Ready to explore Florence? Getting around from Bob W Ponte Vecchio is incredibly easy, as you're in the heart of the historic Oltrarno district. Here’s a quick guide to mastering the city's transport.
Tickets & Fares
Florence's public transport system consists mainly of buses (operated by Autolinee Toscane - AT) and a couple of tram lines. The entire historic centre is one zone.
Best Tickets for Your Stay:
Single Ticket ('Biglietto Urbano'): Valid for 90 minutes after validation. Perfect for occasional trips.
Carnet (10 Biglietti): A book of 10 single tickets at a slightly reduced price.
Daily Ticket ('Biglietto Giornaliero'): Offers unlimited travel for 24 hours from validation.
How to Buy Tickets:
Tabacchi Shops: The easiest way is to buy tickets from shops displaying the 'T' sign (tobacconists) or authorized newsstands ('edicola').
AT Bus Ticket App: You can also buy tickets via the official "AT Bus" app.
Ticket Machines: Found at tram stops and the main train station.
Important: Validate Your Ticket! When you board a bus, you must stamp your paper ticket in one of the validation machines onboard. An unstamped ticket is not valid and can result in a hefty fine!
Getting Around from Bob W Ponte Vecchio
Walking (Your #1 Option!) You are in the absolute best spot for exploring Florence on foot! The Ponte Vecchio, Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens, Uffizi Gallery, and the entire historic centre north of the river (including the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria) are all within a very pleasant and scenic walking distance.
Buses ('Autobus') While you can walk almost everywhere, buses are useful for reaching viewpoints like Piazzale Michelangelo or crossing the city more quickly.
Nearby Stops: You'll find bus stops near the Ponte Vecchio and along the roads bordering the Oltrarno district. Look for lines like the C3 or C4 which are small electric buses navigating the narrow central streets.
Trams (Tramvia) Florence has a modern tram system, but the lines primarily serve areas outside the immediate historic centre. They are useful for connecting to the airport or the main train station (Santa Maria Novella - SMN).
Bob's Top Public Transport Tips
Plan Your Journey: We highly recommend using Google Maps or the Moovit app for real-time journey planning and bus schedules.
Oltrarno Exploration: Your neighbourhood, the Oltrarno, is famous for its artisan workshops ('botteghe'). Get lost in the charming side streets!
Wear Comfortable Shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking on beautiful but sometimes uneven cobblestone streets.
Beware the ZTL: The historic centre, including your street, is part of a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL). Driving and parking are heavily restricted and often expensive. Walking or using public transport is highly recommended.
Enjoy exploring Florence! ✨