Quick Answer
Best way: Bus + Tram T2 — the most balanced option for cost and speed. Take an Autolinee Toscane bus from San Gimignano to Florence (~1h15, €7–10), then Tram T2 to Peretola Airport (20 min, €1.50). Total time: ~1 hour 45 minutes. Total cost: €8.50–€11.50 (~$9–$12). Fastest option: Taxi / private transfer (45–55 min, €100–150). Cheapest option: Same bus + tram combo. There is no direct public transport from San Gimignano to the airport — all routes require one transfer in Florence.
Option 1: Bus + Train + Tram (via Poggibonsi)
Best for: travellers who already hold a Trenitalia rail pass or prefer train comfort for the main leg. San Gimignano has no train station, so a short bus hop to Poggibonsi-San Gimignano station is required first.
Step‑by‑Step Journey
- Step 1 — Bus to Poggibonsi: From San Gimignano (Piazza Montorsoli or Porta San Giovanni), take the Autolinee Toscane local bus to Poggibonsi station. Frequency: every 20–30 minutes. Journey: 20 minutes. Fare: €2–3 (~$2–$3).
- Step 2 — Train to Florence: Board a Trenitalia Regionale train from Poggibonsi to Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN). Frequency: 1–2 trains per hour. Journey: 45–55 minutes. Fare: €8–10 (~$9–$11). Seats are spacious with overhead luggage racks.
- Step 3 — Tram T2 to Airport: From Florence SMN, follow signs to the Tram T2 stop (directly outside the station). Buy a ticket from the machine (€1.50, ~$1.60). Journey to Peretola Airport: 20 minutes, trams every 5–10 minutes.
Train Types & Comparison
| Train Type | Journey Time | Frequency | Price (€) | Seat Reservation | Luggage Space |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regionale | 45–55 min | 1–2 per hour | €8–10 | Not required | Overhead racks + ends of carriages |
| Regionale Veloce | 40–50 min | Limited stops | €8–10 | Not required | Same as Regionale |
Note: Intercity and Frecce trains also run from Poggibonsi but require a reservation and cost €12–18. They are not worth the extra cost for this short journey.
Total Time & Cost Summary
- Total time: ~2 hours (including waiting times between connections).
- Total cost: €11.50–€14.50 (~$12–$16).
- Pros: Comfortable seats, good luggage space, reliable schedule.
- Cons: Two transfers; slightly longer than the direct bus option.
Official sources: Trenitalia timetables · Autolinee Toscane bus schedules
Option 2: Car Rental & Self‑Driving (Alternative to Flying)
Flying is not applicable for this short distance (only 65 km / 40 miles). However, self‑driving or renting a car is a practical alternative for those who value flexibility, travelling in groups, or carrying lots of luggage.
Route Overview
- Distance: ~65 km from San Gimignano to Peretola Airport (FLR).
- Driving time: 45–55 minutes in normal traffic; up to 1h15 in peak hours.
- Recommended route: Take the FI-PI-LI highway (SS67) from Poggibonsi towards Florence, then join the A1 motorway and exit at Firenze Sud following signs to the airport. Alternatively, use the SR-2 to Empoli and connect to the FI-PI-LI.
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost (€) | Cost ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel (petrol, ~65 km) | €10–€15 | $11–$16 |
| Highway toll (A1 section) | €3–€5 | $3–$5 |
| Airport parking (1 day) | €20–€30 | $22–$32 |
| Total (one way) | €33–€50 | $36–$54 |
Rental Car Practicalities
- Pick‑up locations: Major agencies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt) have offices in San Gimignano town centre or in nearby Poggibonsi. Advance booking is essential in summer.
- One‑way fees: Dropping the car at the airport may incur a €20–€40 surcharge. Confirm when booking.
- Fuel policy: Most rentals require a full‑to‑full tank. The nearest petrol station to the airport is just off the A1 exit.
- ZTL warning: San Gimignano's historic centre is a ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone). If your accommodation is inside the walls, ask for a permit or park outside.
