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Florence’s airport situation is unusual for a major Italian destination — the city has a small, close-in airport (FLR Peretola) about 4km from the centre, and the larger Pisa Airport (PSA) to the west is the other gateway, linked to Florence by the PisaMover shuttle and a train from Pisa Centrale. This 2026 guide covers all the realistic ways to get from a plane into central Florence: the T2 tram from FLR (cheapest and reliable), the official airport taxi flat-rate (fastest with luggage), the Pisa airport train route, private transfer companies, and edge cases like late-night arrivals, ride-share apps, and group transfers. Each option has a clear best-use case.
For the fixed-fare option and how to find a legitimate rank, see our guide to taxis in Florence.
Before the transfer, the airport itself: one terminal in two buildings, a short 1,560-metre runway, and no jetbridges anywhere, so every gate boards by bus. Our Florence airport guide covers the terminal layout, the lounge, car hire and layovers.
Florence’s Two Airports: FLR vs PSA
Florence Airport Peretola (FLR), also known as Amerigo Vespucci Airport, is the city’s own airport — small, close-in, and named after the Florentine explorer for whom America is named. FLR handles primarily European short-haul flights (Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, ITA Airways, Ryanair, Vueling, Wizz Air, EasyJet — though EasyJet’s Florence route changes year-to-year). North American transatlantic service to FLR is limited; most US travellers connect through London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam or Rome.
Pisa International Airport (PSA), also called Galileo Galilei Airport, is the larger airport handling Tuscany’s long-haul, charter and budget traffic. PSA lies west of Florence: the PisaMover shuttle runs from the terminal to Pisa Centrale, where you change to a regional train for Florence Santa Maria Novella station.
If you’re choosing between the two airports when booking your flight: FLR is much closer and more convenient if you can find a direct flight; PSA is often cheaper and has more international options at the cost of an extra hour of transit on arrival.
The T2 Tram from FLR (Recommended)
Florence’s tram line T2 connects FLR to the city centre directly. The T2 Vespucci line opened on 11 February 2019 and is now the recommended transfer for most travellers.
- Journey time: about 20 minutes from “Peretola Aeroporto” tram stop to the Santa Maria Novella station area: get off at “Alamanni” or “Valfonda”. Regular trams from the airport don’t call at “Unità”.
- Frequency: Every 4–5 minutes on weekday daytimes in school term; gaps are longer at other times and reach 22 minutes late at night.
- Operating hours: from about 05:00 to 00:30, until 02:00 on Friday and Saturday nights; first and last departures vary by stop, so check GEST’s timetables.
- Ticket: €2.00 single (called biglietto a tempo), valid 90 minutes from validation or activation for unlimited tram and bus transfers within Florence.
- Where to buy: ticket vending machines at the tram stop (cards and cash), tobacconist (tabaccheria) inside FLR’s arrivals hall, or the Autolinee Toscane mobile app.
- Validate your ticket — stamp a paper ticket in the machine on board; a phone ticket is activated in the app.
- Luggage: Trams have wide doors and dedicated standing space; large suitcases fit easily.
The T2’s “Peretola Aeroporto” stop is a 2-minute walk from the FLR arrivals hall and the departures terminal — exit the airport through the main doors, the tram stop is straight ahead, with clear signage.
For most travellers arriving at FLR, the T2 is dramatically the best transfer option: fast, frequent, cheap, and runs late. Skip the taxi unless you have specific reasons (heavy luggage, mobility issues, late-night arrival after the tram stops).
FLR Airport Taxi Flat Rate
Florence airport taxis use regulated flat rates for transfers between FLR and the historic centre:
- €28 weekday daytime (06:00 to 22:00, Monday–Saturday, non-holidays)
- €30 Sundays and holidays (daytime, 06:00 to 22:00)
- €32 at night (22:00 to 06:00, every day)
- Each piece of luggage costs €1.20 extra, as does each passenger beyond the third, up to €14.40 in supplements.
- Journey time: about 15 minutes, longer in traffic.
The official taxi rank is just outside the FLR arrivals hall — taxis are white with a “Taxi” rooftop sign and yellow license plates. The flat rate to the historic centre is posted on a small sign near the rank; if a driver tries to charge by meter, decline and confirm the flat rate before getting in.
The flat rate does not apply to destinations outside the historic centre. If your hotel is in Fiesole, San Domenico, or other suburban areas, the meter applies. Confirm pricing before getting in.
Tip: round up the fare by €2–3 if the driver helped with luggage. €28 fare → pay €30–31 with thanks.
Private Airport Transfers
Pre-booked private car transfers are useful for groups, late-night arrivals, families with multiple suitcases, or travellers who want a guaranteed driver waiting in arrivals.
- Standard private sedan (1–3 passengers): €40–60
- Minivan (4–7 passengers): €70–95
- Luxury sedan / SUV: €70–120
- Booking platforms: GetYourGuide, Welcome Pickups, Suntransfers, MyDriver, hotel concierges
- Driver meets you in arrivals with a name sign; helps with luggage; door-to-door service
- Children’s car seats can be requested ($5–10 supplement) — Italian taxi don’t usually have them
For solo travellers or couples with light luggage, the T2 tram is dramatically cheaper and only marginally slower. For groups of 3+ or anyone with heavy/multiple bags, the private transfer often costs less per person than the equivalent number of tram tickets when factoring in convenience.
