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Florence
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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