Cheap flights to Florence, Italy

Florence Travel Guide

Whether you’re an art lover, a nature lover, a lover of food and wine or simply in love with someone else, board a flight to Florence and immerse yourself in the romance and passion that encompasses this city. Florence’s landscape is what renders people awe-struck, and also why it’s referred to as one of Italy’s most beautiful cities. Draped with vineyards and decorated with art, Florence is simply captivating. 

Located in the northwest of Italy, travelers booking flights to Florence will be immediately inspired by the city’s famous surroundings. It’s hard to miss Brunelleschi's cathedral dome crowning along the skyline or the palaces of Michelozzo hidden in the valleys. Florence has an element of elegance that surpasses that of any other Italian city. From its perfectly lined landscape to the picturesque countryside, it’s likely you’ll fall in love with Florence. Don’t be surprised if your inner-artist yearns to break free in Florence – standing among Botticelli’s paintings and Michelangelo’s sculptures might motivate you to capture the character of Florence on your own canvas. Whatever the reason for your visit to this amazing city, here are some tips to help you plan and enjoy the smoothest possible trip.

What’s the weather like in Florence?

The most comfortable time in Florence would be between the hot Mediterranean summer and the dark, damp winter months. With summer highs scorching at 90 degrees Fahrenheit and winter lows bottoming out at 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the most comfortable weather in Florence is from the beginning of April through June, and from September through the end of October, when the weather is dry and the sun is out.

When is the best time to fly to Florence?

Peak Season

Florence is one of the most beautiful and must-see cities in Italy. A true renaissance time capsule with art by Brunelleschi, Donatello, Michelangelo and Botticelli. But while Florence is full of artistic treasures housed inside incredible buildings such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Pitti Palace, it’s not all about art and architecture. Travelers arriving on cheap flights to Florence will discover a warm, laid back city with a lively population. After flights to Florence land, visitors can stroll the cobblestone streets and indulge in eating or shopping, all the major designers - Gucci, Armani, and Prada are here, as well as markets selling all manner of leather goods at prices you can’t refuse. Peak season in Florence is summer, particularly July and August when you can’t move thanks to an influx of tourists and the temperatures soar. Expect hotel accommodations and flight ticket prices to be at a premium. Book well in advance and don’t expect discounts. Many locals leave the city in August for some or all of the month for their holidays, so some restaurants and shops may be closed.

Off Season

Florence enjoys mild but damp winters. Between December and February, you can expect daily highs of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, with cold nights. Take an umbrella and rain jacket to ward off the showers. It occasionally snows but nothing to disrupt travel. Visit Florence in winter to take advantage of the scarcity of tourists, low season hotel prices and cheap flight tickets.

When is the best time to book a flight to Florence?

The shoulder seasons are the best times to book flights to Florence. Book cheap flights to Florence between April and June, or September and October and you’ll enjoy pleasant weather, lower hotel prices and far fewer tourists than summer. Spring is generally warm and dry with temperatures in the teens during April and May, while autumn cools down to the low 20’s, ideal for sightseeing.

How long is the flight to Florence?

Depending on the airport you choose for your trip, flights times to Florence, Italy vary considerably. If you're flying from Los Angeles to Florence, flights average around thirteen hours, while flights from New York City typically run nine hours. Flights from Atlanta typically take a little over ten hours, and those originating in Dallas run about eleven and a half hours.

Which airlines fly to Florence?

While no American airlines fly directly to Florence, Delta and United offer connecting flights with international carriers that do. Some airlines that help you complete your trip to Italy include British Airways, Air France, Alitalia, Air Berlin, Air Brussels, Iberia and Lufthansa.

What should you pack for a flight to Florence?

During Florence's hottest month, July, temperatures average around the mid to high 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This warm, balmy weather makes it a good idea to pack light, cool clothing, preferably in darker, muted hues that help you blend in with the locals. Winter lows drop into the 40’s (Fahrenheit), so if you're planning on flying to Florence in January, be sure to take along a warm jacket and some slacks.

Comfortable shoes are a must since visitors typically spend lots of time walking, and uneven cobblestone streets and sidewalks make already broken-in footwear important. If you plan on visiting historic churches, be sure to bring longer skirts that cover your knees. Short-sleeve tops or tees accompanied by a cardigan let you layer for warmth and give you extra versatility when visiting unfamiliar areas.

You might want to consider taking a day pack for easy carry of your camera and other on-the-go essentials, and carry a money-belt or other secure bag to ward off temptation for pickpockets. If you take along personal appliances such as hair dryers or hot rollers, be sure to get an adapter to normalize the electrical current and prevent damage to wiring and your belongings.

Getting to and around the city of Florence

Aeroporto di Firenze (FLR) is located 5 miles northwest of the city. There is a regular Airport Shuttle ‘Vola in Bus’ taking passengers from the airport terminal to the city for a reasonable price. Taxis are also available and take around fifteen minutes, depending on traffic.

