Florence Santa Maria Novella Train Station, Italy 🇮🇹 Everything you need to know!

[@TheGlobalExpats]

🍕If you're enjoying our content and would like to help fuel us on our adventure through Italy, you can buy us a small pizza! 😊🇮🇹buymeacoffee.com/theglobalexpats

[@beekay700]

As a solo traveler with anxiety, just having a visual of things like this is so helpful!!!

[@Mari14Bella]

me too! This was so helpful

[@DavidG-w1d]

As a travel agent for more than 40 years, I find your youtube channel most helpful when I share it with newbies to Europe. Thanks

[@icyndaquilhd7953]

Im from Floerence and you explained everything about our station extremely GOOD,im happy that some foreign people do these type of videos to help others to easily move inside this big station. Also,you did well to have explained about platforms that can change,it doesn't happen often but for a foreigner that arrive in this station for the first time it can be difficult even if the station itself do vocal announcements both in italian and english,the main reason is that as you said this is one of the most busiest stations in Italy so it has a big traffic jam of trains that sometime can wait and change platform based on the traffic. Also yeah,happy that you explained the fact that this city has many stations,in total there are 10 station in Florence,thank you again for the amazing video🤙🏻🔥

[@JLushV23]

First of all, I’m mind blown on how big S.M.N is. I wish I walked around instead of staying put while waiting for all the trains I took there. I was in Florence in early July & I took the train to Siena, Roma & back to Florence to head to La Spezia and not once did I ever validate my ticket. I am one of the lucky ones. I can’t believe it. 😅 I did validate on the tram and bus. I also experience a train strike on a Sunday. Everything was cancelled. What a experience. You’re videos make me so happy to watch. I did so much while in Italy. The Euro rail system is amazing.

[@sibelalbro]

First off, your video is spot on BUT since I didn't see any other comments related to this topic, I'll address it. Trains stations in Italy (maybe all of europe?) are not designed for older people or otherwise walking challenged, or for al ot of bag carriers. They're for the young or athletic and just carrying a backpack peeps. Lots of walking, standing around and it can be exhausting! Not many places to sit. No one helps you board your bags or anything like that. You're on your own. That's not a bad thing but first time travelers keep that in mind. Flying or driving might be a better option. ciao.

[@branc2658]

Europeam elder people are athletic.

[@iReporteriReporting]

Ooo I lived in Firenze for three months. I stayed right across from the Teatro Comunale. It was a wonderful time. Very informative video! Can't wait to see some more of the city through your eyes!

[@TheGlobalExpats]

That’s awesome Natalie, it sounds like it was an amazing experience! Matteo says he loves the Cascine Park😍 And thank you so so much for buying us a few pizzas!! Your continued support means more to us than you know 🥰❤️ P.S. Happy happy birthday to Lightning, we hope it was filled with lots of treats!🎉🐶💕

[@iReporteriReporting]

@@TheGlobalExpats Thank you, Matteo and Micha!

[@DorenesFoodPrepResource]

I can't tell you just how helpful this video was. You've earned a sub! Thank you for taking the time to show and explain.

[@relaxingtravel-LosAngeles]

Great job, love this area, we can't get enough of watching these videos of Italy

[@randykirby2326]

Very good info. Just like the Termini station in Rome. And I didn't know about the pedestrian underpasses. Grazie tante.

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Thanks Randy, we are so happy you found it helpful! 🤗

[@janinesilberbauer1323]

Your videos are incredibly helpful! Thank you!

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Aww thanks Janine, we're so happy you find them helpful! 🥰

[@Juju-wk7yv]

Wow! There is a whole world under there.

[@mnfyrfly]

All too familiar with Roma Termini and Santa Maria Novella - Was supposed to be on a train from Rome to Pompeii but oops wrong train and ended up in Florence the complete opposite direction. It was a great and a little expensive learning experience. Love the videos!

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Ah no ways, that sounds so frustrating and expensive Angela 😓 At least you learned something from it and know for next time 😅 Thank you! 🥰

[@Zalyplants]

Thank you. Very informative and well explained.

