Florence Peretola Airport (FLR), formally known as Amerigo Vespucci Airport, is the primary international airport of Florence, Italy, located just 5 miles northwest of the city center. It’s surprisingly quite small, especially compared to the busier Pisa International Airport (PSA), but I find that’s actually what makes it such a breeze to navigate.
The airport has basic amenities and shops available for travelers, though it doesn’t have the same variety as larger airports. Still, it’s a convenient entry point for exploring the art, history and architecture of this famous city. You can be in the city in no time, and it’s a charming introduction to one of my favorite Italian cities (I’m always sad to leave).
Getting to and from the 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. You’ll find buses 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. The tram extension to the airport is a more recent addition, with trams running every 4-5 minutes on the T2 line (now extended all the way to San Marco) and heading into the city center. 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 is definitely a cost-effective option from the airport, and will get you into the city in 20 minutes for just a few euros.
Rideshare and taxis at the airport
Rideshare options like Uber are available at FLR and I’ve found them to be a convenient alternative to traditional taxis here. You can book a ride through the app pretty easily upon arrival, though there’s no specifically branded rideshare pickup area – instead, you’ll typically meet your driver in the NCC (Noleggio Con Conducente) area or public parking zones as directed by the app, but it’s still straightforward to locate your driver without any confusion.
There’s also a taxi waiting zone outside the arrivals area for those looking to jump in a car and get straight to their hotel. While the T2 tram runs until about 00:30 daily (and until 02:00 on Fridays and Saturdays), cars will be your only option for very late night or early morning travel outside these hours. It should take only about 15 minutes by car to travel between the airport and the city.
Airlines flying to Florence Peretola Airport
Florence Peretola Airport serves primarily European destinations, with airlines like Swiss International Air Lines, Air Dolomiti, Air France, Iberia and ITA Airways (Italy’s flag carrier that replaced Alitalia) providing regular flights within Italy and beyond. You’ll find service to major cities including Rome, London, Barcelona, Madrid, Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt and Zurich.
Seasonal flights expand the network to additional European destinations depending on the time of year. For destinations beyond Europe, you’ll need at least a stopover or two in larger transport hubs, as FLR doesn’t accommodate the widebody aircraft required for long-haul flights.
Alternative airports to consider
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 flights to many other European cities and beyond thanks to the 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.
Dining options at the airport
The dining options at Florence Peretola Airport are limited to a handful of places, but most eateries are conveniently clustered together, making it easy to select from what’s available. 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 Bar 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, where you can grab a quick snack or drink while you’re waiting for your flight.
The 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. Priority Pass members and premium passengers on any of the main airlines can access the lounge, which is located on the first floor after the security check. 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.
Shopping at the airport
Like the dining scene, the shopping options at FLR are limited. There’s a newsstand for the essentials like snacks, magazines and drinks. It’s your go-to for any last-minute travel needs.
After security, you’ll find a couple of duty-free shops and souvenir stores. They’re great for spending your last few euros on Florentine leather goods or ceramics. The selection isn’t huge, so don’t count on finding a specific high-end item.
Wi-Fi at Florence Peretola Airport
FLR offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, but I have to be frank, it can be slow and unreliable. It’s usually good enough for sending messages, but don’t plan on streaming your favorite show.
For a better connection, the VIP Lounge has dedicated Wi-Fi. Otherwise, use your phone as a hotspot. You never know when you’ll be the victim of spotty airport internet.
VAT refunds for foreign nationals
If you live outside the EU, you can get a VAT refund on eligible goods you bought in Italy. The VAT customs office at FLR is typically located near the check-in area and opens early for international flights. Make sure you have your receipts and passport ready.
My advice is to allow extra time for this, as the lines can get long. You usually don’t need to show your purchases, but I’ve heard they sometimes ask. It’s a good idea to keep them in your carry-on just in case.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
