See below for Airport to City Tips & Warnings
A new bus company, Autolinee Toscane, now runs all bus services in Florence and the rest of Tuscany. This includes urban and rural public transport. Beware of old pdf maps of Florence’s transport network on various websites. Some are no longer accurate.
The previous operator issued a bus and tram pdf network map in 2021, which is still a useful overview (Click the map image below). But for fully updated timetables and service information about Florence’s buses, night buses, electric buses and trams, go to the Autolinee Toscane website. There’s a trip planner, timetables, live bus arrivals, info on how to buy tickets, and more.
Click to view and download the full-size pdf map.
Florence airport to city – tram, bus or taxi transfer?
Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci Airport (also known as Aeroporto Peretola, the name of the suburb of Florence) is just 4 km north-west of the city centre, a short 20-minute ride on the T2 tram to the central train station, Santa Maria Novella, or on the bus shuttle (temporarily out of service in 2022). Taxis cost more, but a reliable meet-and-greet taxi service is great, especially if the airport tram doesn’t stop near your accommodation. You get friendly, professional assistance from the driver, no queuing or waiting, and free cancelation if your plans change.
Which is better: the tram or the bus?
• Both take approximately 20 minutes.
• The tram stops on the way; the bus is direct (but no faster).
• The tram is much cheaper per person and more frequent.
• Only one piece of hand luggage (max. 50x30x25 cms, 10 kilos) may be carried free on the tram. For each larger bag, an extra ticket must be bought.
• No large bags over 80x45x25 or 20 kilos are allowed on the tram.
T2 Tram departures from the airport vary from every 5 minutes at peak times. Tickets are bought at machines or sales points and must then be stamped on boarding the tram. They are then valid for the tram and any onward bus travel in the city for 90 minutes after the stamp.
Bus departures from the airport (when not ‘out of service’) are every 30 minutes from 5.30 a.m. and then every hour from 8.30 p.m. Hours are the same on weekends and holidays. One-way tickets can sometimes be bought on the bus from the driver, but if you want a round trip ticket, you’ll need to buy it before getting on.
Shared minibus:
The shared airport transfer service, which may be available in 2023, will drop you at your hotel or apartment. Covid restrictions allowing, it’s the best budget choice if you have luggage and your accommodation isn’t near the station or a tram stop. It was a well reviewed service pre-covid and cheaper than a taxi.