How to get from Florence to Milan
Florence by Mark Boss
Florence and Milan are equally iconic, but each displays a distinct side of Italy. Florence, a city steeped in art and history, is the cradle of the Renaissance, while Milan is the financial and fashion capital of Italy, where a dynamic and fast-paced lifestyle is the backbone of the city. So after soaking in all the artistic atmosphere in Florence, you’ll probably be ready to enjoy more of Italy’s cosmopolitan side. Check out all the different ways you can travel from Florence to Milan!
About traveling from Florence to Milan
When one thinks about good food, rich art history, unparalleled cultural heritage, and mesmerizing landscapes, there is one country that immediately comes to mind: Italy. It’s a land that needs no polishing, and the beauty it preserves within its borders consistently makes Italy one of the top vacation destinations year after year.
Italian cities seamlessly blend nature and gardens with art and culture, and Florence is one of the best. Apart from being home to Michelangelo’s David, Caravaggio’s Medusa, and Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, art and the Renaissance is embedded in Florence’s magnificent buildings, lined up bridges, and in every corner of the city. Despite attracting millions of travelers every year, Florence still preserves some calm streets and quiet spaces even in its busiest days.
Being the capital of Tuscany also makes Florence a great starting point for exploring the rest of Italy’s iconic locales thanks to its central location. For example, in only around three hours you can travel from Florence to Venice and add to your fascination with Italy. In around three and a half hours you can get from the artistic world of Florence to Milan and its busy and elegant vibes.
Milan isn’t just Italy's economic hub, it’s also a trendsetter in fashion. Visiting Milan during the influential Milan Fashion Week means you’re in for a unique experience: the chance to immerse yourself in the city’s liveliest times, packed with celebrities and designers. Men’s Fashion Week for Spring 2025 will take place from June 15 to 19, 2024, and Women’s Fashion Week will run from September 18 to 24, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly! Even if fashion and big-city vibes aren’t your interests, Milan is rich with alternatives. For instance, Lake Como and its stunning surroundings are just a one-and-a-half-hour drive away, perfect if you prefer the calmness of nature. Moreover, if gig-tripping and visiting festivals is how you tailor your trip, then Milan will make a great stop in your itinerary as well—Taylor Swift is coming to town this summer, along with plenty of other big acts!
How to get from Florence to Milan
Here, snapped by Ouael Ben Salah, Duomo di Milano stands as the heart of the city.
The trip from Florence to Milan is like traveling along an extended exhibition of northern Italy’s best towns. How deeply you get to explore them depends on the mode of transport you choose—the rolling green hills of Tuscany will be your scenery throughout any journey, but the chance to visit historical sites and cute Italian villages is better appreciated through certain modes of transport. Take a look at the different ways to get from Florence to Milan and choose the one that suits you best!
Florence to Milan by train
Traveling from Florence to Milan by train is the fastest way you can choose, but the specific connection you opt for will also affect your experience. You can catch a train at Florence Santa Maria Novella (SMN) station and arrive at Milano Centrale or Milano Porta Garibaldi. If you manage to get a seat in one of the direct trains of Italo Treno or Trenitalia, your trip from Florence to Milan will only take around two hours. But if the train you get on is not direct, then it means you’ll need to make sure you're on time to catch one or two transfers, usually in Pisa, Genoa, and/or Pavia. Frequent services run throughout the day, starting early in the morning until late evening. Ticket prices vary depending on the time of booking and class of service.
Florence to Milan by bus
The distance between Florence and Milan can also be covered by choosing one of the several different bus companies operating on this route. Flixbus, Marino Autolinee, and Itabus provide relatively slow transportation compared to trains, each bus ride lasting somewhere between three hours and 40 minutes to six hours at most. Traveling by bus is usually a direct journey, but sometimes a transfer in Bologna might be needed, which makes the journey as lengthy as it gets. You can hop on a bus from various stations in Florence including the main bus station near SMN, and arrive mainly at Milan’s Lampugnano bus terminal or San Donato M3. Keep in mind that this is often the most budget-friendly choice, but also the slowest.
Florence to Milan flight
You’re looking at the least practical option on the list. There are no direct flights between Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci Airport and Milan’s several, including Linate, Malpensa, and Bergamo Orio al Serio. In order to get from Florence to Milan by plane, you’ll need to have transfers in places that are further away than the distance between these two cities, such as Prague, Rome, or even Barcelona. Not only is taking a plane inconvenient, it's also not a very responsible and sustainable travel option.
Florence to Milan by private car
Torrechiara Castle’s magical vibes at sunrise are captured here by Samuele Bertoli.
Choosing a door-to-door private car transfer is an option that combines speed, comfort, luxury, and sightseeing all in one, which is a plus that no other alternative offers. With Daytrip, you’ll travel in the convenience of not having to stick to any timetable but your own, and you'll get to explore more of Italy’s wonders on your way from Florence to Milan. First thing before you book your ride with Daytrip, add Torrechiara Castle to your itinerary, a 15th-century fortress hugged by vineyards and keeps beautifully decorated rooms within its thick walls. Another stop to explore on the way to Milan is Pavia Monastery. This outstanding religious site will prepare you for the magnificent design of Duomo di Milano, since both share the same architects.
Questions & answers about traveling from Florence to Milan
What is the best way to get from Florence to Milan?
The best way to get from Florence to Milan is by booking a private car transfer with Daytrip. It’s not only the most comfortable and personally tailored option but it’s also the only one that provides the most options for exploring along the way.
How much does it cost to take a train from Florence to Milan?
A train ticket from Florence to Milan ranges between $30 and $85, give or take. While the trains of Italo Treno are relatively more expensive, which are mostly around $70, compared to the Trenitalia ones, a ticket can be even pricier if you select a higher class seat.
Is it easy to get a train from Florence to Milan?
Yes, it's easy to get a train from Florence to Milan. There is more than one train operating every hour on this route and you can get on one at the train station Florence Santa Maria Novella. While direct trains take around two hours, ones with transfers can take up to six.
Is Milan a good day trip from Florence?
Milan is a good day trip from Florence, especially when traveling by train or private car transfer, both renowned for their speed. You could see the main landmarks in Milan in a day easily, but if you’d like to soak in the vibes of the city more, staying one night or longer is better.
A trip from Florence to Milan is a memorable experience of any Italian tour. And if being stress-free and in exploring mode are some of your priorities, then Daytrip is the ride for you!
