A Frecciarossa 1000

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This page explains how to travel by train from Florence to other cities all over Europe, and how to buy tickets the cheapest way.  Information current for 2024.

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Take a moment to read these tips for buying European train tickets.  It answers all the usual questions, "Do I need to book in advance or can I buy at the station?", "Can I stop off?", "Are there Senior fares?" and that old favourite, "Should I buy an $800 railpass or a €35 point-to-point ticket?".  How far ahead can you buy train tickets?

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What to do when things go wrong...

Which station in Florence?

The main station in the city centre is Firenze Santa Maria Novella, usually abbreviated to SMN.  It's a terminus, with easy level access between street, concourse and all platforms so no problem with luggage. To save reversing in the SMN terminus, some trains by-pass Florence SMN calling at Firenze Campo di Marte which is a taxi ride away, just on the edge of the city centre.  In the text below Florence means Firenze SMN unless it says otherwise.  A third station, Firenze Rifredi, is also not as central as SMN.  See map of Florence showing stationsFlorence Santa Maria Novella station guide.


Florence to other Italian towns & cities from €9.90, www.italiarail.com
Florence to Rome, Naples, Milan, Turin & Venice
Florence to Pisa
2nd class seats on a regional train from Florence to Pisa   Regional train from Florence to Pisa

Trains of this type link Florence with Pisa & Livorno.

Florence to Siena
2nd class seats on a regional train from Florence to Pisa   Regional train from Florence to Pisa

Trains of this type link Florence with Siena.

Florence to Lucca
Double deck Vivalto regional train   Double deck Vivalto regional train

Vivalto double-deck regional train, used from Florence to Lucca and some services from Florence to Pisa.

Florence to Pompeii, Sorrento, Amalfi
Florence to Palermo, Catania, Siracuse & Sicily

Option 1, Florence to Sicily by daytime trains - an epic ride

Option 2, Florence to Sicily by an overnight sleeper - the time-effective option

Intercity train to Sicily on board the ferry

Train on a ferry! A Rome-Sicily train on board the train ferry on the Straits of Messina.  Courtesy Discoverbyrail.com.

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Florence to London from €105

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Florence to Paris from €48.90

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Florence to Lyon from €54.90
Paris to Florence by Frecciarossa: A Frecciarossa 1000 at Milan Centrale

Milan to Lyon by Frecciarossa:  A Frecciarossa 1000 at Milan Centrale.  Interior photos courtesy of Nicholas Brooke.

Frecciarossa 1000 standard class   Frecciarossa 1000 Premium class seats

Standard class, with seats arranged 2+2 across the car width.  Larger photo.

 

Premium class, identical to Standard but in leather.  Sold as Standard on this route.  Larger photo.

Frecciarossa 1000 Business class seats   At-seat meal on Frecciarossa 1000

Business class seats 1+2 across car width, with tables for 2, tables for 4 & complimentary prosecco. Larger photo.

 

In business class you can order a simple meal at your seat, around €18.

Frecciarossa 1000 executive class   Frecciarossa executive meeting room

Executive class at one end of the train Larger photo.

 

The Executive class meeting room.  Larger photo.

Scenery in Italy, en route from Paris to Florence by train

Take a good book, a bottle o' red, and enjoy the scenery from Milan to Lyon with your feet up.  These are mountains in Italy, between Turin and Lyon, courtesy of www.discoverbyrail.com.

Scenery in France, en route from Paris to Florence by train

And these are mountains in France.

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Florence to Nice, Cannes, Monte Carlo
Frecciarossa 1000 at Roma Termini

Step 1, take a high-speed Frecciarossa from Florence to Milan in 1h55 at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  This is a Frecciarossa 1000 at Rome TerminiMore about Frecciarossas & their 4 classes.  Click the images below for larger photos.

Frecciarossa 1000 standard class   Frecciarossa 1000 premium class

Standard class, 2+2 across width.

 

Premium class, 2+2 across width.

Frecciarossa 1000 Business class   Frecciarossa 1000 executive class

Business class, 1+2 across car width.

 

Executive class, with food & drink included.

Italian InterCity train

Step 2, take an Intercity train from Milan to Ventimiglia.  Above, an Intercity train at Milan Centrale.

2nd class   1st class

2nd class.  Larger photo.

 

1st class.  Larger photo.

