Florence is one of Europe's most walkable cities. Its compact historic centre means you can reach the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery, and dozens of other landmarks on foot â often within fifteen or twenty minutes of each other. But knowing your way around the bus and tram network opens up hillside viewpoints, the airport, and outlying towns that most tourists never see.
This guide covers every practical detail you need to move around Florence in 2026, from ticket prices to the best bus routes, plus a few insider tips for avoiding fines and saving money.
Walking: The Best Way to Experience Florence
The historic centre of Florence is surprisingly small. From Santa Maria Novella train station to Piazza della Signoria takes about twelve minutes on foot. The Duomo is roughly five minutes further. In a single morning walk you can pass through centuries of Renaissance history without ever needing a ticket.
Walking is not just convenient â it is the way to experience Florence properly. Narrow side streets hide artisan workshops, tiny espresso bars, and unexpected views of terracotta rooftops. A bus would carry you straight past these moments.
Key Walking Distances from Santa Maria Novella Station
- Duomo (Cathedral): 10 minutes (850 m)
- Ponte Vecchio: 15 minutes (1.2 km)
- Uffizi Gallery: 15 minutes (1.3 km)
- Galleria dell'Accademia (David): 12 minutes (1 km)
- Piazza della Signoria: 12 minutes (1.1 km)
- San Lorenzo Market: 5 minutes (400 m)
- Santa Croce: 18 minutes (1.5 km)
- Palazzo Pitti & Boboli Gardens: 20 minutes (1.7 km)
If you are staying near the train station â for example at a well-located apartment on Via Guido Monaco â virtually every major sight is within a comfortable walk.
Tips for Walking in Florence
Wear comfortable shoes with good grip. Many streets are paved with centuries-old flagstones or rough cobbles that can be slippery when wet. In summer, carry a refillable water bottle and take advantage of Florence's free public drinking fountains, called nasoni, scattered throughout the centre.
Early morning (before 9 AM) and late afternoon (after 5 PM) are the most pleasant times to walk, especially between June and September when midday temperatures regularly exceed 35°C.
Buses: Covering the Whole City
Florence's bus network is operated by Autolinee Toscane (formerly ATAF). Buses run from approximately 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM, with a reduced night service on key routes.
Most Useful Bus Routes for Visitors
Bus 12 and 13 â Piazzale Michelangelo These two routes form a circular loop from behind Santa Maria Novella station, climbing up to Piazzale Michelangelo for the famous panoramic view of the city. Bus 12 goes clockwise and 13 goes counter-clockwise. The ride takes about 25 minutes and is one of the best-value experiences in Florence.
Bus 7 â Fiesole Departing from Piazza San Marco, Bus 7 takes you up to the hilltop town of Fiesole in about 25 minutes. The Etruscan ruins, Roman amphitheatre, and stunning views over the Arno valley make this a perfect half-day trip.
Bus C1, C2, C3 â Electric Minibuses These small electric buses navigate the tight streets of the historic centre. They are useful for reaching areas like Santo Spirito (C3) or Piazza San Marco (C1) if you have mobility issues or heavy luggage.
Bus 6 â Campo di Marte Station Connects the city centre to the Campo di Marte train station, useful for high-speed trains to Rome, Venice, and Milan that sometimes stop there instead of Santa Maria Novella.
How to Ride the Bus
You must have a valid ticket before boarding. There is no conductor on board to sell you one. Once on the bus, validate your ticket by inserting it into the electronic reader near the door. The machine stamps a time on your ticket, starting the 90-minute validity window.
Trams (Tramvia): Fast and Reliable
Florence's tram system has been growing steadily and is now one of the most efficient ways to travel longer distances. Trams are not affected by traffic congestion, so they always run on schedule.
Current Tram Lines
T1 â Villa Costanza to Careggi Runs through the city from the southwest park-and-ride at Villa Costanza, stopping at the main train station (Alamanni-Stazione), and continuing north to the Careggi hospital area.
**T2 â Florence Airport (Peretola) to Piazza dell'Unità ** This is the cheapest and fastest way to get from Florence Airport (Amerigo Vespucci) to the city centre. The journey takes around 20 minutes and costs just a standard bus/tram ticket. It stops right at Santa Maria Novella station area.
T3 â Under Construction (2025â2026) The new T3 line will connect Piazza della Libertà to Bagno a Ripoli, with a branch heading toward the soccer stadium at Campo di Marte. When complete, this will further extend the tram network's reach.
Why Take the Tram
The T2 tram is particularly relevant for travellers. If you fly into Florence, skip the expensive taxi queue and take the T2 directly from the airport terminal to the station. It runs every few minutes during peak hours and costs a fraction of a taxi fare.
Tickets and Passes: What You Need to Know
Buses and trams in Florence use the same ticket system. A single ticket is valid across both networks for 90 minutes from validation, including transfers.
Ticket Prices (2026)
| Ticket Type | Price | Notes | |---|---|---| | Single ticket (90 min) | â¬1.70 | Buy before boarding | | Contactless tap on board | â¬1.50 | Tap credit card or phone | | Ticket bought on the bus | â¬2.00 | Surcharge for on-board purchase | | 24-hour pass | â¬5.00 | Unlimited rides | | 3-day pass | â¬12.00 | Unlimited rides | | 7-day pass | â¬18.00 | Unlimited rides |
Where to Buy Tickets
- Tabaccherie (tobacco shops): Look for the white "T" sign on a blue/black background. Found on nearly every block.
- Newsstands (edicole): Many sell transit tickets alongside newspapers.
- Tram stop machines: Automated ticket machines at every tram stop accept cards and cash.
- Contactless payment: All buses and trams have contactless readers. Simply tap your credit card, debit card, or phone. Note: each person needs their own card â one card cannot buy multiple tickets.
