Firenze Santa Maria Novella
Firenze Santa Maria Novella is the main railway station in Florence, Italy, serving as a key gateway for travelers exploring the region and beyond. Read more about Firenze Santa Maria Novella station and find information on train travel in Italy.
Firenze Santa Maria Novella Train Station Information
One of the busiest railway stops in Italy, Firenze Santa Maria Novella is the terminus of Florence's main train station, serving over 400 trains daily and accommodating approximately 160,000 passengers each day. The station is settled in the heart of the city, providing easy access to anywhere in Florence. The original Maria Antonia station, built in 1848, was named after Princess Maria Antonia of the Two Sicilies. A national design competition held in 1932 resulted in the construction of the current station between 1932 and 1934. Built during the regime of Benito Mussolini, the station was intended as a symbol of fascist modernization and is noted as one of the finest prime examples of Italian Modernism — demonstrating modern functionality alongside the historical architecture of the surrounding city.
Florence Santa Maria Novella: Location and AddressFirenze Santa Maria Novella — often abbreviated as Firenze SMN — is centrally located in the heart of Florence at Piazza della Stazione, directly across from the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. The address is Piazza Santa Maria Novella, 50123, Florence, Italy. The station is well-connected by public transportation including buses and trams, making it convenient for travelers to navigate the city. Numerous hotels, restaurants, and shopping areas are within easy walking distanc Address: Piazza Santa Maria Novella, 50123, Florence, Italy |
| Main Station: Platforms and Layout Firenze Santa Maria Novella has 19 platforms, with tracks numbered from west to east. The main part of the station has tracks 5–16, a wing on the west side has tracks 1, 1A, 2, 3, and 4, while tracks 17 and 18 are in a wing on the east side. The station is a terminus station — trains enter and exit in the same direction, so there are no through-tracks. The building is designed to ensure maximum convenience with no underground passages to the tracks — all navigation is carried out on a single level, ideal for passengers with luggage. The station is open daily from 04:00 to 01:00. High Speed Trains from Firenze Santa Maria Novella Firenze SMN is a key junction for Italy's high speed rail lines, connecting Florence to cities such as Rome, Milan, Venice, Naples, and Bologna. Frecciarossa high speed trains depart from Firenze SMN to Roma Termini in approximately 1.5 hours — one of the most popular train routes in Italy. Italo trains also serve Firenze SMN on the main Milan–Florence–Rome–Naples corridor. Most trains from other Italian cities arrive and depart from Firenze SMN, while some bypass to stop at Campo di Marte or Rifredi — Florence called travelers should always check their specific station when booking. |
Italian Modernism: The Architecture of Firenze SMNThe Santa Maria Novella station is a great example and prime example of Italian Modernism, built between 1932 and 1934 by a team of young Florentine architects led by Giovanni Michelucci. The station's clean horizontal lines and functional layout were considered revolutionary at the time, creating a bold contrast with the historic surroundings of the Santa Maria Novella Church. The Santa Maria Novella church district connects Florence's Renaissance history with contemporary culture, featuring luxury boutiques and museums in its immediate surroundings. A memorial plaque at Platform 16 honors victims deported to Auschwitz during World War II — a sobering and important reminder of the station's history during the war years. |
| Day Trip and Major Attractions Near the Station Galleria dell'Accademia and David The Galleria dell'Accademia, home to Michelangelo's David, is approximately a 20-minute walk (0.85 miles) from the train station. This is one of the most visited museums in Italy and a must-see for any visitor to Florence. The museum is located just beyond the Piazza del Duomo — easily walk from Firenze SMN along the city's historic streets in around 20 minutes. Florence Called: Key Attractions Within Walking Distance The Florence Cathedral — also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore or the Duomo — is a major attraction located just a 12-minute walk (0.5 miles) from Santa Maria Novella train station. The Basilica di Santa Maria Novella is directly opposite the station's main entrance, known for its polychrome marble façade designed by Leon Battista Alberti and significant historical artworks. Piazzale Michelangelo, known for its panoramic views of Florence, is about a 43-minute walk (1.8 miles) from the station. The Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella — recognized as the world's oldest operating pharmacy, established in 1221 — is located in the Santa Maria Novella district just minutes from the station. Florence's historic wine windows (buchette del vino), used by vintners to sell wine directly to customers, are scattered throughout the surrounding streets and many are still operational today. |
Campo di Marte Station Facilities
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Ticket Office and Ticket MachinesThe main station features a large ticket office for Trenitalia open daily from 06:00 to 21:00and an Italo ticket office open from 06:55 to 22:35. Multiple multilingual ticket machines are available throughout the station accepting both cash and card payments. In-person ticket booths are available for purchasing train tickets and seat reservations, though you may encounter wait times during busy periods. -
Sala Freccia Club and LoungesFirenze Santa Maria Novella has two lounges — the Sala Freccia Club for Executive and Business Salottino ticket holders and CARTAFRECCIA Gold and Platinum card members, and the Sala Blu for passengers requiring special assistance. The Sala Freccia Club is located near Platform 16 and offers complimentary refreshments, comfortable seating, and Wi-Fi. -
Luggage StorageLuggage storage services are available at the station via KiPoint, located near Platform 16. Paid luggage storage — Kibag — operates from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. For travelers wishing to explore Florence on a day trip without their bags, this is the most convenient option at the main station. -
Shops and RestaurantsThe station features several shops including a newsstand, clothing stores, and cosmetic shops. Firenze Santa Maria Novella has a variety of food options including cafes, fast food chains, and local cafes serving coffee and sandwiches. The upper floors of the station complex house additional retail and dining options.
Frequently Asked Questions
The station is located just a stone's throw away from the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, as well as St. James Church, and the Garden Of Valfonda to name a few.
There are several shops and restaurants on the site, as well as a ticket office, a tourism information center, a luggage storage room, a lounge area, restrooms, a post office, and a money exchange office. There is also a pharmacy and a bank for your convenience.
The station has 19 platforms, with tracks numbered from west to east. The main section includes tracks 5–16, while additional platforms are located in the eastern and western wings of the station.
Take the tram from Florence Peretola Airport directly to the city centre. The tram stops next to Firenze Santa Maria Novella Station, and the journey takes approximately 20 minutes.
Popular Train Routes from & to Florence
Popular Train Routes from & to Florence