the Firenze Campo di Marte and Campo di Marte.
How early should I arrive at the Florence train station?
Plan to arrive to Florence train station or Firenze SMN at least 20-30 minutes before your train’s departure.
Is it cheaper to buy train tickets from the Florence train station in advance?
It is slightly cheaper to buy train tickets from the Florence train station in advance of the train’s departure; however, it’s not significantly cheaper than purchasing them in person. If you’re making a last-minute train, then don’t stress because the cost savings of booking earlier won’t break the bank.
Did You Enjoy Day Trips from Florence by Train?
Whether you’re interested in exploring Tuscany’s wine country, visiting charming hill towns, or taking in the breathtaking coastal scenery of Cinque Terre, there’s something for everyone. If you like this blog, then check out these other travel guides for more inspiration on your next adventure.
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