How to Get from Prato to Peretola Airport

The train + tram combination is the most popular and recommended way to reach Peretola Airport from Prato. It balances speed, cost, and reliability perfectly. Here is everything you need to know.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prato Centrale → Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN): Board a Regionale or Regionale Veloce train operated by Trenitalia. Trains run every 15–30 minutes from early morning (around 5:00 AM) until late evening (around 11:30 PM). The journey takes 20–30 minutes. A one-way ticket costs €3.50 (US$3.80) for second class. First class is not necessary for this short ride.
2. Transfer at SMN: Arrive at track 1–16 (depending on the train). Follow signs for “Tramvia T2” or “Aeroporto”. The T2 tram stop is located just outside the train station, a 3–5 minute walk from the main hall. Look for the orange and white tram vehicles.
3. T2 Tram to Airport: Take the T2 “Vespucci” tram toward “Peretola Aeroporto”. Trams run every 5–10 minutes, and the ride to the terminal takes 15–20 minutes. A single ticket costs €1.50 (US$1.60). The tram drops you right at the terminal entrance.

Train Types & Frequency

Train Type	Frequency	Travel Time	Ticket Price (2nd class)	Notes
Regionale	Every 15–30 min	22–28 min	€3.50 (US$3.80)	Most common; stops at all stations
Regionale Veloce	Every 30–60 min	18–22 min	€3.50 (US$3.80)	Fewer stops; slightly faster

Source: Trenitalia official timetable — data verified March 2025.

Tram T2 Details

• Operator: GEST (Gestione del Servizio Tramviario).
• Hours: 5:00 AM – 12:30 AM (last departure from SMN toward airport around 12:10 AM).
• Ticket: €1.50 (US$1.60) — valid for 90 minutes from validation. You can buy tickets at tabacchi, newsstands, automatic vending machines at SMN, or via the AT Bus&Go app.
• Luggage: Trams have designated luggage areas; suitcases and backpacks are allowed.

Source: GEST tram network — official route and frequency information.

Why This Is the Best Option

The train + tram route is frequent, affordable, and weather-independent. Unlike buses, trams are not affected by traffic congestion. The total cost (€5.00) is less than a cappuccino and pastry at the airport. For 90% of travelers, this is the optimal choice.

Potential Drawbacks

• One transfer: You need to change from train to tram. The walk is short, but if you have heavy luggage or mobility issues, a taxi might be easier.
• Late-night arrivals: After 12:30 AM, the tram stops running. A night bus (N1) runs hourly but takes longer. After 11:30 PM, trains from Prato become less frequent — plan accordingly.

If you prefer a bus-only route or need to travel when trains are less frequent, the bus is a viable — though less convenient — option. There is no direct bus from Prato to Peretola Airport, but you can combine a Prato–Firenze bus with a tram or airport shuttle.

Option 1: Bus + Tram (Recommended Bus Combo)

1. Prato → Firenze (Piazza della Libertà or SMN): Take an Autolinee Toscane bus (line 2, 4, 30, or 51) from Prato bus station (Piazza del Duomo or Stazione FS). The ride takes 30–40 minutes and costs €2.50–€3.00 (US$2.70–3.30), depending on the line.
2. Transfer to T2 Tram: From Piazza della Libertà, walk 5 minutes to the SMN tram stop. Take the T2 tram to the airport (€1.50, 15–20 min).

Total time: ~55–65 minutes. Total cost: ~€4.00–4.50 (US$4.30–4.90).

Option 2: Bus + Volainbus Shuttle

From Firenze SMN, you can also take the Volainbus airport shuttle (operated by Busitalia) instead of the tram. The shuttle runs every 20–30 minutes, costs €6.00 (US$6.50), and takes 20–25 minutes. This is more expensive than the tram and no faster, so we recommend the tram instead.

Night Bus Option

If you arrive at Prato after midnight, the N1 night bus runs from Firenze SMN to Peretola Airport every 60 minutes (cost: €1.50). To reach Firenze from Prato after midnight, take the night bus line N3 from Prato Centrale (hourly, €2.50). The full journey takes about 75 minutes.

