An Expert Guide on How to Get Around in Florence 

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Florence, the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, offers a range of transportation options that make exploring the city easy and enjoyable. While walking is often the best way to navigate its compact and historic center, public buses, trams, taxis, and bike rentals are available for longer trips or quicker commutes. For day trips outside the city, renting a car or scooter provides extra flexibility. 

So, keep reading to find how to get around Florence that suits your needs and makes the most of your trip!

Walking is the Best Way to Get Around Florence

Florence is a relatively small city, and most of its key attractions are located within the historic center. Walking is often the best way to explore the city, especially since many areas are pedestrian-only zones, such as around the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria.

Walking is especially fun between May and September. It’s the best time to visit Florence too, with mild crowds and many Florentine festivals and events around the city. You can also explore shopping and eating spots in Florence by walking. 

Key Points About Walking in Florence:

• Pedestrian-Friendly Areas: Streets like Via Calzaiuoli and Via de’ Tornabuoni are car-free, making walking pleasant and safe.
• Distance Between Major Attractions: Most famous sites like the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and the Pitti Palace are within a 10 to 20-minute walk from each other.
• Best for Scenic Exploration: Wander through narrow streets and discover hidden piazzas and cafes that you might miss by other means of transportation.

Pro Tip:
Wear comfortable shoes and bring a map (or use your phone’s GPS), as the streets can be winding and a bit confusing for first-time visitors.

Public Buses for Affordable, Convenient & Longer Trips

If you need to travel a bit further or prefer not to walk, Florence has a comprehensive public bus system run by Autolinee Toscane, former ATAF (Azienda Trasporti Area Fiorentina). 

Buses can take you to areas like Piazzale Michelangelo for panoramic views of the city or to more distant neighborhoods outside the historic center.

How to Use Florence’s Public Buses:

• Coverage: There are over 30 bus lines connecting the historic center with suburban areas.
• Tickets: A single ticket costs $1.89 (€1.70) and is valid for 90 minutes. You can purchase tickets at tobacconists, newsstands, or from ticket machines at tram stops. Note that tickets must be validated upon boarding.
• Night Service: The Nottetempo night bus service operates from 10 PM to 2 AM on weekends, covering specific routes across the city.

Routes to Know:

• Bus 12 and 13: These lines will take you to Piazzale Michelangelo, where you’ll get one of the best views of Florence.
• C1 and C2: These are circular routes that cover the historic center, ideal if you’re looking to get around without walking.
• Hop-On/Hop-Off buses offer a convenient way to see major attractions for around $22 (€20.70) for 24 hours, though they don’t enter the narrow streets of the historic center.

Taxis for Quick, Door-to-Door Service

Taxis in Florence are available, though they are typically more expensive than public transport. They’re most useful when you need to travel with luggage, late at night, or if you’re going to areas not easily accessible by bus.

Important Details About Taxis in Florence:

• Taxi Stands: Taxis cannot be hailed on the street. You’ll need to either go to a taxi stand (found near major squares and train stations) or call one. You can also use a taxi app like ItTaxi.
• Fares: The starting fare is around $4 (€3.30) during the day and $7 (€6.60) at night or on holidays, with an additional charge of $0.11 per kilometer. A typical ride within the city costs around $9 (€8).
• Booking: You can call for a taxi from companies like Taxi 4242 or Taxi 4390.

Trams for Efficient and Modern Option

Florence’s tram system is fairly new but highly efficient, operated by GEST. Currently, there are two main tram lines (T1 and T2) that connect parts of the city and even provide a direct route to Florence Airport.

Trams are fast and run on time, making them a reliable option for getting around. It’s a great choice if you’re heading to the airport or staying on the outskirts of the city.

What You Need to Know About Florence’s Trams:

• Line T1 connects Villa Costanza in Scandicci to Careggi Hospital, stopping at key locations like Cascine Park, Santa Maria Novella train station, and Fortezza da Basso.
• Line T2 links Santa Maria Novella station to Florence Airport (Peretola).
• Ticketing: Tram tickets are the same as bus tickets, costing $1.89 (€1.70) for 90 minutes of travel. Tickets can be purchased at tram stops or via the ATAF app. Like buses, tickets must be validated.

Biking – Explore the City on Two Wheels

Bicycles are a popular way to get around Florence, especially since the city has been adding more bike lanes in recent years. While biking through the narrow, cobblestone streets of the city center can be challenging, it’s a great option if you want to cover more ground quickly.

Renting a Bike in Florence:

• Bike Rentals: There are numerous rental shops in Florence, particularly near the train station and tourist hubs. Prices may vary but expect to pay around $11-$17 (€10-€15) per day.
• Bike Sharing: The Ridemovi app lets you rent a bike in Florence and pick it up at various docking stations around the city.
• Safety: Always be cautious of traffic, especially in busy areas. Helmets are not mandatory but recommended.

Popular bike routes in Florence include:

• Arno River Path: Ride along the scenic river for a flat, easy ride with views of the city.
• Piazzale Michelangelo: For a more challenging uphill ride that rewards you with stunning panoramic views.

Rent a Car for Day Trips, Not for City Travel

Renting a car in Florence can be convenient for day trips to the Tuscan countryside, like Pisa, Lucca, and Cinque Terre, nearby beaches, or even wine-tasting tours. But it’s not recommended for city travel due to the ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato), a restricted traffic zone in the city center. If you’re not careful, you could face hefty fines for driving in unauthorized areas.

Key Considerations for Renting a Car:

• ZTL Restrictions: Most of Florence’s historic center is off-limits to cars unless you have special permission, which hotels may be able to arrange for guests. Look out for signs indicating the ZTL zones.
• Parking: Finding parking in Florence can be difficult, and it’s often expensive. Public parking garages cost about $22-$33 (€20–€30) per day.
• Day Trip Convenience: If you’re planning to explore outside the city, such as trips to Pisa, Siena, or Chianti, a rental car is a great option.

Vespa and Scooter Rentals for Extra Fun

Renting a scooter or Vespa is a classic Italian experience, but it’s important to be cautious when navigating Florence’s busy streets. Traffic can be unpredictable, and the narrow roads require confident driving skills.

What to Know About Renting a Scooter:

• Rental Requirements: You’ll need a valid driver’s license, and, in some cases, an international driving permit. Rental costs typically range from $33-$56 (€30-€50) per day.
• Parking: Like cars, scooters are subject to ZTL restrictions, so be mindful of where you’re allowed to park.

Pro Tip:
Scooters are ideal if you’re comfortable with city driving and want a quick, fun way to zip around Florence and beyond.

Getting to and from Florence Airport

Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR) is located about 6 miles (10 km) from the city center. Here’s how to get to and from the airport:

• Tram: The T2 tram connects the airport to the city center in about 20 minutes. It’s a quick and affordable option, costing just $1.9 (€1.70).
• Taxi: A taxi from the airport to the city center has a fixed fare of around $25-$28 (€22-€25).
• Shuttle Bus: There’s a direct shuttle bus service called VolaInBus, which runs between the airport and Santa Maria Novella train station. Tickets cost around $7 (€6).

Final Thoughts

Florence’s transportation network is well-suited to its blend of historic charm and modern convenience. Walking offers the most scenic and immersive experience, but when needed, public buses, trams, and taxis make it easy to reach farther areas. For those looking for adventure, bike and scooter rentals provide a fun alternative. 

Whatever your choice, navigating Florence is straightforward and designed to help you spend more time enjoying the city’s beauty rather than worrying about getting from place to place.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)