The capital city of Rome is a massive megalopolis that draws its magical vibe from its cultural heritage. It was the center of the known world in the past, with remnants of this built on top of each other in the city. Rome offers a generous mix of glorious ruins, stunning art, and delectable cuisine.
Meanwhile, Florence is the proud home of the Renaissance, a small city that’s brimming with art and culture. Its laid-back vibe and gorgeous natural views make it an alluring city that appeals to all.
To help you decide which city to host your Italian escapade, here’s what makes each destination a unique visit!
Rome
Rome is a city that’s laced with layers of history, immortalized in art and architecture. Remnants of its proud past are everywhere in the city. And with its tasty cuisine, exciting shopping scene, and tons of entertainment, it leaves tourists coming back for more.
What Makes Rome Unique?
Grand Architectural Wonders
Without a doubt, Rome is one of the most picturesque cities in the world. This is thanks to the magnificent architectural wonders that decorate the city.
For centuries, Rome has made prodigious contributions to architecture. From Renaissance to Romanesque to Baroque and finally, Neoclassicism, the city is rich with head-turning sites. With this, strolling around the city feels like you’re unraveling layers and layers of its rich history.
So no matter where you go in the Eternal City, you’re bound to stumble upon a gorgeous structure. And while the world-famous Colosseum is a sight to behold, it’s not the only historical site to marvel at.
One of the most iconic buildings in the city is the Pantheon. Though old, it remains to be the standard of the revived classical styles. And to this day, it has one of the world’s largest unreinforced concrete domes!
Near the Colosseum is the archaeological site of the Roman Forum. This rectangular plaza has tons of ruins of ancient Roman buildings and was once a busy marketplace for ancient citizens. This site was the venue of many events, from public speeches to gladiator matches to elections.
In Parco Adriano lies the towering cylindrical building of Castel Sant’Angelo. It was once a mausoleum of a Roman emperor, then converted to a fortress and castle by Popes, and is now a museum. Two defining features of this building are its Baroque angel statues on the left bank.
An Art Lover’s Paradise
Italians have a saying that a lifetime is not enough to enjoy Rome. And with the city’s massive collection of art, visiting every museum in the city is barely scratching the surface.
The entire city of Rome is a feast for your eyes. Not only for its historical sites but also its mix of some of the most recognizable art in the world. There’s no other place to see these than in Rome, so if you’re a big aesthete, the city is an art lover’s paradise.
Rome has countless museums and galleries to set foot in. And since you can’t visit every one of these, below are some museums that you should never miss.
The Borghese Gallery is one of the city’s busiest museums for good reasons. This is where you can find the artistic treasures of renowned artists by the likes of Caravaggio and Bernini. One of the greatest paintings here is Bernini’s Apollo and Daphne.
For some Renaissance art, head over to one of the city’s most underrated museums, Villa Farnesina. This well-preserved building is from the Renaissance period too. It houses frescoes of some renowned artists, such as Raphael, Peruzzi, and Sebastiano del Piombo.
Enchanting Fountains
Rome’s unmissable masterpieces around the city also come in the form of majestic fountains. They’re invaluable pieces of the city’s artistic and cultural heritage, once serving the city with clean water. Today, they’re immortalized in films and tourist pictures, beautifying the city even more.
It’s impossible to imagine Rome without its fountains. And with over 2000 of these across the city, you’re bound to stumble across one.
But when one thinks of a fountain in Rome, the Trevi Fountain always comes to mind first. No surprise here, as it’s the largest and arguably the most stunning fountain in the city.
This heavenly cascade of water sits on a nook at the intersection of three roads. The Trevi fountain features huge, highly detailed sculptures made by the great Salvi.
While the Trevi is the crowning glory of Rome’s fountains, this doesn’t mean that the others pale in comparison to it.
A few steps away from the busy Spanish steps lies the Fontana della Barcaccia. It features a half-sunken boat with water flowing gently into the basin. This is unlike the other fountains in the city, which are more dramatic and extravagant.
The Fountain of the Four Rivers is another marvelous site in the city. This was one of Bernini’s works, tastefully created to symbolize each continent where the Pope had great influence. The foot of the structure represents the Nile, Danube, Plate, and Ganges rivers.
