How to Get to Florence: Everything About Transportation

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Florence, as the capital of the Tuscany region, is the birthplace of the Renaissance, with rich art, history, and culture attracting millions of visitors. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, planning your journey to Florence can set the tone for an unforgettable experience. Whether you are traveling from Europe or the U.S., this article will guide you through the best options to get to Florence, including all transportation modes, from flights and trains to scenic road trips.

By Plane

From Florence Airport Peretola aka Amerigo Vespucci Airport

The closest airport to Florence in the Tuscany region is Florence Airport Peretola (FLR), also known as Amerigo Vespucci Airport. The airport is only 5 miles away from the city downtown. Several airlines operate flights to FLR from European countries, but there is no direct flight to Florence from the US cities.

From Pisa International aka Galileo Galilei Airport

Additionally, Pisa International Airport (PSA), also known as Galileo Galilei Airport, is the second largest airport operating flights in the region. The Pisa airport is about 1 hour and 15 minutes away from Florence. Multiple European airlines, mostly budget airlines, operate daily flights to Pisa airport. There is no direct flight from the US to Pisa for people planning to travel from the US.

Pisa central train station is just a 5-minute Pisa Mover shuttle trip from Pisa airport. It takes roughly five minutes to walk from the front of the terminal to the Pisa Mover shuttle terminal.

Trains operate hourly from Pisa center station to Florence Santa Novella train station, taking from 50 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes.

How to Get to Florence from Rome by Train

You can take the Leonardo Express from the Rome Fiumicino Airport to Rome Termini central station if you choose to travel by train from Rome. From the airport to Rome Termini train station, Trenitalia trains operate non-stop trains every 15 to 30 minutes. Starting at 6:38 a.m. and finishing at 11:38 p.m., the Leonardo Express travels for around thirty-two minutes.

From Milan Airports to Florence by Train

In addition to Rome, a couple of airlines, such as Delta, American, and United Airlines, have direct flights to Milan. If you consider flying to Milan Malpensa Airport and traveling to Florence from there, you can take the Malpensa Express train from the airport to the Milano Centrale train station. The first train service starts at 5:43 am and ends at 22:43 pm, operating from Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to Milan Central Train Station. Train rides take roughly 51 minutes from the airport to Milan Central train station.

By Train from Other Destinations

Both Trenitalia and Italo operate multiple daily non-stop fast train journey from various cities in Italy. Taking a train to Florence is the fastest and most convenient way as well as scenic to get to Florence. Here are some of the fastest non-stop train journeys to Florence:

• Rome Termini to Florence Santa Maria Novella: 1 hour 29 minutes to 1 hour 37 minutes
• Milan Central to Florence: 1 hour 46 minutes to 1 hour 55 minutes
• Bologna Central to Florence: 37 to 38 minutes
• Venice Santa Lucia to Florence: 1 hour 59 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes
• Naples Central to Florence: 2 hours 50 minutes to 3 hours 6 minutes

Driving to Florence

Driving to Florence varies in distance and duration depending on your starting point and the route taken. Below are the estimated distances and driving times for major cities:

• Milan to Florence: Approximately 188 miles, taking about 3 to 3 hours and 30 minutes via A1/E35.
• Rome to Florence: Roughly 165 miles, with a drive time of around 3 hours via A1/E35.
• Venice to Florence: About 167 miles, taking approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes via A13.
• Naples to Florence: Roughly 296 miles, with an estimated drive time of 5 hours via A1.
• Bologna to Florence: Around 57 miles, taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes via A1.

The exact travel time may vary based on traffic, stops, and specific routes taken.

Check out 2-Day Itinerary : Best Things to Do in Florence for top activities

Driving License Requirement for Renting a Car for a US or Non-EU Citizens

If you plan on driving a rental car in Italy, as a US or non-EU citizen, make sure you have an international driving license. As a US citizen, you can apply for an international driving license through AAA. The State Department only authorizes AAA, a private entity, to issue international driver’s licenses. Applying for the driving license is simple, and you can apply for it online with a few steps and a $30 payment. Furthermore, an international driving license is valid in 150 countries, and you can use it in many other European countries and more. You can check this official website to apply for the international driving license.

Where to Rent a Car in Florence?

You can pick up and drop off a rental car at the Florence Santa Novella train station as well as the Florence airport. There are various online platforms for rental car booking in Europe, such as Economy Bookings and Auto Europe. Further, make sure you book a rental in advance to find your preferred type of car. Additionally, when you rent a car, you will need a basic Collision Damage Waiver car insurance coverage. Lastly, while automatic transmission cars are available for rent, most of the rental options feature manual transmission.

By Bus

Taking a bus to Florence is the most budget-friendly option, though it typically takes longer than traveling by train. Operators like FlixBus, Itabus, and MarinoBus offer daily non-stop services to Florence from several Italian cities, including Milan, Rome, Venice, Pisa, Naples, and Bologna.