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If you’re visiting Verona for a few days or longer on your Italy getaway, Florence is a must-see city. While just about every major Italian city is world-renowned for something, Florence is one of the most famous for it’s beauty, history, and art. Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of Renaissance art, or simply enjoy the picturesque landscapes of Italy, you’ll need to know the best ways to travel between these two cities. In this guide, we’ll go over all the ways to travel from Verona to Florence, from trains, buses, renting a car, and private transfers/taxis. And if you’re looking for other amazing cities to visit from Verona, check out ALL the BEST Day Trips from Verona!
About Florence: La Bella Firenze
Florence, Italy, is a city absolutely steeped in history and renowned as the birthplace of the Renaissance. Located in the Tuscany region, it features iconic architecture like the Florence Cathedral and its stunning dome, and the picturesque Ponte Vecchio. It’s also home to the famous Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell’Accademia, which is home to Michelangelo’s David (arguably the most famous sculpture in the world). The city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a living museum of Renaissance art and architecture. Florence is also famous for its Tuscan cuisine, like Florentine steak. The art, history, and food really makes Florence a must-visit destination.
Take a Train from Verona to Florence
If you’ve read our other articles, you know that that taking a train is always our recommendation. Generally, trains will be the fastest and most economical way to get between any two Italian cities, and this holds true with taking a train from Verona to Florence. There’s really two options, high-speed trains, or regional trains. They have different carriers, but they’ll all depart from the same stations
High-Speed Trains
Trenitalia and Italo are the main operators providing high-speed train services. These trains can get you from Verona Porta Nuova to Florence Santa Maria Novella in about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the service you choose. High-speed trains are well-equipped with comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and dining options, so you have a very comfortable trip.
- Travel Time: 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours
- Cost: €30 – €70 (depending on the class and how early you book)
- Frequency: Multiple times per day, with departures every hour during peak times.
- Benefits: The fastest option, comfortable seating, luggage storage, onboard amenities (may vary), environmentally friendly
- Drawbacks: Slightly more expensive than other options
Regional Trains
If you’re not in a rush, regional trains are also an option. They take longer, around 3 to 4 hours, and might require a transfer. However, they are cheaper and offer a different kind of travel experience, allowing you to see more of the local scenery and smaller towns along the way.
- Travel Time: 2 hours 30 minutes – 3 hours
- Cost: €20 – €40
- Frequency: Hourly
- Benefits: Moore affordable, scenic journey through the Italian countryside.
- Drawbacks: Longer travel time, fewer amenities compared to high-speed trains.
Booking Your Train Tickets
To get tickets for a Verona to Florence train, you have a few different options, but we always recommend the Omio App or website. We use Omio for basically all of our travels through Italy, because it just makes booking tickets with different providers and keeping them all in one place really easy. So whether you’re booking regional or high-speed, tickets for your train from Verona to Florence are easiest to buy on Omio. Also, make sure to book in advance! The further ahead you book your tickets, the cheaper they will be. You also easily purchase tickets online through Trenitalia or Italo’s websites, or at the train station (but it’ll probably be more expensive)
Taking a Bus from Verona to Florence
Taking a bus from Verona to Florence is our second pick for the best way to travel. While it takes longer than the train, it can be a good option for budget-conscious travelers. The bus does also have a few distinct advantages. We mostly recommend the bus if someone is traveling with a lot of luggage, as there’s always room under the bus for large bags, but squeezing those on a train can be tough.
Bus Companies and Routes
Several bus companies, like FlixBus and ItaBus, operate routes between Verona and Florence. The trip typically takes between 3 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and the specific route and how many stops are made.
- Travel Time: 3 hours 30 minutes – 4 hours
- Cost: €10 – €30
- Frequency: Multiple times per day, with several departures in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
- Benefits: Most affordable option, scenic journey through the Italian countryside.
- Drawbacks: Longer travel time, and while modern buses are comfortable, not as much as high-speed trains.
Booking Your Bus Tickets
Again, we have to recommend Omio as the best way to get your bus tickets from Verona to Florence. Any public transit option in Italy from buses, to trains, to ferrys, is pretty easy to book on Omio, before you even get here. Tickets can also be booked online through the bus company’s website or app, or at the Porto Nuovo Train Station (it’s also the bus station). Just like trains, booking in advance will save you money.
Verona to Florence by Car
Renting a car definitely gives you the ultimate freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace. You can take detours, stop at small towns and villages you pass, and enjoy the scenic routes that you wont see by train or bus. Our recommendation here really depends on your trip. If you have kids, a car may definitely be the best choice instead of trying to wrangle them in a train station or bus terminal. Or if you’re traveling all over the country, then by all means, take a car for your whole trip. But for just a day trip, we don’t recommend renting a car, just take a train.
Car Rental Companies
Major car rental companies such as Hertz, Avis, and Europcar have offices in both Verona and Florence. Definitely book your car in advance to get the best rates and ensure availability. We do recommend choosing a more compact car. If you’re from the United States, you likely take large roads and parking spots for granted, so go with the smallest you can get away with.
Driving Routes and Tips
The most direct route from Verona to Florence by car is via the A22 and A1 highways, which takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. Also, just a heads up that Italian highways, known as “autostrade,” require toll payments, so have some cash or a credit card ready.
Parking in Florence
Parking can be really challenging in Florence, especially in the city center. Look for parking garages or park-and-ride options outside the ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) to avoid fines for driving in restricted areas without a permit.
What to do In Florence, Italy
There is literally an endless amount to do in Florence. Art, food, architecture, history, you name it. So rather than try and cover everything, we figured we would put a few tours we recommend while you’re there.
Private Tour in Florence: 3-hour Walking tour in Florence – Florence is home to some of the most important art and architecture in the world, but this Renaissance capital can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. Get your bearings and touch on the top sights in just a few hours with this walking tour through its spectacular center. See the city’s top churches—including the iconic Duomo (Cathedral)—stroll through Piazza della Signoria, and take in views of the Arno River from Ponte Vecchio.
Walking Food Tour of Florence with Tastings – Explore Florence with your taste buds on a walking food tour that showcases the flavors of its local neighborhoods. Learn how to steer clear of tourist traps as you sample authentic Tuscan cuisine in the Sant’Ambrogio market area, a favorite among locals. From gourmet fare to street vendors and wine bars, savor the best of the city’s food and drink like a true Florentine.
Frequently Asked Questions
A trip by high-speed train takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, while regional trains take around 3 to 4 hours.
Yes, you can buy tickets at the station, but it’s usually best to book in advance to secure a seat and get lower prices!
Yes, several bus companies offer direct routes, typically taking 3 to 4 hours.
Yes, major car rental companies facilitate one-way rentals between Verona and Florence, although a one-way fee may apply. If you’re coming back to Verona, then things are much easier.
Prices vary widely based on the service and vehicle type but expect to pay more for this convenience compared to other travel options. It’s definitely the most expensive way to travel from Verona to Florence (and in general)
A private transfer or renting a car might be the best options for families trying to keep track of children.