But with 50 other monumental fountains and hundreds of smaller ones, you’d have a blast looking for every fountain in Rome. The search is only half the fun!
Divine Roman Cuisine
The Eternal City lives up to its reputation as a top destination in every aspect, but its Roman cuisine takes this to greater heights. Roman cuisine is simple yet decadently tasty and expertly prepared. Rome is a hungry city, with a wide array of options from traditional pizzerias to romantic restaurants at every turn.
Being in a foodie’s paradise like Rome, what’s on your plate is more important than where you’re eating. And while you can have all the carbonara and amatriciana you want, it’s a mistake not to go on a gastronomic adventure.
To truly get a taste of the city, you’ll have to grab a plate of the local favorites. Dine like a local and order some Italian wine on the side! Here are some dishes that’ll turn you into an avid foodie, if you’re not already.
Porchetta is an iconic dish of the region. It’s a boneless roasted pork stuffed with liver and various herbs. This dish features the culturally-relevant Italian food, giving you nothing but the authentic taste of the city.
Carciofi alla Romana is a Roman-style artichoke, often served during spring. It’s an antipasto stuffed with parsley, garlic, and calamint, and braised in white wine.
If you’re looking for a snack, trapizzino is perfect for you. It’s a mash-up of a pizza or a sandwich, with a mix of various ingredients. This includes chicken cacciatore, meatballs, and eggplant parmigiana.
Glamorous Shopping Scene
If you’re seeking to indulge yourself in some retail therapy, Rome is a never-ending maze of shopping streets. Its shopping scene is quite alluring and it’s unlikely that you’ll go home empty-handed. From luxury Italian fashion houses to antique homewares, Rome has everything you’d want to splurge on.
To make your shopping spree easier, Rome has specific spots to go to depending on what you’re looking for.
The street of Via del Corso has just about any brand you’re familiar with. High-street brands like H&M and Gap are here, on the street that connects it to Piazza Venezia. But on the street that connects it to Piazza di Spagna, you’ll find more luxurious brands and high-end boutiques.
Even denser with designer brands is the Via Condotti, sitting at the foot of the Spanish Steps. It’s a mecca for the luxurious fashionista, with Prada, Gucci, and more, at your fingertips.
For more artisan finds, make your way to Via dei Coronari or Via del Governo Vecchio. Italy’s known for its high-quality leather goods. And these are where you can find a wide selection of those, ranging from shoes to belts.
If you want some unique souvenirs, handicrafts, and the like, you’ll have to head out to Rome’s markets.
Borghetto Flaminio Market offers secondhand fashion pieces if you’re on a budget. At Porta Portese, you can get a good deal on antiques, vinyl, and homewares. But there are tons more markets in Rome where you can find a treasure trove of your wants and needs!
Majestic City Views
Whether you’re taking a break from the busy city or looking for the best views, Rome has tons of viewpoints for you to admire its beauty. The best way to soak in the city’s glory is an incredible view of the skyline. This way, you can gaze over the domes, monuments, and other structures that make Rome such a majestic capital.
These viewpoints vary from hills, terraces, and other quirky spots. So you’re bound to find an uncrowded spot to catch some sunset views!
The Altar of the Fatherland gives you a great view of the Parco Colosseo. But you’ll have to make it all the way to the top to get rewarded with a breathtaking sight. Here you’ll have a panoramic view of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum.
Janiculum Terrace is a popular viewpoint in the city, which is no surprise. Most of the famous monuments in Rome are visible here, and it can be magical at sunset when the warm hue of the sun hits these structures. The drawback is that it’s a bit of a workout to climb, but the view makes this worthwhile!
Florence
Tucked away in the emerald Tuscan hills is the city of Florence. Geographically small yet rich in art, culture, and history, Florence packs a ton of things to see and do. And with its relaxed vibe and romantic charm, you’ll get to discover what makes the city so great without the hustle and bustle of a big, busy city.
What Makes Florence Unique?
A World-Renowned Art Hub
Despite being a small city, Florence is culturally rich and is widely regarded as the “city of arts”. From UNESCO’s statistics, around 60% of the most important artworks in the world are in Italy, and about half of those are in Florence. Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a real treat for the art lover in you.
Every corner of the city has a stunning building and a hidden story. Florence is one massive work of art that you don’t have to go to a museum or gallery to soak up the glory of its masterpieces.