TER train at Juans-les-Pins station

Step 3, take a TER local train from Ventimiglia to Monaco, Nice & Cannes.  Ventimiglia to Nice takes an hour along the coast.  Here, a TER rolls into Juan les Pins station, between Nice & Cannes.

Coastal scenery between Nice & Ventimiglia

Coastal scenery from the upper deck of the TER from Ventimiglia to Nice & Cannes.

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Florence to Brussels & Bruges from €57.80

Option 1, Florence to Brussels using the Florence-Munich Nightjet sleeper - a comfortable & time-effective option

The Nightjet sleeper from Munich to Rome

Step 1, Florence to Munich by Nightjet sleeper trainMore about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, soap & towels provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

   

Nightjet couchette car.

 

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

ICE3M to Cologne & Frankfurt, boarding at Brussels Midi

Step 2, Munich to Brussels by ICE with one easy change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.  ICEs have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Above, an ICE3M at Brussels MidiMore about ICE trains.

2nd class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train   1st class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

2nd class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

 

1st class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

Erdinger Weissbier on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE train   Restaurant car on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

Proper china, metal cutlery.  I recommend the Erdinger Weissbier!  See current month's menu.

 

Restaurant car:  This is the small 12-seat restaurant area on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

Option 2, Florence to Brussels with an overnight stop in Lyon - easy & time-effective

Paris to Florence by Frecciarossa: A Frecciarossa 1000 at Milan Centrale

Milan to Lyon by Frecciarossa:  A Frecciarossa 1000 at Milan Centrale.  Interior photos courtesy of Nicholas Brooke.

Frecciarossa 1000 standard class   Frecciarossa 1000 Premium class seats

Standard class, with seats arranged 2+2 across the car width.  Larger photo.

 

Premium class, identical to Standard but in leather.  Sold as Standard on this route.  Larger photo.

Frecciarossa 1000 Business class seats   At-seat meal on Frecciarossa 1000

Business class seats 1+2 across car width, with tables for 2, tables for 4 & complimentary prosecco. Larger photo.

 

In business class you can order a simple meal at your seat, around €18.

Frecciarossa 1000 executive class   Frecciarossa executive meeting room

Executive class at one end of the train Larger photo.

 

The Executive class meeting room.  Larger photo.

Scenery in Italy, en route from Paris to Florence by train

Take a good book, a bottle o' red, and enjoy the scenery from Milan to Lyon with your feet up.  These are mountains in Italy, between Turin and Lyon, courtesy of www.discoverbyrail.com.

Scenery in France, en route from Paris to Florence by train

And these are mountains in France.

Option 3, Florence to Brussels with an overnight stop in Turin

Option 4, Florence to Brussels by day trains with overnight stop in Munich - avoids crossing Paris

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Florence to Amsterdam from €64

Option 1, Florence to Amsterdam in a single day - daily except Saturdays

Incredibly, it's possible to get from Florence to Amsterdam in a single day using high-quality high-speed trains with some wonderful views of Italian & Swiss lakes.  It's a long day, however, so consider using a sleeper (option 2) or breaking up the journey with an overnight stop at Zurich or Munich (options 3 & 4).  But here's how to cross Europe in comfort by train in a single day.

ETR610 EuroCity train at Frankfurt Hbf

The Milan-Frankfurt train at Frankfurt Hbf.  There's a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Photo courtesy of @Nordkommission.

Frecciargento train 2nd class seats   Frecciargento train 1st class seats

2nd class on a Trenitalia ETR610.

 

1st class on a Trenitalia ETR610.

Lake Maggiore, seen from the train

Lake Maggiore, seen over lunch in the restaurant car.

Option 2, Florence to Amsterdam using the Zurich-Amsterdam Nightjet sleeper - scenic & time-effective

Giruno train

Steps 1 & 2, travel from Florence to Milan by high-speed train & Milan to Zurich by EuroCity train.  Above, a Milan-Zurich EuroCity is seen at Bellinzona.  The train passes through the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world's longest rail tunnel, though the transit takes just 20 minutes.

1st class on Giruno   Restaurant car on Giruno

Giruno, 1st class.  Larger photo.

 

Restaurant car with bar counter. Larger photo.

2nd class on Giruna   Bar counter in the restaurant car

Giruno 2nd class.  Larger photo

 

Level boarding. Note the destination screen in the door. 

Lake Lugano, seen from a Milan to Zurich train

Lake Lugano, seen from the Milan-Zurich EuroCity train on the Gotthard route.

