Getting around Florence — the honest transport guide
What is the best way to get around Florence?
Walking is the best way to explore the historic centre — the main sights are within 30 minutes on foot. For longer distances use the tram (€1.50) or city buses. Avoid driving in the ZTL: fines are €80–335 per camera.
How Florence actually works for getting around
Florence is a compact, dense Renaissance city built before the automobile. Its historic centre — the area between the Arno river and the outer ring roads — covers roughly 3.5 km east to west and 2 km north to south. This is genuinely walkable territory.
The practical reality: most visitors do not need any transport within the centre. The Uffizi Gallery, Duomo, Accademia, Ponte Vecchio, Santa Croce, Piazzale Michelangelo and the main market are all accessible on foot from any central hotel within 20–40 minutes.
Where transport matters is for:
- Getting from the airport or train station into the centre (handled in our airport and stations guides)
- Reaching Piazzale Michelangelo without climbing stairs (bus 12/13)
- Day trips to Fiesole, Settignano or other surrounding areas
- Evening returns from Oltrarno or the far ends of the city
Walking — the primary way to see Florence
The single best thing you can do in Florence is slow down and walk. The city centre has been largely pedestrianised since the 1980s and the main streets are closed to through-traffic most of the day.
Walking distances from Santa Maria Novella station
| Destination | Walking time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Duomo complex | 18 min | Flat, straightforward |
| Uffizi Gallery | 22 min | Via Piazza della Repubblica |
| Ponte Vecchio | 25 min | |
| Accademia Gallery | 20 min | Via San Marco |
| Piazza della Signoria | 22 min | |
| Santa Croce Basilica | 30 min | |
| Piazzale Michelangelo | 55 min | Via Ponte alle Grazie and steps — or take bus |
| San Miniato al Monte | 60 min | Additional 10 min above Piazzale Michelangelo |
In July and August when temperatures reach 30–35°C, plan intensive walking for before 11:00 and after 17:00. Carry water — public fountains (many historic) provide free, drinkable water throughout the centre.
The tram network
Florence has two tram lines (T1 and T2) and is expanding. For visitors, T2 matters most:
T2 — Vespucci line (Airport — Santa Maria Novella)
Connects Florence Peretola Airport to SMN station in 18 minutes with 14 stops. Full details in our airport guide.
T1 — Scandicci line
Runs from Piazza dell’Unità (beside SMN) southwest to Villa Costanza and Scandicci. Useful for visitors staying in hotels along Viale Francesco Redi or heading to the Cascine park. Most tourists will not use T1.
Fares (2026)
| Ticket type | Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Single journey | €1.50 | 90 minutes, any bus or tram |
| Day pass | €5.00 | Unlimited travel, same day |
| 3-day pass | €12.00 | Unlimited travel, 3 consecutive days |
| 7-day pass | €18.00 | Unlimited travel, 7 consecutive days |
Buy at tram stop machines, tabacchi shops or via the ATAF app. Validate on every vehicle, every journey.
City buses (ATAF)
The city bus network covers areas the tram does not reach. Most are single-decker and run frequently during the day.
Most useful routes for visitors
| Route | Key stops | Useful for |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | SMN station → Ponte alle Grazie → Piazzale Michelangelo → San Miniato | Reaching Piazzale Michelangelo without climbing |
| 13 | Same as 12, reverse direction | Return from Piazzale Michelangelo |
| 7 | SMN → Duomo → Fiesole | Day trip to Fiesole |
| 1 | SMN → Campo di Marte → Settignano | Settignano village |
| 14 | SMN → Fiorentina Stadium → Cascine park | Cascine market (Tuesdays) |
| 23 | Cascine → Oltrarno → Piazzale Michelangelo | Cross-river connections |
Timetables are on the ATAF website and in the ATAF app. Note that buses run less frequently on Sundays and public holidays — check before depending on one for a specific connection.
Bus etiquette
- Board at the front or middle door, exit at the rear
- Validate your ticket immediately in the yellow machine
- Do not eat or drink on buses
- Inspectors operate regularly and fines are €50 + ticket price
Taxis
Florence has a reliable official taxi system. White metered taxis (with a Florence municipality badge on the door) pick up at designated ranks or can be hailed if you spot one with the top light lit.
Main taxi ranks in Florence
- Santa Maria Novella station (Piazza della Stazione)
- Piazza del Duomo (limited access)
- Piazza della Repubblica
- Piazza San Marco
- Piazzale Michelangelo
Fares
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Minimum fare | €3.30 |
| Rate per km (day) | €0.95 |
| Night supplement (22:00–06:00) | +€2.50 |
| Sunday/public holiday supplement | +€1.50 |
| Luggage (each large bag) | +€0.50 |
| Airport flat rate to/from FLR | €20–25 |
Most journeys within central Florence cost €8–15. You can call a taxi via the 4390 or 4242 radio taxi numbers or the itTaxi app (recommended — you see the fare estimate before confirming).
