We will be staying in the Duomo area of Florence at Hotel Bellitini and were wondering what the best mode of transportation would be when we arrive at the train station. We know there are taxis and buses available but are unsure of the cost of a taxi vs. a bus. Of course the convenience of a taxi when dealing with luggage might far outweigh the cost but we would love some feedback if possible.
Thanks,
Terry and Jeff
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
Walk !!! Look at a map of Florence or use Goggle Earth or mapquest. The Duomo is less than five minutes from the station assuming you come into the correct station. I doubt if there would be a convenient bus and the taxi ride should be short unless the Duomo area is bigger than I thought.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
I agree with Frank. The Duomo is about 4-5 short blocks from the main Florence train station. This is a very easy walk. Go out to the front of the station and look for the Grand Hotel Baglioni. It's slightly to your left as you look straight ahead. That's the street you want to walk towards the Duomo. Walk about two blocks on Via Del Panzani and then bear left at Via Cerretani. 3 short blocks and you are at the Duomo. There's a very easy map to follow in either the RS Italy book or the Florence & Tuscany book.
Posted by
Dallas, TX, USA
1170 posts
It is a short walk to the Duomo from the train station. However, if you are with luggage, it could be a pain in the ass depending on how much you have to transport and how hot it is. I usually just take a taxi. For the life of me I don't know why anyone would want to get on and off a crowded bus with luggage.
Posted by
OP
Smithtown, NY, USA
106 posts
Thanks for the responses. It didn't appear to be as short a walk when I looked at the map. I will definitely check out Google maps.
Posted by
Norfolk, USA
255 posts
We stayed very near the Duomo both times we were in Florence and we walked both times from the train station to our bed and breakfast. It's easily doable if you have a rolling bag.
Posted by
Newark, CA, USA
16 posts
Walking is the best mode of transportation in Florence, we walked everywhere. From the train station to our hotel as well...
If you get a map you will find it easy to navigate and calculate the distance and it is really not that far.
Hope you have less to carry as well.
Also call your hotel and ask what is the easy way and if they have any suggestions.
Posted by
OP
Smithtown, NY, USA
106 posts
We have 1 rolling bag and 1 backpack each and don't mind walking as long as the weather is good!! We have some good maps as well as the directions from Google with text and pictures so I am sure we can find our way. We are also working on getting Italy maps for our GPS.
Thanks!
Posted by
Peoria, IL, USA
41 posts
Terry- My husband and I walked from the train station to our hotel with a wheeled bag each. Navigation was easy and the walk took no time. But be advised that some sidewalks in Florence will be very narrow. You will not have enough room to pass someone and keep your bag on the sidewalk. If you are willing to stay alert (watch out for the vespas) and move your bags up and down the curb a few times, this is a good option. We found that too often cab drivers rip you off, making walking well worth the small hassles.
Posted by
Texas
518 posts
A cab to your hotel will cost 8 to 10 euros, and it will take about 5 minutes.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Plus, the cab drivers will charge you extra for luggage.