Florence Peretola (FLR) is a small regional airport that doesn't see direct US service. American Airlines runs seasonal Philadelphia-Florence in summer, but otherwise every award path to Florence is a connection. The good news: Florence is one of Europe's easiest train-from-major-hub destinations, and the connecting flight strategy doesn't matter as much as you think.
The "fly to Rome, train to Florence" play
For most points travelers, the cheapest way to Florence isn't a connecting flight — it's flying to Rome FCO and taking the Italo or Frecciarossa high-speed train. The math:
- FCO → Florence Santa Maria Novella: 1h30m on Frecciarossa, ~€39-€59 walk-up.
- MXP → Florence (via Milan): 1h45m on Frecciarossa, ~€39-€69.
- FRA → Florence (Lufthansa connection): ~€0 marginal (saver award) but 4-6 hour total trip.
The train is often faster than waiting for a connection at FRA or MUC, and saves you from the connection-flight YQ surcharges. Book FCO as your final award destination, then walk to the FCO Trenitalia Express, then transfer to a high-speed train at Roma Termini.
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Award routings to Rome FCO (closest large airport)
| Routing | Mile cost (each way business) | Cash YQ |
|---|---|---|
| Avianca LifeMiles via Star Alliance (Lufthansa, Air Canada to FCO) | 63,000 LifeMiles | ~$25 |
| Aeroplan via Lufthansa | 70,000 Aeroplan | ~$280-$340 |
| AAdvantage to FCO via ITA Airways direct | 57,500 (off-peak) / 70,000 (peak) | ~$150 |
| Flying Blue Promo Reward via Air France | ~75,000-85,000 Flying Blue | ~$310 |
| Delta SkyMiles dynamic via Delta One | 200,000-350,000 SkyMiles | ~$5.60 |
Hotels in Florence on points
- The St. Regis Florence (Marriott Luxury Collection): Category 8, ~85,000 Bonvoy points/night.
- The Westin Excelsior Florence: Category 8, ~85,000 points/night.
- Hilton Florence Metropole: Standard tier, ~50,000-70,000 Hilton points/night.
- Hyatt Centric Piazza San Marco Florence: Category 6, 25,000 World of Hyatt points/night — exceptional value.
- Conrad Florence (opening 2026): Once open, expect Diamond category rates around 70,000-85,000 Hilton points/night.
Florence airport vs Rome rail: which to book
Book Florence FLR as your final award destination only if:
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- You're flying business class on a non-YQ carrier (Avianca LifeMiles or AAdvantage with low YQ partner)
- Your travel partner has mobility constraints that make train transfer difficult
- You're flying with a tight schedule and the train transfer adds risk
Book FCO + Frecciarossa if:
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- Award space at FLR isn't open
- You're booking a deeply-discounted flight (LifeMiles, Aeroplan, AAdvantage to FCO)
- You want to also visit Rome on the same trip — combine FCO arrival, 3 nights Rome, train to Florence, fly out of FLR or take train back to FCO
Bottom line
For points travelers, the cheapest path to Florence in 2026 is flying to Rome FCO on Avianca LifeMiles via Lufthansa or Air Canada (63,000 miles + ~$25 business class), then taking the Frecciarossa to Florence (~€39-€59). The St. Regis and Hyatt Centric in Florence are the best hotel-points values; the Conrad Florence opening in 2026 will add a third aspirational option.
Search award flights to Florence on Pointify →
Last verified by the Pointify research team on May 1, 2026, against current Avianca LifeMiles, Aeroplan, AAdvantage, Flying Blue, and Delta SkyMiles award rates. Hotel rates reflect current Marriott Bonvoy and World of Hyatt category placements; verify live rates before booking.
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