Getting Around Florence

Getting around Florence can be very confusing at first, but don’t worry; it will eventually become second nature. Just remember to find a reference point in the city (like the Duomo) so you can always orient yourself.  It’s also OK to get lost every now and then (if time permits) because getting un-lost is one of the best ways to learn your way around the city!

BY FOOT
The best way to see Florence is on foot! The narrow twisting medieval streets and Roman grid-plan of the historical city-center make it ideal for exploring the city on foot. Street names sometimes change from corner to corner even though it might not be apparent (Borgo San Lorenzo becomes Via Ginori which becomes Via San Gallo) so it is always a good idea to carry a good map, preferably one with a street index. Free city maps are available from ATAF or you can purchase one at the tourist information office (APT) on Via Cavour, but you might want to invest in a sturdier map (maps in the Streetwise series are both plastic coated and include a street index) from a local bookshop or newspaper stand.

Street names are located on marble or granite plaques attached to the sides of buildings and there are two street numbering systems – one black, for private residences, one red, for businesses.  Good walking shoes are important, as you will soon notice the uneven cobble-stoned streets and narrow sidewalks that are characteristic of most Italian cities.  A word of caution: be sure to watch our for traffic, as it is not uncommon for bikers, motor scooters and even the occasional car to be found going the wrong way down a one-way street.  Try to cross streets at designated crosswalks (white striped areas) but don’t assume that vehicles will automatically stop for you!

BY BUS
Should you want to explore further afield to the surrounding suburban areas and other local townships (the Cascine park, Bagno a Ripoli, the Altrarno area, etc.) you can do so on Florence’s extensive bus system. City buses, operated by ATAF , are orange in color and either run in a loop (like the #12 and #13 that lead up to Piazzale Michelangelo) or back and forth between two capolinee, or major departure points. Buses can only be taken from an established stop, fermata, designated by an orange sign with the number of the route indicated below. The black dot-arrow combination pointing towards future bus stops on the route is a helpful indication of the direction the bus will be traveling.  You can download route timetables and other information (in English!) from www.ataf.net and bus maps are available in the SUF Student Life Office.

Before boarding, you must purchase an ATAF ticket at any authorized vendor including Tabacchi shops, bars, newspaper stands and the ATAF office at the central train station. Tickets need to be validated upon boarding the bus, by stamping it in the machines either in the front or back of the bus, and are good for 70 minutes of ride time – no matter how many transfers you make.  The chart below outlines the different types of tickets.

ATAF Bus Tickets

Be aware of the following:

• Riding the bus without a properly validated ticket is not only illegal and can incur hefty fines, but also gives Italians a bad impression of foreigners – remember, we are all ambassadors of our home country as well as guests in Florence.
• Student discounted monthly bus passes are only valid for European citizens.  If you are caught with one, you will most likely be fined.  When purchasing a monthly pass, you should make it clear that you do not want the student pass, but the abbonamento mensile normale (cost: 35,00 Euros).
• Tickets are randomly checked by plain-clothed ATAF employees who will require you to provide accurate identification (a photocopy of your passport or your student ID card will work) as well as a properly validated bus ticket. The fine usually must be paid on the spot to the controller or within 5 working days of the issuance of the ticket at the ATAF office at the central train station.
• While the ATAF bus system provides comprehensive coverage of the city by day, there are only a few bus routes that operated late at night, and these run rather infrequently. Plan accordingly.

BY TAXI
Taxis in Florence are quick and reliable, but often quite expensive!  You will need to call a taxi (see numbers below) or catch one from a designated taxi stand; you cannot hail a cab on the street as you may be used in New York or London.  If calling, you will need to provide the operator with the address from which you need to be picked up.  You will be given the name and number (“Roma 23”) of the cab that has been assigned to your service, along with the expected arrival wait time – usually 3-5 minutes.  Once you are in the taxi, give the driver the address to which you are traveling.

Fare rates are posted in the cab, but there are surcharges for the phone request service;

Sunday, holiday and light night travel; the transport of baggage; and trips outside of the urban center.  During the day, you should expect to pay between 8 and 12 Euros for a city-wide journey, while at night this will cost between 9 and 16 Euros. There is a 10% discount for single females traveling alone between 10pm and 2am, but you must ask the driver as soon as you get in the car. Tipping is a courtesy and by no means expected.

Taxi Numbers
055-4390   055-4242   055-4798

Taxi Stands
Piazza Beccaria, Piazza delle Cure, Piazzale Donatello, Viale Mazzini, Piazza San Marco, Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza Ferrucci, Piazzale Porta Romana, Piazza Alberti, Stazione Santa Maria Novella

BY BIKE
If you are cautious and ride defensively, a bike is a great way to move around Florence.  The city is relatively flat and there are bike lanes surrounding the entire historical center.  Follow basic safety rules: wear a helmet, ride on the right-hand side of the road, follow traffic and obey traffic signals and signs. Be sure to invest in a sturdy lock – as bike theft is rampant in Florence!

Used bikes can be hard to find but some stores will rent bikes or buy them back for a portion of the purchase price at the end of the semester. Below is a list of bicycle vendors students have recommended in the past.

Florence by Bike (San Marco area)
Via San Zanobi, 120-122r
055-480 814

Ciclicitta’ (Piazza Ravenna area)
Via G.P. Orsini, 4/a
055-680 0069

Cerbai (Piazza Indipendenza area)
Via della Ruote, 28r
055-483 298

Berti Fernando Eredi
(Campo di Marte area)
Via Volturno, 1/r
055-587 196

Cooperativa Ulisse
Via Giano Della Bella, 22
Mon-Fri 9am-1pm
347 788 7519
www.coopertivaulisse.it

 

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