Quick Answer
The best overall way to get from the Chianti region (Greve, Radda, Castellina) to Florence Peretola Airport (FLR) is the Bus + Tram combination: bus line 365 from Greve to Florence bus terminal (45–60 min, €7.00), then Tram T2 to the airport (15 min, €1.50). Total: €8.50 (approx. $9.20) and about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours door-to-door. For door-to-door convenience, a private transfer or taxi costs €80–€120 ($86–$130) and takes 40–60 minutes. If you're driving, non-stop via the SS222 takes 35–55 minutes plus parking fees.
🚌 Bus + Tram: The Budget-Friendly Standard
This is the most popular and cost-effective way to reach Peretola Airport from Chianti. The journey combines a regional bus from your Chianti town to Florence with the modern Tram T2 line that runs directly into the airport terminal. No need to buy separate tram tickets if you use the combined 'Urbano Metropolitano' ticket available at authorized newsstands.
Step-by-Step Itinerary (from Greve in Chianti)
- Bus 365 from Greve (Piazza della Resistenza) to Florence – Via Santa Caterina da Siena (bus terminal). Departures every 30–60 min, 05:30–21:00. Journey time: 45–60 min. Ticket: €7.00 (buy at Tabaccheria or via Autolinee Toscane app).
- Walk 5 min from the bus stop to Tram T2 station 'Unità' (follow the red signs).
- Board Tram T2 direction 'Aeroporto'. Journey time: 15 min, frequency every 4–8 min. Ticket: €1.50 (validate before boarding).
- Arrive at Peretola Airport Terminal – the tram stops right at the departures level.
Bus Services from Other Chianti Towns
| Starting Town | Bus Line | Frequency | Journey Time to Florence | Ticket Price (€ / $) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greve in Chianti | 365 | Every 30–60 min | 45–60 min | €7.00 ($7.55) |
| Radda in Chianti | 365 (via Greve) | Every 1–2 hours | 65–85 min | €8.50 ($9.20) |
| Castellina in Chianti | 125 → connect in Poggibonsi | Every 2 hours | 80–100 min | €9.00 ($9.70) |
| Gaiole in Chianti | 125 → connect in Poggibonsi | Every 2 hours | 90–110 min | €9.50 ($10.25) |
| Panzano in Chianti | 365 | Every 60–90 min | 50–70 min | €7.50 ($8.10) |
Ticket Purchase & Validation
- Bus tickets: Buy at Tabaccherie, newsstands, or via the Autolinee Toscane official app. Tickets must be validated onboard using the yellow machine.
- Tram tickets: Available at automatic vending machines at every tram stop (cash or card). Validate the ticket at the platform validator before boarding. A single ticket is valid for 90 minutes.
- Combined ticket: The 'Biglietto Urbano Metropolitano' (€8.00 / $8.65) covers both the regional bus and the urban tram for 120 minutes – ask at the Greve Tabaccheria.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Pros: Very cheap, reliable, frequent departures, tram goes directly into the airport.
- ❌ Cons: Two transfers, limited luggage space on busy buses, last bus from Greve around 21:00.
Source: Autolinee Toscane – Line 365 timetable (accessed 2025).
🚆 Train + Tram: Scenic but Indirect
Taking the train from Chianti to Peretola Airport is indirect but scenic. Since Chianti has no railway stations, you first need to reach Figline Valdarno station (about 20 min by bus from Greve) or Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN) after a bus ride. From Figline, regional trains run to Florence SMN, where you transfer to Tram T2 for the airport.
Route via Figline Valdarno (Best for Greve & eastern Chianti)
- Bus from Greve to Figline Valdarno station – line 365 (15–20 min, €3.50 / $3.80).
- Regional train Figline Valdarno → Firenze SMN – every 30 min, journey 20–25 min, €4.60 ($5.00).
- Tram T2 from SMN (underground station) to Aeroporto – 20 min, €1.50 ($1.60).
Total time: about 1 hour 50 minutes – 2 hours 15 minutes. Total cost: €9.60 ($10.40) – slightly cheaper but more transfers than the direct Bus+Tram via Florence.
