You’ll remember the Florence, Italy, train station because it was in this very railway hub that you learned so much about reading a European train board.
The main train station in Florence is called Firenze Santa Maria Novella and loads of travelers get tripped up because of the Italian spelling of Florence. It’s almost like a rite of passage for Italian rail travel, and once you arrive at Firenze SMN, you’ll cherish the lesson all the same.
A brushstroke away from the heart of the Italian Renaissance, Firenze Santa Maria Novella station is your gateway to the city you've been dreaming of. Here’s your guide to Florence's train station.
Image Credit: Getty Images, LeoPatrizi. Image Location: Santa Maria Novella station, Florence, Italy
So Fire-nze: Florence's main train station explained
What is the main train station in Florence called?
The main train station in Florence is officially called Firenze Santa Maria Novella. However, don’t be surprised to hear it called or see it written as Firenze SMN.
Where is Firenze train station?
Firenze Santa Maria Novella is located in the city center just beyond the historic center directly across from the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. From there, it’s a 20-minute (or less) walk to the Palazzo Vecchio, Palazzo Medici Riccardi, and Galleria dell’Accademia.
How many train stations does Florence have?
As well as Florence's main train station, Firenze Santa Maria Novella, there are also two other train stations in Florence: Rifredi and Campo di Marte. Both stations on the outskirts of the city. Although these stations aren’t the “main” train stations in Florence, some trains from other Italian cities bypass Firenze SMN to stop at Rifredi or Campo di Marte.
Is there a train from Florence airport to the city center?
No, but there is a tram running from Florence Peretola Airport (FLR) to the city center. The tram has a stop at Via Alamanni, which is next to Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station.
How far is Florence from Rome?
Rome is roughly 186 miles away from Florence, a distance that a train can tackle in about 90 minutes. Yes, you can get the train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Roma Termini faster than you can watch the movie Gladiator or Gladiator 2.
How to buy train tickets in Florence, Italy?
You don’t have to stress about missing your train because you’re trying to figure out how to use the ticket kiosks. You can instantly buy train tickets in Italy for travel to or from Florence on the Trainline app. We make it easy—in English—to purchase the cheapest train tickets available.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Abstract Aerial Art. Image Location: Santa Maria Novella station, Florence, Italy
At a glance: Florence's main train station
Rapid Firenze answers to question about the Florence Santa Maria Novella train station:
🇮🇹 Official name? Firenze Santa Maria Novella
📛 Nickname? Firenze SMN
🗺️ Location? Piazza della Stazione, near the basilica of the same name.
✈️ Connect to the airport? No, but there is a tram service.
🧳 Luggage storage? Yes, paid luggage storage is available.
🥗 Food? Yes, everything from gelato and pizza to McDonalds.
🏪 Shops? Yes, a news stand, clothing store, and cosmetics store, to name a few.
🛏️ Hotels? No, but plenty across the street including the Diplomat and the Ambasciator.
Image Credit: Getty Images, mauinow1. Image Location: Santa Maria Novella station, Florence, Italy
Florence train station: what’s nearby
Firenze SMN, the main train station in Florence, Italy, is in as good of a location as you could wish for. Within a half-hour’s walk, you can see the famous statue of David, dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant, and check into a lavish hotel with amazing rooftop views.
Best hotels near Florence train station
- Grand Hotel Minerva’s rooftop pool sits atop a 13th-century palazzo, offering a signature Terrace Negroni for drinking in the 360-degree views.
- Hotel Palazzo Vecchio has budget-friendly rooms as well as balcony suites with cathedral views, both dressed in the characteristic Florentine style.
Best restaurants near Florence train station
- Less than a mile from the Florence train station, you’ll find Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura, a 1 Michelin-star restaurant with the Gucci fashion house museum on its upper floors.
- Trattoria Osteria Dall’Oste SMN is much closer should you seek a very specific cut of meat from one of four continents.
Popular landmarks near Florence train station
Right in the Santa Maria Novella neighborhood, the closest landmarks are:
- Basilica di Santa Maria Novella
- the Museum of Santa Maria Novella
- the Piazza di Santa Maria Novella
Go with the Flo by train
Ready to rock it from Rome to Florence in less than an hour? Want to take a day trip to Milan from Florence without missing sunset over the Arno? Check out the cheapest tickets between Florence and other Italian Renaissance cities on the Trainline app.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, LorenzoPatoia. Image Location: Santa Maria Novella station, Florence, Italy