Florence Transport Guide: How to Get Around Florence (2026)

This Florence transport guide covers every option for getting around Florence in 2026.

Getting around Florence is much simpler than getting around most major Italian cities — because Florence’s historic centre is compact, largely pedestrianised and best explored entirely on foot. The entire historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and most of the major attractions are within easy walking distance of each other.

But Florence also has buses, trams and taxis for getting around the wider city — and excellent train connections for day trips to Siena, Pisa and the rest of Tuscany. This complete Florence transport guide covers everything you need to know about getting around Florence in 2026.

Florence Transport Guide— Quick Overview

Getting Around Florence on Foot

This Florence transport guide recommends walking as the best way to explore the historic centre.

Walking is by far the best way to get around Florence — and the only way to truly experience the city. The historic centre is largely pedestrianised and most major sights are within 15-20 minutes’ walk of each other.

Walking distances between major sights:

Walking tip:Florence is almost entirely flat in the historic centre — only Piazzale Michelangelo requires a significant uphill walk (about 20 minutes from the Ponte Vecchio).

ZTL Zones in Florence — Critical Information

This Florence transport guide explains ZTL zones in detail — essential reading before driving in Florence.

Florence’s ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) covers the entire historic centre and is one of the most strictly enforced in Italy. If you’re renting a car, never drive into Florence city centre — cameras automatically photograph every entering vehicle and fines of €100-200 arrive weeks later.

How to avoid ZTL fines:

• ✅ Park outside the ZTL at Piazzale Michelangelo, the Parterre car park or at Santa Maria Novella station.
• ✅ Use the park-and-ride facilities on the city outskirts.
• ✅ Walk or take a bus into the centre from your parking spot.

Check ourTuscany car rental guidefor complete ZTL information.

Florence Buses

Florence’s bus network — operated by ATAF — covers the entire city and surrounding areas. The buses most useful for tourists:

Bus prices:

Bus tips:

• ✅ Buy tickets before boarding at tabacchi shops or machines at main stops.
• ✅ Validate on the machine inside the bus.
• ✅ Use bus 12 or 13 to reach Piazzale Michelangelo — much easier than walking uphill.

Florence Trams

Florence has two tram lines that are useful for specific journeys:

Line T1 (Scandicci):Runs from Santa Maria Novella station to Scandicci in the southwest — limited tourist use.

Line T2 (Airport):The most useful tram for tourists — connects Florence city centre (Santa Maria Novella station) directly to Florence Peretola Airport in about 20 minutes. Cost: €1.50.

Tram Tips:

• ✅ Line T2 is the best and cheapest way to get from Florence city centre to the airport.
• ✅ Same ticket as buses — validate before boarding.
• ✅ Runs every 4-6 minutes throughout the day.

Getting to Florence

By train:Florence Santa Maria Novella station is one of Italy’s main rail hubs — right in the city centre. High-speed trains from Rome take 1h 30m from €19. From Milan takes 1h 45m from €19. From Venice takes 2h 10m from €29. Book on ourcheap train tickets page.

By plane:Florence Peretola Airport (FLR) is small — many visitors fly into Pisa Airport instead. From Peretola:

• Tram T2: 20 min to city centre, €1.50 ✅.
• Taxi: 20 min, €22 fixed rate.

From Pisa Airport:

• Train:1h to Florence, from €9 — see ourFlorence to Pisa guide.

Florence Taxis

Florence’s official taxis are white — always use licensed white taxis, never unlicensed drivers.

Florence taxi prices:

• Starting fare: €3.30 (day) / €5.30 (night/Sunday).
• Airport to city centre: €22 fixed rate.
• Within city centre: €8-15.

Tips:

• ✅ Use the itTaxi app to book official taxis.
• ✅ Always confirm the meter is running or agree a fixed price.
• ❌ Don’t accept rides from unlicensed drivers outside the station.

Day Trips from Florence by Train

Florence Santa Maria Novella station is the perfect base for Tuscan day trips by train:

Book all tickets on ourcheap train tickets page.

Cycling in Florence

Florence is relatively flat in the historic centre and cycling is a pleasant way to explore. Several bike rental companies operate near the station and in the city centre.

Bike rental prices:From €3/hour or €15/day.

Best cycling routes:

• ✅ Along the Arno river — flat and scenic.
• ✅ The Oltrarno neighbourhood — quiet streets.
• ✅ Piazzale Michelangelo — uphill challenge but spectacular views.
• ❌ Avoid the crowded tourist streets around the Duomo.

Florence Transport Guide Tips

Use this Florence transport guide to plan your daily journeys before you arrive.

• Walk everywhere in the historic centre. Florence’s sights are so close together that walking is almost always the fastest option.
• Take bus 12 or 13 to Piazzale Michelangelo. The uphill walk takes 20-25 minutes — the bus takes 10 minutes for €1.50.
• Use tram T2 for the airport. At €1.50 it’s the cheapest and most convenient airport transport option.
• Never drive in the ZTL. Florence’s ZTL cameras are everywhere and fines are automatic. Park outside and walk.
• Book train day trips in advance. Pisa, Lucca and Arezzo sell out on weekends — book ahead on ourtrain tickets page.

This Florence transport guide will save you money on every journey in Florence.

For official travel information visit theItalian Tourism Board.

Plan Your Florence Trip

This Florence transport guide very useful for who travel to Italy.

• 🏛️ Best Things to Do in Florence
• 🆓 Free Things to Do in Florence
• 🗺️ Best Day Trips from Florence
• 💶 Italy on €50 a Day

Buona Giornata 🥳

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