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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) just 8km from the historic centre, but most international travellers actually arrive via the larger Pisa Airport (PSA) 80km west, then take a 1-hour train onward. 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.
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 is 80km west of Florence with direct train service to Florence Santa Maria Novella station (50 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes by Frecciabianca or regional train). Many transatlantic flights and most low-cost carriers fly to PSA rather than FLR.
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 was extended to the airport in 2019 and is now the recommended transfer for most travellers.
- Journey time: 20 minutes from “Peretola Aeroporto” tram stop to Santa Maria Novella station (“Alamanni” stop) or 22 minutes to “Unità” near the Cathedral.
- Frequency: Trams run every 4–6 minutes daytime, every 8–10 minutes off-peak.
- Operating hours: 05:00 to 00:30 daily, until 02:00 on Friday and Saturday nights.
- Ticket: €1.70 single (called biglietto a tempo), valid 90 minutes 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 before boarding — tap the ticket on the small yellow validators at the tram stop platform.
- 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:
- €25 daytime (06:00 to 22:00, Monday–Saturday, non-holidays)
- €27 evening / weekends (22:00 to 06:00, Sundays)
- €30 holidays (national holidays)
- The flat rate covers up to 4 passengers + standard luggage. Additional luggage charges €1 per piece.
- Journey time: 15–25 minutes depending on traffic and ZTL detours.
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. €25 fare → pay €27–28 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 but only in the more expensive Uber Black tier (luxury sedan with chauffeur). Standard UberX, Pool, or Lyft don’t exist here — Italian taxi regulations have effectively blocked them.
- Uber Black FLR to centre: €40–60, similar pricing to private transfers
- itTaxi and AppTaxi are the local Italian taxi-booking apps — cheaper than Uber Black, with metered pricing
- 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
The traditional VolaInBus shuttle service connecting FLR to Santa Maria Novella station was discontinued in 2025 with the T2 tram extension. Some third-party blogs still mention “BusItalia airport shuttle” — this service is no longer operating in 2026.
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 but takes about 90 minutes total.
Step 1: PisaMover from Pisa Airport to Pisa Centrale Station
The PisaMover automated shuttle connects PSA Airport to Pisa Centrale train station in 8 minutes.
- Cost: €5 single ticket
- Frequency: Every 5–8 minutes
- Operating hours: 05:30 to midnight, then night service connections
- 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, two train types serve Florence:
- Regional train (Trenitalia Regionale Veloce, RV): €8.50, journey time 1 hour 15 minutes, departs every 30–60 minutes
- Frecciabianca high-speed: €13–18, journey time 50 minutes to 1 hour, fewer departures
Both trains terminate at Florence Santa Maria Novella station (10 minutes’ walk to the Cathedral). 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: around 90 minutes (8-minute PisaMover + 5–10 minute station transfer + 50–75 minute train), total cost €13.50 (Regionale) or €18–23 (Frecciabianca).
Step 3: Direct PSA-to-Florence Bus (Alternative)
Several private bus operators run direct PSA-to-Florence routes, primarily Flixbus and BusItalia. 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 €100+ fines per crossing. 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 (Piazzale Montelungo, Parking Beccaria, Garage Orcagna) at €25–35 per day, 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 00:30 (T2 tram closed): The taxi flat rate becomes €27 (evening rate). Taxis remain available 24 hours at the FLR rank. 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 — €25 daytime flat rate (after 06:00) or €27 night rate. Pre-book the night before; some hotels arrange the booking.
Cheapest Way to Get to/from FLR
The T2 tram at €1.70 is the cheapest by a wide margin. 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 | €1.70 | 20 min | Solo / couple, light luggage |
| Airport taxi (flat rate) | €25 | 15–25 min | 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 the tram ticket before boarding by tapping the small yellow box at the platform. Unvalidated tickets are treated as fare-evasion (€50+ fine).
Tip 3: The “Alamanni” tram stop is right next to Santa Maria Novella station — useful if you have a connecting train. The “Unità” stop is closer to the Cathedral. Pick 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: Pisa Airport’s PisaMover combined with a Frecciabianca train is the fastest PSA-to-Florence transfer (~70 minutes total) but the regional train is just 25 minutes slower and €5–10 cheaper.
Tip 6: The Florence T2 tram is the same vehicle line as the city’s local tram — you can buy a return ticket valid for the airport-departure leg later in the trip and save the cost of buying twice.
Tip 7: If you have a 24-hour Florence transit pass (sold by Autolinee Toscane, €5.50), it’s valid on all Florence buses and trams plus the airport route — better value than separate tickets if you’ll use city buses elsewhere on the same day.
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 Centrale — 5 minutes’ walk from Santa Maria Novella station, 20 minutes by tram from FLR. 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, NH Firenze, Mercure. €70–110/night, 5-minute taxi 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 — €1.70 single ticket, 20 minutes from FLR’s “Peretola Aeroporto” stop to Santa Maria Novella station. Trams run every 4–6 minutes from 05:00 to 00:30 (until 02:00 weekend nights).
How much is a taxi from Florence Airport?
The flat rate is €25 daytime (06:00–22:00 weekdays), €27 evenings/weekends, €30 holidays. Up to 4 passengers + standard luggage. The flat rate applies only to destinations within the historic centre — outside the centre, the meter applies.
How far is FLR from Florence?
About 8km. The T2 tram covers the route in 20 minutes; taxi 15–25 minutes; private transfer 20 minutes door-to-door.
How do I get from Pisa Airport to Florence?
PisaMover (€5, 8 minutes) from PSA to Pisa Centrale station, then Trenitalia regional train (€8.50, 1 hour 15 minutes) or Frecciabianca high-speed (€13–18, 50–60 minutes) to Florence Santa Maria Novella. Total journey 75–95 minutes, total cost €13.50–23.
Is the VolaInBus airport bus still running?
No — the VolaInBus / BusItalia airport shuttle was discontinued in 2025 with the T2 tram extension. Use the T2 tram instead.
Does Uber work at Florence Airport?
Yes, but only Uber Black (luxury sedan, €40–60). Standard UberX and Pool don’t exist in Florence due to Italian taxi regulations. The local apps itTaxi, AppTaxi and Free Now are cheaper alternatives for taxi-style booking.
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 takes 90 minutes and costs €13.50–23, making PSA a perfectly viable airport for a Florence trip if the flight price difference justifies the extra hour. Whichever airport you arrive at, plan the transfer in advance and you’ll be on your hotel doorstep within 30 minutes (FLR) or 90 minutes (PSA) of clearing customs.