AB33 sleeping-car on the Amsterdam-Zurich Nightjet train

Step 3, Zurich to Amsterdam by Nightjet sleeper trainMore about NightjetsWatch the sleeper video.

Single-bed sleeper on Amsterdam-Zurich train   Single-bed sleeper on Amsterdam-Zurich train

Single-bed sleeper with washbasin.  Larger photo.

 

Breakfast next morning.  Larger photo.

Couchette compartment on Amsterdam to Switzerland Nightjet train   Couchette compartment on Amsterdam to Switzerland Nightjet train

4 or 6 berth couchette compartment.  Larger photo.

 

Couchette car.

Option 3, Florence to Amsterdam using the Florence-Munich Nightjet sleeper train - a comfortable and time-effective option

The Nightjet sleeper from Munich to Amsterdam

Step 1, Florence to Munich by Nightjet sleeper trainMore about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, soap & towels provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

   

Nightjet couchette car.

 

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

ICE3 at Amsterdam Centraal

Step 2, Munich to Amsterdam by ICE with one easy change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.  ICEs have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Above, an ICE3M at Amsterdam CentraalMore about ICE trains.

2nd class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train   1st class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

2nd class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

 

1st class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

Erdinger Weissbier on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE train   Restaurant car on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

Proper china, metal cutlery.  I recommend the Erdinger Weissbier!  See current month's menu.

 

Restaurant car:  This is the small 12-seat restaurant area on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

Option 4, Florence to Amsterdam with overnight stop in Zurich - if you prefer day trains & a hotel to sleepers

Option 5, Florence to Amsterdam with overnight stop in Munich - Another option if you prefer day trains to sleepers

EuroCity train from Munich to Innsbruck & beyond

A EuroCity train at Munich Hbf.  More about these Austrian EuroCity trains.

2nd class seats in an open-plan car   Austrian first class seats

2nd class seats, some in open-plan saloons like this, some in 6-seat compartments.

 

1st class leather seats.  You'll also find seats in classic 6-seat compartments.

Hilltop fortresses seen from the Brenner Pass train

Watch out for hilltop fortresses.

Scenery (and vineyards!) on the Brenner route   Scenery on the Brenner route

Vineyards, mountains and castles south of Brenner as the train heads from Verona to Innsbruck.

Mountains on the Brenner route.  See the Brenner Pass scenery video here.

Option 6, Florence to Amsterdam with an overnight stop in Paris

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Florence to Luxembourg

Option 1, Florence to Luxembourg using the Florence-Munich Nightjet sleeper train

The Nightjet sleeper from Munich to Rome

Florence to Munich by Nightjet sleeper trainMore about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, soap & towels provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

   

Nightjet couchette car.

 

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

Option 2, Florence to Luxembourg with overnight stop in Zurich

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Florence to Geneva, Zurich, Luzern, Basel & Switzerland from €49

Choose between fast, comfortable & scenic (option 1, using mainline trains) and slow, comfortable, fabulous world-class highlight-of-your-trip scenic (option 2, via the Bernina Express).

Option 1, Florence to Switzerland by high-speed train

ETR610 EuroCity train at Milan Centrale

A EuroCity train to Switzerland at Milan CentraleMore about these EuroCity trains.

1st class on an Astoro train   Restaurant car on an Astoro train

1st class seats.  Larger photo.

 

Restaurant car.  Larger photo.

Lunch on an ETR610 train   1st class seats on an Astoro train

Lunch in the restaurant car.

 

2nd class.  Larger photo 360 degree photo.

Lake Maggiore, seen from the train

This is Lake Maggiore, seen from the restaurant car of the 11:25 Milan to Basel EuroCity train over an excellent lunch of salmon tagliatelle & excellent Swiss red wine.

Sion castle, see from the train to Venice

Sion castle, as seen from a Milan to Geneva train.  This route train passes through the famous Simplon Tunnel, opened in 1906, on the very route used by the celebrated Simplon Orient Express of Agatha Christie fame.

Lake Lugano, seen from a Milan to Zurich train

This is Lake Lugano, seen from a Milan-Zurich EuroCity train.

Option 2, Florence to St Moritz, Chur & Zurich via the scenic narrow-gauge Bernina route

First class seats   Bernina Express panormaic cars

Bernina Express 1st class seats.

 

the Bernina Express uses panoramic carriages.

The train descends from the Bernina Pass

The Bernina Express descends from the Bernina Pass.

