General
Overview
Florence Airport (FLR), also known as Peretola, is a compact single-terminal airport located 4km from the city center, primarily serving European flag carriers.
Transfer Options
Luggage Storage
There is no luggage storage service available inside Florence Airport terminal.
Visitor Cards and Passes
Florence’s urban transit is managed by Autolinee Toscane. The same tickets work for both trams and city buses.
Ticket Options
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| 90-minute Ticket | €1.70 |
| 10-ride Carnet | €15.50 |
Seamless Boarding: ‘Tip Tap’
The “Tip Tap” system allows you to pay for your ride by tapping a contactless card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) or mobile device on the green sensors upon boarding. It automatically applies the best urban fare for your journey.
The FirenzeCard museum pass does not include public transportation. You must purchase transit tickets separately.
Important: If you buy a ticket via the app, you must activate it manually within the app before boarding.
Public Transit
Tram (Lines T1 & T2)
The tram is the most reliable way to get around Florence.
- Line T2: Connects Florence Airport (FLR) directly to the city center (Unità stop) in about 20 minutes.
- Line T1: Connects the station to Scandicci and Careggi.
- Validation: Paper tickets must be stamped in the yellow machines onboard immediately after boarding. “Tip Tap” users just tap their card on the green reader.
City Buses
Autolinee Toscane buses serve the wider city area. While useful for reaching the hills (like Piazzale Michelangelo), they can be subject to traffic delays in the historic center.
All Florence trams offer level boarding, making them the superior choice for travelers with heavy luggage or mobility needs.
Accessibility & Safety
Accessibility
FLR is entirely on one level or accessible via large elevators. Assistance requests must be made through your airline at least 48 hours in advance. The Sala Amica assistance point is located in the Departures area.
Safety
- Pickpockets: As with any international airport, keep an eye on your belongings in the arrivals hall and at the T2 tram stop.
Once you reach the city center, the “San Pietrini” (cobblestones) are uneven and slick. If you have limited mobility, ensure walking aids have fresh rubber tips, and be careful stepping out of taxis.
Essential Services
Lost & Found
The Lost Property office is located in the Arrivals area (Ground Floor). For items lost on the aircraft, contact your airline; for items lost in the terminal, use the airport service.
First Aid
A medical station is located on the Ground Floor near the arrivals area.
Pharmacy
There is no full-service pharmacy (Farmacia) inside the Florence Airport terminal.
Arrival
Official Taxi
Airport Fares (Fixed Rate)
Florence uses a fixed-rate system for trips between the airport and the historic center (ZTL area).
- Standard: €28.00.
- Weekends/Holidays: €30.00.
- Night (10 PM – 6 AM): €32.00.
- Luggage: €1.00 surcharge per bag (max 7 bags).
Instructions
- Location: The taxi rank is immediately to the right as you exit the Arrivals exit.
While the airport rate is fixed by law, some drivers may default to the meter. Before the driver pulls away, point to the city center and say “Tariffa Fissa” (fixed rate) to ensure you aren’t charged a higher metered rate due to traffic.
Rideshare
Drivers typically meet passengers at the NCC (Rental with Driver) area near the taxi rank or in the short-stay parking.
Choose itTaxi or AppTaxi for the best reliability in Florence, as they are the official apps used by the city’s two main taxi cooperatives.
Standard UberX does not exist in Florence. The app summons Uber Black (luxury NCC vehicles).
Freenow and Uber have fewer active drivers in Florence compared to the local dispatcher apps.
ATMs and Currency
ATMs (Bancomat) are available in the arrivals hall. Stick to machines affiliated with major banks (e.g., Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit) and avoid “Euronet” machines which charge excessive fees.
When an ATM asks if you want the machine to perform the currency conversion, always select ‘No’ (Decline Conversion). Your home bank’s rate is almost always cheaper than the machine’s rate.
Departure
Arrival & Check-In
For European flights, arrive 2 hours before departure. For long-haul connections (e.g., via Frankfurt or Paris), arrive 3 hours early.
- Check-in: Desks are located on the First Floor (accessible via escalators/elevators).
- Self-Service: Kiosks are available near the entrance for quick boarding pass printing.
Florence’s runway is sensitive to wind. If your flight is diverted to Pisa (PSA), the airline will provide a bus transfer. Check your flight status on the official airport website before leaving your hotel.
Security Controls
Security & Screening
Located on the First Floor. Standard EU screening applies: remove electronics and place liquids (max 100ml) in a clear 1L bag.
- Fast Lane is available for purchase online or at the airport for approx. €12.
The gate area at FLR is notoriously small. Once you pass security, seating is limited. If you have a long wait, stay in the restaurant area or the Masaccio Lounge as long as possible before heading to your specific gate.
Passport Control
Required for non-Schengen destinations (UK, USA, Ireland, etc.).
Non-EU citizens will undergo biometric verification (facial image and fingerprints) at passport control. If you have not yet registered in the system (first trip to the Schengen area since Oct 2025), your biometrics will be recorded during this check.
VAT Refunds
Italy uses the OTELLO digital system. To be eligible, you must have spent at least €70.01 in a single store.
Instructions
- Before Check-in: If your tax-free items are in your checked luggage, take your forms and passport to the Customs (Dogana) desk on the ground floor before you drop your bags.
- After Security: If your items are in your carry-on, go to the Customs desk inside the departures lounge.
- Kiosks: Scan your forms at the Global Blue or Planet kiosks. If the system gives a “green light,” no physical stamp is needed.
If the OTELLO kiosk gives you a “red light,” you must present your physical goods to a Customs officer. Never pack your high-value tax-free purchases (like leather goods or jewelry) in your checked bag until after you have received digital validation, as officers may ask to see them.