Uber and Ride-Share Apps
Uber operates in Florence in its more expensive Uber Black tier (luxury sedan with chauffeur).
- Uber Black FLR to centre: €40–60, similar pricing to private transfers
- appTaxi books Florence’s licensed taxis through the 055 4242 radio taxi centre
- Free Now (formerly MyTaxi) also works in Florence
- For most travellers, the local app or the regular taxi rank is more economical than Uber
VolaInBus / BusItalia Shuttle
Older guides still describe the VolaInBus (BusItalia) shuttle between FLR and Santa Maria Novella station. Don’t plan around it: the T2 tram is the airport’s public transport link to the centre, on an ordinary €2.00 city ticket.
If you’re in a guidebook or travel article that recommends “VolaInBus” or “BusItalia airport shuttle” — those are outdated. The T2 tram has replaced them.
Arriving at Pisa Airport (PSA)
If your flight arrives at Pisa Airport (PSA), the multi-step transfer to Florence is straightforward: the PisaMover to Pisa Centrale, then a train to Santa Maria Novella. Check your train’s journey time and leave room for the change.
Step 1: PisaMover from Pisa Airport to Pisa Centrale Station
The PisaMover automated shuttle connects PSA Airport to Pisa Centrale train station in about five minutes, including its intermediate stop.
- Cost: €6.50 single ticket
- Frequency: Every 5–15 minutes, depending on demand
- Operating hours: 06:00 to midnight, extended to 01:00 from 1 June to 30 September
- Where to buy: Ticket machines at the airport platform; accept cards and cash
Step 2: Train from Pisa Centrale to Florence Santa Maria Novella
From Pisa Centrale, regional trains serve Florence:
- Regional train (Trenitalia): €9.80 in second class; check the Trenitalia timetable for journey times and departures
Pick a train that stops at Florence Santa Maria Novella, a short walk from the Cathedral; the Trenitalia timetable shows each train’s stops. Buy tickets at the Pisa Centrale station ticket machines, the Trenitalia website (trenitalia.com), or the Trenitalia mobile app.
Total Pisa Airport to Florence Santa Maria Novella: about five minutes on the PisaMover, the change at Pisa Centrale, then the train, so the overall time depends on your connection. Total cost €16.30 (€6.50 PisaMover plus €9.80 regional train).
Step 3: Direct PSA-to-Florence Bus (Alternative)
Direct PSA-to-Florence coaches are run by FlixBus and by Caronna, whose Florence stop is Guidoni on the T2 tram line. Journey time 1.5 hours, €12–18 single. Less frequent than the PisaMover + train combination but eliminates one transfer. Check schedules at flixbus.com.
Renting a Car at the Airport
Both FLR and PSA have rental car desks (Hertz, Sixt, Avis, Europcar, plus low-cost specialists like Goldcar). Rental rates from €30 per day for a small economy car in low season, €60 in high season.
Florence’s historic centre is a ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) — a traffic-restricted zone where unauthorised vehicles face a fine of around €80 or more, plus notification costs, and rental companies may add their own administration fee. If you’re staying in the historic centre, do not rent a car at the airport and drive into the centre. Park outside the ZTL instead — the Beccaria and Stazione Binario 16 (Piazzale Montelungo) car parks charge by the hour, and Garage Orcagna is another option — then walk in.
Rental cars only make sense for travellers who plan to leave Florence regularly for Tuscan day trips. If you’re spending all 4 days in the city, skip the rental.
Late-Night and Early-Morning Arrivals
FLR after the last tram (around 00:30, until 02:00 on Friday and Saturday nights): The night fixed fare of €32 applies from 22:00 to 06:00, plus €1.20 per bag. The 055 4242 radio taxi centre takes calls 24 hours a day. Pre-booked private transfers also operate around the clock.
PSA late-night arrivals: The PisaMover runs until midnight; after that, night taxi service at the airport rank (€100–150 to Florence direct). Many travellers arriving at PSA after 22:00 stay in Pisa overnight at airport hotels and travel to Florence the next morning.
Early-morning departures (before 06:00): The T2 tram from Florence to FLR runs from 05:00. For 04:00 or 05:00 flights, you need a taxi from the centre to the airport — the fixed fare is €32 at night (22:00–06:00), and €28 on weekdays after 06:00. Pre-book the night before; some hotels arrange the booking.
Cheapest Way to Get to/from FLR
The T2 tram, on a €2.00 ticket, costs a fraction of the taxi fare. Solo travellers, couples, and small groups should default to the tram unless specific circumstances (heavy luggage, late-night arrival, mobility issues, early-morning rush) push toward a taxi.
