Florence is a city best enjoyed on foot: the historic centre is compact and almost everything is within walking distance. To arrive and to reach the outer neighbourhoods there are the airport, trains, trams and taxis. A car, on the other hand, needs a little more thought.
01Arriving by air
Florence airport, Amerigo Vespucci, is at Peretola, a few kilometres from the centre. The tram links it simply to the city, stopping near Santa Maria Novella station, from where you continue on foot or by taxi into the historic centre. Otherwise, taxis wait at the rank outside the terminal.
Many international flights also land at Pisa airport, which is connected to Florence by train and coach in a little over an hour. If you arrive late in the evening, with children or with plenty of luggage, a private transfer is the most comfortable option.
02Arriving by train
The main station is Santa Maria Novella, right in the centre: from the platform to the Duomo is about a ten-minute walk. Both high-speed and regional trains stop here, and trams, buses and taxis leave from just outside, ready to take you on to your neighbourhood.
Florence also has other stations, such as Campo di Marte and Rifredi, where some trains stop: they can be handy if you are staying in those neighbourhoods. Before you travel, always check the station name on your ticket so that you get off at the right one.
03Walking in the centre
From the Duomo to the Ponte Vecchio takes only a few minutes, and from there you cross into the Oltrarno. Walking is the best way to discover Florence: many streets and squares are pedestrianised and distances are short. The streets are paved with stone and the pavements are narrow, though, so comfortable shoes are a must. Watch out for bikes and scooters, even in pedestrian areas.
04Trams, buses and taxis
The tram is modern and quick, linking the station with the airport, Novoli, Careggi and Scandicci. Buses cover the rest of the city and the hills, including Fiesole. Always travel with a valid ticket, bought before boarding or using the methods shown at the stop and on board.
Florence's taxis are white and generally cannot be hailed in the street: you find them at ranks, at the station and in the main squares, or you can book one by phone or through an app. In the evening, or when you have a train to catch, it is best to book ahead.
05By bike
A bicycle is a good way to move between neighbourhoods, along the avenues and beside the river, where many stretches have cycle lanes. You will find bike hire and shared bikes and scooters around the city. In the historic centre the streets are narrow and busy: ride slowly and get off where there are lots of pedestrians.
06Driving and the ZTL
Much of the historic centre is a limited traffic zone, the ZTL: you may only enter with a permit, and cameras at the entry points record every car that passes. Never drive in without one, not even for a few metres or to drop off luggage. If you are arriving by car, message us first and we will help you plan.
A car is useful for trips into the countryside, but it is best to hire one outside the centre, at the airport for example. Some of our apartments in Novoli have private parking and the tram close by: a good choice if you are travelling by car but still want easy access to the centre.
