How to Get from Florence to Umbria

The distance from Florence to the region of Umbria is roughly 70 miles (112 km) as the crow flies, traveling south across Tuscany and into the green Umbrian landscape. A rental car is the fastest option, taking just an hour and fifty minutes to reach the region’s capital city of Perugia. Self-driving also allows for sightseeing detours along the way, and the flexibility to continue south towards the famed medieval towns of Assisi (30 minutes), Spoleto (50 minutes), and Orvieto (90 minutes).

Travel by train is a convenient and affordable choice, with a reliable Regionale line running south from Florence to Perugia in just over two hours. For those looking to travel in comfort, private transfer companies are plentiful, and the higher cost can be worth it to experience the scenic route without the stress of driving and parking. The two hour trip by bus is the cheapest option, but with just one or two buses running a day and a lack of Sunday services, it’s the least convenient choice for most travelers.

Learn more about the region and start planning your trip with our Ultimate Guide to Umbria. 

By Rental Car or Private Transfer

Duration: 2 hours

Driving by rental car offers flexibility and the best sightseeing opportunities between Florence and Umbria. The region’s northernmost capital of Perugia is 96 miles (154 km) from Florence, and it serves as a good base to explore the area’s surrounding medieval hill towns. Rental car carriers in Florence offer pick-up from both the city center and the nearby Paratola (FLR) airport, with the latter allowing drivers to avoid city traffic.

The most direct route travels south on the A1/E35 autostrada to the Raccordo Autostradale 6 Bettole-Perugia, with the option to take short detours to medieval Abruzzo and scenic Lake Trasimeno along the way. The region has good, well-marked roads, and free parking is available in Perugia just a short tram ride from the center. Public parking in smaller towns and cities is usually easy to come by, but watch out for ZTL areas—limited traffic zones that prohibit driving during certain times.

Hiring a private transfer from Florence to Umbria is another convenient option, offering the scenic drive experience without the stress of traffic and parking. Choose from efficient door-to-door service, or make this route part of a wider culinary or cultural tour. 

By Train

Duration: 90 minutes to 2 hours

Trenitalia runs multiple Regionale trains from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station daily to Umbria’s larger towns, as well as once-daily high-speed Frecce and Intercity trains to Stazione di Perugia Fontivegge in 90 minutes.

While the rail service from Florence to Umbria is generally an efficient and economical way to see the region, the geography of the fortified medieval towns like Perugia, Orvieto, and Assisi means that stations are often located outside the city walls, and require a long uphill walk to their centers. To avoid the trek, there’s quick and cheap funiculars, taxis, and buses available outside most stations, which add another 10 to 15 minutes onto the journey. 

By Bus

Duration: 2 hours

Travel by bus is the cheapest option, but also the least efficient, with minimal departure times and a lack of Sunday routes. The FlixBus line runs directly from Florence’s Piazzale Montelungo to Perugia’s Piazzale Umbria Jazz just once daily, six days a week. Bus service between the most Umbrian cities is limited, and travel by train is usually a better option to explore the smaller towns.