I have to say, Florence is one of the easiest and most enjoyable cities to navigate in Italy, whether you’re strolling through its historic centre or venturing out on a day trip.
On my last trip, we parked our car on the outskirts (Florence’s limited traffic zone makes driving in the city centre tricky!) and didn’t need it again until we left.
The city centre is compact and packed with stunning architecture, narrow streets, and incredible landmarks like the Ponte Vecchio and Piazzale Michelangelo. This easily makes Florence a great city to explore on foot.
However, Florence has plenty of other ways to see it. Here’s everything you need to know about getting around Florence.
⏰ Short on time?
👉 Where to Stay in Florence
– Hotel Spadai (Budget)
– Hotel Brunelleschi (Mid-Range)
– Hotel Lungarno (Luxury)
👉 Things to Do
– Climb the Duomo
– Explore Uffizi Gallery
– Walk Across Ponte Vecchio
– Day Trip to Chianti
– Visit Boboli Gardens
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Walking - The Best Way to Explore Florence
If you’re staying near the Santa Maria Novella train station or in the historic centre, walking is by far the best way to get around. Most of Florence’s top attractions, like the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Piazza della Signoria, are within a 10-20 minute walk of each other.
Just wandering through the narrow streets, I discovered charming cafés, local shops, and hidden gems I might have missed otherwise.
Florence’s limited traffic zone (ZTL) keeps cars out, making the streets quieter and more pedestrian-friendly.
Walking lets you soak in the beauty of Florence’s historical centre at your own pace.
Public Transport - Florence’s Buses and Trams
Florence has a reliable public transportation system run by Autolinee Toscane, which includes buses and trams. While I didn’t use public transport much because walking was so easy, it’s a great option for reaching areas just outside the city centre.
A single ticket costs €1.50 and is valid for 90 minutes. You can buy tickets at ticket machines, tobacco shops, or via the Autolinee Toscane app.
Trains for Day Trips
The Santa Maria Novella train station is your gateway to exploring Tuscany and beyond. Florence’s train stations are well-connected to charming towns like San Gimignano, Pisa, and Siena, making it easy to plan day trips. Book train tickets here in advance.
Day trips we recommend from Florence
🍇 Sip world-class wines in Tuscany’s heart! Tuscany Full-Day Wine & Food Tour from Florence – Small Group
🌊 Discover Italy’s coastal charm! Florence to Cinque Terre Day Trip with Optional Hike & Lunch
🏛️ Explore Siena, Pisa, and more in one day! Florence to Siena, San Gimignano, Chianti & Pisa Tour with Lunch
🍷 Wine tasting in Chianti awaits! Florence to Chianti Wineries Tour with Food & Wine Tasting
Biking Around Florence
For a fun and eco-friendly option, consider renting a bike or even an e-bike. Florence has several bike rental shops that make it easy to explore the city or head out to Piazzale Michelangelo for breathtaking views.
Why It’s Great – E-bikes make tackling Florence’s occasional hills a breeze. Perfect for exploring beyond the historic centre, like the Arno River or quieter neighbourhoods.
Parking in Florence
Driving in Florence is challenging due to the limited traffic zone (ZTL), which restricts car access in most of the historic centre. During my trip, we stayed at a hotel near the city centre that offered parking, Hotel Silla, which was a perfect choice for our road trip.
Hotel with Parking in Florence
👉 Watch our hotel review staying at Hotel Silla in Florence.
Taxis in Florence
Taxis are available but must be booked from designated stands or via phone (you can’t hail one on the street). They’re useful for late nights or if you’re carrying heavy bags, but they can be pricey for longer trips.
Vespa Rentals and Tours
One of my favourite Italian experiences was riding a Vespa through the Tuscan hills on a guided tour. While I opted for a tour to keep things stress-free, you can also rent a Vespa for about €40-50 per day if you’re confident navigating.
Ideal for day trips to spots like San Gimignano or the countryside.
👉 If you’ve thought about renting a Vespa in Florence, here’s what my experience was like.
Hop-On, Hop-Off Buses
For a relaxed way to see the city, hop-on, hop-off buses are a fantastic option. They stop at major attractions like the Boboli Gardens, Piazzale Michelangelo, and San Frediano, letting you explore at your own pace.
Tickets – Prices start at €23 for a 24-hour pass.
Apps to Help You Navigate Florence
Staying connected was a lifesaver during my trip, and I used an eSIM to access Google Maps and other helpful apps.
Autolinee Toscane App – For public transport routes and tickets.
Google Maps – Great for walking directions.
ItTaxi – For booking taxis in Florence.
FAQ on How to Get Around Florence
Most tourists walk or use public transport like buses and trams. Taxis and Vespas are also popular for certain situations.
Yes! Florence’s historical centre is compact and best explored on foot or via public transport.
No, Uber isn’t available in Florence. Taxis or car-sharing services like Enjoy are the best alternatives.
Walking is free, and public transport costs just €1.50 per 90-minute ticket.
Absolutely! Florence is highly walkable, with most attractions within 10-20 minutes of each other.
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