Getting around Florence without too much stress is not only possible, but often much more pleasant than relying on a car. The historic center is compact and perfect for exploring on foot, with breathtaking views and alleyways that tell stories at every turn. If you want to venture further or are short on time, there are efficient and well-connected public transportation options.
In this guide we will see how to move withouta car, exploring options such as walking, buses,tram,taxis, ride-sharing services, scooter and electric bike/scooter rentals.
He will try to give you practicaladvice to avoid the typical traps (limited traffic zones, complicated timetables, parking) and teach you how to use useful apps and local tricks, also providing answers to the most frequently asked questions by those visiting Florence for the first time.
Let’s get started!
Visiting Florence on foot
Walking through Florence is an unforgettable experience in itself. Cobblestone streets, hidden courtyards, unexpected piazzas: every step tells you something about the city.
The historic center is quite compact and allows you to discover many of its wonders on foot. This is one of the reasons why many tourists choose to find a place to park the car out of the center and explore the city on foot.
Many parts of Florence’s historic center are pedestrian or semi-pedestrianized. This means you can stroll around and explore the city in peace, without having to worry about traffic.
What’s more, many of Florence’s main attractions, such as the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio, are just a few minutes away from each other. This makes a leisurely stroll one of the most evocative ways to explore Florence.
An undeniable advantage of walking is the chance to spot details you might otherwise struggle to notice: an old-fashioned hardware store, a baroque staircase on a side alley, a hidden ice cream shop. It’s precisely these unexpected glimpses that often make a visit unforgettable!
When is it particularly advisable to walk around Florence?
If you’re staying in or near the city center, I highly recommend leaving the car alone and simply getting out and exploring.
With comfortable shoes, perhaps early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you can discover the city calmly, perhaps stopping for an ice cream or a break in a café overlooking a square.
Florence is beautiful even after sunset! If you’d like to learn more, check out our content on visit Florence in the evening.
A few small tips
Be careful when it rains and, in general, when the road surface is wet. Some pedestrian areas can become slippery!
During busy periods, especially if you’re in a hurry or have limited time, a short tram or bus ride may be advisable to get around. It all depends on how you’ve organized your stay in Florence, but keep in mind that crowded streets and alleys in the center may require slightly longer walking times.
While you can truly experience Florence on foot, if you need to reach more distant areas or have suitcases in tow, my advice is to take public or private transportation. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the historic center once you’ve dropped off your bags!
Bus
As anticipated in the previous paragraphs, sChoosing the bus to get around Florence is an excellent option when the center becomes too narrow on foot or if you have luggage.
Imagine riding a vehicle that takes you easily to scenic hills or areas that are less accessible on foot: it’s comfortable, economical, and lets you get to know the city from the inside out.
If you want to make the most of the service, keep a few details in mind:
What to know before climbing
In Florence there are many lines that cover almost the entire city, including the center.
Some particularly useful for visitors are the lines C2 and C3, which remain in the center, and the lines 12 and 13 that go up towards Piazzale Michelangelo or slightly more out-of-the-way areas.
On “normal” days, the bus passes at a rate of approximately every 10-15 minutes in the center. Keep in mind thatIn the evening or in poorly served areas, frequency may be higher than standard times.
The urban ticket valid for 90 minutes it costs about 1,70 € (I’ll explain why I wrote “about” shortly!).
3 cases in which it’s better to use the bus to get around Florence
- If you are staying in the suburbs and need to reach the center without taking a taxi, to save money;
- if you want to visit slightly more out-of-the-way attractions, or need to reach hilly places;
- if you have luggage with you.
Tips for getting the most out of buses!
- If you can cBuy your ticket before boarding: the ticket price is higher in vending machines, newsstands, or via the app!
- When you can, avoid the bus during the afternoon rush hour (around 5-7pm): traffic in the centre becomes heavy and the bus may slow down;
- Getting on the bus in the front is not always the best choice: it is often more convenient to get on the bus from the middle/rear door;
- Ask the driver or other passengers if you’re unsure of the direction: it’s better to wait a second longer than find yourself at the wrong terminus.
The Florence Tramway
Riding the tram in Florence is a popular choice for first-time visitors. The tram lets you soar above the traffic, allowing you to get to the city center or the airport quickly and easily.
Generally the two main lines used by tourists are theLine T1 (Leonardo)and toline T2 (Vespucci):
- Line T1 (Leonardo): connects Villa Costanza (Scandicci) to Careggi Hospital, passing through Santa Maria Novella station. The total journey takes about 40 minutes from one terminus to the other.
- Line T2 (Vespucci): connects the Amerigo Vespucci Airport to the historic center of Florence, via Novoli; the journey takes about 20-30 minutes (depending on the terminus and stops) and runs frequently.
3 reasons to use the Florence Tram?
- It is almost always quicker than the car when you want to avoid the limited traffic zone or the traffic in the city centre;
- it is convenient if you arrive in the city by train or plane: the SMN station and the airport are served directly;
- If you have luggage, a wheelchair or simply want a “light” ride, it saves you the climbs and stairs of the alleys.
Local tips for taking the tram!
- Check the terminus: some lines may change routes based on weather or roadworks;
- Check the stops closest to your hotel or destination: T1 and T2 intersect and allow for “exchange” journeys;
- buy your ticket before boarding and make sure it is also valid for the tram (the urban ticket costs around €1.70 and is valid for trams and urban buses);
- If you arrive by plane and have little time to get to the center, take the tram: it avoids waiting for a taxi or the risk of restricted traffic zones;
- Avoid the tram during rush hour in the city centre (around 5-7pm) if you have heavy suitcases: it can get more crowded;
- If your hotel is very close to a tram stop, consider parking your car outside the city and using the parking + tram service to get in: easy and often cheaper.
