Florence Survival Guide

Florence is linked by coach to most major European cities and local companies operate an extensive network of services throughout Florence and beyond into Tuscany. Coaches are quicker where there is no direct train link, particularly in the countryside. Although the train is faster for long journeys, the coach may be cheaper. To plan trips by coach, maps and timetables are available from all the coach companies' offices, which are usually situated near city railway stations.

Santa Maria Novella railway station in Florence is Tuscany's main arrival and departure point for all long distance coach journeys, and the hub of the extensive local coach network. The Lazzi company runs coach links with major European cities from Florence and sells tickets for Eurolines coaches. Book tickets at their office by Santa Maria Novella station. Express services to Rome are run by Lazzi from Florence.

Florence has four main coach (bus) companies. Lazzi serves the region north and west of Florence and SITA serves the southern and eastern region. The COPIT bus company connects the city with the Abetone/Pistoia region and CAP links it to the Mugello area north of the city. All these have ticket and information offices near Santa Maria Novella railway station.