Note: taxis cannot enter the ZTL. They will drop you at the nearest accessible point. This is usually a 3–5 minute walk from your hotel in the historic centre.
E-bikes and bike hire
Cycling in Florence is increasingly popular and the city has added dedicated lanes along several main roads. The centre is mostly flat except for the Oltrarno hill leading to Piazzale Michelangelo.
Options
City bike share: Ridemovi (formerly Mobike) has dockless bikes and e-bikes throughout Florence. Download the app, scan a QR code and ride.
Rental shops: several shops near SMN station and Piazza della Repubblica rent bikes and e-bikes by the hour or day. Expect €10–15 per day for a standard bike, €20–30 for an e-bike.
Guided e-bike tours: a popular way to reach Piazzale Michelangelo, Fiesole or the Chianti hills with a guide — see the tours section above.
Key rules for cyclists
- Do not cycle in fully pedestrianised zones (Piazza della Signoria, Via dei Calzaiuoli)
- Use designated bike lanes where available
- Lock bikes to fixed objects — theft is common in busy areas
- Helmets are not legally required for adults but are strongly recommended
Electric scooters and Vespa hire
Shared e-scooters (Bird, Lime) operate in Florence’s outer ring roads but are restricted in the historic centre. They are not a practical way to tour the main sights.
Vespa hire is available from several operators — see our driving in Tuscany guide for context. Note that the ZTL restricts even motorcycles and scooters in certain areas and times.
Hop-on hop-off bus
Florence has a hop-on hop-off bus service (operated by City Sightseeing) with two routes. Key stops include:
- Santa Maria Novella station
- Piazza del Duomo
- Piazzale Michelangelo
- Palazzo Pitti / Boboli Gardens
A 1-day ticket costs approximately €25, a 2-day ticket €33. Recorded audio guide available in multiple languages.
Honest assessment: the hop-on hop-off is better value in Rome or Paris where distances are larger. In Florence’s compact centre, walking is faster and free. The hop-on hop-off is most useful for the Piazzale Michelangelo leg (saving the steep climb) and for visitors who struggle with extensive walking.
Getting across the Arno to Oltrarno
The Arno divides Florence into the north bank (historic centre, train station, Duomo) and the Oltrarno (Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens, artisan workshops, local neighbourhood restaurants).
Bridges open to pedestrians:
| Bridge | Notes |
|---|---|
| Ponte Vecchio | Famous goldsmith bridge — usually very crowded |
| Ponte alla Carraia | Less crowded, good views back to Ponte Vecchio |
| Ponte Santa Trinita | Elegant 16th-century bridge, best for photos |
| Ponte alle Grazie | Closest bridge to Piazzale Michelangelo route |
| Ponte San Niccolò | Further east, quieter |
None of these crossings require transport — all are on foot. The Oltrarno is a 2-minute walk from the north bank historic centre.
Transport by neighbourhood — where you are staying matters
Florence’s compact size means that transport needs depend heavily on where your hotel is located. Here is a practical breakdown:
Staying near Santa Maria Novella station
If your hotel is within 10 minutes of SMN, you have the best transport connections in the city. The tram T2 to the airport is right outside, regional trains are on your doorstep, and the city centre is walkable. You are in the heart of the historic transport hub.
Walking: Duomo 18 min, Ponte Vecchio 25 min, Accademia 22 min. You will not need: any bus for sightseeing — walking covers everything.
Staying near the Duomo
Centrally located, with the Baptistery, Campanile and dome complex on your doorstep. No transport needed within a 30-minute walk radius.
Walking: Uffizi 8 min, Accademia 12 min, Santa Croce 20 min. For: Piazzale Michelangelo, take bus 12/13 from SMN (10-min walk to the bus stop).
Staying in Oltrarno
South of the Arno, near Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens. The historic centre is 5–15 minutes across any of the central bridges. A slightly more local, less tourist-heavy neighbourhood.
Walking: Palazzo Pitti 3 min, Ponte Vecchio 5 min, Piazza della Signoria 12 min across Ponte Vecchio. For Piazzale Michelangelo: walk uphill (25 min) or take bus 12 from the SMN area.
Staying in Santa Croce / Borghese area
The eastern quarter — atmospheric but slightly further from the train station. The area around Santa Croce church and the Bargello is increasingly local in character.
Walking: Uffizi 12 min, Duomo 15 min, SMN 25 min. For transport: walk to SMN or use city buses 12, 13, 23.
