Take the Volainbus line from the airport to Santa Maria Novella. This line connects the airport fromto the city center in about 20–25 minutes. Check the official page for the latest times and fares.
Buses run roughly every 30 minutes, with the first around 06:15 and the last around 23:45. being mindful of those hours helps you plan; the ride is less than an hour.
The ticket price is charged around €6 for a one-way ride. Tickets are available at the airport stop, on the bus if seats are free, or on the official page. The Volainbus company operates this line, and most buses are modern mercedes models that offer comfortable seating and air conditioning.
If youre traveling with luggage, choose the airport bus rather than a taxi to save time and minimize hassle. The stop at SMN makes it easy to reach most hotels on foot or with a short tram ride. The distance from the airport to the city center is a few miles, which keeps the price less than private transfers and makes the option very high value.
Como example, for tourismo readers, the bus option offers a predictable schedule and a straightforward stop pattern. If youre deciding between options, this line is hard to beat for cost and reliability; then you can choose the bus with confidence. If youre arriving in peak season, the line can fill quickly; check the page and plan ahead. For fiumicino comparisons, note that Rome’s airport often requires longer waits and higher fares.
On arrival day, look for the clearly marked stop signage outside Arrivals. The buses display route numbers on the front panel; for this line, the signage is clear, and the driver can help if you need it. All buses are accessible and the vehicle fleet often includes the mercedes models you expect for a city bus ride.
Where to catch the Florence Airport bus: terminal layout, stops, and pickup points
Catch the Florence Airport bus at the curb outside the Arrivals hall, right where the street opens. Follow the signs to the pickup point labeled City Center and join the queue serving central Florence and the key stops along the route. Check the timetable on the display and listen for announcements; rides typically run every 20–30 minutes, time allowing, and you can plan between arrival and pickup with ease.
Terminal layout: The arrivals area feeds directly to two main pickup points on the outside curb. Stop A sits in front of the main exit; Stop B lies a few meters down the street near the parking entrance. Shelters keep you dry while you wait, and clear route signs point to the correct bus, so you’re never stuck looking for the right platform.
Stops and destinations: The service travels between the airport and Florence city center, with connections to destinations across Tuscany and other cities. Each stop is labeled with the route name and destination; if you need clarity, ask staff at the information counters for a quick clarification and guidance.
Tickets and payment: Inside the arrivals area, two counters sell tickets in euros. You can pay with cash or card at the counters; some operators also offer online purchases or mobile QR tickets. If you need to reclaim a ticket or fix a booking, staff can help so you stay on track.
Practical tips: For a great start to your vacation, plan prior to arrival. The ride is reliable, and the curb pickup is convenient for passengers with luggage. If you’re on a budget, the bus is cheaper than a taxi and suits a short stay; for larger groups or longer stays, consider a multi-ride option to cover multiple legs in Tuscany and beyond between your accommodations.
Transport links and brands: If you arrive by car from brands like audi or volkswagen, follow the street signs to the same curb. If your trip includes an international leg with lurthansa, the same pickup area handles those arrivals too. The route covers a short distance to central Florence, making it easy to reach accommodation or your next destination in the city.
Final note: The Florence Airport bus offers a reliable, straightforward option to start your Tuscany visit. Check the schedule before you move, know where the pickup points are, and move quickly from arrival to your street address or accommodation.
Buying tickets and validating rides: Florence airport buses
Looking for the fastest option? Purchase a ticket at the arrivals garage stands or on the operator’s official page before you head to the bus stands. If you purchased online, keep the QR code handy on your phone and print a backup copy. For decades, this service has provided a reliable link from Florence Airport to your destination, Santa Maria Novella.
Ticket options and where to buy

Ticket choices are shown on the official page and across the websites of the operator and partners. You can select a single-ride ticket, a round-trip, or a transit pass to suit your plans. The stands accept cash and cards; in some locations near terminals you may also find tobacconists selling small transit tickets. Always confirm the exact price and coverage before purchasing. If you have flown in for an intra-europe trip, this option pairs well with trains and other city transit. For the Santa Maria Novella area, the main stand is near Terminal 2; others stands serve central districts. Look for posted hours and a small map to guide your choice. There are stands for others routes as well. Pick the option that matches your destination to avoid paying extra.
