Florence Getting Around
Getting Around Florence
The best and easiest way of getting around Florence is undoubtedly on foot. There is very little reason why most Florence city breaks will require public transport. The main obstacles to getting around Florence are the narrowness of the streets, the summer heat, scooters and your fellow tourists!
Walking
Florence is a good city for walking. The centre of the city is compact and the vast majority of the major sights are within walking distance of each other. Crossing the city centre will take no longer than 30 minutes. Most sights are a few minutes walk from the next. The Duomo and the Uffizi are just 5 minutes apart. The medieval centre of Florence, with its winding narrow lanes, is a fascinating area to walk. Many streets are cobbled so sensible shoes and thick soles are recommended. The Centro Storico is largely pedestrian but you will have to contend with taxis, scooters and your fellow tourists. Peak summer heat and tourist numbers can make walking tiring so try not to do too much in one go and enjoy the early evenings when temperatures cool a little.
Bus
Orange Florence buses are efficient, but it is unlikely you will really need one given the short distances between the city sights and the sheer pleasure of walking the streets. Tickets and passes are available from machines, tobacco shops, newsagents and some bars. Tickets must be stamped onboard and are valid for an hour. Small electric buses run in the Centro Storico where the streets are too narrow for conventional buses.
Taxi
Florence taxis are quite expensive and not very useful due to the city’s pedestrian areas, narrow lanes and one-way streets. A simple journey on the map can become quite complicated. Minimum fares plus surcharges for bags, nights and Sundays. However, taxis can go to many parts of the centre that buses cannot reach. Florence taxis expect a tip of around 10%.
Bicycle & Scooter
The centre of Florence is relatively flat and free of traffic. Firenze Parcheggi, the public garage authority, has bike stands in Florence providing free bikes from 8 am to 7.30 pm. Sites include the train station, Piazza Strozzi, Palazzo Vecchio, Via della Ninna and public car parks. Otherwise, bikes can be hired. To truly fit in with Florence youth you can hire a moped or scooter.
Florence sightseeing tours
As well as Florence bus sightseeing tours there are plenty of popular themed walking tours of Florence
Getting from Florence airport
Florence airport is just 3 miles from the city. A shuttle bus leaves Florence airport for the main Florence train station every 30 minutes. The journey takes 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Metered taxis are available. If you arrive at Pisa airport you can take a train or bus directly from Pisa airport to Florence train station. The journey takes about an hour by train.
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
||
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
