Florence’s public transport system includes trams and buses, designed to connect the historic city center with its surrounding neighborhoods and key destinations like Santa Maria Novella Station, Piazza San Marco, Scandicci and Florence Airport. The trams T1, T2, and Line T2, operated by Autoline Toscane offers fast, modern service linking the city with the airport and suburban areas, while the buses cover routes within the city and to nearby towns, ensuring access where trams do not run. Tickets, valid across both trams and buses, can be purchased at Tabacchi shops, ticket vendoring machines, or via contactless payment machine (installed on buses and trams), and must be validated before boarding.
What public transport options are available in Florence, Italy?
Florence offers two main forms of public transportion: buses and trams. The public transport network, managed by Autoline Toscane, covers the entire city and reaches neighborhoods and hilltop areas not served by the tram. The tram system (Tramvia Firenze) is newer and currently operates two main lines—T1, which connects the city center with Scandicci and Careggi, and T2, which links the city center with Florence Airport.
1. Tram
The tram network (tramvia) in Florence consists mainly of two lines:
T1: Connects Scandicci with Careggi (Hospital area), passing through Santa Maria Novella (main train station).
- T2: Runs from Santa Maria Novella to Aeroporto Amerigo Vespucci (Florence Airport).
A new tram line (T3) which is under contruction will connect nearby areas like Bagno a Ripoli to Florence city center in future.
What are timings of Tram in Florence?
The tram service in Florence is operational from 5:00 am until half past midnight (00:30 am) every day, with extensions until 2:00 am on Friday and Saturday. Tram frequency varies throughout the day, with runs every 4-5 minutes during rush hour and longer intervals in the late evening
1. Bus
Florence’s bus system (autobus) is more extensive than the tram network, reaching neighborhoods and hilltop areas outside the tram lines. With over 100 bus lines, buses run during the day, though service slows down after 11 p.m. However, Florence tranportation system runs special night buses on major routes every hour or so.
The table below shows the main buses and their respective routes in Florence.
| Bus Number | Starting Stop | Final Stop |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | via Faentina Salviati/Cure via Boccaccio | T1 Strozzi Fallaci |
| 2 | T1 piazza Dalmazia | Calenzano centro |
| 3 | Cure via Boccaccio | Nave a Rovezzano |
| 4 | Torregalli | via Massa scuola Ghiberti |
| 5 | Filarete Soffiano | Rifredi FS Vasco de Gama |
| 6 | Novelli | Torregalli |
| 7 | Libertà | Fiesole |
| 8 | T1 Strozzi Fallaci | Nave a Rovezzano |
| 9 | T1 Batoni | T1 Federiga |
| 10 | Libertà | Settignano |
| 11 | Salviatino | Galluzzo La Gora |
| 12 | Piazzale Michelangiolo | Stazione FS SMN - Rotonda Barbetti |
| 13 | Piazzale Michelangiolo | Rotonda Barbetti |
| 14 | Santa Maria Maggiore | Il Girone/via Rocca Tedalda |
| 15 | Badia a Settimo | T1 De Andrè |
| 16 | Puccini | T1 Leopoldo - Puccini |
| 17 | viale Verga | via Boito/Cascine |
| 20 | largo Caruso | via Calasso Gignoro |
| 21 | piazza della Libertà | La Querciola |
| 23 | T2 Guidoni | Sorgane/Bagno a Ripoli |
| 24 | Bagno a Ripoli | Grassina |
| 25 | Libertà | Pian di San Bartolo/Pratolino |
| 26 | San Colombano/Badia a Settimo | Torregalli |
| 27 | Pontignale Pace Mondiale | Vingone |
| 28 | T1 piazza Dalmazia | Sesto Fiorentino Volpaia |
| 29 | Rifredi FS Vasco de Gama | via Pratese/Ingromarket/Motorizzazione |
| 30 | Stazione Leopolda | Campi Bisenzio piazza Togliatti/via Galilei |
| 31 | piazzale Montelungo | Grassina |
| 32 | piazzale Montelungo | Antella |
| 33 | Rifredi FS Vasco de Gama | Careggi - Meyer - piazza Meyer |
| 34 | Il Girone | Compiobbi - Ellera |
| 35 | Stazione Leopolda | Campi Bisenzio Indicatore/via Magenta |
| 36 | Stazione FS SMN | Cascine del Riccio |
| 37 | Stazione FS SMN | Tavarnuzze |
| 38 | Porta Romana | Poggio Imperiale/Pian dei Giullari |
| 39 | Impruneta | Bagnolo/Pozzolatico - Galluzzo - Firenze |
| 40 | Rifredi FS Vasco de Gama | Careggi - La Lastra/via Incontri |
| 41 | via dei Baldovini | Cascine del Riccio/via Pietriboni Galluzzo |
| 42 | Porta Romana | Marignolle |
| 43 | Rifredi FS Vasco de Gama | Cereggi - Meyer - Serpiolle/Cercina/Pian di San Bartolo |
| 44 | piazza Pier della Francesca | Piovano Arlotto |
| 45 | Fiesole piazza Mino | La Querciola |
| 46 | via Pietriboni Galluzzo | San Lorenzo a Greve/Starnina |
| 47 | Fiesole piazza Mino | Il Girone |
| 48 | Bagno a Ripoli | Villamagna |
| 49 | Bagno a Ripoli | Grassina/San Polo |
| 50 | piazza Pier della Francesca | Cimitero di Soffiano |
| 51 | Grassina | Pian di Grassina/slargo Lippi |
How do bus and tram tickets work Florence?
