Is Florence walkable?

Yes. The historic centre can be crossed on foot in about half an hour. You will rarely need transport except for the airport, Fiesole, Piazzale Michelangelo if you don't want to climb, or day trips.

What is the ZTL in Florence?

A limited traffic zone covering the historic centre, enforced by cameras. Non-resident vehicles entering during its hours are fined automatically, and rental companies add their own fees. Do not drive into the centre.

How much is a bus ticket in Florence?

A single ticket valid 90 minutes on buses and trams; transport guides report it rose from €1.70 to €2.00 on 1 August 2026. Check the operator's site for current fares.

Getting Around Florence: Walking, Trams, Buses, Taxis and the ZTL

The short answer: walk. Florence's historic centre is small, mostly flat and full of narrow streets where walking is faster than anything with wheels. Transport matters for the edges.

Walking

The Duomo to Ponte Vecchio: about 10 minutes.
Ponte Vecchio to Santo Spirito: about 10 minutes.
Santa Maria Novella station to the Duomo: about 10 minutes.
Santa Croce to Santa Maria Novella: about 20 minutes.
Porta San Niccolò up to Piazzale Michelangelo: about 15 minutes, steep.

Pavements are narrow and made of stone. Wear comfortable shoes with grip, and watch for bikes and scooters in pedestrian streets.

Trams

Florence has a modern tram network (the tramvia), mainly useful for visitors on two routes:

T2 from the airport to the station area and on towards Piazza San Marco.
T1 from Santa Maria Novella station south-west to Scandicci and north to the Careggi hospital area.

Trams are frequent and run from early morning until after midnight.

Buses

City buses and small electric minibuses serve the centre and the hills. Useful routes for visitors include the bus up to Fiesole and buses to Piazzale Michelangelo. Routes and numbers change; check the operator's app or website.

Tickets

One ticket covers buses and trams for 90 minutes with unlimited changes.
Transport guides report the single ticket rose from €1.70 to €2.00 on 1 August 2026. Multi-ride and day passes are also sold.
Buy from machines at tram stops, tobacconists and newsagents, or the operator's app. Contactless cards can be tapped on board trams and some buses.
Validate paper tickets when you board. Inspectors fine passengers without a valid ticket.

Taxis

Taxis in Florence are not usually hailed in the street. Find one at a rank (the station, the Duomo, Piazza della Repubblica and other main squares) or book by phone or app. They are metered, with supplements for luggage, nights and holidays, and flat fares to the airport.

Bikes and scooters

Bike-share and e-scooter schemes operate in the city through apps, though providers change. Cycling along the Arno embankments is pleasant; cycling through crowded pedestrian streets is not, and in some areas it is not allowed.

Driving and the ZTL

The historic centre is a ZTL (zona a traffico limitato), enforced by cameras at every entry point.

According to published guides, it is active Monday to Friday 7:30 to 20:00 and Saturday 7:30 to 16:00, with extra night restrictions on some summer evenings.
Fines are issued automatically, commonly quoted at about €80 to more than €300, and rental companies add an administrative fee. Fines can arrive months later.
Hotels inside the zone can sometimes register your plate for arrival; arrange it in advance.
Best advice: do not drive in Florence. Collect a rental car on your way out of the city, or park at a park-and-ride outside the centre and take the tram in.

Check the current ZTL hours and rules with the Comune di Firenze before driving.