Taxis aren`t cheap, and since the one-way road system forces drivers to take lengthy, out-of-the-way routes, they aren`t an economical way to get around town. Taxis are most useful to get you and your bags between the train station and your hotel in the centro storico. Taxis are available, but it may be best if you have your hotel or the restaurant you are eating at call ahead because it can be difficult to hail a cab from the street curb. Calling or getting one at one of the very few taxi stands is recommended. One popular taxi stand is at the central Santa Maria Novella Train Station and in a few major squares. Be aware that taxis do not take credit card for payment. Tipping is not expected, unless the driver helps you carry luggage, etc.

There is a bike rental service organized by the city. Bikes can be hired at several points in the city (and returned to the same place). One of the most convenient for tourists is located at SMN station. There are other locations at many railway stations, but often with restricted opening hours.

While there are hills north and south of the center of town, almost all of the historic center of Florence is easy for bikers, because it is as flat. But there is a problem: Traffic is terrible with buses, trucks, cars, motorcycles, motorbikes, bicycles, and pedestrians are fighting for almost no space. So pay attention.

Beyond the city bikes, some of the hotels in town provide their guest with free bicycles. Bike shops also often rent bikes and some of them organize guided bike tours in the countryside.

Italy Cruiser Bike Tours offers daily guided bike tours through Florence. In 3 hours you will see all the highlights of this beautiful city.

BikeCityGuide is a handy bike navigation app for those who want to discover Florence on their own. The city of Florence can be downloaded for free and contains descriptions to all important sightseeing places and gives the opportunity to make special touristic tours. Type in any address or famous point of interest to be guided to it.

Florence is a maze of one-way streets and pedestrian zones so we don’t recommend driving a car in the city. Traffic can be hectic during the morning and afternoon rush hours. Moreover, trying to drive in the centro storico is an exercise in futility as special permits are usually required and unauthorized traffic is not allowed past signs marked ‘ZTL’.

If you must have a car while in the city then your hotel may offer a car park (for a fee), but your best bet is one of the public garages, which are also less expensive. The parking lot under Santa Maria Novella (2€ per hour) is closer to the city center, however the best deal is at the Parterre parking lot under Piazza Libertà, north of Fortezza del Basso. If you’re staying at least one night at a hotel in Florence, you can park here, are welcome to a free bike, and on presentation of your hotel receipt as you leave or the hotel’s stamp on your parking receipt, pay only 10€ per night. If you are renting a car we suggest you pick it up as you depart the city to avoid excessive rental/parking expenses.

Warning: Don’t park your car overnight on the streets in Florence. If it’s towed it will cost you a small fortune and the headache to retrieve it will undoubtedly ruin your vacation.

The Firenze Card is a 72 hour pass for Florence allowing access to about 30 museums and free use of the public transport system. In some museums you can jump the line with the pass but it is best to check with individual museums. The cost is €7 per person.

The Florence City Pass features free admission to the top sights and museums as well as guided tours. Furthermore, there are fast track entries to selected attractions such as the famous Uffizi and Accademia Gallery as well as further discounts. The Florence City Pass is available for 1 to 3 days (from around €59 to €79) and an optional travelcard can be added.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

Florence is served by Amerigo Vespucci Airport (www.aeroporto.firenze.it), an international airport situated just 3 miles northwest from the city center. But the Galileo Galilei Airport (www.pisa-airport.com), 60 miles west of Florence, in Pisa is the largest in Tuscany and the closest international airport with direct flights to North America. Because the two airports are connected by rail and bus, Pisa is also a good gateway to Florence. Pisa Airport also serves many of Europe’s low-cost carriers including EasyJet, RyanAir, Transavia, and Thomsonfly.

If you have not booked a private transfer with us then the fastest way to get to Florence Historic Center is by bus, about a 15 minute ride. The Ataf-Sita `Vola in Bus` (Fly by bus`) service costs about €6 one way, and makes the circuit between the airport and the central train station every half hour from 5:30 am to 8 pm, then once an hour afterwards. Tickets can be purchased directly on board from the driver at no extra charge.

A taxi is a €20 flat rate (2019) from the airport to any place in the historic center of Florence. They will charge an additional €1 per extra piece of luggage.

If you are coming from the Galilei Airport you can either take the rail or bus service, both leave and arrive at the main entrance to the airport. The bus station in Florence is immediately across the street from the main railroad station, `Firenze SMN`. Train schedules are available at www.trenitalia.it. Bus schedules are available at www.terravision.eu/florence_pisa.html. The train costs about €8.10, the bus costs about €6 one way, and about €10 for return. The buses run more often. Some trains do not arrive at the main railroad station, and others require a change at Pisa Centrale.

Florence is Tuscany`s rail hub, with connections to all the region`s major cities – Pisa, Lucca, Siena, Prato and Bologna. Most trains arrive at the Stazione Santa Maria Novella (abbreviated SMN).

Exit the station to the left and you`ll find many bus lines as well as stairs down to the pedestrian underpass leading directly to Piazza dell`Unità Italiana, which saves you from the traffic of the station`s piazza. If you prefer to take a taxi then the taxi queue is located in the front of the station in the Piazza della Stazione.

Note that some trains stop at the outlying Stazione Campo di Marte or Stazione Rifredi, both of which should be avoided if possible. Although there`s 24 hour bus service between these stations and SMN, departures aren`t always frequent and taxi service is unreliable and expensive.

Florence is a wonderful city for walking. Within the historical center, no two sights are more than a 20 minute walk from each other. You can leisurely stroll between the two main sights, the Duomo and the Uffizi, in approximately 5 minutes. In fact, the best way to experience Florence is on foot, as it allows you to fully experience and enjoy the culture and daily life of Florentines.

The streets and sidewalks in Florence are mainly cobbled or flagstone and can be hard on feet and joints after a while. A sensible pair of walking shoes or sneakers is highly recommended.

Although efficient, you`ll rarely need to use Florence`s ATAF bus system because the city is so compact. And taxis aren`t cheap. Since the one-way road system forces drivers to take lengthy, out-of-the-way routes, they aren`t an economical way to get around town. Taxis are most useful to get you and your bags between the train station and your hotel in the centro storico.

I will have a car in Florence, where can I park?

We do not recommend driving a car in Florence due to the heavy traffic, the maze of one-way streets and pedestrian zones, and convenience of public transportation. Also, driving in the historic center is strictly prohibited.

Parking in garages and parking lots are expensive, costing about €30 per night.

There are three kinds of parking places on the street: white, yellow and blue. White is for residents only, yellow ones are reserved, so you can park only on the blue places. The price is about €1 per hour and you have to pay from 8am to 8pm (12 hours). Leave the ticket inside the car in a visible place. If you must have a car while in the city then your hotel may offer a car park (for a fee), but your best bet is one of the public garages, which are also less expensive.

If you are renting a car we suggest you pick it up as you depart the city to avoid excessive rental/parking expenses.

Warning: Don`t park your car overnight on the streets in Florence. If it`s towed it will cost you a small fortune and the headache to retrieve it will undoubtedly ruin your vacation.