Route via Firenze SMN (Best for western Chianti)
- Take a bus from your Chianti town directly to Florence bus terminal (as described in the Bus section).
- Walk 8 min to Firenze SMN railway station (or take Tram T1 one stop).
- Board Tram T2 from the SMN underground station to Aeroporto.
- Time: same as Bus+Tram (1h30–2h). Cost: same as Bus+Tram (€8.50).
Train vs. Bus: Which is better?
| Factor | Bus + Tram (direct via Florence) | Train + Tram (via Figline) |
|---|---|---|
| Total time | 1h30–2h00 | 1h50–2h15 |
| Cost | €8.50 ($9.20) | €9.60 ($10.40) |
| Number of transfers | 2 (bus → tram) | 3 (bus → train → tram) |
| Luggage ease | Medium (bus luggage bay) | More challenging (train + tram) |
| Frequency | Every 30–60 min | Every 60–90 min |
| First/last service | 05:30 – 21:00 | 06:00 – 22:30 (Figline) |
Source: Trenitalia regional train schedules and Gest Tram T2 line info (2025).
🚕 Taxi & Private Transfer: Maximum Comfort
For travelers who prioritize convenience, privacy, or have heavy luggage, a taxi or private transfer is the best option. The journey is door-to-door and takes 40–60 minutes from most Chianti towns. This is also the only reliable option for departures before 05:30 or after 21:00 when public transport is limited.
Taxi Fares (Official Licensed Taxis)
| From | Estimated Fare (€) | Estimated Fare ($) | Journey Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greve in Chianti | €80 – €100 | $86 – $108 | 40–50 min |
| Radda in Chianti | €95 – €115 | $103 – $124 | 50–60 min |
| Castellina in Chianti | €100 – €120 | $108 – $130 | 50–60 min |
| Gaiole in Chianti | €105 – €125 | $113 – $135 | 55–65 min |
| Panzano in Chianti | €85 – €105 | $92 – $113 | 45–55 min |
Note: Fares are indicative. Official taxi rates are regulated by the Florence municipality. Always confirm the price before departure. Uber operates only in Florence city center, not in Chianti.
Private Transfer Services
- Pre-booked car services (e.g., Welcome Pickups, Suntransfers) offer fixed prices, meet-and-greet, child seats, and often include flight tracking. Prices from €85–€120 ($92–$130).
- Shared shuttle vans (e.g., Busabout) serve Chianti on fixed routes but require booking 24h in advance. Cost around €35–€50 ($38–$54) per person – a middle ground between public transport and private transfer.
- Luxury / executive transfers (Mercedes E-Class or similar) start at €130 ($140) and include amenities like Wi-Fi and bottled water.
When to choose Taxi / Private Transfer
- 🔹 Departures before 06:00 or after 21:00 (no bus service).
- 🔹 Groups of 3–4 people (cost per person becomes comparable to Bus+Tram).
- 🔹 Families with small children (child seats available on request).
- 🔹 Travelers with more than 2 large suitcases or sports equipment.
- 🔹 Anyone with limited mobility or needing wheelchair assistance.
Source: Florence Airport – Official Taxi Information (2025).
🚗 Driving & Car Rental: Maximum Flexibility
Driving from Chianti to Peretola Airport is straightforward and flexible, especially if you already have a rental car for exploring Tuscany. The journey is 35–55 minutes via the main road SS222 (Via Chiantigiana) and the A1 motorway. This option is ideal for those returning a rental car at the airport or traveling with a lot of luggage.
Route Overview
- From Greve in Chianti: Take SS222 north toward Florence (30 km). In Florence, follow signs for Aeroporto / Peretola – exit the SS222 onto Viale Etruria, then follow Viale Guidoni to the airport. Time: 35–45 min.
- From Radda / Castellina: Take SR429 to Greve, then SS222 as above. Time: 50–65 min.
- From Gaiole: Take SP408 to Montevarchi, then A1 motorway north to Florence, exit at Firenze Scandicci, then follow airport signs. Time: 55–70 min.