Once you’ve settled in to your hotel and are ready to explore, you’ll figure out quickly that Florence is a walking city. There are so many pedestrians that traffic slows to a crawl. Take your time wandering through the winding alleys to any of Florence’s major attractions. You can also rent a bike to get around. Avoiding taxis and rental cars will help you save money.

What are some things to do in Florence?

The main draws in Florence are the museums and cathedrals, which house amazing art and boast incredible old-world architecture. You can arrange guided walking tours with experienced guides who provide you with key details concerning each attraction. These tours typically take you through the Uffizi Gallery, the most visited museum in Italy after the Vatican museums. This museum created by the Medici family in the 16th century contains over 2,200 works on permanent display, including Raphael's "Madonna of the Goldfinch," Titian's "Venus of Urbino" and Botticelli's "Birth of Venus." Art fan or not, a trip to Florence's Uffizi gallery is a must, and is known for being one of the greatest art museums in the world.

Next up, be sure to visit Duomo, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, which sits at the center of Florence's religious district, the Piazza del Duomo. Built in the 14th century, this imposing Gothic building sits on the former site of the Santa Reparata, a Roman church. Surprisingly plain on the inside, the main attraction here is the ornate exterior of the building, including the iconic red-tiled cupola dome designed by Brunelleschi, which you can climb into for a stunning view of the city and countryside beyond. Also, in the Piazza di San Giovanni, discover the Battistero, or Baptistry, the oldest building in an already old city. Though the current facade dates to the 11th century, portions of this building go back as far as the 5th century. Ceilings covered in intricate frescos satisfy art lovers along with the renowned Gates of Paradise designed by Lorenzo Ghiberti.

In the Oltraono district, discover the Piazzale Michelangelo, an ornate square that's one of the most popular viewpoints of the city. This place houses a stunning replica of Michelangelo's famous David statue. While getting here requires climbing lots of stairs, visitors report that it's worth it for the view alone. While in the district, be sure to visit the Boboli Gardens for a bit of peace and quiet in the busy city, and also check out the Palazzo Pitti, which houses numerous museums, including the Galleria Palatina, which houses works by Titian, Raphael and Rubens.

Tips for your stay in Florence

• General strikes are common in Italy and worth considering when book you trip itinerary. Though it’s unlikely you’ll hear of plans to strike far enough in advance to adjust your reservations and flights to Florence, the possibility of a transport or general strike occurring should be considered when you’re mapping out your trip activities. Make note of when museums will be closed in Florence and what the rescheduling policy is for performances and sporting events. You could lose a whole day during your trip to Florence if your plans are inflexible.
• Some of the best sights in Florence don’t require ticket or admission fees. If the weather is on your side and you booked your cheap flight to Florence in the summer months, sit in one of Florence’s ancient piazzas and sip your cappuccino while people watching, or hike up to Piazzo Michelangelo for a panoramic view of the city beneath you. The Ponte Vecchio, famous for its built-in shops hawking wares of illustrious jewelers, is a great place to look shop, as is the open-air market of San Lorenzo.
• It’s no secret that Italian cuisine is a gut-busting force to be reckoned with, and Florentine food especially will leave you begging for second and third helpings. In order to fully enjoy your dining experience in Florence, read up on restaurant etiquette before your trip to avoid unpleasant surprises. It’s normal in trattorias and ristorantes for there to be a coperto, or cover charge, added to the bill as a service charge. However, if you’re feeling generous with all the cash you saved on your Florence cheap flight, feel free to tip additionally. It’s much appreciated, though not required custom in Italy.
• Have you been eagerly looking forward to your visit to the Uffizi gallery in order to see The Birth of Venus? You’re not alone. You could visit Florence in the middle of the coldest winter and still find lengthy lines at all of the city’s famous museums. Avoid the inevitable line by booking a reservation at your museum of choice a day or two in advance, or get up early to beat the afternoon rush.
• Florence is home to some of the most beautiful things and Ponte Vecchio is without a doubt one of them, so it's no surprise that it makes the cut as one the world's most spectacular bridges.

Finding Flights from Florence

Incoming and outgoing flights from Florence typically land and take off at the Galileo Galilei International Airport located in Pisa. Airlines that fly from this airport include Ryanair, Alitalia, easyJet, Blue Panorama and Transavia. These airlines and others typically take passengers to larger airports in Rome and beyond for connecting flights back to the United States. Visit https://www.cheapflights.co.uk for the top flight deals for routes out of Florence.

To get to this airport, you can head to Florence's Peretola Airport in Florence, which offers quick flights to Rome, or fly out from the Galileo Galilei International Airport in Pisa. Rides from Florence to the Peretola Airport typically take half an hour, while rides to the Galileo Galilei International Airport take from an hour to an hour and a half. Options exist for everything from low-cost express coaches to more expensive private vans and cars.

Once you choose a destination, be sure to check out our Florence airport guides for more detailed travel information and helpful tips.