Where Is Florence Located? Geography and Getting There

Florence sits at the heart of Tuscany, in central Italy — but its geography is part of what makes it so rewarding to explore.

A city cradled by the Apennines

Florence lies in a basin along the Arno River, framed by the Apennine foothills, roughly 230 km north-west of Rome and 300 km south of Milan, as shown on Florence’s geographic profile. This position made it a natural crossroads for medieval trade routes between northern Europe and Rome.

Florence within Tuscany

As the regional capital of Tuscany, Florence sits within easy reach of Chianti‘s vineyards, the towers of San Gimignano, and the medieval streets of Siena — all part of what makes it such a natural base for exploring the wider region, as covered in our guide to how many days you need in Florence.

Frequently asked questions

What region and country is Florence in?

Florence is the capital of Tuscany, a region in central Italy, situated along the Arno River.

How far is Florence from Rome?

Approximately 230 km (around 1.5 hours by high-speed train), making it an easy addition to a wider Italian itinerary.

Is Florence a good base for exploring Tuscany?

Yes — its central position puts Chianti, Siena and San Gimignano all within a day trip, making it one of the most practical bases in the region.

Our concierge can plan seamless onward travel from Florence to Rome, Milan or anywhere else on your Italian itinerary, alongside a tailored private tour of the city itself.

Continue the story in person: this highly-rated small-group Uffizi Gallery tour with Vasari Corridor access is one of the best ways to see the art and history of Florence up close — and a practical choice if a fully custom itinerary isn’t in your budget this time.

Want a guidebook to take with you? This Florence & Tuscany travel guide on Amazon is a handy companion for planning your own route through the city.