What to expect when visiting Milan
Milan is Italy’s economic and design capital — the home of the stylish and the rich. Here is where luxury and art collide. It’s the country’s busiest and most vibrant city, but still charming with its few touches of the Old World.
The city boasts a massive collection of old and new art masterpieces and is home to Leonardo da Vinci’s most iconic work, the Last Supper. You’ll find jaw-dropping architecture everywhere you look in Milan — from its more recent skyscrapers to the age-old Milan Cathedral.
2 ways to get from Florence to Milan
There are two ways to travel the distance of 305 km (190 miles) from Florence to Milan: by bus (4-5 hours) and train (2-6.5 hours). The journey takes between 2h - 6h30m and the quickest way is by train. The lowest priced tickets start from €12 ($14) for the bus.Florence to Milan by Bus
Taking the bus is the cheapest way to travel from Florence to Milan. Although travel time takes longer than the high-speed train, buses are still faster than the regional trains. The journey normally takes between 4-5 hours, depending on the traffic.
There are 2 bus companies for this route: Itabus and FlixBus. Both companies have several departures throughout the day.
Bus schedules from Florence to Milan
Ticket prices start from €12 ($13), but they can still vary based on the bus departure time. You can check the full schedule on Omio and FlixBus websites.
Departure and arrival station
The buses mainly depart from Villa Constanza in Scandicci. This station is outside Florence city centre, so you still have to take a 10-minute taxi for around €25 ($27.50).
In Milan, the last stop for the buses is Lampugnano Bus Station, situated 10 km northwest of Milan city centre. There are also a few bus departures that drop passengers off at San Donato M3. This station is nearer to Milan Airport than the city centre.
Florence to Milan by Train
Travelling from Florance to Milan by train is the easiest way. You can expect a comfortable ride and trains depart 2-4 times per hour.
The first train departs at 04:32 with the last trip at 22:25. Keep in mind that some trips will require you to make one or two transfers along the way.
There are two types of train that you can take from Florence to Milan:
High-speed trains
High-speed trains like Italo and Frecciarossa offer direct trips from Florence to Milan. The travel time takes only 2 hours, but tickets are more expensive with rates from €50 ($59).
Taking this train is the quickest way to travel from Florence to Milan.
Regional trains
Regional trains are budget-friendly at €26 ($30.50). However, all trains require you to make two transfers either in Bologna, Prato, Faenza, or Piacenza. Travel time can take 5 to 6.5 hours.
If you want to save money by taking a regional train, you might be better off taking the bus. The regional train is still twice as expensive as the bus, and the journey takes 1-2 hours longer compared to the bus.
Train schedules
Tickets are available at the train station or you can book online via Omio to skip the long queues at the train station.
Departure and arrival station
Trains depart from Santa Maria Novella Train Station in Florence city centre. This station is just walking distance from the famous basilica with the same name.
Most of the trains arrive at Milan Centrale, located 4 km north of Milan Cathedral.
Frequently Asked Questions about Florence to Milan
What is the distance from Florence to Milan?
The distance from Florence to Milan is 305 km (190 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Florence to Milan?
The fastest way to get from Florence to Milan is by train and takes 2-6.5 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Florence to Milan?
The cheapest way to get from Florence to Milan is by bus with ticket costs starting from €12 ($14).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Florence to Milan. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
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Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