Bus Luggage & Comfort

• Buses have underfloor luggage compartments — suitcases up to 23 kg are allowed.
• Buses can be crowded during peak commuter hours (7:30–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM).
• Tickets must be purchased before boarding at tabacchi, newsstands, or via the AT Bus&Go app. You cannot buy tickets from the driver.

Source: Autolinee Toscane official routes — timetable and fare information.

If you value convenience, privacy, or speed, a taxi or pre-booked private transfer is the best choice. This is the only true door-to-door option and works well for families, groups, late-night arrivals, or travelers with heavy luggage.

Typical Costs

Service	Estimated Cost	Travel Time	Booking Required?
Licensed taxi (Prato–airport)	€35–€45 (US$38–49)	20–30 min	Recommended, not required
Private transfer (pre-booked)	€40–€55 (US$43–60)	20–30 min	Yes — book 24h in advance
Uber / rideshare	€30–€45 (US$32–49)	20–30 min	On demand via app

Prices are indicative and based on standard daytime fares. Late-night and holiday surcharges may apply.

When to Choose a Taxi

• Late-night or early-morning flights: Trains and trams stop running after midnight. Taxis operate 24/7.
• Heavy or bulky luggage: If you have more than two large suitcases, or sports equipment, a taxi saves hassle.
• Mobility concerns: The train + tram involves stairs and walking. Taxis offer step-free access.
• Groups of 3–4 people: Splitting the fare makes it comparable to train tickets for a group.
• Business travelers: Time is money — a taxi saves 20–25 minutes compared to public transport.

How to Book

• Radio Taxi Prato: +39 0574 5555 (24h).
• Apps: Uber, Free Now, and ItTaxi operate in the Florence/Prato area.
• Private transfer companies: Welcome Pickups, Kiwitaxi, or local providers — book online for a fixed price.

Important: Always confirm the fare before starting the ride. Licensed taxis use a meter; private transfers have a fixed price. Avoid unlicensed drivers at the airport.

Driving from Prato to Peretola Airport is quick and straightforward, especially if you already have a car or are on a road trip through Tuscany. However, parking costs at the airport can add up quickly.

Route Details

• Distance: ~15 km (9.3 miles).
• Drive time: 20–25 minutes in normal traffic; up to 40 minutes during peak hours (8:00–9:30 AM and 5:30–7:00 PM).
• Route: Take the A11 motorway from Prato toward Florence, exit at “Firenze Ovest” and follow signs for “Aeroporto Peretola”. The airport is well signposted.
• Tolls: The A11 toll between Prato and Firenze Ovest is €2.00 (US$2.20) for a standard car.

Parking at Peretola Airport

Parking Lot	Distance to Terminal	Rate (per day)	Notes
P1 Short Stay	2 min walk	€5.00 / hour (max €30/day)	Best for drop-offs & pick-ups
P2 Long Stay	5 min walk	€20.00 (US$21.60)	Most popular for multi-day trips
P3 Economy	10 min walk (free shuttle)	€15.00 (US$16.20)	Best value for 3+ days
P4 VIP / Covered	3 min walk	€35.00 (US$37.80)	Indoor parking, valet option

Source: Florence Airport official parking — rates verified March 2025.

Renting a Car

If you are renting a car in Prato and dropping it off at the airport, major agencies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt) have desks at Peretola Airport. A one-way rental from Prato to the airport is usually €50–€90 (US$54–97) for a small car, depending on the company and season. Book online in advance for the best rates.

Fuel Costs

The round-trip fuel cost for a standard car is approximately €3–€4 (US$3.20–4.30) — negligible compared to parking fees. If you are driving just for the airport run, factor in parking costs before deciding.

Use this table to compare every transport option side-by-side. We have highlighted the cheapest and the fastest for quick reference.