But of course, it’s within the museums that you can find some of the world’s most famous artworks. And it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see them up close and personal. And there’s no better place for this than the Uffizi Gallery.
The Uffizi Gallery houses the most stunning art from the Italian Renaissance. And there are tons of artworks here from the greatest artists, such as Michelangelo, Botticelli, da Vinci, Titian, and Giotto. Within, you’ll find The Birth of Venus by Botticelli, Medusa by Caravaggio, and much more.
Although the Uffizi Gallery is the most important museum in Florence, there are 70 more in the city! At the Accademia Gallery, you can say hi to the famous statue of David by Michelangelo. And in Bargello Museum, you can find more of his works.
Florence may have a stunning collection of timeless art from history’s greatest Italian artists. But today, creativity lives on in the city’s streets. The city still attracts artistic minds from all over the world, from street artists to jewelry or fashion designers.
This artistic community has a strong presence in the city, decorating Florence with pops of color everywhere. If you want to see a display of their talents, you can admire the stunning street art at Sottopasso delle Cure.
Incredible Architecture
One of the great things about traveling to Florence is that you don’t need to follow a complex itinerary. There are pieces of art and culture tucked away in every nook and cranny of the city. You can just step out, go on a stroll, and treat yourself to the city’s stunning architecture.
The crowning glory of Florence’s architectural scene is the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore. This Duomo is the centerpiece of the city, an obligatory visit for every tourist.
The cathedral complex has four parts to it. This includes Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery, and the nave.
Climbing up the dome is one of the best experiences in the city. Not only does this gives you the best panoramic views of Florence. But you can also marvel at the beauty of the “Last Judgement” frescoes inside.
The Baptistery is one of the city’s oldest buildings, sitting across the Duomo. You won’t miss it though, as it has towering bronze doors with relief sculptures outside. When you go inside, you’ll get rewarded with beautiful mosaics of the cupola.
If the views from the dome still don’t impress you, you can climb up Giotto’s Bell Tower. Here, you can look down at the stunning dome and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the city.
While these are the city’s iconic structures, Florence has plenty more eye candy to offer. A scenic stroll rewards you with Gothic and Renaissance structures alongside new buildings. There’s plenty to admire in Florence, you’ll never run out of a beautiful building to marvel at.
The Exciting Festivals
As a culture-rich city, Florence is a great tourist destination at any time of the year. But there’s no better way to have an amazing cultural experience in the city than to partake in festivals. Florence has plenty of these throughout the year, and they’ll undoubtedly be the highlight of your trip.
One of the most awaited events in the city is the Carnevale. A grand parade fills the streets with color, music, and tons of merrymakers. This parade is an enormous display of diverse cultures and the city’s Renaissance identity.
This parade starts at Piazza Ognissanti, continuing through the maze of streets in the city. It ends at Piazza della Signoria. This is where the most original costumes get awarded, along with a performance from the Piccolo Melograno Choir.
Another big event in the city is the Festa della Rificolona or Festival of the Lanterns. Locals walk around the city with paper lanterns illuminated by candles. Other than a lantern parade, there’s also a boat parade and a fair.
June is widely regarded as the golden month of the city. During this month, there are a ton of patron saint days along with music and dance festivals.
A spectacular fireworks display ends the celebrations to St. John the Baptist, the city’s patron saint. In the afternoon, there’s a historical football game at Piazza Santa Croce. This is the Calcio Storico, a game played by teams from four Florence neighborhoods.
The Florence Dance Festival also occurs around this month. At the Teatro Romano, you get to enjoy a concert in a Roman amphitheater! It’s a must-try, as this is an experience that’s lived over the course of centuries.
Thrilling Shopping Experiences
Milan may be Italy’s most stylish city, but Florence’s shopping scene is also as exciting. The city is no stranger to high-end designer shops, and you’ll find just about every possible luxury brand here. Many of these brands are based in Florence, and the factories of Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Gucci are here.
These big names aren’t the star of the city’s shopping scene though. Instead, Florence’s thriving artisans make shopping a delight in the city.
Florence has tons of stores and shopping streets that sell anything you could ever want. Traditional artisans still sell local wines, jewelry, leather goods, and much more. The city is highly regarded for its high-quality leather goods, so make your way to a market and bring your haggling skills with you!
