The road distance from Milan to Florence is over 188 miles, which will take between 2.5 and 3 hours, depending on traffic. However, the high-speed train is the quickest way to travel between the cities. The fastest journey will take you from Milan Central Railway Station to Firenze Santa Maria Novella in only 1 hour and 42 minutes.
What is the best way to travel from Milan to Florence?
Overall, a private car with Daytrip is the best way to travel from Milan to Florence. Our door-to-door service will pick you up at your hotel in Milan and drop you wherever you desire. You can chat with your English-speaking driver about local culture and even stop for sightseeing along the way!
How long is the high-speed train from Milan to Florence?
The quickest high-speed train from Milan to Florence takes 1 hour and 42 minutes. The average time is 2 hours and 12 minutes with train operator Italotreno. Be sure to book fast train tickets more than 30 days in advance for the best prices.
Is Milan or Florence better?
Milan and Florence are two fascinating yet contrasting cities, so which is best depends on your preferences. Milan is better if you favor upscale living, shopping in designer stores, and partying until the early hours in cocktail bars. Florence is better for art and culture enthusiasts who prefer to sample traditional eateries in a calmer environment.
Is the train ride from Milan to Florence scenic?
The train ride from Milan to Florence is one of Europe's most picturesque experiences. The trail runs through the heartland of Italy's northern countryside. En route, you will discover tree-lined roads, sprawling vineyards, and hills sloping into the distance.
Despite being only 188 miles long, the drive from Milan to Florence is a contrasting experience, from the pristine, snow-capped Alps and foothills of Milan to lush rolling hills under the Tuscan sun. Everything you've seen or heard about Italy's postcard landscape sits on this car trip through history, scenery, and culture. Every region is like opening a new chapter of an Italian picture book, and every mile is like skipping to a new, colorful page.
Your story begins as Milan's bright lights along fashion avenues turn into one sprawling highway. Mile after mile, there's a constant photo of clear blue skies and mixed-colored fields hugging the roadside. As you speed from Lombardy to Emilia-Romagna, hilltop villages sitting pretty in the distance offer a subtle yet noticeable change in the shifting landscape. Then, the distinctive softly flowing mounds and towering cypress trees lining dirt-back roads turn your photo collection into an oil painting.
With a private door-to-door car service, you'll wind through the maze-like streets of Florence before arriving at your new address in town. To uncover how you can arrive in style along this sophisticated voyage, we created an extensive Milan to Florence handbook with tips, tricks, and ways to travel from one city to the next!
About Florence
After a stunning car trip from Milan to Florence, you'll have entered the eighth-largest city in Italy. Yet, the Tuscan capital is the most populous in the nationโs most renowned region, home to over 380,000 residents, 15,000 of whom are foreign students, giving it its lively and diverse energy.
Florence sits on the thigh of Italy's boot-shaped peninsula. The gushing waters of the Arno River split the city in two, and the surrounding green Apennines Mountain Range allowed locals to excel for centuries.
### Early Florence
Florence's prosperous past began in the 1st century BC when Julius Caesar founded the town due to its strategic position. Its positioning was so ideal that the Roman army named the city Florentia, transitioning to flourishing.
Through the Roman Empire and the Middle Ages, life continued to thrive. In the 11th century, the region became a city-state government under the republic. By the 14th century, Florence had become the financing pioneer with the help of the foundation of Europe's most respectable bank, the Medici Bank.
### Renaissance Florence
The Renaissance was by far the most vital period in Florence's history. It was the beating heart of cultural activity from the 14th to the 16th centuries. Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli resided in the city and helped transform the area into stunning murals, out-of-this-world paintings, and statues built with modern-day techniques.
The cityscape also hit new heights during this timeframe. New buildings were constructed in the beautiful Renaissance style, and previous homes were designed to fit the area's new glamorous setting. However, the city's most notable change was the addition of Florence Cathedral's iconic dome, built over the course of 16 years.
