How to get to Florence: complete transport guide

How to get to Florence by plane

**Florence-Peretola Airport (FLR)**, also known as Amerigo Vespucci, is the city's main airport, located just 4 km from the historic centre. It serves domestic flights and several European routes. The T2 tramway connects the airport to Santa Maria Novella station in about 20 minutes, with departures every 5 minutes. Alternatively, a taxi costs around 25 euros (fixed rate to the centre).

A very popular option is **Pisa-Galileo Galilei Airport (PSA)**, about 80 km from Florence, which offers a wider selection of low-cost and intercontinental flights. The quickest connection is the PisaMover train to Pisa Centrale, then a fast regional or Freccia train to Florence SMN (about 1 hour total). Direct buses by Autostradale/Terravision also link Pisa airport to Florence in about 70 minutes.

For travellers from outside Europe, **Bologna Airport (BLQ)** is another valid alternative, with high-speed trains reaching Florence in just 35 minutes.

How to get to Florence by train

The main station is **Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN)**, located in the heart of the city, a short walk from the Duomo. It is one of Italy's most important railway hubs, served by:

**Frecce Trenitalia**: fast connections to Rome (1h30), Milan (1h40), Venice (2h), Naples (2h50), Bologna (35 min)
**Italo**: same routes with high frequency
**Regional trains**: to Pisa (1h), Siena (1h30), Lucca (1h20), Arezzo (1h)

The secondary station **Firenze Campo di Marte** serves some regional trains and is useful for those staying in the eastern part of the city. The two stations are connected by a 5-minute train ride.

**Firenze Rifredi** is a third stop useful for regional trains towards Prato, Pistoia and northern Tuscany.

How to get to Florence by car

Florence is reachable via several motorways:

**A1 (Autostrada del Sole)**: from Milan (300 km, about 3h) and from Rome (280 km, about 3h). Exits: Firenze Nord, Firenze Scandicci, Firenze Sud
**A11**: from Pisa, Lucca, Montecatini and the Tyrrhenian coast
**SGC Firenze-Siena**: toll-free expressway for Chianti and Siena

The historic centre is a **ZTL** (Limited Traffic Zone), with active cameras. Driving in without a permit is strongly discouraged. Recommended park-and-ride facilities include:

**Parcheggio Villa Costanza** (near the motorway exit, connected by T1 tramway)
**Parcheggio Parterre** (Piazza della Liberta)
**Garage Fortezza** (near Fortezza da Basso)

Rates range from 2 to 3 euros per hour in covered city-centre car parks.

How to get to Florence by bus

The bus station is in **Via Santa Caterina da Siena**, next to SMN station. Main operators include:

**FlixBus**: national and international connections at competitive prices
**Autolinee Toscane**: extensive regional network to Siena, San Gimignano, Volterra, Arezzo and all Tuscan villages
**Baltour/ItalyBus**: connections with southern Italy

From Europe, FlixBus connects Florence with Paris, Barcelona, Munich, Prague and many other cities.

Getting from the arrival point to the centre

From Santa Maria Novella station, the historic centre is within walking distance: the Duomo is 600 metres away, Ponte Vecchio 1 km. The tramway network has three lines (T1 to Scandicci, T2 to the airport, T3 to Bagno a Ripoli) and ATAF buses cover the entire urban area. A 90-minute single ticket costs 1.50 euros, available from machines, tobacconists or the app.

For late-night arrivals, the night bus service covers main routes until 1:00 am. Taxis are available at the station and airport, or can be booked via the itTaxi app.

Practical tips

Florence is a compact city: most attractions are easily walkable. If you plan to use public transport frequently, consider the Carta Agile (rechargeable, 1.30 euros per trip) or a weekly pass. The best time to travel on public transport is early morning or late afternoon, avoiding rush hours.

---

**Read also:**