When to Choose Self‑Driving
- Family or group of 3–4 people (cost per person becomes competitive).
- Heavy luggage or sports equipment (golf clubs, bikes).
- You plan to visit other Tuscan towns (Siena, Volterra, Monteriggioni) en route.
- Late‑night or very early‑morning flight when public transport is limited.
Official sources: Florence Airport parking info · Autostrade per l'Italia (tolls)
Option 3: Direct Bus + Tram T2 (Recommended)
This is the best all‑round option for most travellers. It combines a comfortable direct bus from San Gimignano to Florence with a quick tram connection to the airport — all for under €12.
Step‑by‑Step Journey
- Step 1 — Bus to Florence: Board the Autolinee Toscane bus from San Gimignano (Piazza Montorsoli) to Florence Bus Station (Firenze Autostazione) near the SMN train station. Frequency: roughly every 30–60 minutes depending on season. Journey: 1 hour 10 – 1 hour 20 minutes. Fare: €7–€10 (~$8–$11). Tickets can be bought at Tabacchi shops, the bus station, or via the Autolinee Toscane app.
- Step 2 — Walk to Tram T2: From the bus station, it is a 4‑minute walk (300 m) to the Tram T2 stop "Firenze SMN" located in Piazza della Stazione.
- Step 3 — Tram to Airport: Buy a €1.50 ticket from the machine (credit card or cash). Trams run every 5–10 minutes. The journey to Peretola Airport (FLR) takes exactly 20 minutes. The tram runs from approximately 5:00 AM to midnight.
Key Details at a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total journey time | ~1 hour 45 minutes (1h15 bus + 20 min tram + 10 min buffer) |
| Total cost | €8.50–€11.50 (~$9–$12) |
| Number of transfers | 1 (bus → tram, both in Florence) |
| First bus from San Gimignano | ~5:00 AM (check app for exact time) |
| Last bus from San Gimignano | ~8:30 – 9:00 PM (reduced on Sundays) |
| Tram operating hours | ~5:00 AM – 12:00 AM (midnight) |
Why This Option Wins
- Cheapest of all options (€8.50–€11.50).
- Simple — only one transfer, both in the same area of Florence.
- Reliable — buses and trams run frequently; tram T2 is never stuck in traffic.
- No booking needed — bus tickets are open (just validate on board), tram tickets are single‑use.
Potential Downsides
- Buses can get crowded in summer (July–August) and during peak commuter times.
- Limited late‑evening departures — if your flight is after 10 PM, consider a taxi or private transfer.
- Sunday schedules are reduced; always check the current timetable in advance.
Official sources: Autolinee Toscane (bus routes & tickets) · Gestram – Tram T2 official page · Florence Airport – Tram T2 info
Option 4: Taxi & Private Transfer
Best for: travellers who prioritise speed, comfort, and door‑to‑door service — and are willing to pay a premium. Not recommended for budget‑conscious visitors.
Cost & Journey Details
- Journey time: 45–55 minutes (depending on traffic and route).
- Distance: ~65 km via FI-PI-LI + A1.
- Cost: €100–€150 (~$108–$162). Prices vary by:
- Time of day (night surcharge of 20–30% after 10 PM).
- Number of passengers (some companies charge per person).
- Vehicle type (sedan vs. estate / minivan).
- Booking platform (local vs. online aggregator).
Taxi vs. Private Transfer
| Feature | Metered Taxi | Private Transfer (pre‑booked) |
|---|---|---|
| Price certainty | Variable (traffic, route) | Fixed price (agreed in advance) |
| Payment | Cash / card (some taxis card only for trips over €10) | Card online or cash to driver |
| Vehicle quality | Standard white taxis (variable condition) | Well‑maintained, often premium cars |
| Meet & greet | No — you queue at the stand | Driver waits with name sign |
| Child seats | Rarely available | Can be requested (€10–€15 surcharge) |
When to Choose a Taxi / Private Transfer
- Late‑night or early‑morning flights (before 5 AM or after 10 PM) when buses are not running.