Transport Mode	Total Time	Total Cost (One Way)	Transfers	Best For…
🚆 Train + Tram ⭐	40–50 min	€5.00 (US$5.40) 🟢 Cheapest	1 (walk at SMN)	90% of travelers — best value
🚌 Bus + Tram	55–65 min	€4.00–4.50 (US$4.30–4.90)	1–2	Budget travelers near bus stops
🚖 Taxi / Private	20–30 min 🟢 Fastest	€35–45 (US$38–49)	0 (door-to-door)	Groups, late nights, heavy luggage
🚗 Drive + Park (1 day)	20–30 min	€22–35 (US$24–38) incl. toll & parking	0	Travelers with a car, multi-stop trips
🚗 Drive + Park (3 days)	20–30 min	€47–65 (US$51–70) incl. toll & parking	0	Long trips with family

Where to Buy Tickets

• Train tickets: Trenitalia app, Trenitalia.com, automatic vending machines at Prato Centrale, or staffed ticket counters.
• Tram tickets: AT Bus&Go app, tabacchi, newsstands, or vending machines at SMN tram stop.
• Bus tickets: AT Bus&Go app, tabacchi, newsstands — not available from the driver.
• Taxi / private transfer: Book via app or call directly. Pay by card or cash.
• Parking: Pre-book online at Florence Airport website for discounts (up to 15% off).

💡 Tip: Buy a round-trip train ticket from Prato to Firenze SMN — it costs only €7.00 (US$7.60) and saves €0.50 compared to two singles.

After hundreds of trips between Prato and Peretola Airport, here are the most useful tips to save time, money, and stress.

1. Luggage: Use the “Takkyubin” Service (Baggage Delivery)

If you have heavy suitcases, consider using a baggage delivery service like Spediamo or Pony Express (available at Prato Centrale and the airport). You can send your luggage from Prato directly to the airport (or vice versa) for about €15–25 (US$16–27) per bag. This frees you up to travel light on the train+tram. Ask at the information desk at Prato Centrale for details.

2. Avoid Peak Commuter Hours

The train from Prato to Firenze SMN is crowded between 7:30–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM on weekdays. If you have a flight, add 15–20 minutes buffer during these times. The T2 tram is rarely overcrowded, but peak times see slightly longer wait intervals.

3. Navigating Firenze SMN (The Transfer)

Firenze SMN can feel chaotic if you are unfamiliar with it. Tip: When you exit the train, follow the yellow signs for “Tramvia T2” — do not follow “Uscita” (exit) signs, which lead to the street. The tram stop is located on the west side of the station (the side facing the airport). Walk straight through the main hall, exit through the glass doors, and you will see the tram station 50 meters ahead.

4. Check Your Flight Terminal — It Matters!

Peretola Airport has one terminal for all flights (domestic and Schengen). There is no separate terminal for non-Schengen — all gates are in the same building. However, charter flights sometimes use a separate area. Always check with your airline. The T2 tram stops right at the main entrance.

5. Booking in Advance: When It Matters

• Train tickets: No need to book in advance; just buy on the day. Regional trains do not sell out.
• Tram tickets: Buy at the station — no reservation needed.
• Taxi / private transfer: Strongly recommended for early-morning (before 6:00 AM) or late-night (after 10:00 PM) flights. Book at least 12 hours ahead.
• Parking: Book online at least 24 hours before departure for the best rates and guaranteed spot.

6. What If I Miss My Train?

Regional trains run frequently. If you miss one, simply wait for the next (15–30 min). Your ticket is valid for 4 hours after the printed time for regional trains, so you can board any later regional train without a new ticket. The T2 tram runs every 5–10 minutes, so missing one is rarely a problem.

7. Cash vs. Card

All ticket machines at Prato Centrale and SMN accept credit/debit cards. Tram vending machines also accept cards and contactless. Taxis in Prato and Florence are required to accept cards by law, but some drivers may claim their machine is “broken” — having €20–30 in cash is wise.

8. Stay Connected

Free Wi-Fi is available at Peretola Airport (network: “Aeroporto Firenze Free Wi-Fi”). On the train, Trenitalia offers free Wi-Fi on most Regional trains (look for “Trenitalia Wi-Fi” network). The T2 tram does not have Wi-Fi.

Pro tip: Download the Trenitalia and AT Bus&Go apps before your trip — they save time and let you buy tickets on the go.