Arrival & Transport
Arrival by Plane
Florence-Peretola Airport (FLR / Amerigo Vespucci)
The city airport is only 5 km northwest of the center — one of the closest airports to a city in Europe. Small, manageable, but with limited connections. Direct flights from German-speaking countries are rare — most connections go through hubs (Munich, Frankfurt, Vienna, Zurich).
- To the center: Tram T2 (since 2019) — directly from the airport to Piazza dell'Unità (near Santa Maria Novella station). 20 minutes, 1.50€. Every 5–7 minutes. The best option.
- Taxi: Fixed price 22€ + 1€/piece of luggage to the center. 15–20 minutes.
Pisa-Galileo Galilei Airport (PSA)
The significantly larger airport for Tuscany — with many low-cost flight connections (Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air). 80 km west of Florence, but well connected.
- PisaMover + Train: From the airport via PisaMover (1.30€, 5 min.) to Pisa Centrale station, then train to Florence Santa Maria Novella: 60–80 minutes, from 8.90€. Trains every 30 minutes.
- Direct bus: Autostradale/Terravision offer direct buses Pisa Airport → Florence bus station (70 min., from 5€ online).
Arrival by Train
Florence is a railway hub: The station Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN) is located right in the center, 5 minutes' walk from the cathedral. High-speed trains (Frecce/Italo):
| Route | Duration | Price (from) |
|---|---|---|
| Rome → Florence | 1:30h | 19€ |
| Milan → Florence | 1:45h | 19€ |
| Venice → Florence | 2:00h | 15€ |
| Naples → Florence | 3:00h | 19€ |
| Bologna → Florence | 0:35h | 10€ |
Tip: Italo (italotreno.it) is often cheaper than Trenitalia — both run the same routes. Super Economy tickets (non-refundable, non-changeable) cost from 9.90€.
Local Transport
On Foot — the Only True Way
Florence is a city for pedestrians. The historic center is compact — from the cathedral to the Ponte Vecchio is 10 minutes, from the Uffizi to the Palazzo Pitti 15 minutes, from San Lorenzo to Piazzale Michelangelo 25 minutes. Most attractions are within a radius of 1.5 km. You don't need public transport in the center — just comfortable shoes (cobblestones and Pietra Serena are tricky).
Bus
The bus network (ATAF) covers the suburbs and excursion destinations. Key lines:
- Bus 12/13: To Piazzale Michelangelo and San Miniato al Monte (from Piazza San Niccolò or station).
- Bus 7: To Fiesole (from Piazza San Marco, 20 min.).
- Bus C1/C2/C3/C4: Small electric buses that navigate the narrow old town alleys — useful for those with mobility impairments.
Tickets: 1.50€ (90 min., at vending machines/Tabaccaio), 2.50€ on the bus. 24h ticket: 5€. Always buy BEFORE boarding (Tabaccaio, vending machines, Edicola) and validate on the bus!
Bicycle
Florence is flat (in the center) and has a growing network of bike paths. Bike rental: Mobike (app), Florence by Bike (daily rental from 12€), various e-bike rentals. However: The cobblestones and chaotic traffic make cycling in the center adventurous. Along the Arno and to Fiesole, bike tours are delightful.
Car
Forget the car in the center. Florence has a strict ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) — the entire old town is closed to unauthorized vehicles. Cameras capture every license plate, the fine is 80–100€ per violation (yes, per camera!). Hotels can organize a temporary permit (inquire in advance), but parking is expensive (25–35€/day). For trips to Chianti or Siena: Pick up and return rental cars at the airport or station.
Tipp
Always buy bus tickets in advance at the Tabaccaio (tobacco shop) or vending machines — they cost more on the bus, and not all buses sell tickets on board. And: Don't FORGET to validate the ticket on the bus! Inspectors are ruthless — fine: 50€.
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