Florence airport to city centre
What is the cheapest way from Florence airport to the city centre?
The tram T2 line runs from FLR airport to Santa Maria Novella station in 18 minutes for €1.50. It departs every 4–6 minutes from 5:00 to 00:30. A taxi to the centre costs a flat rate of €20–25.
Getting from Florence airport to the city — your options at a glance
Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport — officially called Peretola, IATA code FLR — sits just 5 km northwest of the city centre. Despite its small size (under 3 million passengers per year), getting into town is straightforward and inexpensive thanks to the tram T2 line that opened in 2019.
Below is everything you need to know about every realistic option, including the prices, journey times and honest trade-offs.
| Option | Journey time | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tram T2 | 18 min | €1.50 | Budget travellers, solo, couples |
| Official taxi | 15–25 min | €20–25 flat | Groups of 3–4, late night, heavy bags |
| Shared transfer | 20–40 min | €15–20 per person | Those who pre-booked, no Italian needed |
| Private transfer | 25 min | €45–70 | Families, luggage, direct hotel drop |
| Rental car | 20 min drive | Varies | Those driving to Chianti or Val d’Orcia — but park outside ZTL |
Tram T2 — the best option for most visitors
The tram T2 (Vespucci line) is the fastest, most reliable and cheapest way into the city for most travellers. It connects the airport terminal directly to Santa Maria Novella station with seven intermediate stops, running every 4–6 minutes during the day.
Key tram facts
- Fare: €1.50 per journey (validated single ticket, valid 90 min on all Florence city transport)
- Journey time: 18 minutes terminal to Santa Maria Novella (Unità stop)
- Operating hours: 05:00–00:30 daily (last tram varies slightly; check Gestione Tramvie Spa website)
- Frequency: every 4–6 minutes peak, every 10–12 minutes early morning and late evening
- Luggage: no size restrictions; push luggage under or between seats
- Ticket purchase: from the yellow vending machines at the airport tram stop (card and cash); also via the ATAF app or tabacchi in the city
- Validation: always validate before boarding — inspectors check frequently and the fine is €50 + ticket cost
How to find the tram at FLR
Exit arrivals, turn left along the pavement for about 100 metres. The tram stop is clearly signed. Platforms are covered and the display boards show the next departure in real time.
Tram stops relevant to visitors
| Stop | Area | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aeroporto | FLR Terminal | Departing point |
| Villa Costanza | Scandicci interchange | T1 tram to Scandicci |
| Fortezza | Fortezza da Basso | Exhibition centre, good for hotels near Novoli |
| Alamanni-Stazione | SMN station west side | 5-min walk to SMN main entrance |
| Unità | SMN station east side, Piazza dell’Unità | Terminus — best stop for most hotels |
From Unità, Santa Maria Novella station is a 3-minute walk. The Duomo is a 15-minute walk east. Most hotels in the San Lorenzo and Novella area are under 10 minutes on foot.
Official taxis from Florence airport
White metered taxis queue outside the arrivals hall. Florence applies fixed flat rates on airport journeys — they are not negotiable and do not depend on the meter:
| Destination | Day rate (06:00–22:00) | Night/Sunday rate |
|---|---|---|
| Within the city walls (historic centre) | €20 | €22–25 |
| Outside the walls (Oltrarno, Fiesole direction) | €22–25 | €25–28 |
| Hotels in the ZTL | Driver drops at the nearest allowed point | Same rates |
Important: taxis cannot enter the ZTL without an authorisation code. Your hotel may be able to arrange a temporary code, or the driver will drop you at the edge of the restricted zone — usually within a 5-minute walk of your accommodation.
Always insist on the flat airport rate if the driver suggests turning on the meter — the flat rate should always apply on airport routes.
Shared and private transfers
Several operators run shared minibus transfers from FLR to central Florence hotels. These cost €15–20 per person and require pre-booking. Journey times depend on how many hotels are on the route, so allow 30–45 minutes.
Private transfers are worth considering for families, groups of 4+ or travellers with large amounts of luggage. Reputable services include:
- Siena Shuttle and similar NCC (noleggio con conducente) operators
- Booking via your hotel concierge
- Major platforms such as GetYourGuide
Expect to pay €45–70 for a private car to most central Florence addresses. These vehicles can enter the ZTL to drop at your hotel door with advance authorisation.
Renting a car at Florence airport
FLR has rental desks for Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt and others inside the terminal. However, driving a rental car into central Florence is almost always a mistake unless you are heading directly to Chianti, the Tuscan countryside or Val d’Orcia.
The ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) covers the entire historic centre and operates 7:30–20:00 weekdays and 7:30–16:00 Saturdays. Cameras read every number plate at every entrance. Fines are €80–335 and arrive by post weeks later — rental companies add their own administrative fees on top.
If you plan a Tuscany road trip, park outside the ZTL (Piazzale Michelangelo car park, Fortezza da Basso area, or station car parks) and use public transport and tram within the city.
Travelling with children and large luggage
The tram T2 is fully accessible with wide doors and dedicated spaces for prams and luggage. However, at peak times (08:00–10:00 and 17:00–19:00) the tram is busy. If travelling with a pram or multiple suitcases, consider a taxi or private transfer to avoid the inconvenience of a crowded tram carriage.
Arriving at night (after midnight)
The last tram departs around 00:30. If your flight lands after midnight, the only realistic options are:
- Official taxi — queues are usually short at night, fare is €22–28 depending on destination
- Pre-booked private transfer — arrange via your hotel or a transfer platform in advance
- Ride-hail app — Uber operates in Florence, but NCC pricing can be higher than taxis; compare before confirming
There are no overnight buses from FLR to the city centre.
Connecting to other destinations from Santa Maria Novella
Once at SMN station (reached via the tram), you can continue directly to:
- Rome Termini: Frecciarossa or Italo high-speed trains, 1h30 — book on Trenitalia or Italo
- Venice Santa Lucia: high-speed trains, approximately 2h
- Bologna Centrale: regional trains, 40 min
- Pisa Centrale: regional trains, 1h
For day trips to Siena, buses from the SITA bus station (adjacent to SMN) are often more convenient than trains — see our guide to getting around Florence and Tuscany.
Florence airport quick facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| IATA code | FLR |
| Full name | Amerigo Vespucci Airport / Peretola |
| Distance to city centre | 5 km |
| Terminal | 1 terminal |
| Airlines | Ryanair, Volotea, Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France and others |
| No direct transatlantic flights | Connect via Rome FCO, Milan MXP or other European hubs |
Note: Florence Peretola does not have direct long-haul connections. Most transatlantic visitors connect through Rome Fiumicino (FCO), Milan Malpensa (MXP) or another European hub. Pisa’s Galileo Galilei airport (PSA) handles more budget carriers and is sometimes a cheaper entry point — see our guide to getting from Pisa airport to Florence.
Practical information for first-time arrivals at FLR
Currency and payment
The euro is Italy’s currency. ATMs (Bancomat) are available in the arrivals hall at FLR. Use ATMs connected to major banks (Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit) rather than standalone currency exchange machines, which charge higher commissions.
Most hotels, restaurants and shops in Florence accept Visa and Mastercard contactless. American Express is accepted in larger establishments but not universally. Keep €20–30 in cash for smaller purchases, market stalls, bus tickets and tips.
SIM cards and connectivity
Italian SIM cards are sold at the airport terminal (TIM, Vodafone Italy). A tourist SIM with 10–15 GB data for 30 days typically costs €15–25. EU visitors with an EU plan may roam at no extra charge — check your plan’s Italy roaming terms before purchasing a local SIM.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout FLR airport.
Customs and arrivals procedure
EU citizens from Schengen countries pass through without passport control. Non-Schengen EU citizens and non-EU visitors pass through the EU/non-EU passport control lanes. Most non-EU passports are processed by e-gates (biometric) with a brief manual check.
ETIAS: the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to launch for non-EU nationals (UK, US, Canada, Australia etc.) in late 2026. It will require a pre-travel online authorisation (similar to the US ESTA). As of mid-2026, it is not yet in force — check the ETIAS official website before travelling.
Baggage and the tram
There is no luggage restriction on the tram T2. You can board with suitcases, backpacks or prams. The tram has designated luggage spaces between seats and at the ends of carriages. During rush hours (08:00–10:00 and 17:00–19:00) the tram is busier — with multiple large bags, a taxi is more practical.
What to do if your flight arrives early
If you land ahead of schedule and your hotel room is not yet available, most Florence hotels offer luggage storage from approximately 09:00 (room availability is typically 14:00–15:00). Drop your bags, explore the historic centre and return for your room later. Left luggage is also available at SMN station (KiPoint, open from 06:00).
The tram T2 in detail — what to expect
Many first-time visitors to Florence are pleasantly surprised by the quality of the tram. The rolling stock is modern Alstom Citadis units — air-conditioned, low-floor, quiet and comfortable.
