Florence is a compact city, designed for leisurely strolls, getting lost in its streets and enjoying its squares, so Many of the tourist routes can easily be done on footIf you stay near the historic center and limit yourself to the most monumental area, following a guidebook what to see in Florence in 3 daysIt is very likely that you will hardly need to use public transport during the entire trip.
Even so, when the hotel is further away, you arrive at or depart from the airport, you want to visit less central neighborhoods or get around more quickly, the Florence public transport (tram and bus) it becomes a great ally.
How public transport works in Florence
Florence's urban public transport network rests on two pillars: the tram and busesAll of them are managed by the same company, Autolinee Toscane (AT, formerly ATAF). This means that the ticketing, validation, and usage time logic is virtually the same for both modes of transport, making getting around quite simple once you understand the system.
Florence, moreover, is immersed in a progressive expansion of its tram networkThis involves roadworks, traffic diversions, and temporary changes to some bus routes. Therefore, although the lines cover a large part of the city, it's advisable to expect that schedules and routes may vary slightly from what is shown on printed maps.
Trams in Florence: lines, frequencies and use
The tram is, to this day, the most convenient means of public transport in the city: fast, predictable and with a reserved platformThis avoids most traffic jams. It behaves like a small city train, with well-marked stops and accessible platforms.
Currently Florence has Two lines in operation, T1 and T2Meanwhile, new expansions are planned (usually referred to as T3 and T4) that will connect more and more areas of the city and the metropolitan area.
- T1 Line by tram: the T1 line runs through Florence in an approximately north-south direction, linking the large hospital of Careggi with Scandicci, on the southwest outskirts. It passes through residential areas and important neighborhoods, and is very useful for both workers and commuters staying far from the historic center. Along its route, the T1 It passes through the Santa Maria Novella train stationwhich is the city's major rail hub. This connection makes T1 perfect if you arrive by train and are staying in areas better served by tram than bus.
- T2 Line of the tram and connection to the airport: the T2 line is especially interesting for those flying to Florence, because connects the center with Peretola airportIt traditionally connected the Piazza San Marco area (right in the center) with the airport, but it has undergone recent expansions and modifications.
Terminal 2 has been extended to reach San Marco UniversityHowever, during the testing phase of the new section (for a few weeks starting in early January 2025), trams are running without passengers on the extended stretch. During this period, public service is limited between Peretola (airport) and Fortezza FieraTherefore, you should check which section is operational on the dates of your trip.
Meanwhile, the The closest convenient stop to the city center for going to the airport is STAZIONE VALFONDAIt's very close to the Santa Maria Novella train station. Pay attention when getting on because the T1 line also stops in that area, and although it shares part of the route, the T1 doesn't go to the airport.
Main stops and tram frequency
Both tram lines, T1 and T2, They have a stop at Santa Maria Novella stationThis makes it the true heart of Florence's transport network. From here you can easily connect to trains, trams, and numerous city and regional bus lines.
On a typical weekday, the tram offers a approximate frequency of 4-5 minutesTherefore, you'll rarely have to wait too long on the platform. On weekends, public holidays, in the early morning, or late at night, the intervals between trams are slightly longer, but the service remains quite reliable.
The times for the first and last tram, as well as details of frequency during specific periods, can be found in the Official summaries of Autolinee Toscane and at the stops, where boards with indicative timetables are usually displayed.
Purchase and validation of tickets on the tram
To use the tram you need a ticket valid for the Florence urban area. The standard single-journey ticket It costs around €1,70 and lasts for 90 minutes from the time of validation.Within that time frame you can transfer between tram and bus without paying again, as long as you stay within the urban area.
Tickets can be purchased in several ways before boarding the tram: at the automatic machines located at all stops (They accept cash and card), through the official AT app (such as "AT bus" or other linked apps), or at tobacconists/tabaccherie and authorized shops, which are very common throughout the city.
It is mandatory Validate your ticket as soon as you board the tram.If it's a paper ticket, you insert it into the small yellow machines you'll find near each door; if it's a digital ticket (purchased via an app), you activate it directly on your phone. Ticket inspectors appear quite frequently, and if you don't have a ticket or haven't validated it, the fine is hefty, and the inspectors are very strict, leaving no room for negotiation.
Contactless payment on trams and buses
Since March 2024, both trams and buses have had a system of contactless payment (“tap on/tap off”) which allows the use of credit or debit cards, as well as mobile payment devices (smartphones and wearables with Mastercard, Visa or American Express).
It works simply: when you get into the vehicle, You bring your card or device close to the reader. The corresponding electronic ticket is then generated (usually the urban ticket for €1,70, valid for 90 minutes). On intercity buses, you must tap your card again when you get off to calculate the fare based on the distance traveled; on urban routes, you only tap it when you board.
