Get from the birthplace of pizza to the birthplace of the Renaissance with ease. Learn about taking the train from Naples to Florence.
The distance between Naples, in the southern part of Italy, and Florence, in the middle of Tuscany, is just shy of 296 miles (476 km). It's a 5-hour drive, but thanks to Italy's high-speed train networks it's a pretty quick trip by train.
In addition to saving you valuable time in each city, taking the train also allows you to avoid the hassle of driving in two city centers that are notoriously difficult. Driving in Naples isn't for the faint of heart, and central Florence consists of tiny one-way streets better suited for being on foot. Save time, money, and your sanity—take the train!
Frequent Trains from Naples to Florence
Trenitalia's high-speed Alta Velocità (AV) trains make the journey from Napoli Centrale to Firenze Santa Maria Novella in roughly 2 hours and 50 minutes. Trains depart Naples 1 to 3 times per hour during most weekdays, and more frequently during the morning and evening rush hour periods. There are 64 trains in total making this trip each day, with the first departing Naples at 7 a.m. and the last at 7:30 p.m.
There are some slower trains, too, but trip can take nearly 8 hours, and the tickets can cost more than the AV train tickets. The high-speed trains are the clear winner for cost-effective transportation. Ticket prices on this route range from $25-101.
Italo trains also serve both the Napoli Centrale and Firenze Santa Maria Novella stations. There are 10 departures from Naples per day that stop in Florence, and the trip takes about 2.5 hours.
Note that weekends and holidays typically mean less frequent service and sometimes longer travel times.
Direct Trains from Naples to Florence
There are many options for direct trains from Naples to Florence, though even those typically stop at other stations along the way. Passengers don't need to disembark, it's just a chance for the train to pick up additional passengers on their way to Florence. The train journeys that require a train transfer take longer, about 3-8 hours, and the change typically takes place at Roma's Termini station.
Amenities on Trains from Naples to Florence
The top of the line AV trains are Frecciarossa, and these train cars are all equipped with air conditioning and power outlets in your seat for your convenience. There are both 1st-class and 2nd-class cars. First class passengers get a free drink and a choice of newspaper. A cafe car is available to all passengers.
Naples and Florence Train Stations
Napoli Centrale is Naples' biggest train station, and it's on Piazza Garibaldi which is a main hub for city and regional buses. There's also a Metro (subway) station connected to Napoli Centrale called Napoli Piazza Garibaldi. Make sure to be prepared ahead of time, so that you know where you are going once outside of the station, or which bus or taxi to take.
Florence's Santa Maria Novella, the main train station for the city, is close to the historic center, and is a major hub for city and regional buses, making it easy to get to and from the station if you're traveling light.
Journey Information
See below for details on traveling from Naples to Florence by train.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Train Travel in Italy
From seat assignments and luggage space to the different types of tickets, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about train travel in Italy.
Arrival and Departure Train Destinations
Read on for information about Naples to Florence train stations.
Naples Centrale Guide
The primary train station in Naples is called, appropriately, Napoli Centrale. Built in 1950s-1960s, it opens onto the huge historic Piazza Garibaldi.
Read More >>Santa Maria Novella (SMN) Guide
The center of the Renaissance is also a popular Central Italy hub for rail connections.
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Check out deals on some of the best tours in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance and a city famous for its culture, art and architecture.
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Discover all the art treasures of the Uffizi with this guided in-depth tour. This tour takes in all the art masterpieces of the Uffizi gallery, including works by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Titian.
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