The finest artisan offerings are within the Artisan Quarters. This is either in the Oltrano area or the streets around Piazza della Passera.
Some other great shopping streets in the city are Via de’ Tornabuoni, Via del Parione, and Via dei Calzaiuoli. But if you’re set on buying some leather goods and souvenirs, then San Lorenzo Market is the best place for you.
Amazing Food and Wine
With the amazing Italian cuisine being a favorite around the world, it’s no wonder that Florence reels in tourists with its food. But Florence’s cuisine is particularly special. Being so close to the Tuscan countryside, you’ll get the freshest produce on your plate.
Modern chefs create traditional Italian dishes here with a twist. And there’s no better way to experience the distinct cuisine the city has than to try out some local favorites.
There are a plethora of delectable specialties in Florence. Cheese, steaks, and cured meats are a staple on menus. And the local chefs use homegrown ingredients, from rare bean varieties to wild-foraged foods.
A local favorite is Schiaccia, a focaccia-panini filled with various traditional regional ingredients. But the city’s wild-boar pasta and tripe and bilberry streak are also a must-try. And of course, help yourself to the famous Italian eats, such as pasta, pizza, and gelato!
Remember to pair your delicious meals with some wine and dine like a local! Tuscany is one of the biggest wine producers in Italy, so grab a glass of Florence’s local wines!
Florence is right in the middle of the Chianti wine region. So you can enjoy a vast variety of wine all over the city right from the source and without breaking the bank. Some of the region’s favorites are Chianti, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
If you want to take your wine escapade a step further, Tuscany’s vineyards are right at your doorstep. Explore the wineries and vineyards nearby, most of these tours also have some wine tasting! The sceneries in these areas are also picturesque, with ancient villages and olive groves to marvel at.
The Laid-Back, Small-Town Vibes
Although they’re beautiful, other Italian cities can feel crowded and busy. But even if Florence is a city, it’s much calmer than its other touristy counterparts. Florence has a relaxed vibe, which is perfect for unwinding with the convenience that a city has to offer.
Florence is the perfect city to enjoy a slow day of people-watching at a piazza with gelato in hand. And while there are cars and scooters around, Florence is a highly walkable city. It’s pedestrians that fill its cobblestone roads, avoiding the chaos of traffic like you’d find in other cities.
Florence is even more magical if you consider the gorgeous views it offers. Have the whole city below your feet at the hilltop of Piazzale Michelangelo. Take a break from the hustle of the city in any of Florence’s many green spaces. Giardino Delle Rose, near Piazzale Michelangelo, features 350 types of roses with a stunning view of the city.
You can even wander along the glistening waters of the Arno River. It’s the perfect place to decompress after a tiring day, especially during sunset when an amber hue takes over the river.
If you want to take it a step further and retreat to the countryside, remember that you’re in the heart of Tuscany. It’s easy to go on a short day trip to the countryside from Florence. Wander through vineyards, still around medieval hilltop towns, and more!
The countryside offers a true off-the-beaten-path experience. You can take a cooking class and learn more about the region’s cuisine at a beautiful villa. Or you can mingle with the locals and lend a hand in harvesting grapes or olives!
Rome or Florence – Which Is Better?
With tons of overlapping attractions in both cities, it all comes down to personal taste and what you want from your trip. A great way to start is to weigh your priorities. Do you want to explore ancient ruins or the world’s largest collection of recognizable art?
This should already help you lean toward one city over the other.
Choose Rome if you want to learn more about ancient history and see the Roman ruins. Rome also provides a ton more variety, the kind that only a big city could offer. From restaurants to museums to shopping options to the nightlife to hidden gems, you won’t get bored here.
Chose Florence if you want to feel like a local, as it’s a smaller, more intimate, and laid-back city. Florence is the top pick for art lovers, foodies, and wine aficionados. It’s also a more walkable city that has small medieval towns and the countryside within its reach.
Both are popular tourist attractions. But while Rome can feel crowded, Florence feels way less cramped.
No matter which city you choose, either of the two will make your trip unforgettable. Both have great food, yummy gelato, tons of art, historical landmarks, and rich culture, to name a few.
