Florence » Tourist Info » Moving around Florence » Moving in Florence by Bus
Getting around by bus
Public transportation in Florence is widely used. City buses (orange buses) are run by ATAF and LI-NEA. Ordinary (a single use 70 minute ticket) and mutiple-ride tickets (four 70 minute rides on one signle ticket) can be purchased from authorized sales points (bars, tobacconists, newsagents - anyone with ATAF stickers on their windows) and from the ATAF booth in Piazza Stazione.
How to use the buses
There are three doors on the ATAF buses, the front and back ones are for getting on and the middle one is for getting off. After you get on, make your way to the nearby "ticket validating" machine and put your ticket in. The date and time is then printed on the ticket, starting the time validity of your ticket.
You really SHOULD validate the ticket. Even if you are on an "honor" system, controllers are continuosly getting on buses and checking tickets. There has been a recent crackdown and many controllers are on the buses. We've seen tourists get a fine for not having validated the ticket, and a "I didn't know" explanation did not get them off the hook. The fine is 45 euros to be paid on the spot or within 5 days of getting the fine payable at the ATAF office at the SMN train station. It would be a pain to pay a heavy fine when the cost of the ticket is small. Buy several tickets beforehand and use them as you need them. Tickets are valid for 70 minutes and cost €1,20. If you don't have a ticket and no means to get one beforehand, now you can also buy one directly from the driver for € 2,00 (no change is given so make sure to hand the exact amount).
For more information: You can call the "ProntoAtaf" hotline toll-free within Italy (800 424500) or obtain more information online at www.ataf.net. The ATAF booth, located in Piazza Stazione under the bus shelter (on the left as you exit the station) sells tickets, gives out information and provides maps of the bus routes.
Sightseeing Tours within Florence
They've only been in Florence for a few years, but the open top, two story buses seen in other cities of the world offer an interesting way to view the city. The buses follow a route to take you by all of the main sights as well as passing by the more panoramic points that you might otherwise not visit if you're going through Florence quickly. View details and book your sightseeing tour now ».
Visiting nearby areas outside Florence
Tourists interested in seeing areas outside of Florence by bus will find all of the bus companies in the area around the Santa Maria Novella train station. The main lines offering services are: CAP, FlorentiaBus, Lazzi and Sita. Some lines service particular areas around Florence, so depending on where you want to go you might have to go with a particular company. Check the schedules on their sites to see which one is the one you'll need to take.
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