Navigating Florence

Public Transit is the most convenient and sustainable way to get around Florence and the surrounding areas!

Trams in Florence, Italy

There are currently two active tram lines:

• T1 Leonardo – connects the suburban neighborhood of Scandicci (south) and Careggi (north, where the hospital and the university area are located), passing through the Santa Maria Novella station.

• T2 Vespucci -this line connects Florence Peretola airport with the Fortezza da Basso (very close to the Santa Maria Novella station and the historic centre).

  1. 1. 1. 1. VACS – An extension of the T2 line that connects the Fortezza da Basso with the historic center, passing through Piazza della Libertà and finally reaching Piazza San Marco. 

           2. T2 line allows you to go from the airport to the historic center in 35 minutes. 

**Trams run every day from 5 am to 12.30 am, approximately every 5 minutes.

Buses in Florence

There are over 30 bus lines, which connect the historic center to the outlying neighborhoods. 

“Regular” buses cannot ride through the historic center because they are too big, but many lines pass very close to it, making stops in Piazza San Marco, via de’ Pucci (near the Duomo) or in via de’ Benci (near the Uffizi Gallery). 

There are also three lines of electric mini-buses that ride through the historic center and the Oltrarno district: they are the C1, C2 and C3. 

• Tickets can be prepurchased at tobacconists or on the AT Bus app. 

  • These tickets must be validated/activated. 

• Or pay contactlessly with a credit card as you board the buses or trams. 

  • You can only buy one ticket at a time with this method. 

• All tickets are valid for 90 minutes. 

Tips for riding safely on public transport in Florence

• Always be careful of pickpockets on public transport, they target tourists.

  • The Strozzi-Fallaci tram stop along the T1 line is always very busy, and has the bad reputation of being the one with the highest risk of theft. Be extra careful especially at night.

• Check at the stops if there are notices of strikes (sciopero in Italian). 

  • They are very frequent, but rides are guaranteed for some time slots (7 to 9 in the morning, and 5 to 7 in the afternoon).

• Remember to stamp your ticket as soon as you board (or purchase it with your contactless credit card). Inspectors can board at any time and check the time of purchase or stamping. If you get caught without a valid ticket the fine is 50 euros. 

• • The Viale dei Colli: a panoramic walk from the Middle Ages to Florence Capital (Length KM 2.1)

  • Between the old Parco delle Cascine and the new Parco dell'Argingrosso (Length KM 8.7)

    • Flat path, that runs for the most part within pedestrian areas, in the Cascine and Argingrosso parks.

  • Towards Bellosguardo: the hill beloved of artists and poets (Length KM 4.8)

  • Castle: the splendour of the Renaissance among villas and gardens (Length KM 4.8)

    • Of historical, artistic and landscape interest. Explores suburban villas: the Medici villas of Castello and Petraia as well as Villa Corsini and Villa La Quiete alle Montalve. 

  • Between Ponte a Mensola and Settignano: the beauty of the agricultural landscape (Length KM 5.2)

    • Beautiful historic villas surrounded by monumental gardens, ancient country houses, parish churches and oratories. 

  • A climb up to Piazzale Michelangelo and San Miniato

Two Shorter Walks! (Guides are linked)

• • The Centro Storico: The historical area around the Duomo

  • The Oltrarno: the left bank of the Arno river

Additionally, here is a link to some top rated walks on AllTrails! (hiking app)