GETTING AROUND FLORENCE
Your Essential Guide to Exploring the Renaissance City

Florence, one of the world’s most captivating and historically rich cities, draws millions of visitors annually. Its compact historic center, brimming with iconic monuments, makes Florence a joy to explore on foot. However, various transport options are available to help you navigate the city more easily, especially if you’re short on time or wish to venture beyond the central area. This guide will walk you through all the ways to get around Florence: on foot, by public transport, bike, taxi, and car sharing.

Walking in Florence: The Best Way to Explore

Without a doubt, walking is the ultimate way to experience Florence. The city’s historic center is remarkably compact and highly walkable, with most major attractions just a stone’s throw from each other. The Florence Cathedral (Duomo), Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, and the Uffizi Gallery are all within minutes of each other.

Furthermore, many streets in the historic center are Limited Traffic Zones (ZTLs), meaning only authorized vehicles can enter. This not only makes walking easier but also much safer and more enjoyable.

Advantages of walking:

  • Easy access to all the main tourist attractions.

  • No hassle with parking or ZTL restrictions.

  • Opportunity to discover hidden gems, charming squares, and picturesque views.

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, as many streets are paved with traditional “sampietrini” (cobblestones).

Public Transport in Florence: Buses and Trams

Florence boasts an efficient public transport system, operated by ATAF for buses and Gest for trams. These options are particularly useful for longer distances or reaching areas outside the historic center, such as Piazzale Michelangelo or the Careggi district.

 

Buses

Florence’s bus network covers the entire city and its surrounding areas. Key lines that pass through the center include:

  • Line 6 (towards Piazzale Michelangelo)

  • Line 14 (connecting the center to Rifredi train station)

  • Lines 12 and 13 (circular routes around the historic center)

Buses run frequently during the day but are less available in the evening, especially after 10:00 PM.

 

Trams

Florence’s tram network is relatively new and expanding. Currently, there are two main lines:

  • Line T1 connects Villa Costanza (Scandicci) to Careggi (Florence’s hospital), passing through Santa Maria Novella Station.

  • Line T2 runs from Peretola Airport to the city center, stopping at Piazza dell’Unità Italiana, just a short walk from the main station.

 

Tickets

Tickets for buses and trams can be purchased:

  • At stops, via vending machines.

  • In tobacco shops (“tabaccherie”) and newsstands.

  • Through apps like TABNET or ATAF 2.0.

A single ticket costs €1.50 and is valid for 90 minutes. Remember to validate your ticket once you board the bus or tram.

Taxis in Florence

Taxis in Florence are a good option if you need direct transport or are traveling at night when buses and trams are less frequent. Unlike some other cities, Florence taxis cannot be hailed on the street. You must book them in advance by phone or find them at designated taxi stands, such as those in Piazza della Stazione or Piazza della Repubblica.

The main taxi companies in Florence are:

  • Socota: +39 055 4242

  • Taxi Firenze 4390: +39 055 4390

Florentine taxis apply a fixed fare for certain routes, such as from the airport to the city center (approximately €22-25), but prices can vary based on traffic and time of day.

Bike and Electric Scooter Rentals

For those who prefer a more dynamic way to get around, renting a bicycle or an electric scooter is an excellent choice. Florence is increasingly embracing sustainable mobility, with new cycling paths and limited traffic zones making it safe to pedal.

 

Bikes

There are several bike rental points throughout the city, especially near major tourist attractions. A popular alternative is using bike-sharing services.

 

Electric Scooters

Florence has several electric scooter sharing companies. These are perfect for moving quickly around the city without traffic or parking concerns.

Car Sharing and Car Rental

If you need a car to explore the surroundings of Florence or to reach areas less accessible by public transport, you can use various car-sharing or car rental services.

 

Car Sharing

Car-sharing services are ideal for short trips and avoiding parking costs.

 

Car Rental

If you plan excursions outside the city, such as to Chianti or the Tuscan hills, you can rent a car from numerous companies located near Santa Maria Novella Station or Peretola Airport. Keep in mind that driving in the historic center can be complicated due to ZTLs, so it’s best to use a car only for trips outside the city.

Getting Around at Night

Florence at night is magical, but public transport is less frequent. If you’re out late, consider using taxis or ride-sharing services to return to your hotel safely.

Traveling To and From Florence Airport

Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci Airport is located approximately 8 km from the city center and is easily accessible by various means of transport:

  • Tram T2: The most convenient connection is Tram Line T2, which links the airport to Santa Maria Novella Station in about 20 minutes.

  • Taxi: As mentioned, the fixed fare for taxis from the airport to the city center is around €22-25.

  • Private Shuttles: Several companies offer direct shuttle services from the airport to hotels in the city.

Parking in Florence

If you’re driving and plan to park in Florence, be mindful of the ZTLs, as fines for unauthorized access are steep. It’s advisable to park your car in one of the paid parking lots located on the outskirts of the center, such as Parcheggio di Santa Maria Novella or Parcheggio Porta al Prato.