Travel Note
Where to Stay in Florence Since Florence has so many wonderful hotels, boutique stays, and vacation rentals, we’ve chosen not to limit guests to a short list. Instead, we recommend using a site like Booking.com to explore a variety of options. This way, you can: Compare prices and amenities easily. Find accommodations that fit your budget and style. Choose locations close to the venue, city center, or wherever you’d like to explore. Take advantage of flexible cancellation policies many sites offer. Florence has options ranging from charming guesthouses to luxury hotels, so you’ll be able to find the perfect spot for your trip. Click the link below to explore lodging options.
Travel Note
Depending on where you are traveling from there are several options for getting to Florence by air. Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO). Italy’s largest airport with the most direct international flight options. About 1.5 hours to Florence by high-speed train or a short connecting flight. Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) Roughly 2 hours to Florence by high-speed train. Florence Airport (FLR) – Amerigo Vespucci Closest airport to the city center (20 minutes by taxi or shuttle). Small and easy to navigate, but usually more expensive and has limited direct international flights. Pisa International Airport (PSA) About 1 hour from Florence by train or car. Often has more affordable flights, especially from other European cities.
Travel Note
If you fly into Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), you’ll take a quick train to Rome Termini station and then a high-speed train straight to Florence Santa Maria Novella (SMN) station — the main station in Florence, right in the city center. Step 1: Land at Rome Fiumicino (FCO) • After you land, follow the signs in the airport for “Treni/Trains”. • The train station is directly connected to the airport, so there’s no need to leave the terminal. • You’ll be taking the Leonardo Express, a non-stop train into the heart of Rome. Pro Tip: Look for ticket machines or the Trenitalia desk right near the entrance to the train area. Step 2: Take the Leonardo Express to Rome Termini • Trains depart every 15–30 minutes. • The ride is 30 minutes and brings you directly to Roma Termini, Rome’s main train station. • Buy tickets at the kiosk or via the Trenitalia app. Cost: €14 per person Travel Time: 30 minutes Step 3: Transfer to a High-Speed Train to Florence Once at Roma Termini: 1. Follow signs for “FRECCIAROSSA” (Trenitalia) or “ITALO” high-speed trains. 2. Look for departures to “Firenze S. M. Novella” (Florence SMN). 3. Book tickets in advance online to save money and ensure you get your preferred time: o Trenitalia o Italo Travel Time: 1.5 hours Cost: €35–€55 (one way) Timing Tip: Allow at least 45 minutes between flights and your high-speed train, just in case of delays or extra time needed for luggage. Step 4: Arrive in Florence • Your final stop is Santa Maria Novella (SMN) Station, Florence’s main train hub. • From here, you can take a taxi to your accommodations (fixed rates usually €10–€15)
Travel Note
If you’re flying into Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), you’ll take a quick train transfer to Milan Centrale and then a scenic high-speed train directly to Florence Santa Maria Novella Station (SMN) — right in the heart of Florence. Step 1: Arrive at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) • Once you land, follow signs for Malpensa Express Train. • The train station is located inside the airport, so there’s no need to leave the terminal. • Buy your ticket at the self-serve kiosk or in the Trenord app. Cost: ~€13 Travel Time: 50 minutes Step 2: Take the Malpensa Express to Milan Centrale • Trains run every 15–30 minutes. • The ride takes 50 minutes and drops you directly at Milan Centrale, the main train station. Pro Tip: Keep your train ticket handy — you may need to validate it in a small yellow or green machine before boarding. Step 3: Transfer to a High-Speed Train to Florence Once at Milan Centrale: 1. Follow signs for “FRECCIAROSSA” (Trenitalia) or “ITALO” high-speed trains. 2. Purchase your ticket in advance at: o Trenitalia o Italo 3. Look for trains going to “Firenze S. M. Novella”. Cost: €30–€50 (one-way) Travel Time: 1 hour 45 minutes Timing Tip: Leave at least 30–45 minutes between trains to allow for delays, luggage collection, or grabbing a coffee. Step 4: Arrive in Florence (SMN Station) • Florence’s Santa Maria Novella Station is right in the city center. • From here, you can take a taxi to your accommodations (fixed rates usually €10–€15)
Travel Note
Flying into Pisa International Airport (PSA) is a convenient and often budget-friendly way to reach Florence. From Pisa, you’ll take a short shuttle train to Pisa Centrale Station, then a direct regional train to Florence Santa Maria Novella (SMN) — Florence’s main station, right in the city center. Step 1: Land at Pisa International Airport (PSA) • Pisa is a small, easy-to-navigate airport. • After you collect your bags, follow signs for the PisaMover shuttle. • The PisaMover connects the airport directly to Pisa Centrale train station — no taxi needed. Timing Tip: Pisa is less crowded than Rome or Milan, so you’ll usually move through customs and baggage claim quickly. Step 2: Take the PisaMover to Pisa Centrale Station • The PisaMover runs every 5–8 minutes throughout the day. • Ride time: 5 minutes. • Purchase tickets at the kiosk near the shuttle entrance. Cost: €5 per person Travel Time: 5 minutes Step 3: Take a Direct Train to Florence From Pisa Centrale: 1. Look for trains heading to “Firenze S. M. Novella” (Florence SMN). 2. Regional trains run frequently — every 20–30 minutes throughout the day. 3. No need to book ahead — you can buy your ticket at the station or online through: o Trenitalia o Italo Travel Time: ~50 minutes Cost: €7–€15 (one way) Pro Tip: Validate your paper ticket before boarding by stamping it in the small yellow or green machines near the platforms. Step 4: Arrive in Florence (Santa Maria Novella) • The train will drop you at Santa Maria Novella (SMN), Florence’s central station. • From here, you can take a taxi to your accommodations (fixed rates usually €10–€15)