FAQ
Is Florence Cheaper Than Rome?
Being the capital city of Italy, Rome is a more expensive destination than Florence. To compare expenses in each city, the daily cost in Rome is 131 USD. While you’ll only be spending around 120 USD in Florence.
Every traveler is different, so this is only a guide. The prices above are the average costs for the city. And they’re based on the breakdown below.
A hotel for one person in Rome is 67 USD and 69 USD in Florence. If you’re traveling as a couple, it’ll cost you around 134 USD in Rome and 138 in Florence.
Daily transportation costs around 17 USD in Rome and 18 USD in Florence. But since the latter is a highly walkable city, you can cut costs on this.
A daily meal in Rome can cost about 37 USD and in Florence, this is only 25 USD. Entertainment costs in Rome are 29 USD on average, but in Florence, this is around 24 USD. These costs include entrance tickets, shows, and the like.
If you love to drink, there’s no cost difference for alcohol between the two cities. Alcoholic drinks for a day in Rome and Florence costs around 15 USD.
Rome or Florence First?
If you’ve never been to Italy yet, Rome is the best option for your first visit. Rome has all the aspects that make Italy an elite travel destination.
The capital city has the most iconic sites among all cities in the country. Almost all the postcard-worthy landmarks you know of Italy are in the Eternal City.
Rome also has everything you’d want as a tourist. You’ll get regional cuisine, vibrant culture, luxurious shopping, rich history, and gorgeous architecture.
There’s always something going on in Rome, and there are tons to see and do. Italians say that a lifetime isn’t enough to see everything in Rome. Take their word for it, you’ll never get bored in Rome!
Other than these, Rome is a highly accessible city with a strategic location. It has one of the largest airports in the country. But it also is in the center of Italy, making it easy to leave Rome for some day trips to nearby cities.
Is Florence Close to Rome?
Florence is close enough to Rome that you can drive toward the capital city in around three hours! If you take the quicker transportation option, a train ride from Florence to Rome only takes around an hour and a half.
Florence to Rome Distance
The straight line distance between Florence and Rome is around 145 miles (233 kilometers). The driving distance is a bit longer due to road curvature. This is around 173 miles (278 kilometers).
Is Rome or Florence the Capital of Italy?
Rome, the Eternal City, is the capital of Italy. Florence is also considered a capital, but not of the country. Instead, Florence is widely regarded as the capital of art and culture in Italy.
How to Get From Florence to Rome
You have four transportation options when traveling from Florence to Rome. You can drive a car, catch a bus, go on a plane, or travel on a train. Trains can either be high-speed trains or night trains.
How to Get From Rome Airport to Florence
There are two transportation options you can take from the Rome Fiumicino Airport to Florence. You have the option of taking a taxi or a train.
A taxi is the most convenient option, and there are tons of them waiting around the airport 24/7. This journey takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes and costs about 465 USD. While this is the easy option, it’s also the most expensive one.
If you want to take a train, you’ll find comfort in the fact that Rome Fiumicino airport has a train station on the airport grounds. You have two train options here, either take the Leonardo Express train or the Frecciargento AV high-speed train.
With the Leonardo Express, you need to switch trains at the Rome Termini. This option takes around 2 hours and 32 minutes and the total cost is about 51 USD.
In contrast, the high-speed Frecciargento AV train is a direct option. The travel time is around 2 hours and 20 minutes, with ticket costs at around 32 USD.
Is It Cheaper to Fly Into Rome or Florence?
Though Rome is the capital city, it’s cheaper to fly there than into Florence. In fact, Rome is among the most affordable cities in Italy to fly into.
Rome Ciampino Airport to Florence by Train
Since Ciampino Airport doesn’t have a train station on the airport grounds, you’d have to go to the nearest train station to reach Florence by train. The Ciampino train station is the nearest one, only 3 miles (5 kilometers) away. You can take a taxi from the airport to reach the station.
Around 38 trains travel between Ciampino train station and Florence per day. The travel time is around 2 hours and 25 minutes with 152 miles (245 km) of land to cover. But the fastest services can cut this down to an hour and 59 minutes!
Keep in mind that there are no direct services on this route. So you need to make one train change along the way.
The first train that leaves Ciampino train station departs at 5:25 AM. Meanwhile, the last train leaves at 11:19 AM.
