Florence Transportation
Aerial view of Florence-Peretola International Airport; source Konstantinvon Wedelstaedt/Wiki Commons
Airports
Florence-Peretola International Airport (GVA) is small. There is only one runway, one terminal, and 10 gates, so it’s easy to navigate.
Confirm your flight at least 72 hours in advance. If you are not flying directly from the U.S. to Florence and need to transfer flights in another European city, don’t book tight connections between your flights. Italian flights are frequently cancelled or delayed.
Make a copy of your passport/flight itinerary/hotel reservations and leave it with someone at home. Carry a copy on your smartphone.
Check the luggage policy for your airline. Pack an eye patch, neck pillow, headache, Airborne, and other medicines in your hand luggage. If you have a cold or have problems with air pressure, purchase the special earplugs for air pressure available at most airports or large pharmacies.
Taxis are the best option to/from the airport when traveling with heavy luggage. That also means airport rides can be expensive. Do not let someone convince you that they are a taxi driver inside the airport. Book a taxi at the airport taxi stand just outside.
Tram Line 2 connects Florence-Peretola Airport with the Piazza dell’Unità Italiana in the city center in about 20 minutes. It’s a great option when traveling with only light luggage. Trams run between 5 am and 12:30 am, or to 2 am on weekends. A 90-minute ticket costs €1.70. Always purchase a ticket before boarding a tram. You don’t want to risk getting a fine from the ticket-checkers.
Santa Maria Novella Station with crowds gathered at its Tram tracks; source Saluki/Wiki Commons
Train Station
At Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station, it helps to know the end destination of the train you want and its track in the station. That’s because some northbound trains diverge to Milan or Venice. Some southbound trains stop in Rome, while others continue south to Naples and beyond.
A benefit that many travelers exploit is greater airline choices by flying into Rome or Milan, then riding a high-speed train to Florence. Once you leave urban areas, Trenitalia and Italo trains travel up to 186 mph with views of attractive landscapes.
Italo high-speed train serving Milan, Bologna, Florence, Rome & Naples; (c) Hoff1980/Wiki Commons
For traveler convenience, wayfinding signs are labeled in Italian and English. If you get confused about which train to take and ticketing, speak to a Trenitalia or Italo representative at the Santa Maria Novella train station.
Tours
Florence has many tour guides. The better tour guides have a background in the arts and/or history. Consider booking a well-rated tour guide online shortly after booking your flight or train ride to the city. To avoid scammers, ensure upon reservation that you will be able to recognize your tour guide before asking for their name.
Transit
Unlike Rome and Milan, Florence has a small network of Trams and Suburban Rail. The GEST is a 2-line Tram system with separate ticketing from the Suburban Rail lines. Both Tram lines and most Suburban Rail lines intersect at Firenze Santa Maria Novella Station. Tram Line 2 also goes to Peretola Airport. Tram Line 1 intersects with Muratori Station. Tram Line 2 is being expanded southeast:
• Tram Line 1 – Leonardo
• Tram Line 2 – Vespucci
Tram Line 2 leaving Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station; credit Cristian1989/Wiki Commons
We recommend taking one or two tram rides to see the city’s architecture and local life. Like all European cities, however, beware of pickpockets on crowded trams. Since they typically work in teams, there is usually a distractor plus the actual pickpocket. If you need help purchasing tickets, only let an officially badged GEST station agent.
Taxis aren’t as numerous in the heart of Florence as in other popular Italian cities, since the city center is compact and fairly easy to explore on foot. Alternatively, you can book Uber rides around the city.