Getting to Florence

We are excited to host LUPUS-CORA 2027—combining the 17th International Congress on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and the 9th International Congress on Controversies in Rheumatology & Autoimmunity—in the breathtaking city of Florence, Italy.

To ensure your journey is as smooth as possible, this page provides essential information on reaching Florence from around the globe and navigating its convenient, modern public transport network.

Florence is one of Europe’s premier cultural and academic hubs. Situated in the heart of Tuscany, the city is exceptionally easy to reach by air, high-speed rail, or road.

Flying to Florence

Florence Airport (FLR) serves as the primary international gateway to the city. Located just 4 km from the historic center, it is a convenient regional hub offering efficient arrivals and direct access to central Florence.

Global & European Connections
Numerous international airlines operate direct and connecting flights to Florence from major European capitals and international hubs, offering seamless daily connections for our global delegate community.

Public Transportation

Getting to the City

Upon arrival at Florence Airport (FLR), you have several quick and reliable options to reach the city center or your accommodation.

Tramway (Line T2 - Unità Direct)

The Line T2 Tramway terminal is located right outside the airport arrivals exit. Line T2 connects Florence Airport directly to Unità station (adjacent to Firenze Santa Maria Novella main train station in the historic center) in approximately 20 minutes. Trams depart every 4 to 5 minutes throughout the day.

Taxi & Rideshare

Official taxi stands are situated directly outside the airport arrivals exit. Fixed corporate rates apply for journeys from the airport to central Florence hotels. Trip duration is approximately 15–20 minutes depending on traffic.

How to Move Around Florence

Public transport in Florence is operated under a modern, unified network integrating electric trams and urban buses (Autolinee Toscane).

Florence’s city center is compact and extraordinarily walkable, but public transit offers seamless connections to surrounding hotel districts and conference centers.

The best way to explore Florence

You can walk everywhere in Florence. It is actually the best and cheapest way to get around and see the city!

The city center is relatively small compared to other major cities in Italy, and you can walk from one end to another in about 30 minutes. And there are numerous pedestrian-only streets.

What’s great about Florence is that you can easily spend a week there or a day trip and still feel like you have seen a decent part of the city.

Trams (GEST Network)

The backbone of Florence’s modern surface transit, the tramway network provides clean, fast, and traffic-free travel across key city corridors.

Frequency & Hours: Trams run with high frequency—every 4 to 6 minutes during peak hours—operating daily from 05:00 to 00:30 (extended until 02:00 on Friday and Saturday nights).

Key Lines to Know:
Line T1: Connects the northern hospital and university district (Careggi) to the main train station (SMN) and south-western residential hubs (Villa Costanza).

Line T2: The primary airport connector, linking Peretola Airport directly to the city center (Unità / SMN).

Buses - Autolinee Toscane

Florence’s extensive electric and hybrid bus fleet complements the tram lines, serving inner historic streets and surrounding Tuscan hillside districts.

Key Corridors: Buses run frequently throughout the day, connecting central hubs like Piazza San Marco, Santa Maria Novella, and Piazzale Michelangelo.

Electric C-Lines (Small Shuttles): Smaller electric minibuses (Lines C1, C2, C3, and C4) operate directly inside the historic pedestrian center, offering comfortable travel between major plazas, museums, and historical landmarks.

Public Transportation

Tickets & Passes

To make your stay in Florence as seamless as possible, Florence offers effortless digital and contactless payment options directly through your smartphone or bank card:

📱 Official Mobile App: at-bus
(Digital Smartphone Tickets)

The most flexible option for delegates who prefer managing transit from their phones. Download the official at-bus app (available on iOS and Android) to:

  • Buy & Store Tickets: Purchase single 90-minute tickets, 10-ride carnets, or multi-day urban passes directly in the app using Apple Pay, Google Pay, or credit card.

  • Instant Smartphone Validation: Scan the QR code / tap upon boarding any bus or at tram platform validators to activate your ticket instantly.

💳 Contactless Tap-and-Go

If you prefer not to download an app, Florence features the Tip N’ Go contactless system:

  • How it works: Simply tap your contactless credit/debit card or physical smartphone wallet (Apple Pay / Google Pay / Samsung Pay) on the green readers when boarding any bus or entering a tram platform.

  • Automatic Best Fare: No paper ticket needed—a single tap charges the standard €1.70 urban fare (valid for 90 minutes across the entire network).

🎫 Physical Single Tickets

For delegates who prefer traditional physical tickets:

  • Standard Urban Ticket: Valid for 90 minutes across all city buses and trams (€1.70).

  • Where to Buy: Available at tram stop vending machines, official ticket offices, and authorized tobacconists (Tabacchi shops marked with a “T” sign).

💡 Important Tip

Whether using the at-bus app, contactless Tip N’ Go, or a paper ticket, your fare must be validated immediately upon boarding a bus or prior to entering the tram platform. Ticket checks are frequent throughout the network.