Florence is connected with the major Italian cities by modern, rapid trains, with local trains which travel to other parts of Italy, and by nonstop trains from Europe. Travelers will find that most Florence apartments as well as area hotels are convientley located to the cities train stations.

The main station in Florence is Firenze Santa Maria Novella, also called Firenze SMN, located on the northwest corner of near the old town. The Eurostar train that travels from Milan, Turin, Venice and Rome arrive at this terminal. In addition, the trains that leave for Viareggio and the Versilia Coast arrive at and depart from the Santa Maria Novella terminal. Upon arriving at the station, travelers are able to take in the historical part of Florence by walking.

The Frienize Santa Novella Station is known as a terminus station, meaning that the train pulls up and stops instead of pulling through the station.

Since this is a significant station, the express trains begin at Firenze. Milan is three hours from Florence, and Rome is just under two hours from Florence.

The station has many services, such as two internet points, that are found inside the station. Travelers are able to leave their luggage at the facility to the left on the ground floor. The fee is € 3.80 for the first five hours the bags are left and € 0.60 for each additional hour from the sixth to twelfth hours.

The city’s more important buses stop to pick up passengers just across from this station on Via Valfonda. In addition, the taxi stand is found just outside the entrance. The tourist information stand is to the left and is open from 8:30 Am to 9 PM.

The station was constructed on the design by Gruppo Toacano and directed by Giovanni Michelucci after a national contest. The Santa Maria Novella railroad station was opened in 1935. The design of the building was based on a horizontal building so the structure did not conflict with the tall Medieval basillica that was diagonally across from the station. Also, the designers chose pietra forte as the shell that would complement the church. As a result, the station is a major model of Italian architecture of the 20th century.

Florence has train stations hotels conveniently located near the train stations, numerous apartments in Florence are also within walking distance of most stations. The Hotel Diplomat is under a mile from Florence’s main shopping areas and museums, and includes such features as a coffee shop, bar, room service and internet service. The Hotel Atlantic Place is also within walking distance of the center of the city and offers breakfast, an exercise room and internet. The third train station hotel is the Hotel Londra which is in walking distance of the train station and offers a restaurant bar and other standard features.

Other smaller train stations are Firenze Campo Marte, near the Florence Station, and Firenze Riferti.

Florence Rifredi is a little station in the Rifredi area. This railroad station is situated near the Careggi hospital. It is also close to the historical part of Florence.

The Florence Campo de Marti is located further from the center of Florence. It is convenient to the travelers who are going to the Florence Artemio Franchi stadium.

If a traveler wishes to take an Intercity to Florence, he may have to change at Rifredi for a different train to Frienze S M N. The switch between stations by way of train is usually included in the train ticket so the train ticket does not distinguish between the two stations and will state Firenze. It the wait for the transfer is lengthy, it is also possible to take a bus to the center of the city.