Milan to Florence train with Italo

Transportation experience

As someone deeply in love with trains, especially European ones, I couldn’t resist the appeal of another high-speed adventure. I chose Frecciarossa but also considered Italo, which offers similar comfort and fares. I briefly looked into Intercity trains, too, which take about 3 hours and 40 minutes and offer both First and Second Class options, as well as reclining seats, air conditioning, and mandatory seat reservations. Booking through Omio was seamless. I compared all options—Frecciarossa, Italo, Intercity, and Regionale—selected my time and fare, paid with my card, and received my ticket instantly via email and app. Renting a car briefly crossed my mind, but sipping coffee while gliding through the Tuscan countryside won—again.

The monumental facade of Milano Centrale train station with its intricate details.

An Italo high-speed train seen from the platform at Milano Centrale.

Schedule & frequency

Trains depart every 30 minutes on average, especially high-speed ones. Intercity trains are less frequent but run several times a day. I took the 11:10 a.m. Frecciarossa and arrived by 12:50 p.m.—right on time.

Onboard experience & services

Train Classes and Facilities I traveled in Standard Class, which felt anything but basic. Leather seats with ample legroom, power outlets, and reliable Wi-Fi made the ride smooth. The onboard café bar offered espresso and snacks. Everything was clean, and the staff were very professional. Food, Staff & Cleanliness The service was efficient, and the restrooms spotless. Bonus: between Bologna and Florence, the train exits tunnels to reveal rolling Tuscan hills. Definitely grab a window seat on the right-hand side.

Ticketing advice & budget breakdown

I booked three weeks in advance and paid €29. Early birds might find deals from €19, especially with Omio promo codes. Intercity tickets usually start from €12, with a travel time of around 3h 39m. Regionale tickets start around €9–€17, but they take even longer and don’t offer seat reservations.

Top tips & recommendations

• Pack light: Florence’s cobbled streets don’t mix well with big suitcases.
• Stay hydrated: Bring a refillable water bottle and a snack.
• Sit comfortably: Choose a forward-facing seat.
• Document your travels: Keep a train travel log if you're a rail enthusiast like me.

Conclusion

For anyone traveling from Milan to Florence, the train is unbeatable: fast, scenic, and stress-free. Booking through Omio made everything seamless. Whether you’re a rail enthusiast or simply curious, this journey is part of the adventure, not just the way to get there.