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Florence to Barcelona, Madrid & Spain from €89

Option 1, Florence to Barcelona & Spain via Lyon - the easiest & usually cheapest option

Option 2, Florence to Barcelona & Spain with overnight stop in Marseille

Italian InterCity train

Step 1 & 2, take a Frecciarossa from Florence to Milan and an Intercity train from Milan to Ventimiglia.  Above, an Intercity train is seen at the magnificent Milan Centrale.

2nd class   1st class

2nd class.  Larger photo.

 

1st class.  Larger photo.

TER train at Juans-les-Pins station

Step 3 & 4, take a TER local train from Ventimiglia to Nice, then a TGV from Nice to Marseille.  Here, a TER rolls into Juan les Pins station, between Nice & Cannes.

Coastal scenery between Nice & Ventimiglia

Coastal scenery from the upper deck of the TER from Ventimiglia to Nice & Cannes.

AVE from Barcelona to Lyon   2nd class seats on an AVE S100

Step 5, Marseille to Barcelona by S100 AVE, seen here at Barcelona Sants.

 

2nd class seats, all with power sockets & free WiFi. Panorama photo of 2nd class.

1st class seats on the Barcelona to Lyon AVE train   The cafe-bar on an S100 AVE

1st class seats on an S100 AVE, all with power sockets.  Panorama photo of 1st class.

Cafe-bar on an S100 AVE serving tea, coffee, beer, wine, soft drinks, snacks & hot dishes.

Mt Canigou in the Pyrenees

Mt Canigou & the Pyrenees.  One of the highest peaks in the mighty Pyrenees, the 2,784m (9,137 feet) high Mt Canigou dominates the skyline on the right all the way from Girona to Perpignan, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canigou.

Option 3, Florence to Barcelona & Spain with overnight stop in Geneva

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Florence to Lisbon & Portugal

Option 1, Florence to Lisbon via Madrid

Option 2, Florence to Faro & the Algarve using a bus from Seville

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Florence to Andorra

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Florence to Munich, Frankfurt, Berlin & Germany

Option 1, Florence to Munich by Nightjet sleeper train & onwards train to Frankfurt, Hamburg, Berlin or anywhere in Germany - the time-effective option

The Nightjet sleeper from Munich to Rome

Florence to Munich by Nightjet sleeper trainMore about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, soap & towels provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

   

Nightjet couchette car.

 

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

Option 2, Florence to Berlin using the Zurich-Berlin sleeper

Option 3, Florence to Hamburg using the Zurich-Hamburg sleeper

Option 4, Florence to Munich & Germany via the Brenner route - a scenic daytime option

EuroCity train from Munich to Innsbruck & beyond

A EuroCity train at Munich Hbf.  More about these Austrian EuroCity trains.

2nd class seats in an open-plan car   Austrian first class seats

2nd class seats, some in open-plan saloons like this, some in 6-seat compartments.

 

1st class leather seats.  You'll also find seats in classic 6-seat compartments.

Hilltop fortresses seen from the Brenner Pass train

Watch out for hilltop fortresses.

Scenery (and vineyards!) on the Brenner route   Scenery on the Brenner route

Vineyards, mountains and castles south of Brenner as the train heads for Trento & Verona.

Mountains on the Brenner route.  See the Brenner Pass scenery video here.

Option 5, Florence to Frankfurt & Germany via the Gotthard route - another scenic daytime option

ETR610 EuroCity train at Milan Centrale

An ETR610 at Milan Centrale, as used on the direct Milan-Frankfurt EuroCity train.  More about these EuroCity trains.

1st class on an Astoro train   Restaurant car on an Astoro train

1st class seats.  Larger photo.

 

Restaurant car.  Larger photo.

Lunch on an ETR610 train   1st class seats on an Astoro train

Lunch in the restaurant car.

 

2nd class.  Larger photo 360 degree photo.

Lake Maggiore, seen from the train

Lake Maggiore, seen over lunch in the restaurant car.

Option 6, Florence to anywhere in Germany with overnight stop in Munich

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Florence to Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck & Austria from €59

Option 1, Florence to Salzburg & Vienna by Nightjet sleeper train - the time-effective option

The Nightjet sleeper at Vienna

The Nightjet sleeper at Vienna HbfMore about Nightjet trains.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, soap & towels provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Couchette car on the Nightjet sleeper train.

