Be smart
Getting around the city
Florence is a compact city, and most of the historic center is best explored on foot. Still, the city has a good public transport system that makes it easy to reach areas outside the center.
Tram (Tramvia)
Price: €1.70 for 90 minutes
Runs from around 5:00 AM to midnight (later on weekends).
Modern, fast, and reliable. There are currently 2 lines connecting the center with neighborhoods.
Tram Line T2 connects the city center (SMN train station) to Florence Airport in just 20 minutes for €1.70, much cheaper than a taxi.
Trams are wheelchair and stroller friendly, but buses can be less comfortable (narrow doors, crowded).
Bus
Price: €1.70 for 90 minutes
Runs from around 5:00 AM to midnight (later on weekends).
Covers areas that trams don’t reach. Buses can get stuck in traffic, but they’re useful for reaching places like Piazzale Michelangelo or Fiesole.
After midnight, regular buses stop, but there are special “Nottetempo” night buses with limited routes.
Each ticket is valid for 90 minutes, and during that time you can hop on and off any tram or bus as much as you want.
Tickets
Tickets are the same for trams and buses.
How to pay
Buy them at tobacconists, newsstands, vending machines at tram stops, or via the official app. You can also pay directly with a contactless credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) on board trams and buses; just tap on the reader.
Validation
Remember to validate your ticket when boarding (scan it on the bus or at the tram stop). If you buy it with a contactless card, you don't need to validate it. If caught without a valid ticket, fines can be steep (around €40–60).
Extra tip
Walking is often the fastest way to get around inside the center. Avoid trams and buses between 7:30–9:00 AM and 5:30–7:00 PM if possible; they get very crowded.
AT Bus app - Tuscany Public Transport
AT Bus is the official app from Autolinee Toscane, the company running Florence’s buses and public transport across Tuscany (rebranded from ATAF in 2021).
Plan your trip
Search bus and tram lines, stops, schedules, and live departure times. Save your favorite places for quick access next time.
Buy tickets & passes
The app functions as a 24/7 ticket office, you can purchase single tickets, multi-packs (carnets), or passes using your account.
10-ride pack
If you plan to use public transport often during your stay, it’s worth buying a 10-ride pack (carnet). Each ticket is valid for 90 minutes, and you just activate one every time you ride.
Real-time tracking
View real-time bus/tram locations on the map and get notifications when it’s time to depart.
Remember: every single trip must be validated, even when using a multi-ticket pack.
Car rental
While Florence is a very walkable city and well-connected by public transport, renting a car can be useful if you’re planning day trips through Tuscany (Chianti, Val d’Orcia, Siena, Pisa, etc.).
Where
Rental agencies are located near Santa Maria Novella train station and at Florence Airport.
Price
Daily rental prices vary from €40–70/day depending on the season and car type. A credit card in the driver’s name is almost always required.
Manual transmission
Most cars are manual transmission, request automatic if you need one (usually more expensive).
ZTL zones
ZTL zones: Florence’s historic center is a limited traffic zone controlled by cameras. Driving inside without a permit = automatic fines. Always park outside the center.
Speed limits
50 km/h in cities, 90 km/h on secondary roads, 110 km/h on highways, 130 km/h on autostrade (toll highways). Watch for speed cameras.
Tolls
Major highways charge tolls. You can pay with cash, card, or Telepass lanes (reserved for subscribers).
Gas stations
Many close at night; pay-at-pump machines often accept only Italian cards. Fill up during the day when staff are available.
Parking
Parking: Blue lines = paid parking, white = free, yellow = residents only. Always check the signs.
Headlights
By law, headlights must be on even during the day on highways.
Alcohol limit
0.5 g/L blood alcohol (lower than many countries). For new drivers (less than 3 years), the limit is 0.0.
For countryside trips, try to rent the smallest car possible; Tuscan villages have narrow streets and tight parking. Always carry your international driving permit (IDP) along with your national driver’s license.
Last but not less important
Green signs
Autostrade (Highways). Fastest routes, but they are toll roads. You collect a ticket when entering and pay when exiting.
Blue signs
Strade Statali (State Roads). Slower, smaller roads with no tolls, often more scenic through the countryside.
Autovelox
Italy has many Autovelox (speed cameras), both fixed and mobile. Fines are automatic and can be sent to your rental agency weeks later.
Always respect speed limits, especially when entering towns; cameras are often right at the city limit.
Waze
Apps like Waze are very helpful: they show real-time traffic, speed limits, and even warn you about speed cameras along the way..
