The Uffizi Gallery (Gallerie degli Uffizi) is in Florence’s historic center at Piazzale degli Uffizi 6, 50122 Florence. For most first-time visitors, the easiest plan is train/tram to Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN) + walk the last part. It’s simple, avoids the city’s traffic restrictions, and you’ll likely be on foot near the museum anyway.
Florence’s center is famously pedestrian-friendly, and much of it is a restricted traffic zone (ZTL), which means driving close to major sights can be inconvenient. So think of the Uffizi as a “walk-in landmark”: use public transport or taxi to reach the center, then walk a short final stretch.
How to get to Uffizi Gallery by Train
For most travelers, “train” means arriving at Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN), Florence’s main station and the easiest hub for visitors. From SMN, the Uffizi is generally considered walkable for many visitors, often quoted at roughly 20–25 minutes on foot depending on pace and crowd levels.
Why train + walk works so well:
- Predictable arrival: trains bypass road congestion and the ZTL issue.
- Low stress: once you’re in the center, Florence is compact and signage is tourist-friendly.
- Best for day trips: if you’re coming from Rome, Milan, Venice, Bologna, or Pisa, the rail network makes Florence an easy base.
When train + walk is less ideal:
- Heavy luggage or limited mobility: cobblestones and crowds can make walking tiring. In that case, a taxi from SMN can be more comfortable (see Taxi section).
If you prefer minimizing walking without taking a taxi, consider using a city-center bus that stops close to the Uffizi (next section).
How to get to Uffizi Gallery by Bus
Buses in Florence are useful when you want to reduce walking—especially if you’re staying outside the core—but they can be slower in the center due to congestion and the street layout.
A practical, tourist-friendly option is Florence’s small city-center routes. For example, Autolinee Toscane line C1 includes a stop named “Galleria degli Uffizi”, which is about as direct as public transport gets for this museum.
Why take the bus:
- You’re staying along a bus corridor and it saves time compared with walking the whole way.
- You want fewer stairs than trams or station underpasses.
- You’re traveling in hot weather or with someone who benefits from shorter walks.
Why you might skip the bus:
- If timing matters (a timed ticket, a tour meeting point), buses can be less predictable than walking from a central hub.
- The last few minutes will still be on foot, because the Uffizi sits in a dense pedestrian area.
If you do use buses, treat them as a “get close” tool, not a door-to-door solution.
How to get to Uffizi Gallery by Taxi
Taxis are the most convenient choice when you want to avoid transfers and walking. They’re especially helpful if you have luggage, you’re traveling as a small group, or you’re moving around early/late.
Florence’s ZTL is one reason taxis can be more practical than renting a car: the historic center is restricted to most traffic, while taxis and buses are among the vehicles commonly allowed.
When a taxi makes the most sense:
- From SMN to the Uffizi area if you have heavy bags or mobility concerns (often a short ride).
- From hotels outside the center where buses would require switching lines.
- Rainy days when walking isn’t appealing.
What to expect:
- You may be dropped a short walk away from the entrance depending on pedestrian flow and local access rules, but taxis generally get you very close compared with private cars.
How to get to Uffizi Gallery by From the Airport
Most international visitors arrive via:
- Florence Airport (FLR) – closest and easiest
- Pisa Airport (PSA) – common budget alternative
- Bologna Airport (BLQ) – another strong option with fast rail links
From Florence Airport (FLR)
Best all-round option: Tram T2 to the city
Florence’s T2 tram is designed as an airport link. A single ticket is €1.70 (GEST’s published fare). Travel guides commonly describe the ride as about 20 minutes to the Santa Maria Novella area. The airport’s tram page also lists extended operating hours (including later service on Fridays/Saturdays).
From the SMN area, the Uffizi is typically best reached on foot or by a short taxi/bus hop.
Most convenient: Taxi
Florence Airport publishes fixed taxi rates (with surcharges depending on time/day and luggage). The airport’s taxi page lists a base fixed rate of €28.00 (and higher night/holiday rates), plus an additional charge policy.
From Pisa Airport (PSA)
A very common strategy is PisaMover + train to Florence.
- PisaMover connects Pisa Airport and Pisa Centrale station in about 5 minutes on average.
- From Pisa Centrale to Firenze Santa Maria Novella, trains average about 1 hour 8 minutes (fastest quoted around 52 minutes, depending on service).
Once at SMN, continue by walking, a short taxi ride, or a city-center bus (like C1, if it fits your location).
From Bologna Airport (BLQ)
Bologna works well because the airport-to-city link is quick and the train to Florence is fast.
- Marconi Express connects Bologna Airport to Bologna Centrale in about 7 minutes.
- From Bologna Centrale to Firenze Santa Maria Novella, the fastest trains can take about 37 minutes (with many services daily).
From SMN, finish the same way: walk if you’re light, taxi if you’re loaded, bus if it’s convenient.
Comparison table
| Option | Best for | Cost | Time reliability | Comfort | Key takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train to SMN + walk | Most first-timers, day-trippers | Low–Medium | High | Medium | Simplest overall; Florence center is built for walking. |
| City bus (e.g., C1) | Reducing walking in the center | Low | Medium | Medium | C1 has a stop named “Galleria degli Uffizi.” |
| Taxi (within Florence) | Luggage, families, rain/late hours | Medium–High | Medium | High | Works well with ZTL reality; still may require a short final walk. |
| FLR → Tram T2 + onward | Best value from Florence Airport | Low | High | Medium | Fixed fare ticket (€1.70) and direct airport link. |
| FLR → Taxi | Easiest airport arrival with bags | High | Medium | High | Airport lists fixed taxi rates (vary by time/day). |
| PSA → PisaMover + train | Popular alternative airport route | Medium | High | Medium | Very rail-friendly (5-min shuttle + train to SMN). |
| BLQ → Marconi Express + train | Fast gateway via Bologna | Medium | High | Medium | 7-min airport link + ~37-min fastest trains to SMN. |
FAQ
What address should I use for the Uffizi Gallery?
Use Piazzale degli Uffizi 6, 50122 Florence.
What’s the easiest way for first-time visitors?
Arrive at Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN) and walk the final part; it’s a common, straightforward approach.
Is there a bus that stops very close to the Uffizi?
Yes—Autolinee Toscane line C1 lists a stop called “Galleria degli Uffizi.”
Can I drive to the Uffizi?
Driving into central Florence is generally inconvenient because the historic center has restricted traffic rules (ZTL) and many pedestrian areas.
What’s the best option from Florence Airport (FLR)?
For most travelers, Tram T2 is the best balance of price and simplicity; taxis are best for maximum comfort with luggage.
Sources: Official website of https://www.uffizi.it/
Sources: Official website of https://www.tiqets.com/