Option 2, Florence to Salzburg or Vienna by daytime trains - a scenic daytime option with lunch in Venice

A railjet train about to leave Vienna

A Venice-Vienna railjet at Venice Santa LuciaMore about Venice-Vienna railjets.

Railjet restaurant car   Business class seats on a railjet train

Restaurant.  In 1st & business you're served at your seat.

 

Business class.  About business class.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy class.

The railjet travels over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  See the Vienna to Venice page for more information, photos & video.

Option 3, Florence to Innsbruck, Salzburg or Vienna in a day via the Brenner Pass - another scenic daytime option

EuroCity train from Munich to Innsbruck & beyond

A EuroCity train at Munich Hbf.  More about these Austrian EuroCity trains.

2nd class seats in an open-plan car   Austrian first class seats

2nd class seats, some in open-plan saloons like this, some in 6-seat compartments.

 

1st class leather seats.  You'll also find seats in classic 6-seat compartments.

Hilltop fortresses seen from the Brenner Pass train

Watch out for hilltop fortresses.

Scenery (and vineyards!) on the Brenner route   Scenery on the Brenner route

Vineyards, mountains and castles south of Brenner as the train heads for Trento & Verona.

Mountains on the Brenner route.  See the Brenner Pass scenery video here.

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Florence to Copenhagen, Gothenburg & Stockholm

Option 1, Florence to Copenhagen, Gothenburg & Stockholm using the Zurich-Hamburg sleeper

Double-deck sleeping-car on a Nightjet at Zurich

Zurich to Hamburg by Nightjet.  This is a double-deck sleeping-car at Zurich HB. Courtesy of DiscoverbyRail.com.

   

2-berth sleeper on lower deck.

 

Stairs down to pair of lower compartments.

 

1 or 2-bed sleeper on lower deck with washbasin, viewed through window.  Set up as 1-bed.  Note how compact the compartment is.

    4-berth couchette on Nightjet train

Nightjet couchette car.

 

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

Hamburg-Copenhagen train at Copenhagen

Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train.  From June 2023, these trains are temporarily being operated by former German Railways intercity cars and a Danish electric locomotive, until new trains being built by Talgo arrive in 2024.  The current trains have 1st & 2nd class, power sockets at seats, but no catering so bring your own food & drink.  More about the Hamburg-Copenhagen journey.

2nd clas seats on a DB Intercity train

2nd class seats are almost all open-plan like this.  There are a handful of 6-seat 2nd class compartments in one of the coaches, but only a few.

1st class comparment on a Berlin to Amsterdam train   1st class 6-seat compartment on a Berlin to Amsterdam train

The 1st class car has 6-seater compartments like this. Larger photo Larger photo.

An X2000 train at Stockholm Central

Copenhagen to Stockholm by tilting 200km/h X2000, seen at Stockholm CentralMore about X2000 trains.

1st class seats on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train 2nd class seats on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train

1st class on an X2000.  Larger photo.

 

2nd class on an X2000.  Larger photo.

Bistro seating area on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train   Bistro seating area on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train

Bistro seating on an X2000 train. Larger photo.

 

Bistro on an X2000 train. Larger photo.

On the Oresund link!

Crossing the impressive Φresund bridge from Denmark to Sweden.

Option 2, Florence to Copenhagen, Gothenburg & Stockholm using the Florence-Munich sleeper

The Nightjet sleeper from Munich to Rome

Florence to Munich by Nightjet sleeper trainMore about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, soap & towels provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

   

Nightjet couchette car.

 

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

Option 3, Florence to Copenhagen, Gothenburg & Stockholm by daytime trains with overnight stops in Munich & Copenhagen

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Florence to Oslo & Norway

Option 1, Florence to Oslo via Munich & Copenhagen - by train all the way

Option 2, Florence to Oslo via the Kiel-Oslo cruise ferry - the most luxurious way to Norway

Double-deck sleeping-car on a Nightjet at Zurich

Zurich to Hamburg by Nightjet.  This is a double-deck sleeping-car at Zurich HB. Courtesy of DiscoverbyRail.com.

   

2-berth sleeper on lower deck.

 

Stairs down to pair of lower compartments.

 

1 or 2-bed sleeper on lower deck with washbasin, viewed through window.  Set up as 1-bed.  Note how compact the compartment is.

    4-berth couchette on Nightjet train

Nightjet couchette car.

