Train information between Florence and Milan

We would be glad to help but "we" are confused about what you really are wanting to do.
More details about your plan will help us help you. :-)

Not sure what you want to do but some general information. All trains in Italy, except the Regionale trains, required a reservation. You can get it five minutes before the train leaves but your ticket must specify a seat number, car number, and train number (day and time). A Regionale train is open seating so no reservation - more like a bus on rails. Buy a ticket, validate it (time stamp) and get on the first Regionale train going in the right direction. No seat. You stand till one becomes available. Train company is unimportant. Find the train that fits your schedule.

Hi Monica,

There are direct, high-speed trains every 30-60 minutes between Florence and Milan, taking 1 hour 40 min. They typically run from about 5:00 or 6:00 a.m. until around 10:00 p.m., but can fluctuate with day of week and time of year. Two different companies service this route - freccia trains, run by Trenitalia, the Italian National rail network - www.trenitalia.com and a private train line called Italo - www.italotreno.it. See websites for schedules and ticket prices. Note, that even when using the English language versions of either site, you need to enter the Italian spellings - Firenze and Milano. The main train station is Florence is the S.M.N (Santa Maria Novella) and in Milan, it's Milano Centrale.

All of these trains require a reservation, which is part of the ticket price when you buy a ticket. It isn't a problem to just buy tickets on the spot, at the station a day or two beforehand, either from a ticket window or automated ticket machine. A regular, standard fare ticket is about 50 euros but you can buy tickets ahead online and often get them for half that. Just be ready to commit at time of purchase, as most advance-purchase tickets are non-refundable, non-exchangeable.

To clarify Rich's information, there are three fare levels for advance-purchase tickets: super economy, which allows no changes or refunds unless your prior connecting train (part of the same voyage) arrives too late for you to make the connection (this won't apply to Firenze-Milano, it's just one train). Economy allows some changes for a fee. Base fare can be changed but price may be affected by the change (inter-city or freccia).

monica,

If you're willing to commit to a specific train and departure time, Italo Treno currently has some fares listed from Firenze SMN to Milano Centrale for €25 PP.

You can purchase tickets online via the very user-friendly www.capitainetrain.com website, in additon to the rail websites. They sell tickets for both Trenitalia and Italo at the same price as the rail networks.

I will be in Milan for one day to visit the Sforza castle, see the Duomo, and grab a bit to eat before heading back to Florence. Thanks to all of you for your responses.