Florence Peretola Airport (FLR) Flights & Flight Status

Florence Peretola Airport (FLR), formally known as Amerigo Vespucci Airport, is the primary international airport of Florence, Italy. It’s the most convenient entry point for exploring the art, history and architecture of this famous city.

The airport is surprisingly quite small. As many people fly into the busier Pisa International Airport (PSA), I find that it’s actually quite a breeze to make your way through FLR. It’s a charming introduction to one of my favorite Italian cities, and I’m always sad to leave.

While it does have basic amenities and shops available for travelers, it doesn’t have the same variety as larger airports. However, considering it’s located just 5 miles northwest of the city center, you can be in the city in no time, making it very convenient.

Airlines flying to Florence Peretola Airport

Florence Peretola Airport is an international stop for many airlines offering flights to a variety of European destinations. Airlines like Swiss Air, Air Dolomiti, Air France, Iberia and Alitalia (the national flag carrier of Italy), all provide regular flights within Italy and beyond. Along with regular service to Rome, you’ll be able to arrive from or depart to London, Barcelona, Madrid, Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, Zurich and more.

You’ll also find seasonal flights from Florence to other cities like Edinburgh, Brussels, Copenhagen, Oslo, Geneva, Marseille and Lyon. For destinations beyond the continent, you’ll have to prepare for at least a stopover or two in larger transport hubs, as FLR doesn’t accommodate the widebody aircraft required for long-haul flights.

Getting to and from Florence Peretola Airport by public transport

Being so close to the city, it’s incredibly easy to navigate public transport to and from Florence Peretola Airport. The Volainbus service runs between the airport and Florence Santa Maria Novella – the main train station – every 30 minutes and takes just 20 minutes each way. Buses are found just a short walk from arrivals and the route to the pick-up point is well marked.

My preferred transport option is the iconic tramway, though. You can’t visit Florence without hopping on one of the trams at least once, and there’s no better way to leave the airport. The tram extension to the airport is a more recent addition, with trams running every 5 minutes on the T2 line and heading into the city center.

The tram is definitely the most cost-effective form of transport from the airport, and will get you into the city in 20 minutes for just a few euros.

Rideshare and taxis at Florence Peretola Airport

Rideshare options like Uber are available at FLR and I have found them to be a convenient alternative to traditional taxis here. You can book a ride through the app pretty easily upon arrival, and the designated pickup area for rideshare drivers is clearly marked, making it straightforward to locate your driver without any confusion.

There is also a taxi waiting zone outside of the arrivals area for those looking to jump in a car and get straight to their hotel as quickly as possible. After midnight, cars will be the only way you can get to and from the airport, as buses and trams don’t run overnight. It should take only about 15 minutes by car to travel between the airport and the city.

The best dining options at Florence Peretola Airport

Most of the eateries at the airport are conveniently clustered together, so it’s easy to select from the options available. But it’s really just a handful of places, so don’t expect an overwhelming amount of choice like you might find at larger airports. Still, you’ll be able to get quality pizza and Italian coffee, and does anything else really matter here?

I usually get a caffeine hit and a sandwich from Briciole Bakery and Café for a midday flight, or grab a slice of pizza next door at MyChef Restaurant if I’m flying out in the evening. You’ll also find a small bar and bakery after the security check, and here you can grab a quick snack or drink while you’re waiting for your flight.

VIP Lounge at Florence Peretola Airport

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the airport has a VIP Lounge, especially considering it’s such a small airport. If you are a Priority Pass member or premium passenger on any of the main airlines, you’ll be able to access the lounge. It’s located on the first floor after the security check and it definitely beats waiting at the gate, in my opinion.

It’s a pretty basic lounge, but it still has comfortable seating, some food and drinks available (including coffee or wine, depending on the time of day), free Wi-Fi and charging points. During busy times, the lounge can become crowded, but it’s still a more comfortable place to wait for your flight if you have some spare time. It’s also really the only place business travelers will find appropriate space to work.

The best shopping at Florence Peretola Airport

Just like the dining, the shopping options are a bit limited at Florence Peretola Airport. The main Hudson News store is where you’ll find a little bit of everything if you need something for your flight. It stocks snacks, newspapers, magazines, drinks and some basic healthcare and travel-size beauty products.

For international flights, you’ll come across two duty-free shops and some souvenir stores just after the security checkpoints. These are good places to spend your last euros on last-minute gifts, including iconic Florence products such as leather goods, ceramics, textiles and more. The duty-free section is quite small, but you’ll still find some classic high-end products – just don’t rely on finding something specific or you might be disappointed with the selection.

Wi-Fi at Florence Peretola Airport

FLR provides free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected at the airport. However, I have to warn you that it’s quite slow at times and isn’t overly reliable. Still, I’ve usually been able to send messages, so I find it decent considering it's free and available for public use.

If you want more reliable internet, you’ll probably need to head to the VIP Lounge (if you’re eligible to get in). This is where you’ll find faster Wi-Fi, especially useful for business travelers needing to get some work done or for downloading entertainment for your flight. Otherwise, your best bet may be launching a hotspot from your cell phone. You never know when you're going to be the victim of spotty internet here.

Alternative airports

While FLR is the main international airport for Florence, it’s only the second busiest airport in Tuscany behind the nearby Pisa International Airport (PSA), also called Galileo Galilei Airport. More tourists tend to fly into Pisa, because it offers more flight to many other European cities and beyond thanks to its ability to accommodate much larger planes.

It takes about 1.5 hours to get from Pisa Airport to Florence, either by car, bus or train. It’s easy to arrange public transport or grab a taxi to get to the city from Pisa airport, although you should allow time to stop at the Leaning Tower of Pisa if you’ve never seen it before.

VAT refunds for foreign nationals

If you are a resident outside the EU, then you are entitled to a VAT refund on eligible goods you have bought during your stay. FLR has a VAT office on the ground floor and it opens quite early in the morning for international flights. You can process your refund here just before your flight, but remember to bring the right documents, which primarily include qualifying receipts and your passport.

Allow some extra time if you want to get this refund, as the lines can be lengthy at peak times. You typically don’t need to show the physical purchase, although I’ve heard that occasionally they may ask in Florence, so it helps to have them accessible in your carry-on luggage, if possible.