Parking at Peretola Airport
| Parking Lot | Distance to Terminal | Daily Rate (€ / $) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| P1 – Short Stay | 2 min walk | €25 – €35 ($27–$38) | Drop-off / pick-up, max 4 hours |
| P2 – Long Stay | 5 min walk | €12 – €18 ($13–$19) | Multi-day parking (economy) |
| P3 – Premium | 1 min walk (covered) | €30 – €45 ($32–$49) | Business travelers, VIP |
| P4 – Long Stay (budget) | Free shuttle bus | €8 – €12 ($9–$13) | Budget-conscious, 5+ days |
Prices as of 2025. Book online via Florence Airport parking page for discounts (up to 30% off).
Car Rental Returns
- All major rental companies (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Budget) have desks at the airport arrivals hall. Return the car to the designated rental parking area (follow green signs).
- Allow 20–30 minutes for the return process (inspection, paperwork).
- If your rental company is located in Florence city center, you can drop the car there and take Tram T2 to the airport (15 min from SMN station).
Cost Breakdown (Driving)
- Fuel: €10–€15 ($11–$16) depending on distance and car type.
- Tolls: €2.40 ($2.60) if using A1 motorway from Incisa to Florence.
- Parking (3 days): €36–€54 ($39–$58) in P4 budget lot.
- Total estimated cost (3-day trip): €48–€71 ($52–$77) – comparable to two taxi rides.
Source: Florence Airport – Driving directions & parking (2025).
📊 Cost & Time Comparison – All Options at a Glance
Use this table to compare every transport method from Chianti (Greve in Chianti as reference) to Peretola Airport. We've rated each option for speed, cost, convenience, and luggage friendliness on a 1–5 scale.
| Transport Mode | Total Time | Cost (€ / $) | Transfers | Speed ★ | Cost ★ | Convenience ★ | Luggage ★ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚌 Bus + Tram 🏆 Best Budget | 1h30 – 2h00 | €8.50 / $9.20 | 2 | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| 🚆 Train + Tram | 1h50 – 2h15 | €9.60 / $10.40 | 3 | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| 🚕 Taxi / Private Transfer 🏆 Best Comfort | 40 – 60 min | €80–€120 / $86–$130 | 0 | ★★★★★ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| 🚗 Driving (own car) 🏆 Most Flexible | 35 – 55 min | €15–€25 / $16–$27 (fuel+tolls) | 0 | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| 🚗 Rental Car (return at airport) | 40 – 60 min | €48–€71 / $52–$77 (3-day parking) | 1 (drop-off) | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| 🚐 Shared Shuttle | 1h15 – 1h45 | €35–€50 / $38–$54 | 1–2 | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
Best Recommendation by Travel Profile
- 💼 Solo traveler on a budget: Bus + Tram (€8.50) – reliable and cheap.
- 👪 Family with kids / heavy luggage: Private transfer (€90–€120) – door-to-door, stress-free.
- 🚗 Road-tripper with rental car: Drive and park at P4 (€8–€12/day) – most flexible.
- 🌙 Late night / early morning departure: Taxi or private transfer (€80–€120) – only option after 21:00.
- 🎒 Backpacker: Bus + Tram (€8.50) – cheapest and easy with one backpack.
- 💼 Business traveler: Premium private transfer (€130+) or taxi – time is money.
Source: Prices verified via Autolinee Toscane, Trenitalia, and Florence Airport (2025).
💡 Traveler Tips & Insider Advice
After hundreds of trips through Chianti and Florence, here are real-world tips that will save you time, money, and stress.
🧳 Luggage & Baggage
- Use Takkyubin (baggage delivery) services – Companies like ViaggiaPresto or your hotel can forward your luggage directly to the airport for €15–€25 ($16–$27), so you can travel hands-free from Chianti.
- Bus luggage capacity: Line 365 has a luggage hold underneath, but space is limited. If you have more than 2 large suitcases, take a taxi or private transfer.
- Tram T2 luggage: The tram is level-access with dedicated luggage areas. No issues with standard suitcases.
⏰ Timing & Peak Season
- Rush hour in Florence: Avoid arriving at the bus terminal between 07:30–09:00 and 17:30–19:00 on weekdays. The tram gets very crowded, and traffic on the SS222 can add 20–30 min.
