How to Reach Florence Cathedral — Directions & Tips (2025)

Find the easiest ways to reach Florence Cathedral (Duomo di Firenze): walking routes from Santa Maria Novella station, Tramvia options, city buses, driving & parking near the historic center (ZTL), airport transfers, and smart time-saving tips.

Plan Your Visit

Quick Overview

Location: Piazza del Duomo, Historic Center of Florence (UNESCO).
Entrances: Cathedral (main façade and side doors), Brunelleschi’s Dome (north side), Giotto’s Bell Tower (base of the tower), Baptistery (opposite the façade), and the Opera del Duomo Museum (behind the Cathedral).
Fastest way: Walk from Firenze S. M. Novella (SMN) station (10–15 min) or take the Tramvia to the station area, then walk.

From SMN Station

Exit toward Piazza dell’Unità Italiana → walk along Via dei Cerretani (straight shot) → Piazza del Duomo. Flat, well-signed route.

Within the Center

Most sights are 5–15 minutes on foot. Streets are pedestrian-friendly; use Google/Apple Maps for the shortest lanes and car-free paths.

Option 1 — On Foot from Santa Maria Novella (Fast & Direct)

Best for most visitors; avoids traffic and ZTL restrictions.

From station concourse, follow signs to Piazza dell’Unità Italiana.
Walk Via Panzani → Via dei Cerretani (shops and cafés along the way).
Arrive in Piazza del Duomo facing the Cathedral, Dome, and Bell Tower.
Time: roughly 10–15 minutes at a relaxed pace.

Tip

Early morning (before 9:30) means emptier streets and softer light for photos of the façade and Baptistery.

Option 2 — Tramvia (Modern Light Rail)

Lines & Stops

Use T2 from Peretola Airport to Unità / Alamanni – Stazione (for SMN), then walk 10–12 minutes to the Duomo. T1 and T3 also connect suburbs and hospitals to the station area.

Tickets

Buy at platform machines or authorized newsstands. Validate on board or at platforms. City tickets are time-based and cover tram + bus during their validity.

Wayfinding

From Unità or Alamanni stops, follow pedestrian signs to Duomo via Via dei Cerretani or Via de’ Banchi.

Good to Know

Trams run frequently from early morning to late evening. Lifts/ramps available at most platforms for wheelchair users and strollers.

Tip

Tram is usually faster than buses at peak times and avoids historic-center traffic snarls.

Option 3 — City Bus & Short Walks

Florence’s ATAF buses link neighborhoods with the center. Popular drop areas include Piazza San Marco, Via de’ Martelli (near the Duomo), and the Stazione SMN hub. From any of these, it’s a brief walk to the Cathedral.

Buy and validate tickets before boarding where possible (tobacconists, newsstands, tram machines).
Small streets can be pedestrian-only; follow the last 200–400 m on foot.

Tip

Use the official ATAF app or Google Maps for live bus times and the best stop near your accommodation.

From Airports & Other Cities

Florence Airport (FLR)

Take Tram T2 from the terminal to Unità/Alamanni – Stazione (≈ 20 min), then walk 10–12 minutes to the Duomo.

Pisa Airport (PSA)

PisaMover shuttle → Pisa Centrale → regional train to Firenze SMN (about 1–1.5 hours total), then walk to the Duomo.

High-Speed Trains

From Rome/Milan/Venice, Frecciarossa or Italo to Firenze SMN. The Cathedral is a straightforward 10–15 minute walk.

With Luggage

Historic streets are cobbled; consider rolling suitcases slowly or using station luggage storage before your visit.

Accessibility

Tram and most station areas are step-free. The Cathedral has designated accessible routes; Dome and Bell Tower involve long stair climbs with no elevators.

Driving, Parking & ZTL

ZTL (Limited-Traffic Zone)

The historic center is controlled by cameras. Non-resident vehicles can be fined if entering during ZTL hours. Avoid driving to the Duomo doorstep.

Recommended Garages

Park outside or at the edge of the ZTL: Parcheggio Stazione SMN, Fortezza Fiera, Parterre, or Sant’Ambrogio. Then walk or take the tram/bus.

Taxis & Ride-Hailing

Set drop near Piazza San Marco or Via dei Cerretani for an easy, flat walk into Piazza del Duomo.

Cycling

Bike lanes ring the center; walking the final block is often required. Use marked racks near the Cathedral perimeter.

Practical Tips

Dress Code

Shoulders and knees covered to enter the Cathedral and Baptistery. Bring a light scarf in summer.

Tickets & Timing

Dome and Bell Tower climbs use timed entries. Book early in peak months and arrive 15–20 minutes ahead to find the correct entrance.

Bags & Security

Small daypacks are fine; large luggage is not allowed. Expect bag checks at some entrances.

Best Light

Morning for marble detail; late afternoon for warm tones. Blue hour is ideal for Baptistery reflections.

Getting There Cheatsheet

Closest Hubs

Firenze SMN (train) • Tram T1/T2 stops Alamanni / Unità

Typical Times

SMN → Duomo: 10–15 min walk • Airport (FLR) → SMN: ~20 min by Tram T2

Key Entrances

Cathedral (façade/side) • Dome (north side) • Bell Tower (at base) • Baptistery (opposite façade)

Apps

Google/Apple Maps • Official ATAF app for buses • Trenitalia/Italo for trains • Tramvia info boards

Photos

Best angles from Piazza del Duomo corners and along Via dei Calzaiuoli.

Weather Watch

Summer heat builds after 11:00; aim early or late. Winter can be damp—pack a compact umbrella.

Ready to Visit the Duomo?

Book your timed tickets for the Dome climb, Bell Tower, Baptistery and Museum, then choose the route that fits your day—walk, tram, or bus from Santa Maria Novella.

Book Florence Cathedral Tickets