[@mirp5497]

My favorite Italian tour guides M & M 🙌

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Aww thanks so much! 🥰

[@timragland6157]

Should have watched this video before asking my train app question in the previous video. 😂 Thanks for a fantastic, informative video.

[@TheGlobalExpats]

No worries Tim, we are happy to have helped! 🥰

[@MadHatter-s3t]

Thank you so so much guys. Brilliantly helpful. Nowhere else could I find how far outside of the centre of Florence the station is. Now I know it is so close I feel much happier. I have disabilities and was concerned about getting lost. Now I'm not. :)

[@user-zzyachieve]

Thank you for sharing! I'm going on a trip, too! By the way I found a code on TRIP to get a discount on buying Eurail tickets, which saved my budget haha!❤

[@muravi8167]

Thank you guys ! its infotainment with entertainment.

[@TheGlobalExpats]

🥰

[@redfireanimate9992]

Thanks for this video.. very helpful.. will be there this April👍🏽

[@courtneyjohnson2292]

This is a very helpful video! Thankyou 😊

[@dawnerlandsen8208]

Reminds me a little of strasbourg france train sration

[@dawnerlandsen8208]

Thank you for great timely info

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Thanks Dawn, we're so happy you liked it! 🥰

[@isabeld9155]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@stevebartley628]

Very helpful

[@davecleaver1771]

That was brilliant Thank you

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Thanks Dave, we’re so happy you enjoyed it! 🤗

[@itsmetaran]

Extremely helpful video!

[@boxorfurnace]

I’d love for you to do one showing people how to find the bus station (not easy to find) and take the bus to San Gimignano and back again. I find Trenitalia easy to use, intercity busses not so much.

[@stephennicholson2833]

Nicely Done!! I believe the platforms like 1-5 are for Regional Trains. At least that is what we saw on our trip in November 2021.

[@TheGlobalExpats]

We think you are right Stephen! 👌🏽

[@chowdharysaab1673]

Nice vlog guys. Love from India. I 👍👍

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Thank you so much! 🤗

[@gregpapiortiz9181]

Excellent video

[@MahaMondo]

Grazie for this SMN video. I took trains to Forte dei Marmi & Milano ( via Frecciarossa )from there back in June. Extremely annoying when the train is delayed & you just have to keep on monitoring the screens for the ETA. Milano has the most epic station and now has Il Mercato Centrale -

[@JustinBrehm]

Another great and informative video and because you are both likable it's easy to watch and KZbin needs to get their stuff together because you should be at 200k subscriber Channel at least by now

[@JustinBrehm]

Got to love when your phone autocorrects a bunch of words that you never said lol

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Aww thank you so much Justin, your kind words mean a ton to us! 🥰 Haha hopefully soon, KZbin is a slow and steady journey! 😅

[@TheGlobalExpats]

😂

[@simonschuck3780]

I’ll be here in two weeks! Eeeeeeeek 🥰🥰🥰

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Ahh that's so exciting Simon, we hope you have an amazing time! 🤗🇮🇹

[@simonschuck3780]

@@TheGlobalExpats thanks very much! We’ve been watching most of your videos for suggestions on Sicily too (we’ll be there after Florence). Keep up the great work!

[@aaronlandes1179]

🤣 The girl riding up the escalator at 7:00 sending a wonderful selfie to her bestie.

[@TheGlobalExpats]

🤣

[@andrealucci6774]

Hey! Love those videos! But my opinion could be biased as I'm a Trenitalia train engineer 😜 If you ever want to shoot a video just like this for the Bologna Centrale station (which can be pretty overwhelming) feel free to reach out! I'd be more than happy to help

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Thanks so much Andrea, we will definitely reach out when we are covering Bologna! 🥰

[@ninablackwell4792]

Hi guys. Great video. I had no idea about this and I've been there several times. Do you know when all the shops were constructed underneath? Thanks. PS Really looking forward to more content.

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Hey Nina, thank you! 🥰 We are not too sure when the shops were constructed but we recently heard the underground got a massive renovation! 😅

[@og7952]

Hi there, for the tickets, ours indicate we don't need to validate them. Probably because it's been made easy for tourist buying online with italiarail. Thanks for the video, super informative!