Car parks near the historic centre
If you arrive by car (or rent one and want to base yourself in Florence before starting a Tuscany road trip), these are the main parking options just outside the ZTL:
| Car park | Address | Walk to Duomo | Daily rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parcheggio Parterre | Piazza della Libertà (north) | 22 min | €22–25 |
| Garage Piazza della Stazione | Via della Scala (near SMN) | 20 min | €20–28 |
| Garage Via Palazzuolo | Via Palazzuolo (near SMN) | 20 min | €18–25 |
| Piazzale Michelangelo | Viale Michelangelo (south) | 40 min on foot or bus 12/13 | €2/hour, max €15/day |
| Fortezza da Basso / Piazza Adua | Viale Filippo Strozzi | 25 min | €18–22 |
None of these are cheap by UK or US standards, but Italian city centre parking always carries a premium. If staying more than 2–3 days in Florence, parking your car and using public transport is far more economical than trying to move the car daily.
Transport tips for specific activities
Visiting Uffizi or Accademia
Both museums require pre-booked tickets (queues without are 2–3 hours). Once you have your timed slot, walk from your hotel. No special transport needed — both are centrally located. The Uffizi is at Piazzale degli Uffizi (off Piazza della Signoria); the Accademia is on Via Ricasoli (near Piazza San Marco).
Visiting Piazzale Michelangelo
Take bus 12 from SMN station (€1.50, 20 min). Walking up takes 35–45 minutes from the north bank via the Scalinata del Poggi steps — pleasant in cool weather, exhausting in July–August heat. Taxis are available from most central piazzas to Piazzale Michelangelo (€10–12).
Visiting Fiesole
Bus 7 from SMN station (€1.50, 25 min). Taxi is approximately €18–22. Fiesole is a half-day trip — best combined with a return to Florence for dinner. See our best photo spots guide for what to photograph from Fiesole.
Visiting the Oltrarno and Boboli Gardens
Walk across any of the central bridges. The Ponte Vecchio is the most scenic (but crowded). Ponte alla Carraia and Ponte Santa Trinita are less busy and give better views of the Ponte Vecchio itself.
Evening and late-night transport
Florence is safe to walk at night in the historic centre. The main piazzas and streets are well lit and have local pedestrian activity until at least 23:00 in summer. Taxis are available from the major ranks (Piazza del Duomo, Piazza della Repubblica, SMN station). Night buses run on Fridays and Saturdays but are infrequent — confirm the last time from your location before relying on them.
Frequently asked questions about getting around Florence
Is Florence easy to navigate without a car?
Yes — it is one of the easiest cities in Europe to navigate without a car. The ZTL restrictions mean driving in the centre is both illegal for most visitors and unnecessary. Walking, trams and buses cover all the sights.
Do buses take contactless payment?
As of 2026, most Florence buses accept contactless card payment directly on board. However, carrying a validated paper ticket or using the ATAF app is still the standard approach. The contactless reader rollout is not yet universal.
Are there gondolas on the Arno?
No — gondolas are Venice. Florence’s river transport is limited to tourist boat cruises (barchetti) for entertainment. The Arno is crossed on foot via the bridges.
Can I use a UK Oyster-type transit card in Florence?
No. Florence uses a local ATAF ticketing system. Buy tickets at tabacchi, machines or the ATAF app.
Are there night buses in Florence?
Yes — ATAF operates limited night bus routes (prefixed N) on Friday and Saturday nights. They are infrequent. For late-night returns, taxis or pre-booked transfers are more reliable.
Where can I store luggage while exploring Florence?
Left luggage is available at Santa Maria Novella station (KiPoint, open from around 06:00 to 23:00, approximately €6–8 per bag per day). There are also private luggage storage services near the Duomo and Piazza della Repubblica.
Frequently asked questions about Getting around Florence
Can I walk everywhere in Florence?
For the historic centre: yes. The Uffizi, Duomo, Accademia, Ponte Vecchio, Santa Croce and Piazzale Michelangelo are all within 30–45 minutes on foot from Santa Maria Novella station. Summer temperatures (30–35°C in July–August) make early morning or evening walking advisable.How much does a bus ticket cost in Florence?
A single ticket valid 90 minutes costs €1.50. A day pass costs €5. A 3-day pass costs €12. Buy at tabacchi shops, newsagents, ticket machines or the ATAF app. Validate on the bus immediately — fines are €50.Can I ride a bike in Florence?
Yes, and the city is relatively flat in the centre. There are rental e-bikes, city bike share (Mobike), and guided bike tours. Be cautious on the narrow cobbled streets and note that cyclists must not ride on pedestrianised areas.Is there a hop-on hop-off bus in Florence?
Yes — the Florence hop-on hop-off bus operates two routes covering major sights including Piazzale Michelangelo. A 1-day ticket costs approximately €25. It is convenient but slower than walking for central Florence.Are taxis expensive in Florence?
The minimum fare is €3.30 plus metered rate. Most central journeys cost €8–15. There are supplements for luggage, nights (22:00–06:00) and Sundays. Taxis cannot enter the ZTL so they drop you at the perimeter.
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