Florence Airport, Peretola
Firenze (FI), IT · 4 km (2.5 mi) northwest of central Florence
Getting to the city
| Mode |
|---|
| Bus Line 2 Local bus |
| Bus Line 30 Local bus |
| Busitalia Shuttle Bus Airport–Santa Maria Novella bu |
| Local City Bus Shuttles Bus connections |
Insider notes
Use the T2 tram for an inexpensive €1.70-2.00 trip to the city center in about 20 minutes; it's ideal if you're traveling light.
Grab lounge entry at the Giunti Bookshop in departures if you don’t have Priority Pass for about €40 per person.
Arrive early as security and passport control are often under-resourced, leading to delays even in this small airport.
Welcome
Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR) offers a uniquely compact experience for travelers, feeling more like a small regional field than a bustling international hub. With all departures funneling through one compact first floor in Terminal 1, you can efficiently transition from the T2 tram to your gate in under 20 to 30 minutes, assuming short lines. However, with limited amenities and just a handful of bars and cafés, any disruptions like weather or queue delays can cause significant inconvenience.
At a glance
Located just 4 kilometers northwest of central Florence, Florence Airport serves approximately 2.5 million passengers annually with just one runway and a single terminal. Major airlines such as Alitalia, Vueling, and British Airways operate here, making the airport a key international connector despite its size. A quick taxi ride to the city center costs a fixed rate of €28 and takes about 15 minutes, while the T2 tram offers a more economical alternative at €1.70 to €2.00.
Terminals & layout
The airport operates with a singular terminal, T1, which hosts all departure and arrival processes through its 10 gates. Despite its small size, frequent flyers appreciate the presence of the VIP Club Lounge, which provides relatively quieter seating and a self-service bar compared to the crowded gate areas. However, be prepared for longer-than-expected waits due to the often under-resourced security and passport control, especially during peak times.
Getting to and from the city
Transport to and from Florence Airport is straightforward given its proximity to the city center. The T2 Tramvia offers a convenient and cost-effective ride between the city and the airport, with trams departing every few minutes and the journey taking about 18-20 minutes. For direct access, Florence Airport Taxis provide a fixed-rate fare of €28, although supplements may apply for luggage, making the tram a more budget-conscious choice for light travelers.
Traveller essentials
Travelers should be aware that Florence Airport lacks luggage storage facilities, so having an alternative arrangement in the city is necessary if you're dealing with long layovers or need bag storage. Free Wi-Fi is available, though it’s often reported as slow; consider downloading entertainment or maps beforehand. Keep in mind the terminal closes overnight, so sleeping at the airport isn’t an option — plan to book a nearby hotel if you have a late arrival or early morning flight.
Dining & shopping highlights
Dining options at FLR are limited, with outlets like BeerCode, Buoni & Belli, and Briciole all clustered within easy reach, yet plagued by long lines during peak times. A 24-hour café in the car park provides late night sustenance if the main terminal eateries are closed. Shopping is similarly limited, with a focus on duty-free offerings and regional products like Tuscan wines and olive oils, best suited for quick top-ups rather than extensive shopping sprees.
Lounges
The Masaccio Lounge (VIP Club Lounge) in T1 provides a welcome retreat for those willing to pay €45 for entry, which can be purchased at the Giunti bookshop. The lounge is noted for its fast Wi-Fi, SKY TV, and a variety of snacks and drinks, making it a worthwhile consideration for extended waits, providing a stark contrast to the busy main areas.
Insider tips
- Insider: Use the T2 tram for an inexpensive €1.70-2.00 trip to the city center in about 20 minutes; it's ideal if you're traveling light.
- Local: Grab lounge entry at the Giunti Bookshop in departures if you don’t have Priority Pass for about €40 per person.
- Time: Arrive early as security and passport control are often under-resourced, leading to delays even in this small airport.
- Money: The 24-hour café in the car park serves as the only around-the-clock dining option, useful for late arrivals.
- Avoid: Do not expect to spend the night at the airport; it closes overnight and sleeping is prohibited.
- Quiet: Masaccio Lounge offers quieter seating and a self-service bar compared to the busy gate areas.
- Local: The Food and Wine Shop offers last-minute Tuscan delights if you missed out on shopping in the city.
- Time: Plan meals ahead as FLR's dining is limited and crowded during peak hours.