[@sibelalbro]

my experience also. I heard horror stories about no validating your tickets but you don't need to if you purchase onlıne!

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Thank you so much! 🙏 Just a side note for future reference, when returning to Italy in 2023 we have noticed that if you use the App to buy tickets, you now have to check-in (validate) your ticket BEFORE the train departure time on the App. I'm not sure about online purchases but keep an eye out for next time so you don't get caught out. We hope that helps! 🥰

[@MegaGianni51]

La stazione di S.M.N. fu costruita negli anni 30 durante il Fascismo, fu proprio Mussolini che la volle, per quell' epoca era una costruzione avveneristica, come tante altre in Italia, come la stazione centrale di Milano e l' EUR a Roma.

[@rosannathomson5282]

Cost of parking at S.M.N can be as cheap as 5 euro. I believe there's a 24hr option as well as weekly. But have never needed it. Venchi - amongst the best gelateria in Italia.

[@gabymoncada7147]

Loved the video! If your ticket have a seat asigned, do you still have to validate your ticket on the machines? :) thank uu

[@kirkshrum6222]

I would have a deer in headlights look as I walked around if I ventured to one of those, haha! I’m sure once you go thru the stations a couple times one gets used to it. Cheers Kirk

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Haha you definitely get used to it Kirk, we are sure you'd manage just fine! 👏🏼😅

[@mariobardazzi5464]

Wery good video, speciality’s to e plane how take train, please make video you teacher how take tickets 🎟 for the bus wer find and how used straight Iside di the machine print, I can’t see many turist pay penalty for stupid reasons.

[@aldocuneo1140]

You need to know, too, is that in Firenze people speak and wtite in italian.

[@1ginarossi]

Very helpful. Next October, we will be taking a train into SMN from Siena, then two days later taking train from SMN to Venice thn day later taking train from SMN to Rome. All for 1st time. Do they mix high speed trains on same tracks as slower trains?

[@janiecerodrgiuez7254]

If the tickets are purchased online, do we need to print out? How would we validate them? Thanks!! ❤

[@AS-cx1ik]

Where is the Italo lounge located? First floor or underground? If first floor, is the lounge air conditioned?

[@arsenal_s.sgooners3173]

Can I get a tram from Santa Maria novella to Villa Costanza? I think there is a tram near the train station!

[@eraslanpolat810]

Hello, I will go from Rome to Pisa. I bought the ticket from Italo with a connection in Florence. My question is, the transfer time from Florence is determined as 29 minutes. I wonder if it is easy to transfer in Florence. Can I catch the Tuscany line train?

[@mariemontes561]

Can I use this product if I don't have gallbladder??

[@cathyk2093]

❤️ 🚆 very good to know, we’ll done Thank you!

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Thank you Cathy! 🥰

[@stevebartley628]

Am I colorblind ? The validation machine looks GREEN , not YELLOW

[@alliepettola3808]

Thank you for this video. About how early do you suggest to get to the train station? Like if our train leaves at 9:30am?

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Hi Allie, we always try to get to the station at least 15 minutes before the departure time, and usually go straight to the assigned platform number once it’s on the board! Hope that helps!

[@jenniferwong9348]

will there be taxis after 9pm at the Florence Santa Maria Novella train station? wasn't sure how late taxis stop operating.

[@cansukaplan2037]

hi, 2 days later, ı will be using the bus from Rome to Florence. But I don't truly know how can ı go to city centre after the bus. Please explain someone to me. It sounds scary though.

[@alemassa6632]

Go guuuuuuuyyyyyyyyyyyyyyssssssss!!!!!!

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Haha thanks Ale!! 🥰❤️

[@alemassa6632]

@@TheGlobalExpats ❤️😘

[@semsemeini7905]

My American credit card did not work in the ticket machine at a small train station.. To go to a platform no lift / elevator? You need to walk up the stairs? I had printed tickets E mail and I never validated.

[@emmaskates9617]

If you buy tickets on trainline, do you still have to validate them or is validating just for paper tickets?

[@arsenal_s.sgooners3173]

But every train has it's own number, right? That number is also written on your ticket! That way you will not be able to get on other train!