- Groups of 3–4 people — cost per person becomes comparable to bus + tram (€25–€38 pp).
- Heavy luggage (more than one large suitcase per person).
- Mobility issues — no stairs, no long walks, door‑to‑door service.
- Business travellers who value time savings (saving ~1 hour vs. public transport).
Booking Tips
- Always book in advance for airport transfers — especially in high season (May–October).
- Use reputable platforms: Viator, GetYourGuide, or local companies like NCC Toscana.
- Confirm the price includes tolls, luggage, and any night surcharge before confirming.
- Allow 10–15 minutes of buffer for pick‑up — the driver may come from Florence.
Official sources: Florence Airport – Taxi info · Comune di Firenze – taxi rates
Cost & Time Comparison: All Options Side‑by‑Side
Use this table to quickly compare every transport mode from San Gimignano to Peretola Airport. The best overall pick is highlighted.
| Transport Mode | Total Time | Total Cost (€) | Total Cost ($) | Transfers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Bus + Tram T2 | 1h45 | €8.50–€11.50 | $9–$12 | 1 | Most travellers – cheapest & simplest |
| Bus + Train + Tram | ~2h | €11.50–€14.50 | $12–$16 | 2 | Rail pass holders, train comfort |
| Self‑Driving (fuel + toll + parking) | 45–55 min | €33–€50 | $36–$54 | 0 | Families, groups, heavy luggage |
| Taxi / Private Transfer | 45–55 min | €100–€150 | $108–$162 | 0 | Late/early flights, business, mobility needs |
Where to Buy Tickets
- Bus tickets (San Gimignano ↔ Florence): Buy at Tabacchi shops in San Gimignano, at the bus station, or via the Autolinee Toscane app (iOS/Android). Validate on board.
- Train tickets (Poggibonsi ↔ Florence): Purchase on the Trenitalia app, at station self‑service kiosks, or ticket counters. Regionale tickets are valid for 4 hours after validation.
- Tram T2 tickets: Available only from ticket machines at tram stops (cash or card). Single ride: €1.50. A 2‑ride ticket (€2.80) is also available.
- Private transfers: Book via Viator, GetYourGuide, or local operators. Payment online secures the booking.
Money‑saving tip: If you are taking the bus + tram option, buy a 2‑ride tram ticket (€2.80) if you plan to use the tram again within 90 minutes — otherwise the single ride (€1.50) is fine.
Traveler Tips & Insider Advice
Real‑world advice gathered from frequent travellers and local experts to make your journey smoother.
🚶 Luggage & Baggage
- Use a luggage delivery service – Companies like Spedire Bagagli or LuggageFree can pick up your suitcases from your San Gimignano accommodation and deliver them directly to Peretola Airport. Costs around €25–€35 per suitcase. This lets you travel hands‑free on the bus.
- Buses have limited luggage space – If you have more than one large suitcase, the bus + tram option becomes cumbersome. Consider a private transfer or the train (which has dedicated luggage areas).
- Tram T2 is wheelchair and stroller accessible – Ramps at every stop, dedicated spaces inside.
🔄 Navigating Transfers in Florence
- Florence bus station → Tram T2: Exit the bus station (Firenze Autostazione) and walk straight towards the SMN train station — you'll see the tram tracks. Total walk: 4 minutes. Follow the signs for "Tram T2 – Aeroporto".
- SMN train station → Tram T2: The tram stop is directly in front of the station's main entrance. You cannot miss it.
- Validate your bus ticket – Insert it into the validation machine on board. Unvalidated tickets are considered fare evasion (fine €50–€100).
📅 Seasonal & Timing Warnings
- Summer (June–September): Buses from San Gimignano to Florence are often packed with tourists. Arrive at the bus stop 15 minutes early. Consider buying a return ticket the day before to save time.
- Sunday & holiday schedules: Many buses run on a reduced "festivo" timetable — some routes have only 4–5 departures per day. Always check the Autolinee Toscane app for the exact schedule.