### Modern Florence
Florence is a perfectly balanced blend of history and contemporary. Many buildings date back hundreds of years, and ancient landmarks litter the city. Endless long-running family restaurants stick by closely guarded recipes, and the bars retain their traditional settings, serving local brews and national-favored drinks.
Florence also focuses on sustainability initiatives. Due to EU funding and the โฌ3 billion it inherits from tourism annually, many efforts have been made to preserve parks, improve local amenities, and develop transportation networks.
- Language: Italian
- Currency: Euro
- Climate: Mediterranean
- Time zone: GMT+1
- Plug type: C, F, and L
- Peak tourist season: mid-June to early September
From Milan to Florence: Travel Tips
The majority of travelers know that driving from Milan to Florence is a once-in-a-lifetime road trip. But only a few know the insider tips and tricks that can help create an unforgettable experience!
Relax and Enjoy the Journey
This is not an everyday drive from A to B. Scenic natural wonders scatter themselves throughout the landscape, and historical relics dating back thousands of years wait for you to uncover them.
So, have your camera fully charged and ready to snap up photos of the vistas speeding past your window. Also, take the opportunity to step into the stunning pictures at Monte Sole Historical Park or the breathtaking Torrechiara Castle with enriching sightseeing stops.
### Timing Is Key
If you're taking a bus or train from Milan to Florence, check the timetable and buy transportation tickets at least 30 days in advance. Seats can be sold out at your preferred time and will cost double, if not triple, by waiting until the last minute.
In addition, consider timing when traveling. You could add an hour or more to your trip by arriving during Florence's peak traffic hours of 8 to 10 a.m. and 5 to 8 p.m.
### Research Florence
Florence and Milan are close on the map but have different cities and cultures. The best way to dive into Florence's unique ways of life is by opting for a service like Daytrip. Our English-speaking drivers have in-depth knowledge of the best bars, cafes, and hidden gems you won't find on tourist blogs.
Pack a pocket travel guide if you book public transportation. You can find helpful tips, basic phrases, and tipping culture before you arrive in town.
How to Get From Milan to Florence
Considering itโs such an inspiring and sought-after journey, it's no wonder there are several ways how to get from Milan to Florence. Below, you'll uncover the best mode of transport for your budget, needs, and preferences!
Flight from Milan to Florence
As of 2024, there are no direct flights from Milan to Florence. As a result, flying is the least popular way to travel.
However, ITA Airways offers numerous connecting flights between the two cities for โฌ153. The entire trip will take between 3 and 4 hours, with a transfer at Rome Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport. But that doesn't include time to get to the airport and wait for security checks in Milan.
### Train from Milan to Florence
It's no secret that train journeys are romantic and filled with a sense of adventure. And it's even more prominent on this ride, weaving through hilly terrain and sprawling vineyards.
Unsurprisingly, the train is the most popular mode of transportation from Milan to Florence. Although it's not the cheapest way to travel, it is a fast and budget-friendly service frequently used by locals and those exploring the continent with Interrail.
Some helpful features to know before purchasing a ticket are:
- Shortest journey time: 1 hour, 42 minutes
- Average journey time: 2 hours, 12 minutes
- Lowest ticket price: โฌ14
- Average ticket price: โฌ26
- Number of daily trains: 53
### Bus from Milan to Florence
If you're traveling Europe on a budget, the bus is the best mode of transportation for you. It's the cheapest way to get from Milan to Florence, with Flixbus offering rock-bottom prices at just โฌ3.49 one way. But as the saying goes, you get what you pay for.
Most bus providers stop at inconvenient locations outside the city center to save money and maintain cheap ticket fares. For instance, Milan San Donato station and Florence Villa Constanza are both almost a 30-minute drive from downtown areas.
Additionally, public transport isn't available if you arrive at night. So you might have to splash out on a taxi when you get to Florence.
### Daytrip Private Car from Milan to Florence
Imagine a transportation service where the only work you've got to overcome is setting your desired departure time and date. You don't have to reach a designated departure station, worry about missing your carriage, or struggle carrying heavy luggage.
Well, a private car ride Daytrip can make this dream a reality!