Train tickets often start at 12 USD, but this price can vary depending on the date and time.
Rome Fiumicino Airport to Florence by Train
It’s easy to travel from the Rome Fiumicino Airport to Florence as the airport has its dedicated train station. Around 68 trains travel this route daily. You don’t need to make train changes along the way as you have the option to take a direct train.
The average travel duration on this journey is around 2 hours and 29 minutes. But speedier trains can cut this in as little as 2 hours and 4 minutes. This route covers a distance of 146 miles (235 kilometers).
The first train that leaves the airport departs at 5:57 AM. Meanwhile, the last train to leave does so at around 11:27 PM.
Train tickets can be as low as 15 USD if you book your tickets in advance.
Is There a Direct Train From Rome Airport to Florence?
Fortunately, you don’t need to switch trains when traveling from Rome Fiumicino Airport to Florence. There are plenty of direct trains that run this route daily, so you’re bound to catch one on your trip.
Is the Train From Rome to Florence Scenic?
No matter what train or route you choose, the train journey from Rome to Florence offers gorgeous views. You’ll get glimpses of the Tuscan countryside, one of Italy’s most iconic sceneries.
You’ll see sprawling lands of cypress trees, emerald rolling hills, farms, and other natural wonders. You may spot medieval towns on hilltops along with their ancient towers and beautiful churches.
Is There a High-Speed Train From Florence to Rome?
There are tons of high-speed trains that travel from Florence to Rome. This covers 162 miles (260 kilometers) with the fastest journey in just around 1 hour and 29 minutes.
Rome to Florence Train Cost
The train ticket cost from Rome to Florence usually starts at 32 USD. These prices depend on the date, time, and when you book the tickets, to name a few.
Distance From Rome to Florence by Train
The distance from Rome to Florence by train is around 144 miles (232 kilometers).
Rome to Florence Train Time
The earliest train to leave Rome for Florence departs at 5:45 AM. While the last train to leave this route departs at 10:35 PM. The schedules vary between train lines, so you can check online for more accurate times.
Rome Airport to Florence by Bus
A bus ride from the Rome Fiumicino Airport to Florence is a challenging journey. This is because there are no direct buses that run directly between the two. But if you’re keen on choosing this option, here’s how you can travel—
First, you need to take the FM1 regional train. Thankfully, there’s a train station on the airport grounds so you can easily hop on a train.
From there, make your way to the Tiburtina bus station. This journey costs around 8 USD.
Once you’re at the bus station take a Flixbus and make your way to Florence. One-way tickets cost around 36 USD, and the travel duration is around 3 hours and 30 minutes. Make sure to check the bus schedules ahead of time as there are only 4 bus departures bound for Florence per day.
Car Service From Rome Airport to Florence
You can choose from tons of car service companies that’ll transfer you from Rome Fiumicino Airport to Florence. The price varies from one company to another. It also depends on the vehicle of your choosing and the number of passengers.
Prices can be as low as 97 USD per seat to 313 USD per seat.
Taxi From Florence to Rome
If you want the most convenient way to travel from Florence to Rome, you can always hail a taxi on the spot. This journey lasts around 3 hours and 15 minutes. The comfort comes with a cost though, as the cost for this is around 531 USD at the least.
Car Rental From Rome to Florence
You have tons of car rental companies to choose from in Rome to make your way to Florence. Prices vary depending on the vehicle of your choosing.
A Fiat Panda starts at 20 USD per day. A bigger car like the C4 Spacetourer Citroen starts at 333 USD per day.
Keep in mind that you also have to pay for your gas fees. Although Rome and Florence are not that far apart, the costs can stack up. On top of that, you also have to pay toll fees along the journey.
Drive From Florence to Rome
Driving from Florence to Rome is a popular travel option as it gives you a scenic view of the Tuscan countryside. Depending on our route, this can last a little over 3 hours to 4 hours. But this assumes that you won’t run into any traffic.
If you drive via A1/E35, you’re covering 170 miles (273 kilometers) and this lasts around 3 hours and 4 minutes. Choosing the Raccordo Autostradale Firenze – Siena and A1/E35 will take you as long as 3 hours and 39 minutes. This route has a distance of 190 miles (306 kilometers).