For travellers comparing total costs:
| Option | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| T2 tram | €2.00 | About 20 min | Solo / couple, light luggage |
| Airport taxi (flat rate) | €28–32 | About 15 min, more in traffic | Groups of 3–4, heavy luggage |
| Private transfer sedan | €40–60 | 20 min | Pre-booked, name sign in arrivals |
| Private transfer minivan | €70–95 | 20 min | Groups of 5–7 |
| Uber Black | €40–60 | 20 min | App-based booking with English |
| Rental car | €30+/day | 15 min + ZTL parking | Tuscan tour itineraries only |
Florence Airport Practical Tips
Tip 1: Buy your T2 tram ticket from the vending machine at the FLR tram stop, not on board. Tickets bought on board cost extra and can result in fines if not validated.
Tip 2: Validate a paper ticket in the machine on board as soon as you step onto the tram; a ticket on your phone is activated in the app instead. Travelling without a valid ticket costs €40 plus €3 costs if you pay within 15 days, €80 plus €3 from day 16 to 60, and €240 plus €3 after that.
Tip 3: The “Alamanni” tram stop is right next to Santa Maria Novella station — useful if you have a connecting train. Pick “Alamanni” or “Valfonda”, whichever is closer to your hotel.
Tip 4: If your flight is before 06:00, pre-book a taxi the night before via your hotel concierge or the 055 4242 radio taxi line. Don’t rely on finding a taxi at the rank at 04:30.
Tip 5: From Pisa Airport, ride the PisaMover to Pisa Centrale and change to a regional train for Florence. No Frecciabianca runs directly between Pisa and Florence, so check the day’s Trenitalia timetable for the quickest connection.
Tip 6: The T2 runs on the ordinary city ticket, so the ride back to the airport is simply another €2.00 single. Buying it early saves nothing, but you skip the machine with your luggage, and its 90 minutes only start when you validate or activate it.
Tip 7: Autolinee Toscane’s 10-ride carnet (€18.20) works on all Florence buses and trams, the airport tram included — better value than separate €2.00 singles if you’ll use city buses during your stay.
Hotels Near the Airport
Most travellers stay in Florence’s historic centre rather than near the airport. But if you have a very early departure or a long layover:
- NH Firenze — Piazza Vittorio Veneto in Porta al Prato, about 1.1km from Santa Maria Novella station. Convenient for early departures.
- Hotel Globus — close to the station with quick airport access.
- Hotel Lorena — small business-grade hotel near the station with airport-friendly check-out times.
- Airport-area hotels (Sesto Fiorentino) — Holiday Inn Express, Mercure. €70–110/night, a short taxi ride to FLR. For travellers who need ultra-early flights only.
Florence Airport Transfer FAQ
What’s the cheapest way to get from Florence Airport to the city centre?
The T2 tram — €2.00 single ticket, about 20 minutes from FLR’s “Peretola Aeroporto” stop to the Santa Maria Novella station area. Service runs from about 05:00 to 00:30 (until 02:00 on Friday and Saturday nights), every 4–5 minutes on school-term weekday daytimes and less often at other times; check first and last departures for your stop.
How much is a taxi from Florence Airport?
The fixed fare is €28 on weekday daytimes (06:00–22:00), €30 by day on Sundays and holidays, and €32 at night (22:00–06:00). Each bag adds €1.20, as does each passenger beyond the third. The fixed fare covers destinations inside the ring roads (viali) — beyond them, the meter applies.
How far is FLR from Florence?
About 4km from the centre. The T2 tram takes about 20 minutes to the Santa Maria Novella area, and a taxi about 15 minutes, longer in traffic.
How do I get from Pisa Airport to Florence?
PisaMover (€6.50, about five minutes) from PSA to Pisa Centrale station, then a Trenitalia regional train (€9.80 in second class) to Florence Santa Maria Novella. That comes to €16.30 in all; the journey time depends on the train you catch, so check the timetable.
Is the VolaInBus airport bus still running?
Don’t count on it. The T2 tram is the airport’s public transport link to the centre, on a €2.00 city ticket, so use it instead.
Does Uber work at Florence Airport?
Yes, through Uber Black (luxury sedan, €40–60). For taxi-style booking, the regular taxi rank or a taxi app is usually the more economical choice.
Can I take large luggage on the T2 tram?
Yes — the trams have wide doors and dedicated standing space at the front and rear of each car. Suitcases, bicycles and folded strollers fit easily. The middle of the car has fold-down seats that double as luggage space.
Is the airport accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes. FLR is fully accessible. The T2 tram has level boarding from low-level platforms; trams are wheelchair-equipped. Taxi services with wheelchair access can be pre-booked through Florence’s Comune accessibility line. Private transfer companies offer accessible vehicles on request.
The T2 tram from Florence Airport (FLR) is the city’s standout airport-transfer option — cheap, fast, frequent, and runs late. Default to it unless you have specific reasons (heavy luggage, late-night flight, mobility issues, large group). For Pisa Airport (PSA) arrivals, the PisaMover + train combination costs €16.30, making PSA a perfectly viable airport for a Florence trip if the flight price difference justifies the longer transfer. Whichever airport you arrive at, plan the transfer in advance and allow time for the connections and the last leg to your hotel.