Tickets (biglietti) are time-based rather than distance-based. A standard single ticket (€1.70) is valid for 90 minutes across buses and trams, allowing unlimited transfers within that period. Other ticket options include:
Day passes for unlimited travel.
Carnet of 10 tickets for convenience.
Tickets must be validated in the machines inside trams or at the yellow-orange validators on buses. Failure to validate may result in fines, even if you have a valid ticket.
Where to buy tram and bus tickets in Florence?
Tram and bus tickets in Florence can be purchased at:
Tabacchi shops (tobacco/newsstands).
Ticket center (located at Santa Maria Novella Train Station).
Automatic ticket machines at tram stops.
At Bus app (official app of Autolne Toscana on Google Play and iOS store).
What should tourists know before using Florence public transport?
Tourists should follow the guidelines mentioned below before using public transport in Florence.
- Keep belongings close, pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas like trams around Santa Maria Novella. Validate your ticket immediately, and avoid boarding without one.
- Stamp your ticket at the machine inside buses and trams. Unvalidated tickets can lead to heavy fines.
- Crowded trams (especially T1 and T2 near Santa Maria Novella) are common targets. Keep bags zipped and valuables close.
- Ignore anyone “selling” tickets outside official kiosks or machines. Buy only from tabacchi, machines, or official app.
- Transport unions in Italy sometimes strike, often announced in advance. Check local news or the Autolinee Toscane website.
- Bus and tram service is reduced late at night. Check night bus (linee notturne) schedules before heading out.
Can I use Hop-On Hop-Off buses in Florence?
Yes, you can use hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses in Florence, which cater mainly to tourists. These buses stop at major landmarks like Piazzale Michelangelo, Fiesole, and the Duomo. While more expensive than regular transport, they provide guided commentary and cover areas less connected by trams or buses.
Where I can find the timetable for buses in Florence?
The time table and route for public transport buses can be found on the offical website of AT-Bus. Here you can find shedules and specific routes for each bus line in Florence.
What if my area in Florence is not reachable by bus or tram?
In areas not reached by bus or Tramvia, you can rely on regional trains, SITA coaches, or taxis. Car rentals in Florence are available but not recommended within the historic center due to restricted traffic zones (ZTL). You can hire taxi from the Florence Santa Maria train station to reach any area not covered by Florence public tranport.
Does Florence, Italy have a metro line?
No, Florence, Italy does not have any metro lines. Public tranport available in the city are buses, trams, taxis, and car rental.
What is the best to get around in Florence, bus or tram?
The best way to get around in Florence is via bus. The bus network is more extensive and reaches areas the tram doesn’t serve, such as hilltop neighborhoods (e.g., Piazzale Michelangelo) and smaller residential zones. However, buses are often delayed by city traffic, especially during peak hours.
The tram is generally the fastest, most reliable, and modern option. With dedicated tracks, it avoids traffic and connects key spots like Santa Maria Novella Station, Careggi Hospital (T1), and Florence Airport (T2). It’s ideal if your route is covered by a tram line.
Use the tram if your journey falls along its routes—it’s quicker and more reliable. Choose the bus if you need to reach parts of Florence not covered by the tram network.
Mosaab is a seasoned content writer and SEO expert with a passion for travel, culture, and global cuisine. Drawing from his experience as a courier in Florence, he offers unique insights into the city’s hidden gems and rich history.