Validation and on-board tips
Validate your ticket before boarding; the driver checks tickets, or you can use the on-board validator near the door. If you bought online, the QR code is accepted; keep it open on your page or app until you reach your destination. After you arrive, keep the ticket until you exit the transit zone, since some operators perform security checks. The bus stops at labeled stands outside the terminals, and the driver will point you toward the next connection if you need rental or another form of transit. If you’re arriving with small luggage, use the racks and keep aisles clear. Dining places and other services are nearby the terminal areas if you want a quick bite after arrival.
Main bus routes to Florence city center: Santa Maria Novella, Duomo, and nearby stops
Choosing the vespucci airport bus is the easiest way to reach Florence’s core quickly. The direct vespucci → SMN route operates with air-conditioned comfort, accommodates small bags, and prices sit around 6–8 for a single ride. Check the terminal displays and official websites for current times and ticketing options. For example, pairing the bus with a short walk to the Duomo makes the first day easier.
Direct route to Santa Maria Novella and quick access to the Duomo
- vespucci → Santa Maria Novella (SMN): Start at the vespucci terminal; ride about 25–30 minutes; alight at SMN; from SMN, a 10–15 minute walk leads to the Duomo along Via dei Calzaiuoli. This route is ideal for visiting these main sights and the central railway hub in one go.
- Nearby stops for flexible sightseeing: If you prefer a shorter walk, alight near Piazza della Repubblica or Campo di Marte; from these spots, central sights are reachable on foot within 10–15 minutes, or by a quick local bus hop. These stops also offer quick access to coffee spots and museums.
Beyond Florence, these routes also help reach Rome, Siena, and Viareggio via rail or long-distance coaches through intra-europe connections. Plan with these websites and check schedules in advance. For families, look for family tickets and short-pass options; the vespucci terminal provides luggage check services, and air-conditioned interiors ease travel on hot days. If you prefer a self-drive option, cars are available nearby, but plan for limited parking near SMN.
Airport tram option: how the tram from Peretola works and its city-center stops

Take the Florence airport tram from Peretola–the fastest and most reliable way to reach the city center after your flight. You find the stop right outside Arrivals; tickets are charged at the machines or via the official app, and you can book ahead to save time. The ride to central Florence takes about 15-20 minutes and reaches a central hub that puts you within easy reach of most accommodations. This option helps you reclaim time on arrival and keeps things simple for the traveler who wants to start exploring quickly. If you’re carrying water or a small bag, the open-jaw carriage fits a backpack and carry-on nicely. See below for a quick checklist you can use on arrival.
How the tram works
The line runs directly from Peretola to the heart of Florence with a straightforward boarding process. Board at the airport stop, then validate your ticket on board or at the validation machines. Tickets can be charged to a card or purchased at a machine; the app also lets you book in advance. During the day, trains come roughly every 8-12 minutes, and the journey to central stops lasts around 15-20 minutes. Hours start in the early morning and run through the evening, with night service limited on some days. If you have an open-jaw itinerary or a different return plan, the same line can be used for both legs, which helps keep things simple for most itineraries. If your accommodation could be farther from the main hubs, the tram still offers a high-speed option with fewer transfers.
Stops, tickets and tips
The main city-center stop is Santa Maria Novella, with nearby options that place you within easy reach of the Duomo and other places you’ll want to visit. Look at the official map or the app before you go to reach your accommodation quickly–whether you book a quick stroll or a longer plan. Tickets are available at airport machines, online, or via the app; keep a copy of your ticket in case you need to show it during a check. For traveler planning day trips to Siena or Saturnia, the tram acts as your fast first leg to a hub, after which you can switch to regional trains or buses. If you’re returning to Peretola, use the same route in reverse; if night hours have you reach the last run, you could take a minivan or taxi, though those options are more charged. If you’re staying near a garage or parking facility, you could park your car and take the tram to explore the historic center. Seasonal travel could change times, so advise you to check hours before you travel, and if you need to book accommodation, this option often works well for most nights in Florence.
Bus vs tram decision: time, cost, and luggage considerations
Take the tram for arriving travelers; it’s faster and cheaper than the bus to the center, and it’s easier to manage luggage.
