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Florence, a city you can enjoy on foot!
But we've put together some essential transportation tips for when you need to travel by train, bus, or hill.
But we've put together some essential transportation tips for when you need to travel by train, bus, or hill.
Are you planning a trip to Florence?
This city is compact enough to be enjoyed on foot, and public transportation like trains and buses is easy to use. Unlike Rome or Venice, you can easily reach most of the city's key attractions on foot, eliminating the need for complex routes and transfers .
However, when traveling to Piazzale Michelangelo or nearby smaller towns, it's much more convenient to know about buses and trains. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of Florence's transportation options, from walking tour tips to bus and train usage.
💟 Travel Tips
Since Florence is primarily a walking tour, it's a good idea to pack shoes suitable for the cobblestone streets and foot care products like foot patches and Mentholatum to relieve foot fatigue. The city itself is compact, so even a short trip is enough to enjoy a satisfying experience.
A city great for walking
Florence is a compact city, so most of its downtown can be explored on foot. It takes just 10 minutes from the train station to the Duomo, and another 10 minutes from the Duomo to the Ponte Vecchio. In fact, most tourist attractions can be reached on foot without any special transportation. So, there's no need to worry about taking the subway like in Rome or taking water buses like in Venice.
However, since there are many rocky paths, your feet can tire easily, so comfortable shoes are essential.
Santa Maria Novella Train Station
Florence's central station is Santa Maria Novella (SMN).
If you get off here, it's a five-minute walk to the city center! This makes it convenient to move your luggage even if you're staying in the city center. Taxis are always waiting in front of the train station, making it convenient when you have a lot of luggage.
One thing to note is that there are several small stations in Florence, so you need to check the "Firenze SMN" sign before getting off!
How to get to Michelangelo's Hill
There are very few times when I take a bus in Florence, but one of the times I do is when I go to Piazzale Michelangelo.
It's about a 20-minute walk from downtown to the hill, but the last 7-8 minutes are quite steep uphill. If you're physically challenged or traveling with children or elderly people, taking a bus or taxi is a viable option.
Please note that the bus does not go directly up the hill but instead goes around the city, so it may take a little longer.
City buses and tickets
Florence buses require advance ticket purchases rather than card payments.
Purchase tickets at a Tabacchi store or purchase mobile tickets using the Moovit app. If caught fare-evading, fines can be hefty, ranging from €50 to €60.
It's a good idea to prepare a few tickets in advance in case you suddenly need to take a bus during your tour.
SITA buses to nearby areas
If you are planning a trip to the Tuscan region (Siena, The Mall outlet, etc.), you will be using SITA buses.
The bus terminal is a three-minute walk from the train station, and tickets can be purchased on-site. A bus trip around the city, with its scenic views, offers a unique charm unique to Florence.
Curious about other tips for traveling to Florence?
From accommodation recommendations, sunset spots, and must-see courses, this guidebook contains information from a local with 10 years of experience that you can immediately apply to your travel plans.
If you take a look just once before you depart, your trip to Florence will be much more leisurely and perfect.
Florence BEST3 Tours
Chiara, an Italian certified guide, presents the essential Uffizi tour with 53 works.
Florence Duomo Tour (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore)
Giotto's Campanile, a place where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Florence
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We've compiled some really useful travel tips and courses.
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