If you’ve just landed at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport and want to head directly to Florence, the good news is that you can catch a train straight from the airport. But like most things in Italy, the options depend on timing, cost, and knowing the difference between the train companies and their services. Here’s everything retirees and independent travellers need to know—without overpaying or rushing.
Trenitalia vs. Italo: Who Runs the Trains?
Italy has two main players in high-speed rail:
- Trenitalia — the national railway company, part of the Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane group. They run high-speed trains under three names:
- Frecciarossa (Red Arrow): the fastest, sleekest, and most expensive option.
- Frecciargento (Silver Arrow): slightly slower than Frecciarossa, but still high-speed and very comfortable.
- Frecciabianca (White Arrow): used on routes where lines aren’t fully high-speed.
- Italo — a private company founded in 2012, operating only high-speed trains. It’s known for competitive fares, modern interiors, and frequent sales.
Both companies run trains between Rome and Florence. But only Trenitalia runs services from the airport itself.
Direct Airport Trains: The Frecciargento (Silver Arrow)
The most convenient choice is Trenitalia’s Frecciargento service, which runs direct from Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to Florence Santa Maria Novella (SMN).
- Departures from Fiumicino → Florence: 11:08 AM and 3:08 PM
- Departures from Florence → Fiumicino: 7:38 AM and 11:38 AM
- Travel Time: About 2 hours 15–24 minutes
- Cost: Around €26–38 ($28–41 USD)
The name Frecciargento translates to “Silver Arrow”, and it reflects the train’s speed—up to 250 km/h (155 mph). While not quite as fast as the Frecciarossa, it’s still much quicker than regional or intercity services and offers modern comfort.
The Transfer Option: More Flexible, Still Affordable
If the direct trains don’t match your flight schedule, the alternative is to transfer in Rome.
- Fiumicino → Rome Termini or Tiburtina
- Take the Leonardo Express (€14, ~32 minutes, non-stop to Termini).
- Or ride the FL1 commuter line (€8–10, ~45 minutes, multiple stops).
- Rome → Florence
- Catch a Frecciarossa (Red Arrow) or an Italo high-speed train.
- Fastest times: 1h 17–1h 30m.
- Advance fares: from €20–25.
Total travel time, including the change in Rome, is usually 2h 30m–2h 40m. This makes it only slightly longer than the direct Frecciargento, but with far more daily departures.
Comfort and Classes Onboard
- Trenitalia offers four classes: Standard, Premium, Business, and Executive. Even Standard is spacious and comfortable, but Business and Executive add leather seats, meal service, and lounge access.
- Italo has Smart, Prima, and Club levels. A small upgrade to Prima is often worth it for quieter cabins and complimentary snacks.
For budget slow travellers, sticking with Standard or Smart keeps costs low while still enjoying Italy’s modern high-speed trains.
Quick Comparison Table
Option | Direct? | Duration | Fare Range | Notes |
Frecciargento (Silver Arrow) | Yes | ~2h 15–24m | €26–38 | Only 2 trains per day |
Via Rome (Frecciarossa/Italo) | No | ~2h 30–40m | €30–40 | Dozens of departures daily |
Slow Travel Takeaway
- If your flight matches the direct Silver Arrow schedule, take it—it’s stress-free and scenic.
- If not, the transfer route via Rome is nearly as fast, gives you flexibility, and can be cheaper with advance booking.
- No matter which option you choose, you’ll enjoy a smooth ride that’s far more relaxing than renting a car or dealing with buses.
In the spirit of budget slow travel, remember: the journey itself is part of the experience. Watching Tuscany roll by from your train window is one of those travel moments you’ll never forget.
Budget Tip: Book early on Trenitalia or Italo for the lowest fares. Prices can jump quickly the closer you get to your travel date.