Only one free day? · Day trip from Rome
Florence or Pompeii?
| Field | Florence | Pompeii |
|---|---|---|
| Travel time | 1 h 35 Most trains take 1 h 41 | 2 h 11 1 change in Naples; direct on Sundays, 1 h 54 |
| Transport | High-speed train | High-speed train + local train |
| Self-guided | € 72.80–114.80 | € 72.80–143 |
| Tour | € 174.60 | € 98.26 |
| Time needed | 6–9 h | 4–6 h |
| Closed | Monday (Uffizi) | None (25 Dec and 1 Jan only) |
| Best time | Apr-Jun and Sep-Oct; not on a Monday | Mar-May and Oct; avoid free first Sundays |
| Verdict | Worth a full day | Worth a full day |
Our verdict
Florence, unless it is already on your route.
With one free day, take Florence. The train is direct, 95 minutes against 131 with a change for Pompeii, and it drops you a short walk from the Duomo. The cost is the same on a cheap day, about € 73 with the Uffizi or with the Pompeii ticket. Pick Pompeii if Florence is a later stop on your trip, if it is a Monday, when the Uffizi is closed, or if Roman ruins are why you came to Italy. On a Sunday the direct 08:51 train makes Pompeii simpler.
Last checked: · Train times and fares from Trenitalia's journey planner (searched for 14 October 2026), Metromare times from Cotral and ferries from Travelmar; opening days and ticket prices from each attraction's official site.