Florence Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, often called “the Duomo”) sits right in the pedestrian-friendly historic center at Piazza del Duomo, Florence. For most first-time visitors, the easiest plan is simple: arrive by train or tram to a central hub (usually Firenze Santa Maria Novella), then walk the last stretch. This avoids the stress of traffic restrictions and the fact that the streets around the cathedral are narrow and crowded.
If you’re already staying in central Florence, you’ll likely find that walking is the most practical “transport option” even if you take a bus or taxi partway, because the final approach to the cathedral area is effectively on foot.
How to get to Florence Cathedral ofaaaa Train
Florence is one of Italy’s easiest cities for train-based sightseeing because the historic center is compact and the main rail hub is close to the Duomo area.
Best arrival station for most travelers: Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN)
SMN is the main station for high-speed and regional trains and is the most convenient base for reaching the cathedral without overthinking transfers. From there, most visitors simply continue on foot through the center. Planning apps commonly estimate the walk from SMN to Piazza del Duomo at around 10 minutes.
When train + walk is the best choice
- You’re coming from Rome, Milan, Venice, Bologna, Pisa, or elsewhere in Italy by rail.
- You want the most predictable arrival time (road traffic and limited-traffic zones won’t affect you).
- You’re traveling during peak season and prefer a smoother, less “negotiation-heavy” arrival.
When it may not be ideal
- You have very heavy luggage (cobblestones + crowds can be tiring).
- You’re staying far outside the center and would need multiple local connections.
A good rule of thumb: trains are best for getting into Florence; your feet are best for the final stretch to the cathedral.
How to get to Florence Cathedral ofaaaa Bus
Florence buses can be useful, but they’re not always the most direct-feeling choice for the Duomo because the historic center has restricted traffic (ZTL) and many streets around the cathedral are designed for walking, not vehicles. One reason Florence feels so walkable is that the center is closed to most traffic, with access generally limited to residents and certain vehicles like taxis and buses.
How buses work best for the Duomo
- Use buses to reach the edge of the center (or a major hub like SMN), then walk.
- Choose buses when your accommodation is on a bus corridor and the bus saves you the longest part of the journey.
When buses can be frustrating
- If you’re trying to arrive at a specific moment, buses can be slower in congestion.
- In high season, buses can be crowded, and you’ll still walk at the end.
In practice, buses are most helpful when they reduce “getting across Florence,” not when they try to deliver you to the cathedral door (because they can’t).
How to get to Florence Cathedral ofaaaa Taxi
Taxis are the most comfortable option when you want door-to-near-door convenience, especially with luggage, kids, or a tight schedule. The important nuance is that Florence’s center is strongly shaped by the ZTL: private cars are restricted, but taxis are typically permitted to operate within the limited-traffic zone.
When a taxi is worth it
- You have luggage and want to avoid cobblestones and crowds.
- You’re traveling as a small group (splitting the fare makes it feel more reasonable).
- It’s late, raining, or you simply want the least complicated option.
What to expect
- Your driver may drop you very close but not always directly at the square, depending on pedestrian flow and local controls.
- Short rides can still take time in busy hours, because the center is dense and slow-moving.
If you’re arriving from Florence Airport, taxis have a published fixed fare (see airport section).
How to get to Florence Cathedral ofaaaa From the Airport
If you’re flying into Florence, you’ll most likely use Florence Airport (FLR, Amerigo Vespucci / Peretola). Many international travelers also use Pisa (PSA) or Bologna (BLQ) as alternative gateways, then continue to Florence by rail.
From Florence Airport (FLR)
Best all-round option: Tram + short walk
Florence’s tram Line T2 connects the airport with the city, running between Florence Airport and the Santa Maria Novella area. Visit Tuscany notes the tram runs daily, with late-night service on Fridays and Saturdays, and that tickets are €1.50.
This is usually the easiest choice for first-time visitors because it’s inexpensive, frequent, and avoids road traffic surprises.
Most convenient option: Taxi
The airport’s official transport page lists a fixed taxi amount of €28.00. The City of Florence taxi tariff table also notes that supplements may apply (for example, luggage/additional passenger supplements up to a maximum).
Taxi is the smoothest option if you’re arriving with luggage or want the least walking—but in the historic center, you should still expect a short final walk in pedestrian-heavy areas.
From Pisa Airport (PSA)
Pisa is a common alternative airport for Florence. The easiest structure is:
Airport shuttle → Pisa Centrale → Train to Florence (SMN)
PisaMover (the airport shuttle) connects Pisa Airport and Pisa Centrale station in about 5 minutes on average. From Pisa Centrale, trains to Firenze Santa Maria Novella run frequently; Trainline lists around 47 trains per day with an average journey time of about 1 hour 8 minutes.
This route is popular because it’s simple and rail-based from early on.
From Bologna Airport (BLQ)
Bologna can be a great option if flight prices are better or you’re combining cities.
Airport to Bologna Centrale: The Marconi Express monorail links Bologna Airport and the city center in about 7 minutes.
Bologna Centrale to Florence (SMN): High-speed trains make the journey quickly; Trainline notes a fastest time around 37 minutes with many direct services daily.
Comparison table
| Option | Best for | Cost | Predictability | Comfort | The main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train to SMN + walk | Most visitors coming from other Italian cities | Low–Medium | High | Medium | You’ll still walk the last stretch |
| City bus + walk | Hotels on a bus corridor, short hops across Florence | Low | Medium | Medium | Traffic + final walk is unavoidable |
| Taxi (within Florence) | Luggage, families, late-night, rain | High | Medium | High | Can be slow in the center; drop-off may be near (not at) the square |
| FLR → Tram T2 + walk | Best value from Florence Airport | Low | High | Medium | You still walk from the tram stop area |
| FLR → Taxi | Simplest airport arrival with luggage | High | Medium | High | Fixed fare + possible supplements; center access depends on pedestrian flow |
| PSA → PisaMover + train to SMN | Popular “alternative airport” plan | Medium | High | Medium | Requires a transfer at Pisa Centrale |
| BLQ → Marconi Express + train to SMN | Fast gateway via Bologna | Medium | High | Medium | Requires airport-to-station link before the train |
FAQ
What should I put in maps for Florence Cathedral?
Use Piazza del Duomo (the cathedral’s central square area). The cathedral complex is in the heart of Florence’s historic center.
What’s the easiest way for first-time visitors?
Arrive at Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN) by train or tram, then walk the final stretch. Many visitors find the walk straightforward and short.
Is it worth taking a taxi into the center?
Often yes—especially with luggage. Florence’s center is a limited traffic zone (ZTL), but taxis are among the vehicles typically allowed, and they can get you close before you walk the last minutes.
What’s the best transfer from Florence Airport (FLR)?
For most travelers, Tram T2 is the best balance of price and convenience (it’s designed as an airport-city link). Taxi is the best comfort option.
Which is better for Florence: Pisa (PSA) or Bologna (BLQ)?
Both work well by rail. Pisa is easy thanks to PisaMover + frequent trains to Florence. Bologna is very fast via Marconi Express + high-speed trains to Florence.
Sources: Official website of https://www.duomofirenze.it/
Sources: Official website of https://moovitapp.com/
