Loading Page...

How do you get around in Florence without a car?

The best way to get around Florence is by foot. In fact, you can walk from one end of the city to the other in about 30 minutes, passing many recognizable sites along the way. Hopping aboard an ATAF bus is another option.



Navigating Florence without a car is not only possible but highly recommended, as the historic center is a designated Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) where unauthorized vehicles face heavy fines. The city is remarkably compact, making walking the primary and most rewarding way to see the sights; you can walk from the Duomo to the Palazzo Pitti in about 15 minutes. For longer distances, the Autolinee Toscane bus network is efficient, with small "C" line electric buses specifically designed to navigate the narrow medieval streets of the city center. Florence also features a modern tramway system (Tramvia) with three main lines (T1, T2, and T3) that connect the city center to the Amerigo Vespucci Airport and suburban areas like Scandicci. In 2026, bike-sharing apps like Movi by Mobike are ubiquitous, offering a sustainable way to traverse the flat Arno valley. If you need a quick trip, metered taxis are available at designated stands, though they cannot be hailed on the street. Essentially, the combination of a pedestrian-friendly layout and robust public transit makes a car more of a burden than a benefit in the Tuscan capital.

People Also Ask

The best way to get around Florence is by foot. In fact, you can walk from one end of the city to the other in about 30 minutes, passing many recognizable sites along the way. Hopping aboard an ATAF bus is another option.

MORE DETAILS

1. Florence, Italy. It'll take around ten minutes and just half a mile of walking to get a look at Florence's main attractions. The Ponte Vecchio, the city's famous Duomo and the Uffizi Gallery are basically within touching distance of each other.

MORE DETAILS

You can request a ride on any day and at any time with Uber in Florence.

MORE DETAILS

Heading to Florence and want advice on how to get around the city? Spoiler Alert: The best way to get around this little village is to walk. That said, there are some times when you may need a taxi, bus, or train to get from place to place.

MORE DETAILS

Getting around by bus is the most popular way of getting around Florence if you don't have a car. The tickets are affordable, so you can get from one side of the city to the other on spare change. The ATAF buses run on a regular schedule and are ideal for when you don't feel like walking.

MORE DETAILS

Across the board, tipping is not expected in Italy, but it is appreciated. Tourist destinations like Florence have become accustomed to visitors tipping, so a service provider might ask if you would like to leave a tip before swiping your card. Don't feel pressured though!

MORE DETAILS

Top things to do in Florence
  • Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore. What is it: An absolute must-see in Florence (and to be honest, you can't miss it). ...
  • Palazzo Vecchio. ...
  • The Uffizi. ...
  • Galleria dell'Accademia. ...
  • Cappelle Medicee. ...
  • Mercato Centrale. ...
  • Arno River. ...
  • Caffé Gilli.


MORE DETAILS

English is widely spoken, but try to learn Italian It goes a long way, even if you're only able to say simple sentences or hello, goodbye, and thank you. Italians really appreciate when you try to learn the local language, not to mention it's a beautiful language to listen to and speak.

MORE DETAILS

For first-time visitors and those who have only a short time in Florence, we suggest staying in the Centro Storico or historic district. This area is the heart of Florence and here you'll find the magnificent cathedral or duomo – Santa Maria del Fiore – the Uffizi Gallery, and the Palazzo Vecchio.

MORE DETAILS

If you're looking to just hit the city's top highlights, three or so days should be enough. But if you're like us, hitting the hotspots will only make you curious to stay longer – especially in a place as rich with culture, cuisine, and history as Florence.

MORE DETAILS

You hardly need any cash at all. You can use your credit or debit card wherever there is a PoS (point of sale) machine. Your card needs to be on the Mastercard or VISA international network to function. (Most businesses in Italy refuse Amex and Diners because they charge too much commission.)

MORE DETAILS

Built in the 16th century as an office building for the Medici, and formerly declared a museum open to the public in 1865. Over 4 million visitors enter the Uffizi each year, which makes it the most ticketed attraction in Florence.

MORE DETAILS