Private car transfer
from Milan to Florence

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!

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 €3 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

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.

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: €14
• Average ticket price: €26
• 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 €3.49 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!

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.

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.