Florence is a walking city, and you need nothing else in the centre — it's 10 minutes from the station to the cathedral, another 10 from the cathedral to the Ponte Vecchio. The historic core is a no-drive zone, so even buses don't run there except small electric ones. Public transport is useful for just 3 things: the tram from the airport, bus 12 or 13 to Piazzale Michelangelo, and buses to nearby villages from the station. A ticket costs €1.70, bought at a tabaccheria or via an app, and validated on board. Siena, Pisa and San Gimignano are reached by train or bus from the terminal beside the station; a car only makes sense for a drive through Chianti, and even then it's parked outside the walls. The pavement is uneven and there are steps everywhere, so wheeled suitcases and heels aren't practical here.
On footThe main and fastest way to get around. The centre is 2 km across, and all the main sights are within 20 minutes' walk of the cathedral. The pavement is uneven, so wear sturdy shoes. · free
ATAF busesA €1.70 ticket is valid for 90 minutes, bought at a tobacconist, a machine or an app, and validated on board. Practically useless in the centre, but handy for Piazzale Michelangelo and Fiesole. · €1.70
Tram3 lines, of which only T2 from the airport to the main station matters to visitors. It runs every 5 minutes from 5am to half past midnight and is the cheapest airport transfer in Italy. · €1.50
Trains from Santa Maria NovellaThe main station is 10 minutes from the cathedral. An hour to Pisa, an hour and a half to Siena, 37 minutes to Bologna on the high-speed train. Regional trains don't need booking and a ticket is valid for 4 hours. · from €9
TaxiCan't be hailed on the street; call one or wait at a rank by the station or the cathedral. A ride across the centre costs €10–15, and the fixed fare from the airport is €22. Uber only operates here in its pricier Black tier. · from €10
Bikes and scootersShared e-bikes and scooters are around the city, but the centre is pedestrianised and the pavement uneven. Fine for a ride along the Arno or out to the Cascine park; in the old centre, walking is faster. · from €1 to unlock