Getting to the Ponte Vecchio at a glance
The Ponte Vecchio sits in the centre of Florence, which is a walking city. Most visitors arrive at Santa Maria Novella station or at the airport at Peretola, then continue on foot or by tram. A car is the hardest way in, because large parts of the old town are a restricted traffic zone.
This independent guide covers the tram from the airport, the walk from the station, city bus and tram fares in 2026, and what to know about the traffic zone and parking. Always check the current timetable for your day before you go.
Ways to reach the bridge compared
Prices as of 2026.
| From | How | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florence airport (Peretola) | Tram T2 to San Marco | €2.00 | About 20 minutes to the centre; 2 minutes on foot between the airport and the stop |
| Santa Maria Novella station | On foot via the Duomo, Via dei Calzaiuoli and Piazza della Signoria | – | An outdoor route past the main sights; allow time for stops |
| Piazzale Michelangelo | Bus 12 or 13, or on foot | €2.00 by bus | The walk climbs ramps and steps |
| By car | Park outside the centre and use the tram | Villa Costanza: €0.50 up to 1 hour, €7 up to 24 hours | The old town is a restricted traffic zone |
From Florence airport to the city by tram
The T2 line is the direct link.
The route
Tram T2 connects the airport stop at Peretola with Florence San Marco. The line was extended on 25 January 2025, so San Marco is now the stop in the centre. The advertised time is about 20 minutes to the centre, plus a 2-minute walk from the airport to the stop. Do not read it as the exact ride to San Marco or to the bridge. From San Marco you continue on foot, for example past the Duomo towards the Ponte Vecchio.
Tickets and fares
Since 1 August 2026 the city single ticket costs €2.00. It is valid for 90 minutes on bus and tram, and children under 11 travel free. Buy at the machines at the tram stops, in the app or contactless on board. Validate paper tickets at once. Digital tickets must be activated.
Luggage
One bag up to 10 kg and 55 × 40 × 20 cm travels free. A larger piece up to 20 kg and 80 × 45 × 25 cm needs an additional ticket, with a maximum of 2 pieces per person. Heavier bags are not carried, so a big suitcase does not automatically ride for free.
Florence tours from the city centre
Guided walks and tickets that start close to the Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi.
From Santa Maria Novella station to the bridge
You can walk it.
The station is in the city centre. The classic route leads from the station to the Duomo, down Via dei Calzaiuoli to Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi, and from there to the Ponte Vecchio. A walk along this route passes the cathedral, the Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi courtyard. The walking time depends on how often you stop, so plan the walk as part of your sightseeing and not as a quick transfer. After the bridge the route continues to Palazzo Pitti and Santo Spirito, see our Oltrarno guide.
By car: the ZTL and parking
The old town has a restricted traffic zone.
The daytime ZTL
Large parts of the old town are open only to vehicles with permission, and cameras read number plates. The standard times are Monday to Friday 07:30 to 20:00 and Saturday 07:30 to 16:00. Pedestrian zones and bus lanes have their own bans. A road that leads straight on into the ZTL is not a general permission to enter.
Summer nights
From the first Thursday in April to the first Sunday in October, a night restriction applies on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 23:00 to 03:00 the next day. Sectors and crossings differ, so follow the signs on the road.
If you stay in the centre
A hotel room does not allow you to drive in freely. Contact the reception or the garage before you arrive. They may have to report your number plate and can tell you the permitted route. See our where to stay guide.
Scudo Verde
A second, larger zone has camera control for very old vehicle classes since 1 July 2025. From 1 December 2026 additional restrictions are announced for Euro 1 petrol and Euro 2 diesel vehicles.
Park and ride at Villa Costanza
The car park is reached only from the A1 motorway, between the Firenze Scandicci and Firenze Impruneta exits, from both directions. It is open 24 hours and takes no reservations. The tram line T1 runs from there towards the centre. Parking costs: the first 15 minutes are free, up to 1 hour €0.50, up to 4 hours €2, up to 10 hours €5 and up to 24 hours €7. The tariff repeats after 24 hours, and the tram ticket is separate.
Plan the rest of your visit
Where to go once you have arrived.
Getting to the Ponte Vecchio: frequently asked questions
How do I get from Florence airport to the city?
Take tram T2 from the airport stop at Peretola to San Marco. The advertised time is about 20 minutes to the centre. The city single ticket costs €2.00 in 2026.
How far is the Ponte Vecchio from the station?
You can walk from Santa Maria Novella to the bridge via the Duomo, Via dei Calzaiuoli and Piazza della Signoria. How long it takes depends on your stops, so treat it as a sightseeing walk.
How much is a bus or tram ticket in Florence?
The city single ticket costs €2.00 since 1 August 2026 and is valid for 90 minutes. Children under 11 travel free.
Can I drive to the Ponte Vecchio?
Large parts of the old town are a restricted traffic zone with camera control, so driving to the bridge is not practical. Park outside the centre, for example at Villa Costanza, and take the tram.
Which bus goes to Piazzale Michelangelo?
Lines 12 and 13 stop at the Piazzale. Check the stop and the timetable for your day before you go.