Florence Public Transport consists of an integrated network of trams and buses that connect the historic center with residential districts, major transport hubs, shopping areas, universities, and nearby towns. The system provides access to key destinations such as Santa Maria Novella Station, Florence Airport, Piazza San Marco, Careggi Hospital, Scandicci, and other parts of the metropolitan area.
The Florence tram network includes the T1 and T2 lines, operated by Autolinee Toscane. These routes provide fast and reliable connections between the city center, Florence Airport, Scandicci, and several important transit points. Areas not served by the tram network are covered by an extensive bus system, which operates throughout Florence and neighboring municipalities.
A single ticket can be used on both buses and trams, making transfers simple for residents and visitors. Travelers can purchase tickets from Tabacchi shops, ticket vending machines located on the stops, authorized retailers, the official AT mobile app, or by using contactless payment directly on most buses and trams. To avoid fines, passengers must validate their ticket before travel or use a valid contactless payment method when boarding.
What Public Transport Options are Available in Florence, Italy?
The public transport options available in Florence include trams and buses. Autolinee Toscane operates the entire public transport network across Florence and the wider Tuscany region. Together, these services connect the city center with residential neighborhoods, train stations, Florence Airport, universities, hospitals, and nearby towns.
The Florence tram network currently consists of the T1 and T2 lines. The T1 line connects Villa Costanza in Scandicci with Careggi, while the T2 line links Florence Airport with Santa Maria Novella Station. Areas not served by the tram network are covered by an extensive bus transport system, which operates throughout Florence and surrounding municipalities.
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).
Route of T1 Tram from Villa Costanza to Florence Hospital (Via Santa Maria Novella)
Tram T2 route from Florence Airport to Santa Maria Novella Train Station.
A new tram line (T3) which is under contruction will connect nearby areas like Bagno a Ripoli to Florence city center in future.
2. Bus
Florence’s public bus transport system is more extensive than the tram network, reaching neighborhoods and hilltop areas outside the city center. 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 city and nearby towns.
| 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).
The accepted payment methods for buying tickets include cash, credit card, and debit card.
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 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
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 extensiveand 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.