 

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

Germany to Oslo Color Line ferry at Kiel

Kiel to Oslo by cruise ferry.  This photo is taken from the exit of Kiel station, so you can see how close the ferry is.  It's a 5-6 minute walk across the harbour, with a street lift up to a connecting walkway which takes you to the ferry terminal. If you have reserved one of what Color Line call their "5 star suites", check in at the desk rather than the machines and you'll be directed to a special lounge to wait with free tea, coffee, juice, snacks & WiFi.  You'll also have priority boarding of the ship.  Photos courtesy of Andrew Leo.

Boarding the ferry in Kiel

Boarding the Color Line ferry to Oslo in Kiel.

Kiel to Oslo ferry, Color Class suite   Kiel to Oslo ferry, restaurant

A 5 Star Suite on the ferry.

 

More cruise liner than ferry!  The restaurant.

View from Color Line ferry to Oslo

Wake up to this...

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Florence to Helsinki & Finland

Option 1, Florence to Helsinki using the Finnlines ferry from Germany - the easiest option

Finnlines ferry Travemunde-Helsinki

Finnlines operate the Finnstar, Finnmaid & Finnlady on the Travemόnde-Helsinki route.  Photo courtesy of Hubert Bartkowiak.  Photos below courtesy of Chris Russell.

Cabin on Finnlines ferry Travemunde-Helsinki   Gym on Finnlines ferry   Sauna on Finnlines ferry

Standard cabin.  Larger photo.

 

Gym with a view.

 

Sauna.

Option 2, Florence to Helsinki by train to Stockholm then ferry

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Florence to Prague from €68

Option 1, Florence to Prague overnight via Vienna - comfortable, safe, time-effective, with a chance to see Vienna on the way

The Nightjet sleeper at Vienna

Step 1, Florence to Vienna by Nightjet sleeper trainMore about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, soap & towels provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Couchette car on the Nightjet sleeper train.

Czech Railjet train to Vienna at Prague Hlavni station

Step 2, Vienna to Prague by railjet, with economy, first & business class, restaurant car, free WiFi and draught beer on tap.  More about Vienna-Prague railjets.

Economy seats on a Prague to Vienna Railjet train   1st class seats on a Czech Railjet train

Economy (2nd) class.  Mainly unidirectional seating but with some tables for 4.  All seats have power sockets & free WiFi.  Larger photo.

 

First class.  Mainly unidirectional, with some tables for 2 & tables for 4.  Larger photo

Restaurant car on a Prague-Vienna railjet train   Business class on a Czech railjet train

Restaurant car for snacks, meals, beer, wine, tea & coffee.  You don't need to reserve, just turn up & sit down.  There's waiter-service at tables or order at the counter & take back to your seat.  Larger photo.

 

Business class = premium 1st class.  Just 6 seats at one end of the 1st class car.  Same seats but very different layout from business class on Austrian railjetLarger photo.

Option 2, Florence to Prague or Cesky Krumlov via Zurich - another comfortable, safe & time-effective option

EuroCity train from Zurich to Milan at Zurich HB

Milan to Zurich by EuroCity trainMore about these EuroCity trains.

1st class on Giruno   Restaurant car on Giruno

Giruno, 1st class.  Larger photo.

 

Restaurant car with bar counter. Larger photo.

2nd class on Giruna   Bar counter in the restaurant car

Giruno 2nd class.  Larger photo

 

Level boarding. Note the destination screen in the door. 

Lake Lugano, seen from a Milan to Zurich train

This is Lake Lugano, seen from a Milan-Zurich EuroCity train.

The Zurich to Prague sleeping car boarding at Zurich HB

Zurich to Prague by sleeping-car, seen here at Zurich HB More about this sleeper.

City Night Line standard (economy) sleeper   City Night Line standard (economy) sleeper in day mode   City Night Line deluxe sleeper, private toilet & shower   Comfortline sleeper corridor

Standard sleeper set up as a 2-berth, with blind down & washstand open.  Each room can be used with 1, 2 or 3 beds.

 

Same sleeper with berths folded away & seats out, washstand closed.  Very similar to a deluxe, but without shower & toilet.

 

Deluxe sleepers are similar to standard ones, with a bit more floorspace & compact shower & toilet instead of washstand.

 

Just like a hotel, the corridor in a Comfortline sleeping-car.  There's a shower at end of the corridor for standard sleeper passengers.

