What You Need to Know: Useful Information

The Faentina railway line connects Florence to Faenza, crossing a territory rich in natural landscapes and characteristic villages. It departs from Florence Campo di Marte station, one of the city's main stations, and extends northeast to Faenza, in Emilia-Romagna. Along the way, the line passes through important stops such as Borgo San Lorenzo, Marradi, and other towns in the Tscan-Romagnolo Apennines, offering travelers a vital link between Tuscany and Romagna. This railway is particularly popular with both commuters and tourists: for the former, it is a useful daily connection for work and study, while for the latter, it is an ideal way to discover natural environments, excursions, and small historic towns that are often difficult to reach by other means. The route passes through hilly and mountainous areas, offering picturesque views during the journey. Recently, the line has undergone infrastructure upgrades to make the service more efficient and reliable. The Faentina railway line is a great choice for a comfortable and scenic trip, helping to avoid road traffic while promoting slow, sustainable tourism. Things to do along the route include visits to historic villages, excursions to natural parks, and tastings of typical local products.

Scenic Valleys & Mountain Passes: A Connoisseur’s Guide to the Faentina Railway -

Getting There

By train

The journey begins seamlessly by boarding a regional train directly at the Florence Campo di Marte station, which serves as the primary Tuscan gateway for this route. Alternatively, if you are arriving from the north, you can catch the line directly from Faenza station in Emilia-Romagna to begin your mountain rail crossing.

By car

To parallel the tracks at your own pace, take the scenic SR302 highway (also known as the Via Faentina). This historic road winds through the heart of the Mugello valley and climbs over the Apennine passes, connecting the same alpine villages and panoramic vistas seen from the train window.

By bus

For travelers looking to connect to specific remote trailheads, local Autolinee Toscane regional buses operate out of transit hubs like Borgo San Lorenzo, syncing rural mountain communities with the primary train stations along the line.

Below you'll find the location marked on Google Maps. Click on it to open the location directly on your device's maps.

Useful contacts

What to Bring & Pro Tips

Because the Faentina railway is highly utilized by daily commuters, avoid traveling during the peak morning and late-afternoon rush hours to secure the most comfortable and scenic trip by the windows. Keep in mind that infrastructure upgrades may occasionally alter seasonal timetables, so always verify your departure times in advance. If you plan on stepping off the train for excursions to natural parks, it is essential to pack sturdy hiking boots, a reusable water bottle, and a light jacket, as temperatures drop rapidly in the Apennine mountainous areas. Don't forget to check the opening hours of local trattorias in Marradi or Borgo San Lorenzo ahead of time to ensure you don't miss out on tastings of typical local products, especially during the famous autumn chestnut festivals.

The “Hidden Gem”:

Once you have admired the mountain views from your seat, step off the train at the Marradi station and stretch your legs with a walk toward the haunting, centuries-old ruins of the Castellone di Marradi (also known as Rocca di Castiglionchio).

Instead of visiting traditional, crowded urban monuments, this hidden medieval fortress sits like a silent sentinel high above the Lamone Valley. Built in the 11th century to guard the ancient pass between Tuscany and Romagna, the crumbling stone towers and defensive walls are now completely surrounded by wild chestnut forests. Hiking up the quiet, sun-dappled trail to the ruins offers a wonderfully serene, historical break from the classic postcard views of the low valleys, rewarding adventurous travelers with a sweeping, panoramic view of the rugged Apennine landscape.