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Yes they do and the train number is on the ticket, however, they only check your ticket on the train once you've already left the station! 🥰

[@arsenal_s.sgooners3173]

@@TheGlobalExpats I thought the number is also written on the train!

[@ericl2326]

is there any toilet on frecce trains? Any charge? For trains from Rome to Florence, do I really need to buy tickets in advanced since there may be delays in our inbound flights to Rome? Thanks

[@alessandrom7181]

Toilets are in every train even the oldest and cheaper, of course there are on freccia rossa too. LOL

[@ismahawk3889]

👍👍👍🇮🇹

[@TheGlobalExpats]

🤗🇮🇹

[@antonellacostagliola9702]

The parking near the station costs 3,80 €/h 🫣

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Thank you for your comment Antonella, that's good to know! 🤗

[@bobbylinux]

the cost of parking in florence station is very very very expensive... 3 times very

[@TheGlobalExpats]

😓

[@filippomann]

Rather boring

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Yeah M, we agree, the station could definitely do with a pub! 😂😜

[@filippomann]

@@TheGlobalExpats 😉 Please let 's know which city and food so far you like most (I'm from Sicily and still loving Matteo and his "Matteo Poppins")

[@UglyMaleee]

How do you get around Florence by bus and where to buy tickets?

[@robinkrieger8003]

Very helpful

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Thanks Robin, we’re so happy you found it helpful! 🥰

[@brycebertolino7017]

1970's it wasn't a shopping mall. Routine 1) Leave class in Palazzo Antinori 2) Grab pack from my pensione on Via Tornabuoni. 3) Buy wine, cheese, bread, Nutella and Fruit. 4) Race to SMN. 5) Old School Eurail Pass 6) pick available train 7) Arrive a SMN 12AM Monday. Rinse and repeat 30 times. Short haul: Rome 3x, Nice 2x, Venice 2x. Rimini Ravenna 2X, Milan 2x., Sestriere, Turin. Long haul: Seville, Madrid, Bruges, Brussels, Paris, Amalfi, Palermo. Another reason to resent Boomers.

[@DebeNicole]

I recently visited Florence and also traveled by train there from Milan. Biggest lesson I learned was not to rely on the platform board for your coach number...they actually don't line up with the train's coach number. Best to just look on the side of the train.

[@claudioferrara4455]

No, they normally do.

[@DebeNicole]

@@claudioferrara4455 it was not my experience, my coach was several sections off from where I needed to be...i think it's just best to pay attention to the train since there is always a chance of the platform not lining up.

[@franceskinskij]

@@DebeNicole sometimes they send a train made of two other trains, like two Frecciarossa attached to eachother and when they do they advise to look out for the coach. And, while not the case in Florence (where I live), once in Bologna they got the coach numbers wrong on the screens and it was a normal Frecciarossa so I spent 5 minutes running for the whole train

[@clivebaxter6354]

I seem to remember if you book on line you do not have to do that ridiculous ticket validation, just give the number.

[@TheGlobalExpats]

Yes Clive, that is correct! 🤗

[@mc1428]

This was a very helpful video!!! Thank you!

[@mandy5915]

Hi thank you for this great video. Do I require to validate my ticket if I purchase online. The ticket is on the phone. Thanks.

[@user-zzyachieve]

excellent video! I'm going on a trip, too! By the way I found a code on TRIP to get a discount on buying Eurail tickets, which saved my budget haha!

[@daphne8406]

I did not realize this station is soooo big! 😂 We’ll be visiting Bologna, Firenze and Pisa in september and will travel between these cities by train ☺️ It is good to have an idea of what to expect in advance 😝

[@user-zzyachieve]

What an interesting experience! I'm going on a trip, too! By the way, I found that I could use code on TRIP to get a discount on buying Eurail tickets, which saved my budget lol! ~

[@David-pj8ti]

Better to park near airport and get tram in.

[@KaterinaFerrara]

Boy we really missed you guys when you are off! But we need something more beautiful than the stazione! Busted! 🇮🇹🇮🇹❤️❤️☀️☀️

[@johnathanras]

Wooord.

[@TheGlobalExpats]

🤣