The 14-stop journey from the airport to SMN takes exactly 18 minutes when on schedule. The route passes through several Florence neighbourhoods before reaching the centre:
- Peretola and Novoli: light industrial and residential, increasingly gentrifying with the Novoli area’s university campus and shopping
- Fortezza da Basso: the historic Medicean fortress, now an exhibition centre; this stop serves the northern hotel cluster on Viale Filippo Strozzi
- Piazza del Boschetto / Alamanni: the area immediately west of SMN station; useful for the San Lorenzo neighbourhood and the leather market
- Unità: the terminus, facing Piazza dell’Unità and Santa Maria Novella church
Tram app and real-time tracking
The ATAF app (iOS and Android) shows real-time tram positions and departure countdowns. Download before arriving — it is free and works on Wi-Fi at the airport. The in-app map shows exactly which tram is nearest.
At the airport stop itself, the platform displays show the next two departures with countdown timers. The tram runs on fixed infrastructure and these displays are accurate.
Connecting from the tram to your hotel
From Unità (the SMN terminus):
- Hotels in Santa Maria Novella / Novella neighbourhood: 5–10 min walk north
- Hotels near the Duomo: 18–20 min walk east (or take tram to Fortezza for northern approach)
- Hotels in San Lorenzo: 10 min walk east on Via Nazionale
- Hotels in Oltrarno: 30 min walk south across Ponte alla Carraia; or take city bus from SMN
Most central Florence hotels are within 20 minutes’ walk from either Unità or Alamanni-Stazione tram stops. Your hotel should provide walking directions on their booking confirmation.
Frequently asked questions about Florence airport transfers
Is the Florence tram reliable?
Yes. The T2 line runs on its own dedicated track and is not affected by road traffic. Delays are rare. Real-time departures are shown on displays at every stop and in the ATAF app.
Do I need to buy a tram ticket in advance?
No. Ticket machines are at every tram stop and accept cash and cards. You can also buy via the ATAF app before you arrive. Always validate immediately on boarding.
Can I take the tram with a large suitcase?
Yes. There is no baggage restriction. During peak hours the tram can be crowded — if you have several large bags, the 17:00–19:00 rush is the most uncomfortable time. A taxi is always a clean alternative.
Is it safe to take taxis at Florence airport?
Official white taxis are safe and regulated. Avoid anyone approaching you in the arrivals hall offering a ride — use only the official queue on the forecourt. Legitimate drivers always display the Florence municipality licence plate on the door.
Are there airport lounges at FLR?
Yes — the Sala Picasso business lounge inside departures accepts Priority Pass and similar cards. It is a small but well-kept lounge. Check your card’s terms before travelling.
What if my connecting flight is delayed and I miss the last tram?
Taxi queues are available 24 hours. During school holidays and summer peak season, pre-booking a private transfer is wise if you are arriving after 23:00.
Does Florence Peretola have a left luggage service?
Yes. Left luggage is available in the arrivals area. Check the airport website for current hours and rates (typically €5–8 per item per day).
Frequently asked questions about Florence airport to city centre
How long does it take to get from Florence Peretola airport to the city centre?
By tram T2 it takes 18 minutes. By taxi it takes 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. Shared transfer vehicles take 20–40 minutes with other pickups.How much does the tram from Florence airport cost?
A single tram ticket costs €1.50. You must validate it before boarding at the yellow machines on the platform. The same ticket is valid for 90 minutes on all Florence buses and trams within that window.Is there a direct train from Florence Peretola airport?
No, Florence Peretola (FLR) has no train station. The tram T2 is the public transport connection. Do not confuse FLR with Pisa's Galileo Galilei airport (PSA), which has a direct rail link.What is the taxi fare from Florence airport to the city?
The official flat rate is €20–22 for central Florence (within the city walls). After 22:00, on Sundays and public holidays a supplement applies — expect €22–28. Only use official white taxis with the Florence municipality shield.Can I take a bus from Florence airport to the city?
SITA buses and some tourist shuttles connect the airport but are slower and less frequent than the tram. The tram T2 is faster and cheaper for most travellers.Where does the tram stop in the city centre?
The tram T2 terminates at Unità station beside Santa Maria Novella (SMN) main station. From there you can walk to most central hotels in 5–20 minutes, or connect to other tram lines and buses.Can Uber or Bolt operate at Florence airport?
Uber operates in Florence but is limited to licensed NCC vehicles — prices are often higher than official taxis. Regular Uber X is not available. Always compare the Uber quote with the official taxi flat rate before booking.