Taxi
Do you enjoy convenience, want to travel worry-free, and have no budget constraints? In these cases, you’re definitely better off using taxis or ride-sharing services to reach your destinations.
In Florence, taking a taxi is easy: there are dedicated taxi ranks and radio taxi numbers that respond very quickly.
How to book a taxi
To book a taxi pYou can go to one of the official taxi ranks (for example in front of the SMN station, Piazza Duomo, at the airport or scattered around the city) or call 055 4242 / 055 4390.
There are also apps that function as taxi services, with digital payment and trip details.
How much does a taxi cost in Florence?
Let’s first talk about approximate fares. As in all cities around the world, the actual cost of a taxi ride depends on a multitude of factors that are difficult to fully consider a priori.
We can say that theThe “entrance fee” for a daytime taxi in Florence starts at around €3.20.
A ride from the airport to the city center (Duomo/Santa Maria Novella area) costs approximately €22-28 on weekdays, not including the night fare.
Of course, if you board late at night, on holidays, or with extra luggage, surcharges may apply.
Three reasons to use a taxi in Florence
- If you arrive by train or plane and want to reach the hotel quickly, a taxi is obviously the most convenient solution;
- if you arrive late, public transport may be considered less frequent and less “safe”;
- if you need to move outside the historic center at times not well covered by buses/trams.
Tips for getting the most out of taxis!
- Avoid hailing a taxi “randomly” along the road: choose an official taxi stand or book directly by phone or via app;
- ask the driver if there are any extra charges for luggage or waiting times, to avoid unpleasant surprises at the end of the journey;
- The apps you find may be chauffeur-driven (NCC) and cost more than a traditional taxi. Be careful about the service you request.
Rent a scooter
Fancy a more relaxed day, a bit of wind in your hair, and the desire to explore Florence (or perhaps a bit outside the city) at a different pace? Then renting a scooter can be one of the most beautiful and authentic ways to discover the city!
Many rental shops offer models from 50 to 125 cc, with helmets included, basic insurance, and sometimes even 24-hour roadside assistance.
The cost? The rates start from around €60 per day for a standard scooter, with conditions varying if you choose larger models or longer periods.
3 reasons to discover Florence by scooter
- When you want to venture a little out of the center, perhaps towards the hills, without having to think about car traffic;
- if you have light suitcases (or none!) and want to move around the city easily;
- if you like the idea of moving with style and freedom.
Tips for scooter rental in Florence
- Check that the rental includes a helmet, insurance and that the scooter is in good condition before leaving the rental;
- check whether your insurance covers the ZTL or whether you need to register your license plate;
- Avoid narrow streets and wet cobblestones when riding your scooter: some alleys in the center can be tricky and it’s really easy to slip on the pavement;
- Respect designated parking spaces: even if the scooter is more agile, failing to follow the rules can be costly.
The green choice: electric bikes and scooters
When the sun is shining and you want to enjoy Florence with a little more freedom than on foot, but without the hassle of a car, a bike or electric scooter are the perfect choice.
It’s a pleasant way to get around, discover hidden corners, and breathe in the city’s energy, as well as being one of the most sustainable ways to get around.
In the city you will find services of bikesharing “free-flow” come RideMovies:You download the app, find a free bike, unlock it, and you can leave it at a designated rack when you’re done. The cost starts at around €1 every 20 minutes for traditional bikes.
If you prefer a more agile vehicle, there are also e-sharing scooters like those of Bit Mobility: open the app, unlock the vehicle, use it and park it in the permitted areas.
By bike or scooter, Florence unfolds effortlessly: you cross piazzas, see bridges from a different perspective, explore side neighborhoods you might otherwise overlook. It’s an experience that adds a touch of freedom to your trip.
3 reasons to use bikes and scooters
- if you want to discover slightly off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods or get off the beaten track.
- for a short trip in the city, avoiding tickets and bus stops;
- when you want to give a “slow” moment to your visit: by pedaling or riding a scooter you can choose the pace, stop wherever you want and leave time for observation.
H3. Tips for getting around Florence by bike or scooter
- The cycle paths along the Arno and on the main avenues are ideal for a leisurely ride;
- Avoid cobblestone streets with your scooter on rainy days: they become slippery and make passage difficult;
- Mark designated parking areas for scooters and shared bikes: parking outside these areas can result in fines.
Have you already decided how to get around Florence?
Getting around Florence isn’t a matter of transportation, but of choice: choosing the right pace, adapting to the city, and enjoying every step. Whether you decide to explore on foot, take the bus, the tram, or treat yourself to a taxi with a view, the important thing is that you move in harmony with Florence!
Pedestrian zones, bus lines crisscrossing the city, the tram connecting the airport and the city center, taxis ready to go, a scooter that gives you a touch of freedom, a bike or scooter for a more relaxed ride: these are all options that work when you know the tricks.
Leave your car if you can, choose the mode that best suits your time and plans, download the right app, stick to a timetable, avoid the ZTL (limited traffic zone), and prepare to experience Florence with attention to detail: an alley, a square, a sunset over the Ponte Vecchio.
The true beauty of this city lies in the ease of travel, in the ability to discover things slowly, in being able to stop, look around and say: “This corner is mine alone today.”
With this information in hand, you’re ready to explore Florence as you deserve: unhurried, with curiosity, and with the simplicity that transforms a trip into a little personal adventure.