The longest route is via A1/E35, with a distance of 198 miles (318 kilometers). Your travel journey on this route will be 3 hours and 53 minutes long.
Scenic Drive From Rome to Florence
There are tons of scenic stops on your trip from Rome to Florence. This will give you stunning views of the famous Tuscan countryside. If you’re not sure where to stop, here are some must-visits—
From Rome, make your way to Civita di Bagnoregio, one of Italy’s most picturesque small towns. Stop by the Belvedere for some postcard-worthy views of the town!
Now make your way to the gorgeous hilltop town of Orvieto. This small town has a mix of tourist attractions, such as the Duomo and Torre del Moro. If you have time, stop by for a few sips of the Orvieto Classico wine!
From there, make your way to Montepulciano. It’s highly regarded to offer the best views of the countryside from any hilltop town. The Piazza Granda and the Church of San Biagio are some stunning landmarks here.
Last on the list is Arezzo, a charming and quiet town that is often overlooked. Arezzo has ruins, breathtaking views from the Medici fortress, and more. There are also tons of antique shops here if you want to bring some souvenirs with you!
Coastal Drive From Florence to Rome
Though this is a longer route, a coastal drive from Florence to Rome rewards you with glistening Mediterranean water views. You have a plethora of cities to go through, so be ready. If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a quick guide—
From Florence, make your way to Lucca, which is still in the Tuscany region. Then make your way to Pisa, where you can stop by to take pictures with the Leaning Tower of Pisa!
From there, head to the coastal region of Livorno. This is a breathtaking town with incredible views of the deep-blue waters by the coast. Keep going and make your way to Cecina, where you can say hi to a wide array of exotic animals.
Keep driving until you reach Follonica, where you can make a stop at an exciting water park. If you choose to stay on the road, you’ll reach Porto Santo Stefano.
Now go through the town of Tarquinia, the last stop before you enter Rome. Make your way to Civitavecchia and Castello Santa Severa, these towns are already within Rome. If you have time, you can still make one last stop at Ostia Antica before heading to the center!
Rome to Florence Drive Time
The drive time from Rome to Florence can be around 3 to 4 hours, depending on your route. The fastest route covers 170 miles (274 kilometers) and takes 3 hours and 14 minutes. The longest route covers 207 miles (333 kilometers) and lasts around 4 hours and 16 minutes.
Is a Day Trip From Rome to Florence Worth It?
A day trip from Rome to Florence is a worthwhile trip, allowing you to escape the bustling capital city. Florence, while laid-back, offers a ton of attractions. This is especially tempting for art lovers as Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance.
Florence also has incredible food along with breathtaking architecture. And both of these are different from what you’d find in Rome.
Thanks to Italy’s high-speed train system, you can travel to Florence in just an hour and 30 minutes. If you leave with the earliest train, this gives you hours and hours of fun in the scenic Tuscany region!
Best Way to Get From Rome Airport to Florence
The best way to travel from Rome Fiumicino Airport to Florence is by taking the train. The airport has its own train station, and there are frequent trains that leave there for Florence. The best part is that there are direct trains on this line so you don’t have to change trains along the way.
This is also an affordable option as train tickets can be as low as 15 USD. To top it off, the train journey only lasts around 2 hours and 29 minutes on average.
Taking a taxi is more comfortable, but this lasts more than 3 hours even without traffic. To add, a taxi ride will also cost you a few hundred dollars.
A bus ride is also a cheap option but a challenging one. You’d need to ride a train first to reach a bus station before heading to Florence. Why not take a train to Florence right away?
A bus ride to Florence from the Rome Fiumicino Airport isn’t much cheaper than a direct train—it can be more expensive. A train ride to the bus station and the bus tickets totals 44 USD.
Cheapest Way to Get From Rome to Florence
The cheapest way to travel from Rome to Florence is to ride a bus. Ticket prices can be as low as 5 USD, which is a tempting deal for any tourist!
The downside to a bus ride is that it can take as long as 4 hours and 30 minutes. The fastest bus isn’t any faster too, as its travel time from Rome to Florence is around 3 hours and 25 minutes.
You can take a FlixBus from Rome to Florence, and they leave from the Rome Tiburtina station. These buses operate from 7:00 AM every morning to 1:00 AM the next day.