It is important to know that, with this system, Each card or device can only purchase one ticket per validation.It cannot be used to pay for multiple people's journeys at once with the same card, as the system will not issue more than one ticket within the same period. If you need several tickets, it is recommended to purchase them through the app or use different cards.
If you make transfers within 90 minutes (for example, tram + bus), you will need tap your card again each time you get onHowever, the system will recognize that you are still within the time limit and will not charge you for an additional urban ticket. For journeys outside the city center, if you forget to tap your card when you get off, you will be charged the maximum fare as if you had traveled to the last stop on the line.
City buses in Florence
Florence's urban bus network is extensive and reaches areas not served by the tram, making it a very useful complement. It is operated by Autolinee Toscane (AT)The same company responsible for the tramway, which recently replaced the long-established ATAF. This change of operator has involved adjustments, and some inefficiencies are still noticeable.
Bus lines cover virtually all neighborhoods in the city and many nearby towns, but due to Frequent works and detours related to the tram extensionRoutes may be subject to temporary changes. This can sometimes make it difficult to follow them using only a printed map; it's advisable to consult apps or the official website to stay up to date.
Tickets and validation on the bus
The ticketing system for city buses is the same as that for the tram: 90-minute urban ticket for €1,70valid for bus + tram combinations within that time. The big difference is that, unlike tram stops, There are no vending machines at bus stops.
Therefore, it is usual to buy tickets in tobacconists, kiosks, tobacconists, some authorized stores or via the mobile app. In a pinch, you can also buy a ticket directly from the driver when you board, but in this case the price increases to around €2,00 and tickets aren't always available, so it's not advisable to rely on this option as a general rule.
Just like on the tram, it's mandatory. Validate your ticket as soon as you board the bus.using the ticket validators. You must keep it with you throughout the journey in case a ticket inspector boards. For Italian SIM cards, there is also the option of purchasing tickets via SMS, although this system usually has a slightly higher cost (for example, €2,00 plus the cost of the message).
Types of tickets and transport passes
In addition to the integrated 90-minute single ticket, the Florentine system offers different types of tickets and cards designed for both residents and visitors who will be using transportation frequently.
There is a single ticket which has a price that, depending on the source or time, may appear as €1,70 or €1,20, but in practice The current standard is around €1,70 with 90 minutes of validityWithin those 90 minutes you can transfer between bus and tram in the urban area without paying a second ticket.
Next is the 4-trip ticket, which combines 4 independent routes for an approximate cost of €4,70. The advantage is that It can be used by more than one person at a time.For example, two people can each cancel one of the travel slots on the same journey. However, they must validate each time there are people using it simultaneously.
Finally, there are 1, 3, or 7-day passes. For those who will frequently use public transport during their stay, there are temporary tickets valid for [duration not specified in the original text]. 24, 72 hours or 7 full days From the first validation, with indicative costs of €5, €12 and €18 respectively. These passes allow unlimited use of buses and trams within the city limits for the contracted period.
It is important to note that these subscriptions are personal and non-transferableIn other words, they cannot be shared with other travelers. They will usually need to be associated with a name, and at security checkpoints, you may be asked to prove that you are the cardholder.
Finally, you can always buy the Agile Card, a rechargeable card for travel. It is a prepaid electronic card Aimed at those who use public transport regularly. It can be purchased with balances of €10, €20 or €30, which translate to approximately 10, 21 or 35 urban journeys of 90 minutes each, respectively, representing a small saving compared to buying individual tickets.
One of its advantages is that It can be used by more than one person at the same time.Simply validate your ticket multiple times upon boarding to deduct several trips from your balance. This makes it useful for small groups or families who don't want to buy individual multi-day passes.
Where to buy tickets and cards
Tickets and season passes can be purchased at authorized tobacconists, kiosks and tobacco shopsThey usually indicate with stickers or signs that they sell transport tickets. They are very common in the city center and residential neighborhoods.
You will also find automatic vending machines at key locations such as the entrance to Santa Maria Novella train station or the Piazza San Marco area. At tram stops, each platform has its own machine where you can pay by cash or card.
Single tickets can be purchased on board the bus, although at a higher price (around €2)And that's only if the driver has them in stock, which isn't guaranteed. So, if you can, it's best to buy them beforehand or use the app or contactless payment.
Florence is best explored on foot, but when it comes to venturing further afield, the range of options is vast: between frequent trams, buses that reach almost every neighborhood, integrated 90-minute tickets, multi-day passes, taxis, Uber Black, shared cars and scooters, and a good number of apps that show you routes and nearby stops, you have everything you need to Move around the city with ease and make the most of your stay without wasting time on travel.