Option 3, Florence to Prague with overnight stop in Venice - if you prefer day trains & hotel to sleepers

A railjet train about to leave Vienna

A Venice-Vienna railjet, at Venice Santa LuciaMore about Venice-Vienna railjets.

Railjet restaurant car   Business class seats on a railjet train

Restaurant.  In 1st & business you're served at your seat.

 

Business class.  About business class.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy class.

The railjet travels over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  See the Vienna to Venice page for more information, photos & video.

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Florence to Bratislava & Slovakia from €64

Option 1, Florence to Bratislava using the Florence-Vienna sleeper - safe, comfortable, time-effective

The Nightjet sleeper at Vienna

Step 1, Florence to Vienna by Nightjet sleeper trainMore about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, soap & towels provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Couchette car on the Nightjet sleeper train.

The train from Vienna to Bratislava...   Inside the hourly train from Vienna to Bratislava...

Step 2, Vienna to Bratislava by hourly Regional Express train, seen about to leave Vienna Hbf.  Behind the locomotive is a smart Slovakian air-conditioned intercity coach, whilst the rest of the train consists of more basic non-air-con Austrian City Shuttle carriages, with interiors as shown in the photo above right.  Find a seat in the more comfortable Slovakian car if you can!

Option 2, Florence to Bratislava with overnight stop in Venice - if you prefer day trains & hotel to sleepers

A railjet train about to leave Vienna

Venice to Vienna by railjet, seen at Venice Santa LuciaMore about Venice-Vienna railjets.

Railjet restaurant car   Business class seats on a railjet train

Restaurant.  In 1st & business you're served at your seat.

 

Business class.  About business class.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy class.

The railjet travels over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  See the Vienna to Venice page for more information, photos & video.

The train from Vienna to Bratislava...   Inside the hourly train from Vienna to Bratislava...

Vienna to Bratislava by hourly Regional Express train, seen about to leave Vienna Hbf.  Behind the locomotive is a smart Slovakian air-conditioned intercity coach, whilst the rest of the train consists of more basic non-air-con Austrian City Shuttle carriages, with interiors as shown in the photo above right.  Find a seat in the more comfortable Slovakian car if you can!

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Florence to Budapest from €68

Option 1, Florence to Budapest using the Florence-Vienna sleeper - safe, comfortable, time-effective

The Nightjet sleeper at Vienna

Step 1, Florence to Vienna by Nightjet sleeper trainMore about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, soap & towels provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Couchette car on the Nightjet sleeper train.

EuroCity train from Vienna to Budapest, at Budapest Keleti

Step 2, Vienna to Budapest by Hungarian EuroCity train.

1st class seats on a Hungarian EuroCity train   2nd class seats on a Hungarian EuroCity train

1st class is usually in 6-seat compartments.  Larger photo.

 

2nd class, open-plan saloon type, modernised.  Larger photo.

Option 2, Florence to Budapest with overnight stop in Venice - if you prefer day trains & hotel to sleepers

A railjet train about to leave Vienna

A Venice-Vienna railjet, at Venice Santa LuciaMore about Venice-Vienna railjets.

  Premium class seats on the Munich-Vienna RailJet train   Railjet restaurant car

Frst class, with black leather seats.

 

Business classAbout.

 

Restaurant.

Railjet train at Vienna Hbf   Railjet train standard class

A railjet at the impressive modern Vienna Hbf.

 

Economy class.

The railjet travels over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  See the Vienna to Venice page for more information, photos & video.

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Florence to Bucharest, Brasov & Romania
2-berth sleeper on the Ister   The Ister at Bucharest Nord

A 1, 2 or 3-bed sleeper with washbasin.  Larger photo.

 

The sleeping-car (vagon de dormit) on the westbound Ister at Bucharest.  Sleepers convert from beds to private sitting rooms for day use.  Courtesy of DiscoverByRail.

Couchette car on the Ister EuroNight train from Budapest to Bucharest   Romanian couchette car from Vienna to Bucharest

The vagon cuseta (couchette car) on the westbound Ister, boarding at Bucharest.  Couchettes convert from bunks at night to seats by day.  Courtesy of @AndyBTravels, DiscoverByRail.com .

 

4 or 6-berth couchettes.  Larger photo.

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Florence to Ljubljana & Zagreb

Option 1, Florence to Ljubljana & Zagreb using the Florence-Austria Nightjet sleeper train - the most time-effective option.

