BY TRAMVIA – LINE T1
Since the extension of the T1 line was opened to the public in February 2019 and that connects the central station of Santa Maria Novella (SMN) with the Florence Peretola / Vespucci airport, this has become the easiest (and cheapest way) to reach the center of Florence.
For only € 1.50 one way (if you have large suitcases you have to buy a ticket for them too – max 2 suitcases per person allowed), you can reach the main central railway station of Florence in about 15 minutes. On leaving the airport, at the main exit you have to turn left. Follow the signs indicating the T1 tram stop. At the stop, you will find several automatic ticket machines where you can buy tickets. You have to get on the tram and validate the ticket.
From the SMN train station continue to Piazza del Duomo, look at the front of the cathedral, the third on the left is Via Dei Servi. The black number 3 is in front of a bar called Bistrot74.
BY BUS
The “Vola in Bus” shuttle (operated by BusItalia Sita Nord) connects the airport with the SMN station in about 20 minutes. Departures from the airport are approximately every 30 minutes from 5.30 am to 8.30 pm (then every hour until 11.45 am). Departures from the city center, however, are approximately every 30 minutes from 5.00 am to 8.00 pm and then every hour until 11.00 pm. The last shuttle is at 00.30. The service is active every day, including Sundays and holidays. I’m not sure if this service will be phased out if everyone starts using the new tramway connection, for now it still exists.
Tickets can be purchased on board: a ride costs € 6 (can be purchased on board without price increase with cash), while the Return ticket costs € 10 (but this must be purchased before boarding, and is sold only at the SITA station in the city center or from ATAF dealers).
From the SMN train station continue to Piazza del Duomo, look at the front of the cathedral, the third on the left is Via Dei Servi. The black number 3 is in front of a bar called Bistrot74.
BY TAXI
If you have large suitcases and your destination is not close to the SMN station, I would suggest you take a taxi directly to your hotel, B&B or apartment. The streets of Florence are not so easy to navigate with suitcases, even those with wheels. After a long journey, surely arriving at the station and then doing the rest on foot would not be the best.
If you go to the city center, taxis must respect a fixed fare of € 22 for the ride (plus a supplement of € 1 per suitcase) from the airport to the center and to all the hotels in the historic center.