Hello. I am looking for 2 bedroom close to Florence where we can take train into Florence. We will have a car but I prefer not to drive into Florence on days we visit. Thank you
Posted by
Surrey, UK
734 posts
One thing to consider is a hotel with parking just outside the ZTL, or a parking garage.
It would be a shame not to be able to wander the city centre in the evenings.
There is a really good bus service in the centre, including small busses that go in the narrow streets.
https://www.visitflorence.com/florence-maps/parking-lots-in-florence.html
https://www.visitflorence.com/tourist-info/driving-in-florence-ztl-zone.html
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
6875 posts
Its a bit unclear to me if you want 2 rooms at a B&B or hotel in a town or village near Florence; or if you want a self catering apartment or villa; or perhaps a rural agroturismo. How far away from Florence would be satisfactory?
Posted by
Firenze, Italy
2039 posts
Florence has excellent long distance trains, but the short distance transportation is not as brilliant as you think. There are only four local lines radiating from Florence:
1. North to Prato and Pistoia (mainly industrial zone, the first nice places are Pistoia and Montecatini);
2. East to Empoli and Pisa. Maybe Montelupo could be considered;
3. South to Arezzo; several villages like Rignano, Incisa, Figline and Montevarchi. Commuters complain that the least disruption in long distance trains makes the commuter line impossibly slow
4. west to Mugello area (Borgo S. Lorenzo), low population there; infrequent service sometimes
Have a look to timetables and distances from railway station (in most places there are no taxis). As Tuscan commuter trains aren't really a model, I am afraid your idea has to be really carefully considered. Maybe the most practical choice could be a place in Fiesole and moving by urban bus.
Posted by
San Diego, California, USA
1820 posts
Without some clarification it's hard to say more but if a bus is okay and you want to be very near Florence you might look at Fiesole. It's a very small town - unlike Pistoia or other suggestions - so the focus would be Florence not the town but it is out of the city center.
The bus into Florence is under 15 minutes and some people who like the attractions of Florence but not the crowds like Fiesole.
Good luck,
=Tod
Posted by
OP
Boston
213 posts
Hi thanks for the responses. Additional information: looking for 2 bedroom either apartment, Agriturismo or similar lodging which would either include breakfast or be within walking of restaurant. Thank you for information on trains, we can drive to Florence and park outside ZTL zones.
Posted by
9602 posts
Don't miss staying in wonderful Florence and enjoy that city at night.
Posted by
new york
1036 posts
My choice would be Fiesole..it's lovely in and of itself, and you can take the bus to and from Florence is only a few minutes. AND you have a great view off t he city from there. Lots of local restaurants if you want to relax at home one night...
Posted by
Niagara, Ontario
1898 posts
We stayed in Fiesole for a few nights without a car. Up the hill from Florence by bus, it does have a nice small town feel about it and a number of good restaurants. Should be a few apartments on VRBO and Airbnb.
A base more in the countryside? A long time ago I was in touch with the following two properties, which are on the same bus line into Florence. The last return bus leaving Florence will be around 18:00, if that is a drawback, otherwise drive and park. San Casciano is much closer.
The older part of Certlado is also a good spot, a train station down the hill for access into Florence (about an hour). Should also be a few apartments on VRBO and Airbnb.
Posted by
West Chester PA
140 posts
When rents in Florence started going higher than my budget allowed, I found Pistoia. Only 30 minutes to Florence on a very dependable train (so far, over the past few years). Also, about an hour by train to Viareggio for the beach (bonus). I have never stayed in a hotel there but I have seen a few and not a long walk to the train station. I also love Fiasole but have never stayed there...its super small and there is a bit more to explore in Pistoia IMO and not crazy crowded...lots of shops, restaurants...cute town.
Posted by
Northern California (formerly Brescia and Lago di Garda Italy)
179 posts
Not sure what time of year you are going but we drove into Florence two days this past summer (July) from our agriturismo near impruneta - and the parking lots outside of center that we were used to parking in past visits were full by 8 am. Trying to go in the evening and park was the same story. We have spent a lot of time in Florence over the years so it was okay that our time was cut short there - esp since our priority was the countryside - but just a word of caution. The day we found parking we actually had to get there 730 am and I think we took the last spot. Perhaps there are better options but we were at the lots near porta romana (10 years ago parking there was not a problem but it is now!)