During the ride, the main line runs fromto Aeroporto to Santa Maria Novella; this 20-25 minute ride keeps arrivals on schedule when possible. A 5-minute walk from arrivals to the stands lets you reach the vehicle quickly and reach the city center with minimal transfers.
Passengers arriving from airways, including emirates connections, often find the tram simplest for onward links to hotels and dining districts; if you have extra luggage or travel with a family, the bus offers more space and a straightforward one-way option. Tickets are purchased at airport machines or online; a typical one-way fare sits around €6, with bundled or return options available to lower the budget. A couple or a family with boys can also consider a shared shuttle or minivan, which lets you drop luggage at one place and reach the hotel without multiple transfers, though this means higher means per person than the tram. From the city center, you can connect to national routes for onward travel, and dining options near stops add convenience.
| Opção | Estimated time to city center | One-way cost | Manuseio de bagagem | Night service |
| Elétrico | 20-25 minutes | €1.70-2.00 | Handles small bags; easy boarding | Frequent daytime; limited late-night runs |
| Bus (Volainbus) | 25-40 minutes | €6.00 | More space for extra luggage; better for larger bags | Serviço noturno limitado; planeje com antecedência |
Em resumo: para a maioria das chegadas, o elétrico é a principal escolha e uma opção económica que minimiza complicações. Se estiver a viajar com uma família, um casal com bagagem extra ou se chegar à noite, o autocarro oferece uma alternativa prática que pode comprar e usar sem transferências adicionais. De qualquer forma, chega ao centro da cidade de forma eficiente e pode ligar-se ao seu hotel, zonas de restaurantes e viagens futuras com confiança.
Horários, frequências, primeiros e últimos autocarros: planear a sua viagem
Planeje com antecedência: compre uma passagem de ida nos balcões do terminal ou online para evitar atrasos na chegada. Detalhes das tarifas são afixados nos pontos de ônibus, e você pode pagar com cartão ou aplicativo. Em algumas linhas, você pode embarcar e pagar a bordo, mas verificações de validade antes da partida simplificam as coisas. Descobrimos que uma rápida verificação da tabela de horários nos balcões economiza tempo.
- Cadência e cobertura: Os serviços diurnos funcionam aproximadamente das 05:30 às 00:30. Nos horários de pico, os autocarros chegam a cada 15–20 minutos; à noite, estende-se a cada 30–40 minutos. Os horários de fim de semana podem variar ligeiramente, por isso verifique a data.
- Primeiras e últimas partidas: O serviço do aeroporto normalmente começa por volta das 05:30. O último retorno do centro da cidade para o terminal parte por volta das 00:25–00:45, dependendo da linha e do dia.
- Alcance e destinos centrais: A rota principal tem como alvo a estação Santa Maria Novella, com paradas em Campo di Marte e outros pontos centrais. A distância de Peretola a SMN é curta, permitindo um início rápido para conexões futuras.
- Opções de bilhetes e economia em tarifas: Use os balcões do terminal, o aplicativo oficial ou portais online para comprar com antecedência. Em algumas rotas, o pagamento a bordo é possível, embora geralmente seja mais caro. Consolidadores podem oferecer passes que cobrem o transporte no dia da chegada para destinos centrais.
- Conexões conhecidas e alternativas: Se você chegar via Linate ou outros links intraeuropeus, pode chegar ao centro da cidade de ônibus e, em seguida, mudar para meios locais para destinos mais afastados do centro. Esta opção é adequada para viajantes que buscam controle sobre custos e horários.
- Dicas para potenciais problemas: Se um horário mudar ou um serviço for interrompido, verifique o painel de chegadas e o site da autoridade de transportes para obter atualizações. Voos atrasados podem reduzir as opções disponíveis; tenha um plano de contingência, como um táxi ou uma opção de transporte por aplicativo, se necessário.
- De SMN e além: Após um curto trajeto, a maioria dos destinos da cidade são facilmente alcançáveis a pé ou com um rápido passeio de bonde ou ônibus local. Se você tiver um destino específico em mente, verifique os nomes das paradas e a distância a pé com antecedência.
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