Planning a trip to Florence? Taxi fares start at €5 and a typical 10 km ride costs €13. Here's everything you need to know before you hail a cab.
Florence is one of Italy's most walkable cities, but sooner or later you'll need a taxi — whether it's a late-night ride back from dinner in Oltrarno or a transfer from Amerigo Vespucci Airport with heavy luggage. Fares are metered and regulated, so knowing the numbers in advance means you'll never pay more than you should. Here's the complete, practical breakdown.
Florence taxis run on a regulated meter system set by the Comune di Firenze. The meter starts at €3.30 the moment you get in, and then ticks up at €0.95 per kilometre as you travel. No journey will cost you less than €5, even if you're only going a few streets over. Night supplements (generally between 10 pm and 6 am) and Sunday surcharges are added automatically by the meter — these are legal and official, not a driver pocketing extra cash. Additional small charges may apply for luggage and extra passengers depending on the vehicle. Always make sure the driver starts the meter when you set off; if they don't, ask them to.
A taxi from Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR) to the city centre typically costs between €25 and €30. The airport is only about 5–6 km from the historic centre, but the fixed airport supplement pushes the fare above what the standard meter alone would show. Always use official white taxis from the designated rank outside arrivals — do not accept rides from people approaching you inside the terminal.
Florence's official taxi scene is well-regulated, but like any major tourist city it has its share of opportunists. Being aware of these specific patterns will keep your money where it belongs — in your pocket.
Watch out for these Florence-specific scams: (1) Unmarked or coloured private cars posing as taxis near Santa Maria Novella station and the Duomo — official Florentine taxis are always white with a 'TAXI' roof sign and a municipality licence number on the door. (2) Drivers who refuse to use the meter and offer a 'fixed price' that sounds reasonable but is almost always inflated — insist on the meter or walk away. (3) Touts inside the airport arrivals hall offering rides before you reach the official rank outside — these are unlicensed and unregulated. (4) Drivers taking unnecessarily long routes through the city, particularly from the airport — use a maps app to keep a rough eye on the route and don't be afraid to mention it politely if something looks off.
If your destination is within the historic centre, check whether it's inside the ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) restricted zone before booking a taxi. Taxis can enter the ZTL legally, but it's worth knowing your drop-off point. For many sightseeing trips — the Uffizi, the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria — Florence is compact enough to walk between major landmarks and skip the cab fare entirely.
Yes — official taxis in Florence are safe, reliable, and driver standards are generally high. The city's taxi fleet is municipally licensed and drivers must pass regulated checks. Solo travellers, including women travelling alone at night, routinely use Florence taxis without issue. Your main job as a passenger is simply to make sure you're getting into an official white cab with a working meter, rather than an unlicensed vehicle. Stick to official ranks at the station, airport, and major piazzas, or book through itTaxi, and you'll have a straightforward experience.
How much does a taxi from Florence Airport to the city centre cost?
Expect to pay between €25 and €30 for an official metered taxi from Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR) to the Florence city centre. The trip is around 5–6 km but airport supplements apply. Always use the official white taxi rank outside the arrivals terminal.
Should I tip taxi drivers in Florence?
Tipping is not expected or obligatory in Florence taxis — drivers are paid fairly through the metered fare system. That said, rounding up to the nearest euro or adding €1–€2 for good service or help with luggage is appreciated and perfectly normal. There's no pressure either way.
Do Florence taxis accept card payments?
Many Florence taxis now accept card and contactless payment, but cash is still king and some drivers prefer it. To avoid any awkwardness, carry a small amount of euro cash as backup, especially for shorter trips. If paying by card is important to you, confirm with the driver before you set off.
What's the best time to take a taxi in Florence to avoid traffic?
Florence's city centre is heavily congested during morning rush hour (8–9:30 am) and late afternoon (5–7 pm) on weekdays. The area around Santa Maria Novella station and the main tourist corridors gets particularly slow. If you can, travel mid-morning or after 7:30 pm for a faster, cheaper ride. Sunday mornings are typically the quietest time on the roads.
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