We are flying into Florence May 1 arriving mid afternoon. Where should we stay that night? Should we get closer into the city if we are going to stay another night? We are going to Lucca after that?
The Florence airport is not very far from central Florence, and Florence is not very far from Lucca. Get a hotel of B&B in central Florence, enjoy the city for a couple of days, then take the easy train ride to Lucca.
The airport is inside Florence city limits and only 6 km (4 miles) from the city center. Any taxi can take you there in 15-20 min for a flat fee of 22€ (plus 1€ per bag).