- Holiday warnings: During Easter week, August (Ferragosto), and Christmas–New Year period, bus and tram frequencies may be reduced, and taxi prices surge. Book private transfers at least 48h in advance.
- Strikes (Sciopero): Italian public transport strikes are common, usually on Fridays. Check Autolinee Toscane alerts 24h before travel. During a strike, a taxi is your only reliable option.
🚉 Station Navigation
- Florence bus terminal (Via Santa Caterina da Siena) is a 5-min walk from Tram T2 station 'Unità'. Look for the red tram signs – do not follow Google Maps walking directions that take you to the wrong side of the street.
- Firenze SMN station is huge. The T2 tram stop is in the underground level (follow 'Tramvia' signs from platform 1). Allow 10 min to navigate if you're unfamiliar.
- Figline Valdarno station is small and easy to navigate. Trains to Florence leave from platform 1 (every 30 min).
💸 Money-Saving Tips
- Buy the 'Urbano Metropolitano' ticket (€8.00) at Tabaccheria in Greve – it covers both the bus to Florence and the tram to the airport within 120 min. Saves €0.50 compared to buying separately.
- Group discount on taxis: Some taxi companies offer a flat rate for groups of 4–5 passengers. Ask for 'Tariffa Fissa' when booking.
- Parking promo codes: Check the airport parking website for 'early bird' discounts – up to 30% off if you book 7 days in advance.
Source: Florence Airport – Travel Tips and local Chianti tourism boards.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there a direct bus from Chianti to Peretola Airport?
No, there is no direct bus. You must take a bus from your Chianti town (e.g., line 365 from Greve) to Florence's bus terminal, then transfer to Tram T2 direction Aeroporto. The tram stops directly at the terminal departures level. Total time: 1h30–2h00.
2. How do I get from Chianti to Peretola Airport at night?
After 21:00, bus frequencies drop significantly. A taxi or private transfer is the most reliable option, costing €80–€120 ($86–$130). Some pre-booked car services operate 24/7. Always confirm availability at least 24 hours in advance for late-night travel.
3. What is the cheapest way from Chianti to Peretola Airport?
The Bus + Tram combination is cheapest: bus line 365 from Greve to Florence (€7.00) plus Tram T2 to the airport (€1.50) = €8.50 (approx. $9.20). Children under 12 travel at reduced fares. Tickets must be validated before boarding.
4. How long does it take from Chianti to Peretola Airport?
By Bus + Tram: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your exact starting town. By taxi or private transfer: 40–60 minutes. By car: 35–55 minutes via the SS222. Always add 30 minutes buffer during morning rush (07:30–09:00) and holiday periods.
5. Is a private transfer from Chianti to Peretola Airport worth it?
Yes for groups of 3–4 people, families with young children, travelers with heavy luggage, or those departing very early or late. The cost (€80–€120 / $86–$130) is comparable to a taxi but offers fixed pricing, meet-and-greet service, and often child seats. For solo travelers on a budget, Bus + Tram is better.
6. Can I take the train from Chianti to Peretola Airport?
Indirectly. Chianti has no train stations. Take a bus to Figline Valdarno station (20 min from Greve), then a regional train to Firenze Santa Maria Novella (20 min, €4.60), then Tram T2 to the airport (20 min, €1.50). Total: about 2 hours and €9.60 – slightly cheaper but more transfers than the direct Bus+Tram option.
7. How much is a taxi from Chianti to Florence Peretola Airport?
A licensed taxi from Greve in Chianti costs €80–€100 ($86–$108). From Radda or Castellina €95–€120 ($103–$130). Official taxis have a meter; always confirm the price before departure. Uber is not widely available in Chianti; use local taxi apps like 'Taxi Firenze'.
8. What is the best transport from Chianti to Peretola Airport for a family with kids?
A private transfer or taxi is recommended for families. It offers door-to-door service, child seats on request, and avoids the hassle of multiple transfers with strollers and luggage. Cost €90–€120 ($97–$130). The Bus+Tram option is doable but involves a 5-minute walk between the bus stop and tram station.