Option 2, Florence to Ljubljana by daytime trains, overnight stop, on to Zagreb next day - the leisurely daytime option

Option 3, Florence to Ljubljana & Zagreb on the historic direct route through Trieste

Scenery between Trieste and Ljubljana

Looking back from the rear of the Austrian EuroCity train as it climbs out of Trieste.  Courtesy Helmut Uttenthaler.

Scenery between Trieste and Ljubljana

Scenery in Slovenia on the way from Trieste to Ljubljana.  More about Venice-Trieste-Ljubljana.

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Florence to Dubrovnik & Split

Option 1, Florence to Split & Dubrovnik via Zagreb - by train all the way

Option 2, Florence to Split & Dubrovnik by ferry from Ancona or Bari - more time-effective

Ancona to Split ferries in Split Harbour   Deluxe cabin onm Ancona to Split ferry

Blue Line & Jadrolinija ferries in Split Harbour.  Above right, a deluxe cabin on the Blue Line ferry, which comes complete with an en suite jacuzzi.  Courtesy of Andrew Leo.

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Florence to Belgrade

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Florence to Sofia

Option 1, Florence to Sofia via Budapest & Bucharest - currently the most viable option

Option 2, Florence to Sofia via Belgrade

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Florence to Bar, Budva, Kotor & Montenegro
Montenegro Lines ferry from Bar to Bari

The former Montenegro Lines ferry to Bari at Bar ferry terminal.

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Florence to Warsaw, Krakow & Poland

Option 1, Florence to Krakow & Warsaw using the Florence-Vienna sleeper

The Nightjet sleeper at Vienna

Step 1, Florence to Vienna by NightjetMore about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, soap & towels provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car.

The Danubius from Vienna to Krakow

Step 2, Vienna to Warsaw or Krakow by EuroCity train.  This is the Danubius to Krakow at Vienna Hbf on a winter afternoon.  That's the Czech through car to Wroclaw nearest the camera, the Polish cars to Krakow are ahead of it.  Courtesy of Helmut Uttenthaler.

2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train   2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

Most 2nd class cars have compartments like this with side corridor & 6-seat compartments.

Option 2, Florence to Krakow & Warsaw with overnight stop in Vienna

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Florence to Lviv, Kyiv, Moscow
The Vienna-Kiev sleeping-car at Vienna Hbf

The Vienna-Kyiv sleeping-car at Vienna Hbf.

Sleeper to Kiev about to leave Vienna   Ukrainian sleeper corridor   1, 2 or 3 bed Ukrainian sleeper compartment

The Vienna-Kyiv sleeper about to leave Vienna Hbf. Courtesy of Helmut Uttenthaler.

 

The sleeper corridor.  Courtesy Helmut Uttenthaler.

 

1, 2 or 3 bed sleeper compartment.

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Florence to Athens & Greece
Superfast ferry from Bari to Patras in Greece

The ferry Superfast II from Bari to Patras, boarding at Bari.  Courtesy of DiscoverByRail.com.

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Florence to Istanbul & Turkey

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Railbookers custom-made tours

If you just want to buy train tickets at the cheapest price, book online as shown on this page.  However, if you want someone to sort out your whole trip for you, arranging all your trains, hotels and transfers, and to look after you if anything affects your arrangements, talk to Railbookers.  Railbookers can tailor-make a train trip around Europe to your own specification.  Just tell them what you want and they'll advise you on the best trains, routes & hotels.  They get good reports and a lot of repeat business!  They now have offices in the UK, North America and Australia.

UK flag  UK call 0207 864 4600, www.railbookers.co.uk.

US flag  US call free 1-888-829-4775, see website.

Canadian flag  Canada call free 1-855-882-2910, see website.

Australian flag  Australia call toll-free 1300 971 526, see website.

New Zealand flag  New Zealand call toll-free 0800 000 554 or see website.

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Hotels in Florence

Hotels near Florence SMN

Find hotels at Booking.comMy favourite hotel search: www.booking.com

Booking.com is my favourite hotel booking site and I generally use it to book all my hotels in one place.  I've come to trust booking.com's review scores, you won't be disappointed with any hotel that scores 8.0 or more.  Crucially, booking.com usually lets you book with free cancellation, which means you can confirm accommodation risk-free before train booking opens and/or you can hold accommodation while you finalise your itinerary and alter your plans as they evolve - a feature I use all the time when planning a trip.  I never book hotels non-refundably!

Backpacker hostels

www.hostelworld.com:  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in most cities at rock-bottom prices.

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