Getting Around Florence
Florence is a compact medieval city where most major tourist attractions lie within walking distance of each other. You can traverse the historic center from north to south or east to west in about half an hour on foot. Walking is the primary way visitors experience Florence, as it allows you to absorb the street life and discover details that other modes of transport would miss. However, the city also offers several other options for getting around.
Walking and Exploring on Foot
Walking is not only practical but essential to appreciating Florence. Many streets in the historic center are closed to traffic, and numerous others are too narrow for buses. The flat terrain of the historic center makes walking easy, though you should be aware that electric motor scooters—quiet but quick—can appear in plazas and narrow streets, particularly in summer months. Bus and car tours are not recommended due to the city's narrow medieval streets and traffic restrictions.
Bicycles
The city operates a bike rental service with several pickup and drop-off points throughout Florence, including one at Santa Maria Novella train station and at many other railway stations, though opening hours at some locations may be restricted. Some hotels provide guests with free bicycles. Bike shops also rent bicycles and often organize guided countryside tours.
The historic center is mostly flat and bikeable, making cycling feasible for navigating the core tourist areas. However, traffic in central Florence is congested with buses, trucks, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians competing for limited space. A network of cycle paths around the city's perimeter can make travel faster than cycling directly through the historic center, even when your destination is centrally located.
Public Transport: Trams and Buses
Florence has a tram network and bus system operated by local authorities. The most useful tram line for visitors is the T2, which connects Amerigo Vespucci International Airport to the main train station (Firenze Santa Maria Novella) and continues to Piazza San Marco. Trams run every 5 to 15 minutes depending on the time of day, with service until 12:30 on weekdays and 02:00 on weekends. A one-way tram ticket costs €1.70 and can be purchased with cash or credit card at vending machines at each station. The ride from the airport to the train station takes approximately 20 minutes.
Buses serve the city and surrounding areas. Busitalia SITA Nord operates from the Autostazione on Via Santa Caterina da Siena and serves many cities in Tuscany and beyond. However, because of Florence's narrow medieval streets, bus routes do not penetrate the historic center thoroughly. Buses may be more useful for reaching areas on the city's outskirts or for day trips to nearby towns.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services
Taxis operate in Florence, though hailing one from the street curb can be difficult. The most reliable way to get a taxi is to call ahead through your hotel or restaurant, or to visit one of the few designated taxi stands. A popular taxi stand is located at Santa Maria Novella train station, with others in major squares throughout the city. When you call for a taxi, the nearest available vehicle is dispatched by radio, and the meter begins running from the moment of dispatch.
From Amerigo Vespucci Airport to anywhere in the historic center, taxis charge a flat rate of €25, plus €1 per large item of luggage.
Train and Metro Services
Florence does not have a traditional metro (underground) system. However, the city is well served by regional and long-distance trains. Almost all trains arrive at the main station, Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN), located on the north edge of the historic old town. The station is near most accommodation and major sights. Trenitalia ticket machines accepting cards or cash are available on the platform concourse, staffed kiosks operate in the main hall, and fast food options are available there and nearby. An underpass connects the station to Piazza SMN to the south.
A few regional trains also call at alternative stations: Firenze Campo Marte (2 km east, near Florence Stadium), Firenze Statuto (1 km north of SMN), and Firenze Rifredi (2 km north of SMN). Unless your ticket specifies otherwise, it is valid for any connecting train between these stations and SMN, with connections typically available within ten minutes.
Arriving from the Airport
Amerigo Vespucci International Airport (known locally as Peretola) is located 4 kilometers northwest of the city center. It has only one runway and handles a relatively limited number of flights, which tend to be infrequent and expensive.
By tram: The T2 tram line directly connects the airport to the main train station (SMN) in approximately 20 minutes. Tram stations are located at the airport (controlled, to the left of the main entrance). Trams run every 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the time of day, until 12:30 on weekdays and 02:00 on weekends. One-way tickets cost €1.70 and can be purchased with cash or credit card at vending machines.
By taxi: Taxis offer a flat rate of €25 from the airport to anywhere in the historic center, plus €1 per large item of luggage.
Alternative airports: Two other major airports serve the Florence area and may offer more flight options. Bologna airport is approximately one hour away by car or train and has more extensive European flight connections, particularly with budget airlines. Pisa airport is approximately one and a half hours away by train and offers fewer flights than Bologna. When flying from North America, Rome Fiumicino airport provides a faster connection to Florence than Milan Malpensa.
Traveling Within the City by Train
If you are arriving in Florence by train, the main station (SMN) is the most convenient arrival point, as it sits at the edge of the historic center near hotels and attractions. Frequent direct trains connect Florence to major Italian cities, including Rome (90 minutes), Milan (approximately 1 hour 40 minutes), Venice (2 hours), and Naples (approximately 2 hours 50 minutes). International passengers often change trains at Milan, though a direct overnight Nightjet service operates between Munich and Florence, departing Munich around 20:00 and arriving in Florence around 06:00, with return service leaving Florence around 22:00. This same service also branches to Vienna with similar schedules.