- Early‑morning flights: The first bus from San Gimignano departs around 5:00 AM, arriving in Florence at ~6:15 AM. If your flight is before 8:00 AM, staying the night near the airport or taking a taxi is safer.
- Strikes (scioperi): Public transport strikes in Italy are not uncommon. Check Autolinee Toscane or local news for strike alerts. A taxi is the only guaranteed backup.
💡 Local Know‑How
- Bus tickets can be bought on the app – The Autolinee Toscane app (available in English) allows you to buy and store tickets digitally. No need to find a Tabacchi.
- Tram T2 runs late but not 24/7 – Last tram from SMN to the airport is around 12:00 AM (midnight). After that, a night bus (line N1) operates but is slower.
- If you miss the last bus – Your fallback is a taxi from San Gimignano (€100–€150) or, if you are already in Florence, a taxi from SMN to the airport (€20–€25).
- Free water at the airport – Peretola Airport has water fountains after security. Fill your bottle instead of buying overpriced plastic.
Official sources: Florence Airport – accessibility · Autolinee Toscane app guide
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
1. Is there a direct bus from San Gimignano to Florence Peretola Airport?
No. There is no direct bus to the airport. You must take an Autolinee Toscane bus from San Gimignano to Florence (€7–10, ~1h15) and then transfer to Tram T2 at the Florence bus station (€1.50, 20 min). The entire journey takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. This is the most popular and cost‑effective way.
2. What is the cheapest way to get from San Gimignano to Peretola Airport?
The bus + tram combination is the cheapest option at €8.50–€11.50 (~$9–$12). Take the Autolinee Toscane bus to Florence, then Tram T2 to the airport. No other transport mode comes close to this price. If you already have a Trenitalia rail pass, the bus + train + tram route could be even cheaper (€5–€7 for the bus segments only).
3. How long does it take to get from San Gimignano to Florence Airport by public transport?
By public transport, expect 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes. The fastest public option (bus + tram) takes ~1h45. The bus + train + tram route takes ~2h. Delays due to traffic or strikes can add 20–30 minutes. Always allow a 2‑hour buffer for airport arrival.
4. Is there a train from San Gimignano to Florence Airport?
San Gimignano has no train station. The nearest station is Poggibonsi-San Gimignano, 7 km away. To reach the airport by train, you must: (1) take a local bus to Poggibonsi (20 min, €2–3), (2) board a Regionale train to Florence SMN (50 min, €8–10), and (3) take Tram T2 to the airport (20 min, €1.50). Total: ~2 hours, €11.50–€14.50.
5. How much is a taxi from San Gimignano to Peretola Airport?
A taxi or private transfer costs €100–€150 (~$108–$162) for the 45‑55 minute journey. Prices vary by company, time of day, and number of passengers. Fixed‑price private transfers booked online (e.g., via Viator or local NCC services) are recommended over metered taxis to avoid surcharges.
6. What time does the first and last bus run from San Gimignano to Florence?
The first bus departs San Gimignano around 5:00 AM (Piazza Montorsoli). The last bus leaves around 8:30–9:00 PM, depending on the day. Sunday and holiday schedules are reduced — some departures may stop at 7:00 PM. Always verify on the Autolinee Toscane app for the current date.
7. Is it better to drive or take public transport from San Gimignano to Florence Airport?
For most travellers, public transport (bus + tram) is better: it costs €8.50–€11.50 vs. €33–€50 for driving, and avoids ZTL restricted zones, traffic, and parking fees. Self‑driving makes sense for families (3+ people), those with heavy luggage, or travellers with late/early flights. If you drive, pre‑book airport parking online for a discount.
8. Can I use a rental car to get from San Gimignano to Peretola Airport?
Yes. Renting a car and dropping it at the airport is straightforward. Major agencies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt) have offices in San Gimignano or Poggibonsi. Drive time ~50 minutes via FI-PI-LI + A1. Note: one‑way fees (€20–€40) may apply, and you must return the car with a full tank. Pre‑book online for the best rates.