| Getting
There
Reaching Florence is
an easy task by means of many different transportation methods. If you
are planning to fly into Florence, you can reach it via Pisa’s Galileo
Galilei, which is located 50 miles outside of Florence. The Florence
City Airport reopened for regular flights in 1985, and is only three miles
from Florence’s City Centre. There is a shuttle that will transport
you into Florence from the airport every 30 minutes. The local ATAF
bus also runs from the airport, and runs each 25 minutes. The bus is also
a less expensive alternative. Flight times to Florence from London
is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes; from New York - 12 ½ hours;
from Los Angeles - 19 hours; from Toronto, Canada - 13 hours; and from
Sydney, Australia - 21 ½ hours.
You can also reach Florence
by train. The Italian state railway, Ferrovie dello Stato can be reached
by calling 8488-88088. You can out scheduling and fare information. Florence
is located on the main Rome to Milan line, and the railway
offers travel times of 3 ½ hours to Milan and 2 ¼
hours to Rome.
The EuroCity train links Florence
to over 40 different European destinations including Paris, Basel, and
Brussels. From the train station, it is only a 10 minute walk to the heart
of Florence.
If you are planning to drive
yourself into Florence, you will find a wonderful network of autostradas
to help you find your way easily. Autostrada del Sole or A1, links Milan
with Reggio Calabria. Keep in mind that all motorways from Florence
to Rome are tolled. If you prefer not to pay a toll, the Strade Statali
is toll free. Driving times from Bologna to Florence are
approximately 1 hour, from Rome-approximately 2 hours, and from
Milan-approximately 3 hours.
While in Florence, you
will find many ways to make your way about the city. The bus network covers
all of the city and is often the least expensive means of touring Florence.
Taxis can also be hired, but keep in mind that taxi services often charge
an extra fee for luggage and other items, so be sure to ask what fees are
included in your fare. You can also hire a limousine service with an English
speaking driver. These, however, can be very expensive also. It is not
recommended that you drive yourself around the city, due to the sever traffic
restrictions. Driving is normally reserved for doctors, delivery persons,
or taxi drivers. Those staying in luxury hotels are also permitted to drive
in the city. You can, however, hire a car if you are staying in one of
the luxury hotels in the centre. Pricing varies, and restrictions do apply.
All drivers must be 23 years old or above and must carry either an EU license
or an International Driving Permit. Hiring a car is also very expensive.
If you would rather, you can hire a bicycle or scooter to get you around
Florence. Scooters are much less expensive than cars and you are
not faced with all the many driving restrictions.
Probably the best way to enjoy this
beautiful city is by walking. Most of the major attractions are within
walking distance of each other, and it is much less stressful, as you can
avoid the charges, as well as the traffic frustrations.
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