Florence Public-Transport

Florence Public-Transport information

Trains

Florence's main train station, Santa Maria Novella, has connections to main cities throughout Italy as well as Pisa's airport.

Buses

The only public transport within the city is the efficient network of orange ATAF buses that covers the centre and immediate environs. Tickets work on a time basis; those valid for 60 minutes cost EUR1, while for 180 minutes you'll pay EUR1.80, although it is unlikely you'll need to take a journey of that length unless you are travelling to the suburbs. To save money, consider buying a "biglietto multiplo", a block of four one-hour tickets costing EUR3.90, or a "biglietto 24 ore" which costs EUR4.50, and is valid for 24 hours. These can be purchased at tabacchi (tobacconists) and automatic machines, which are generously dotted across the city. Tickets have to be stamped on board the bus as soon as you enter. Bus drivers don't sell tickets so make sure you have one before getting on. Ultimately, the best way to get around the city is on foot; it's just a ten-minute walk from both the bus and train stations to the Piazza del Duomo and most of the major attractions are located within a few minutes' walk from here.

Driving

Choosing to drive while in Florence is of dubious value. The narrow streets are even less car friendly than those in most Italian cities. That said, since most visitors arrive at Pisa Airport, 60km away from Florence, having a car can save a substantial amount of time on arrival. If you decide to rent a car it makes a lot of sense to make arrangements before you leave home. Most of the major car rental companies are represented at Pisa Airport and you'll have the advantage of being able to drive yourself to Florence if you pick your car up there. Parking in central Florence is a nightmare, and very expensive. If driving to the city you'd be well advised to park the car well away from the centre and hop on a local bus into Santa Maria Novella Station. If you are planning to rent a car while in Florence you must carry your national licence with you at all times. Holders of old-style green European licences and non-EU licences must obtain an International Driving Licence. Driving is on the right and you must overtake on the left. The minimum driving age is 18. Almost all motorways (Autostrades) are toll paying. Payment can be made in cash or with a "Viacard", which can be bought, from tollbooths, fuel stations, tourist offices and some banks. The speed limit in Italy is 130km per hour (81mph) on motorways, 110km per hour (68mph) on main roads outside towns, 90km per hour (56mph) on secondary roads and 50km per hour (31mph) in built-up areas. The wearing of seat belts is compulsory as is the carrying of red warning triangles and the display of "country of origin" stickers on cars from outside Italy. Be aware when filling up your car with fuel, that: "gasolio" refers to diesel and "benzina" is petrol.

Rent a Car

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Taxis

Because Florence is such a small city with all its attractions within easy walking distance, it's unlikely you'll need a taxi. If you do need a cab, the main taxi ranks are in the Piazza Duomo (behind the cathedral), Piazza della Repubblica and Piazza Stazione - with smaller ranks dotted around the city. Note that if radiocabs are only 1-2kms away from the pick-up point, they will generally start their meter when you telephone, so be prepared for the meter to be already running when you get in. Extra charges apply for luggage, journeys outside the city and night trips. All taxis are white and identifiable by a sign on the roof and a name and identification number on the front doors.