Florence airport accommodations? public transportation?

The bus company in Florence is ATAF.
See http://www.ataf.net

There are some transport maps at:

http://www.ataf.net/it/orari-e-percorsi/la-mappa-della-rete-atafeli-nea.aspx?idC=1123&LN=it-IT

I haven't used the bus system in Florence. It takes 15-20 minutes to walk from the train station S.M.N. to either the Uffizi or the Accademia, and the same between the Uffizi and the Accademia. The ground is very level, no hills.

I understand you can get tickets for 1.20 € from newsstands, tabac shops or in the train station.
You can purchase tickets on the bus for 2.00 €, but it is unclear if this is always possible. You have to validate the ticket in the machine on the bus. There is an app, ATAF, on Google Play you can use to purchase tickets for 1.50 € by SMS text.

Ciaran, thank you SO MUCH! That is very helpful information and I really appreciate it!

Except for Piazzale Michelangelo and Fiesole, I don't think I have ever taken a bus in Firenze. It's very compact.

That's good to know, Zoe. Thank you.

My sister just pointed out another thread that recommends skipping Florence and going to Venice. My problem is that I'd love to see both and just don't have the time or money! Ah- so many decisions!

Many people prefer Florence to Venice. Others prefer Venice to Florence. Others like them (or dislike them) both equally. If you listen to everybody's opinions you will get lost. You are taking this workshop in Tuscany, therefore it makes sense for you to visit Florence, which is Tuscany's capital, rather than Venice, which is 200 miles away from Tuscany.

Don't stay near the Florence airport. The historical city center is much more beautiful and quaint and the airport is less than 4 miles away (15 min by taxi), therefore no reason to stay in an ugly area.

I've taken the ATAF city buses in Florence many thousand times in my childhood. However if you stay in the historical city center, you won't need to use it. The historical center is very compact. Everything is within walking distance. To go back to the airport the taxi takes only 15 min for about 25€ Flat fare. The ATAF Volainbus shuttle from the station is 6€ per person (20 min).

No need to speak Italian. In the city center of Florence you will hear English more than Italian. It's full of English speaking tourists and students. 34 American universities have a branch campus in town.

Thank you so much for all of your suggestions, Roberto. I will pass it along- I really appreciate it! I do think I'd much prefer to stay in Florence and that's great advice to stay in the city center instead of near the airport. Thank you! I'm thankful to be told that English is plentiful, and embarrassed that I need that. I am humbled by the multi-linguistic skills of so many!

Florence is my favorite European city because it is so walkable-not spread out like Rome. In my opinion, Florence is the most relaxing major urban tourist destination. Food is great. Be sure to choose a centrally located hotel. For the amount of time you're staying, you won't need any transportation but your feet. I've been to both Fiesole and Piazza Michelangelo(when we were on a group tour) and they are nice, but in my opinion, not a top priority if you're only there a few days.

I attended a writing workshop last year in Tuscany. You'll love that part of Italy, but be prepared for both some possibly warm days as well as cooler nights. Think layers!

I stayed in Florence proper on my trip. I just took a cab from the airport to my hotel because the flight into Florence turned out to have an unexpected detour into Bologna. By the time I actually was dropped off at the Florence airport (the airline bussed the passengers over there), I was tired and just wanted to check into my room. They line up at the end of the airport. If you're doing this on arrival, just have your hotel's name and address printed off to show the driver.

The good part about staying in the city of Florence is that it is so very walkable. You can see so many things with just a good map and your walking shoes. And while not everyone speaks English, most of the people you'll probably meet at museums, restaurants, etc., will speak enough of the language for you to feel comfortable. I loved my time alone in Florence.

I hope you enjoy your Italian adventure!

Thank you both, aquamarine and cala! That is great info. I really appreciate it! aquamarine, we are going to a painting workshop. It may even be with the same organization, because I think they also do writing workshops. Anyway, I appreciate everyone's answers and suggestions!!

A new tram (streetcar) line between the airport and central Florence (train station area) is under construction and will begin service in 2018. I've seen projected in-service dates of February and June, so keep an eye out for when tram service will actually begin. If it's operating in May, getting from the airport to central Florence and back will be cheap and super easy.

Well, cool, Frank! Thank you! I'll look out for that. I hope it's opened by then!