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Florence Survival Guide

Travel Information

Tuscany is most easily reached by air, but although planes arrive from European airports, there are no direct intercontinental flights, and visitors from outside Europe have to transfer. The nearest intercontinental airports are Milan and Rome. Tuscany's main airport is in Pisa; it receives both domestic and European flights as well as most charter traffic. Florence's airport is smaller and is located slightly north of the city, a short bus ride away from the centre. Almost exclusively, it deals with scheduled flights. Florence is also the main arrival point for the far-reaching European train and coach network, and Pisa has good international rail connections. However, overland travel to Tuscany is much slower than flying, and the savings on cost are negligible. It is only worthwhile if you have particular reasons for doing so.

Arriving By Air

Daily flights between London and Pisa are operated by Alitalia, British Airways and low-cost airline Ryanair (from Stansted). Pisa also serves Florence from Munich and Frankfurt.

There are no direct intercontinental flights to Pisa or Florence, but it is easy to fly direct to Rome or Milan and connect to these cities from there. Alitalia has good connections from Los Angeles, Chicago, Vancouver, and Sydney and many other airlines can offer good worldwide connections via Rome and other European capitals. Transfers to Pisa and Florence from Milan and Rome can also easily be made by road or rail.

Italian airline Meridiana serves Florence with direct flights from Amsterdam, Barcelona, Paris and London Gatwick, and has a wide range of domestic flights to Pisa and Florence from points all over Italy.
Generally speaking, the further you are able to book your ticket in advance, the lower will be the available fare. However, many of the best fares are non-refundable so it is vital to take out the necessary travel insurance at or before the time of booking. Also, remember that the lowest fares are often only made available on the internet, so check the airlines' websites.
The Italian travel agency CIT Viaggi has offices world-wide; to book or change flights during your stay in Tuscany, try their local office or the American Express office in Florence.

Useful Numbers
Alitalia Tel. 06 22 22	British Airways Tel. 199 71 22 66	Meridiana Tel. 892 928
Ryanair Tel. 050 50 37 70	CIT Viaggi Florence Tel. 055 28 41 45	American Express Via Dante Alighieri 22r, Florence Tel. 055 509 81
Airport Information Florence Tel. 055 306 13 00

Package Holidays

Package holidays are almost always cheaper than travelling independently, unless you are travelling on a very tight budget and prefer camping and youth hostels. Florence is often offered as part of a two or three centre holiday with Rome and Venice, or with a stay in the Tuscan countryside.

Different tour operators may use the same hotels in Florence, so it is worth looking around for the best deal. Transfer from the airport on arrival is usually included in the holiday price, and saves you both money and effort.

Florence Airport

Florence's Amerigo Vespucci airport, often known as Peretola, is very small. The "Vola in Bus" goes to and from the airport every 30 minutes 6am-8pm and hourly 9-11pm. The bus to the city centre leaves from the front of the airport building, while the bus to the airport departs from the SITA station (Via di Santa Caterina da Siena 15r) the evening buses (from 9pm) leave from Piazza dell'Unità. The journey takes 20 minutes. Tickets may be purchased from the driver.
A tram line will soon link the airport to Santa Maria Novella train station and Piazza Libertà.
Only take a taxi from the official rank. They will charge a supplement for coming from the airport plus a supplement for the luggage. There is also an extra charge of Sundays and holidays. Check that the meter is switched on and showing the minimum fare before you begin your journey.

Pisa Airport

Trains run directly from Pisa's Galileo Galilei airport to Florence's Santa Maria Novella station. To reach the trains, turn left as you leave the airport arrivals hall. Train tickets can be bought from the information kiosk at the airport.
The journey to Florence takes an hour and the service runs once an hour, but is less regular or frequent in the early morning and evening. The train to Florence stops at Pisa Centrale and Empoli, where you can change on the local line that serves Siena.
The No.3 bus runs from Pisa airport to the town centre. Buy tickets before you get on the bus from the airport information kiosk. There is also a frequent coach service to Santa Maria Novella station in Florence and a taxi rank at the front of the airport.
There are baggage trolleys at the airport, but you must have cash ready to hand over to the attendant. Buy some euros before landing, as there are no money-changing facilities in the baggage-reclaim hall.

Car Rental

All the major car rental firms have rental offices at both airports. However, it is wise to make car rental arrangements before your departure, as it will cost far less than renting when in Florence or Italy.

St. Regis

Westin

Hotel Kraft

Hotel Adler

Mediterraneo

Travel Information

Arriving By Air

Useful Numbers

Package Holidays

Florence Airport

Pisa Airport

Car Rental