5 Easy Day Trips from Florence by Train reachable in under an hour!

Tuscan Cities, Real Food & Zero Car Hire — All Under One Hour

Florence is one of the easiest places in Italy to use as a base without a car. Not only is the historic centre compact and walkable, but Florence sits at the heart of Tuscany’s regional rail network. From Firenze Santa Maria Novella, frequent local trains radiate out to historic cities, market towns and quietly beautiful places that most visitors never reach.

If you’re staying in Florence for more than a couple of nights, these five day trips let you experience more of Tuscany without changing hotels, hiring a car or joining a tour. Every destination below is reachable in under one hour by train, making them ideal for relaxed, flexible days out — with time for sightseeing, a proper lunch, and an easy return to Florence for the evening.

Pisa -More Than the Leaning Tower

Pisa is often treated as a box-ticking stop, but slow it down and you’ll discover a lively university city with a handsome historic centre and a far more local feel than most visitors expect. The famous tower is impressive — but it’s only part of the story.

Getting there by train

• Florence Santa Maria Novella → Pisa Centrale

• Regionale or Regionale Veloce

• Journey time: 50–60 minutes

• Trains every 30 minutes

This is one of Tuscany’s simplest rail journeys — no reservations, just turn up and go.

What to do when you arrive

From Pisa Centrale, walk to Piazza dei Miracoli to see the Leaning Tower, Cathedral and Baptistery. Afterwards, cross the River Arno into the historic neighbourhoods south of the river, where streets quieten, locals take over, and Pisa feels far more authentic.

Where to eat lunch

For a proper sit-down lunch, book Osteria di Culegna, a long-standing local favourite known for seafood and traditional Tuscan cooking.For something lighter, Filter Coffee Lab is ideal for a casual lunch or coffee break away from the crowds.

Savvy train traveller tips

• Buy your return ticket before sightseeing to avoid queues later

• Sit on the left side of the train leaving Florence for countryside views

• Avoid peak commuter returns (around 5–7pm) if possible

When to go

Year-round. Early mornings are best in high season.

Lucca - Calm, Elegant & Made for Wandering

Lucca feels like Tuscany exhaling. Encircled by Renaissance walls now used as a tree-lined promenade, it’s one of the most relaxed and rewarding day trips from Florence — perfect if you want beauty without bustle.

Getting there by train

• Florence SMN → Lucca

• Regionale (direct or 1 change via Pisa)

• Journey time: 1h10–1h25

Lucca station sits right outside the walls — you’ll be inside the historic centre within minutes.

What to do when you arrive

Walk or cycle the city walls, then wander through the historic centre towards Piazza dell’Anfiteatro. Lucca isn’t about rushing between sights — it’s about slowing down and enjoying the atmosphere.

Where to eat lunch

Trattoria Da Leo is a classic for traditional Lucchese dishes — booking recommended.For something more informal, Cantine Bernardini is perfect for a relaxed lunch or wine stop.

Savvy train traveller tips

• Bike hire is available just outside the station — ideal for the walls

• Regional tickets are flexible, so you can return when you like

• Lucca is especially pleasant on hot summer days thanks to shaded streets

When to go

Spring and autumn are ideal, but mornings work well year-round.

Arezzo - Art, Antiques & Authentic Tuscany

Arezzo is one of Tuscany’s most satisfying rail day trips. Less polished than Florence but rich in history and daily life, it rewards visitors who enjoy places that still feel lived in rather than curated.

Getting there by train

• Florence SMN → Arezzo

• Regionale or Regionale Veloce

• Journey time: 55–65 minutes

• Very frequent services

A straightforward journey that makes Arezzo ideal for an unhurried day out.

What to do when you arrive

Visit the Basilica of San Francesco to see the Piero della Francesca frescoes, then wander uphill through the historic centre. Arezzo’s charm lies in its streets, squares and everyday rhythm rather than a long checklist of sights.

Where to eat lunch

Antica Osteria l'Agania is a reliable choice for traditional cooking.For something quicker and casual, Il Cantuccio is popular with locals.

Savvy train traveller tips

• Time your visit with the monthly antiques fair if you can

• Trains here are rarely crowded

• Ideal if you want a less touristy Tuscan experience

When to go

Excellent year-round, particularly outside peak summer.

Prato - Modern Tuscany & Serious Food

Just 20 minutes from Florence, Prato offers a glimpse of contemporary Tuscany that most visitors never see. Creative, multicultural and deeply food-focused, it’s a brilliant contrast to Florence’s Renaissance grandeur.

Getting there by train

• Florence SMN → Prato Centrale

• Regionale

• Journey time: 20–25 minutes

• Trains run constantly

This is one of the easiest and most flexible day trips from Florence.

What to do when you arrive

Explore the compact historic centre, visit the cathedral, and enjoy the everyday energy of a city that isn’t performing for tourists.

Where to eat lunch

Il Dek Italian Bistrot is a great modern option.For something more traditional, Da Baldini is a long-standing local favourite.

Savvy train traveller tips

• Perfect as a half-day trip

• No need to plan ahead — just go

• Ideal on busy Florence sightseeing days

When to go

Anytime. This is about real, everyday Italian life.

Pistoia - Quiet Beauty & One of Tuscany’s Best-Kept Secrets

Pistoia is elegant, compact and refreshingly untouristed. With beautiful Romanesque architecture and a strong local food culture, it’s one of the most rewarding short rail trips from Florence — and one many visitors completely miss.

Getting there by train

• Florence SMN → Pistoia

• Regionale

• Journey time: 35–40 minutes

• Trains at least twice an hour

A classic low-stress regional journey.

What to do when you arrive

Start in Piazza del Duomo, then wander through the surrounding streets towards Piazza della Sala, the heart of local life. Pistoia is perfect for slow exploration, coffee stops and people-watching.

Where to eat lunch

Osteria La BotteGaia is a favourite for seasonal Tuscan cooking.For something more contemporary, Il Cucciolo offers refined dishes in a relaxed setting.

Savvy train traveller tips

• Ideal for later starts thanks to frequent trains

• Regional tickets allow complete flexibility

• Combines perfectly with a relaxed afternoon back in Florence

When to go

Year-round. Even in summer, Pistoia stays calm.

Why Florence Is the Perfect Tuscan Base

These five trips show just how easy it is to explore Tuscany by train from Florence. Regional services are frequent, affordable and flexible, allowing you to travel at your own pace and return when you’re ready — no car hire, no parking stress, no rigid schedules.

If this style of travel appeals, Touring Italy by Train takes it much further, with step-by-step rail guidance, insider tips and dozens more easy day trips and itineraries across Italy.

Florence is just the beginning.