Your professional driver will collect you whenever and wherever you please. They'll even handle your bags and have a clean vehicle ready if you're traveling with children, pets, or those with reduced mobility.
If a relaxing cruise in a private car through Italy's scenic heartland isn't enough, Daytrip lets you take advantage of unique sightseeing options. En route, you can stop to marvel at the Pavia Monastery, learn about speed in the home of Ferrari, or wander the Rocchetta Mattei Castle!
Things to Do When You Get to Florence
Florence's combination of over 2000 years of history, four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and 30% of the world's most important artwork make it a fairground for tourists. To experience the best of the city, put these unmissable things to do when you get to Florence on your itinerary!
Visit the Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most famous art museums in the world, giving the iconic Louvre Museum a run for its money. The gallery houses an extraordinary collection of works from the 13th to the 20th centuries. However, its Renaissance masterpieces are what most visitors come to marvel at.
You can admire works by iconic artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Botticelli, and Caravaggio. But remember to book tickets in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, to avoid long lines.
### Get Lost in Boboli Gardens
This urban oasis, a hop, skip, and jump from the bustling lanes of downtown Florence, is the ideal spot to take a break from sightseeing.
The sound of the flowing waters and birds chirping in the distance, combined with the smell of fresh air and blooming flowers, will help you get into the vacation spirit. Boboli Gardens are so beautiful that they were the inspiration for many grand parks along the continent.
### Climb the Duomo Dome
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Italy is truly magnificent. Its construction started in the 1290s, and once completed, it became one of the largest Catholic cathedrals in the world, measuring 160 meters in length and 43 meters in width.
The only way to truly appreciate its size is by climbing almost 500 steps to the top of the Duomo Dome. As a reward for your effort, you'll be presented with stunning views over the cityscape and surrounding countryside.
### Stroll Across Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio is one of the most unique bridges you'll ever witness. From afar, homes appear to be hovering over the gushing waters below. But on closer inspection, you'll see that stores are clinging to the bridge.
Of course, it's free to visit, but you might want to have some cash ready. Endless souvenir stores are here waiting for you to pick up a memory of this remarkable experience. If you come at night, the setting comes to life with bright lights, highlighting its pastel shades.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Florence?
If you're fortunate enough to travel from Milan to Florence, don't pass up the opportunity at any point of the year. But if you have the luxury of deciding when to visit, come during the shoulder seasons of spring or fall. Florence has Europe's second-highest number of tourists per resident, so summers are often overcrowded.
From the end of March to the middle of May, you'll still receive gorgeous sunshine and the freedom to roam the narrow paths and enjoy a coffee on the terrace. Festivals and events are abundant during this time, including the Gelato Festival and Liberation Day!
Fall is the second shoulder season of the year. The end of September to the beginning of November is the best time to visit if you want value for money. Airlines and hotels offer attractive deals to fill rooms before the low season. And although temperatures start to cool, you can still spend the entire day outdoors.
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Pavia Monastery
One of the largest and most ornate monastic complexes in Italy, this stunning compound was designed by the architects responsible for Milan's cathedral.ย A Most Marvelous Transitionย
Torrechiara Castle
Situated on a high hill overlooking the Parma valley lies the Torrechiara Castle. The fortress is one of the best preserved fortifications in the whole region.ย Premium Parmaย
Palazzo Ducale
A team of artists was brought in to create one of Italyโs most decadent pleasure palaces, known locally as โDeliziaโ, or โDelightโ.ย Palace of Delightsย
Ferrari Museum Maranello
Discover the true history behind the prestigious Ferrari brand as you tour the factory and discover the technology behind the beast at the museum in Maranello.ย The Story Behind the Legendย
Monte Sole Historical Park
The Regional Park of Monte Sole offers more than just great hiking trails and and stunning views. It also provides an insight into one of WWII's darkest moments.ย A Place of Remembranceย
Rocchetta Mattei Castle๏ปฟ
The Rocchetta Mattei is a unique castle with beautiful sculptures and a fusion of Gothic and Moorish architectural styles.ย A Fusion of Stylesย