- ATAF app: Download the "Autolinee Toscane" app to buy digital tickets on your phone.
Validation Is Mandatory
This is the number one mistake tourists make. Even if you have already purchased a ticket, you must validate it by tapping or inserting it into the reader when you board. An unvalidated ticket is the same as no ticket in the eyes of inspectors.
Fines: If caught without a valid ticket, the fine is â¬50 if paid within one week. After that, it increases to â¬115. Inspectors check frequently and accept no excuses.
The ZTL: Florence's Restricted Traffic Zone
The ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) covers most of the historic centre. Private vehicles are banned during restricted hours (typically 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays, with extended hours on some evenings and weekends). Cameras at every entry point automatically photograph licence plates and issue fines â usually around â¬80ââ¬100 per offence.
What This Means for Visitors
If you are arriving by car, do not drive into the centre. Park at one of the peripheral car parks â Villa Costanza (connected by T1 tram), Fortezza da Basso, or Piazza Ghiberti â and walk or take public transport from there.
If you are staying near Santa Maria Novella station, you are already inside the ZTL and have no need for a car. Everything is accessible on foot, by bus, or by tram.
Taxis and Ride Services
Taxis in Florence are regulated, metered, and relatively expensive compared to public transport. An average ride within the city costs â¬10ââ¬15.
Important Taxi Rules
- You cannot hail a taxi on the street. Go to a designated taxi rank (at the train station, Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza Santa Maria Novella, etc.) or call one.
- Official taxi numbers: +39 055 4242 or +39 055 4390
- A fixed fare applies for the airport run: approximately â¬22ââ¬25 (flat rate) plus â¬1 per bag surcharge.
- Uber operates in Florence but with limited availability. Most locals use the it Taxi or Free Now apps.
Getting to and from the Airport
Florence's Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR) is just 5 km from the city centre.
Best Option: T2 Tram
The T2 tram connects the airport directly to the Santa Maria Novella station area. Journey time is about 20 minutes, and a standard â¬1.70 ticket (or â¬1.50 contactless tap) covers the ride. Trams run from early morning until late evening, departing every 4â6 minutes during peak times.
Alternatives
- Taxi: Fixed fare of approximately â¬22ââ¬25. Convenient if you have heavy luggage or arrive very late.
- Airport shuttle bus (Volainbus): Runs between the airport and the main bus station (next to the train station). Takes about 20 minutes. Tickets cost around â¬6 â the tram is cheaper and just as fast.
- Private transfer: Pre-bookable, typically â¬30ââ¬50. Only worthwhile for groups of 3+ or late-night arrivals.
Day Trips by Train from Florence
Santa Maria Novella station is a major hub on Italy's rail network. High-speed Trenitalia Frecciarossa and Italo trains connect Florence to other cities in remarkably little time:
- Rome: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Venice: 2 hours
- Milan: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Bologna: 35 minutes
- Pisa: 50 minutes (regional train)
- Siena: 1 hour 15 minutes (bus from station, or regional train)
- Lucca: 1 hour 20 minutes
Book through Trenitalia or Italo apps for the best fares. Advance tickets can be significantly cheaper than walk-up prices.
Insider Tips for Getting Around Florence
Buy a 3-day pass if you plan to use the tram from the airport and visit Piazzale Michelangelo or Fiesole. Three rides already nearly equals the cost, and you will have unlimited freedom to hop on any bus or tram.
Use Google Maps for real-time bus tracking. Type your destination, select the public transport option, and it will show you exactly which bus to catch, where to wait, and when it arrives.
Walk whenever possible. The best discoveries in Florence happen between destinations, not at them. A wrong turn down a side street might lead you to an incredible trattoria, a Renaissance courtyard, or a sunset view you had no idea existed.
Avoid rush hour on buses (7:30â9:00 AM and 5:30â7:30 PM). Buses get packed with commuters during these windows. If you are sightseeing, start early or shift your schedule slightly.
Keep your belongings close on crowded buses. Like any major European city, pickpockets occasionally target tourists on public transport, especially the airport routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Florence walkable?
Yes, Florence is one of the most walkable cities in Europe. The entire historic centre can be crossed on foot in about 25 minutes, and all major attractions are within walking distance of each other and the central train station.
How much does a bus ticket cost in Florence in 2026?
A single 90-minute ticket costs â¬1.70 when purchased from a tabaccheria or ticket machine. Tapping a contactless credit card or phone directly on the bus or tram reader costs â¬1.50. Buying on board from the driver costs â¬2.00.
What is the best way to get from Florence Airport to the city centre?
Take the T2 tram from the airport terminal directly to the Santa Maria Novella station area. It takes about 20 minutes and costs just â¬1.70 (or â¬1.50 with contactless payment). It is cheaper and often faster than a taxi.
Do I need a car in Florence?
No. In fact, having a car in Florence is a disadvantage. The ZTL (restricted traffic zone) covers the entire historic centre, and driving in without authorisation results in automatic fines. Public transport, walking, and occasional taxis cover all your needs.
Can I use Uber in Florence?
Uber exists in Florence but has limited availability. Most residents and visitors use traditional taxis via the it Taxi or Free Now apps, or simply walk to a taxi rank.
Where is the best area to stay in Florence for getting around?
Staying near Santa Maria Novella train station gives you the best transport connections in the city. You are within walking distance of every major sight, right next to the T1 and T2 tram stops, the main bus terminal, and high-speed trains to Rome, Venice, and Milan. The Guido Monaco area, just steps from the station, is particularly well-positioned.
Book Your Florence Stay
Experience the comfort of Guido Monaco apartment — perfect location, modern amenities, and a private terrace.
