Florence: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: 24, 48 or 72-Hour Ticket

Traveling through Florence with a hop-on hop-off bus offers an excellent way to cover the city’s highlights without the hassle of taxis or crowded public transit. For around $33, you get a flexible 1 to 3-day ticket that takes you through the heart of Italy’s Renaissance jewel and into the scenic hills of Fiesole. The tour features open-top double-decker buses, two routes, and engaging multilingual audio guides that help bring Florence’s stories to life.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the ease of hopping on and off whenever a particular site catches your eye — whether it’s the Duomo, Piazza Michelangelo, or the peaceful streets of Fiesole. Second, the stunning views, especially from the high vantage points like Piazzale Michelangelo and Fiesole, which are often highlighted by travelers as unforgettable.

A potential consideration? The buses can get crowded, especially during peak hours, and some audio ports might not work perfectly. Still, if you’re prepared for a lively, sometimes busy ride, you’ll find the overall experience highly worthwhile.

This tour suits visitors who want a broad overview of Florence with flexible stops, those interested in scenic vistas outside the city, and travelers eager to learn about Florence’s past through engaging commentary. If you prefer a more leisurely, guided visit, or have mobility concerns, you might want to combine this with other guided tours or walking adventures.

Key Points

• Flexible sightseeing: 24, 48, or 72-hour tickets allow you to explore at your own pace.
• Two routes: Inside Florence and into Fiesole, offering city highlights and scenic hillside views.
• Audio commentary: Multilingual guides help you learn about Florence’s history and landmarks.
• Comfortable transportation: Open-top double-deckers provide sunshine and fresh air, with wheelchair accessibility.
• Great for views: Stops like Piazzale Michelangelo and Fiesole provide memorable panoramas.
• Crowd considerations: Buses can fill up quickly during busy times, so plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Florence from the Bus: The Route Breakdown

We loved the way this tour covers Florence’s most iconic sights and some lesser-known gems, all from the comfort of a double-decker bus. The main route, Line A, takes you through the city’s bustling center with stops near the Santa Maria Novella train station, Palazzo Beccaria, Santa Croce, and the scenic Viale Michelangiolo. The highlight for many is the stop at Piazzale Michelangelo, which offers sweeping views of Florence’s rooftops, domes, and the Arno River. One reviewer, Janine, called the tour “fantastic,” though she noted her disappointment about not having enough time at Fiesole due to a service suspension.

We also appreciated Line B, which ventures into the hills of Fiesole, a charming Etruscan town with breathtaking vistas of Florence. The two-hour route includes stops at San Domenico, and the picturesque Piazzale Donatello. Several travelers, like Melanie, emphasized how getting off at Piazzale Michelangelo on this line delivers “amazing views,” making the extra effort to see Florence from above well worth it.

Both routes feature stops at key points such as Galileo and Piazzale Michelangelo, with the latter offering superb photo opportunities. The route into Fiesole is especially valued for its scenic vistas and peaceful atmosphere, a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

What You Can Expect on the Tour

This tour provides a comfortable, flexible way to see Florence’s highlights without tiring your legs. The open-top buses are perfect for sunny days, giving you an unobstructed view of the cityscape and skyline while enjoying the commentary. The multilingual audio system, available in languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, and Portuguese, makes the experience accessible for international travelers.

The timing and frequency of buses vary: Line A departs every 25 minutes, starting at 9:00 am, with the last bus at 5:45 pm — ideal for fitting into a full day of sightseeing. Line B, with a 60-minute interval, runs from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, bringing you into the scenic outskirts and Fiesole.

One of the most praised features, according to reviews, is the stunning scenery at Piazzale Michelangelo and Fiesole, which many say are highlights of the tour. The buses are also equipped with free Wi-Fi and a mobile app, making it easier to follow along and plan your stops.

However, some reviews mention that audio ports sometimes don’t work or that buses can get crowded, especially in the mornings. It’s wise to arrive early or be prepared for some standing-room-only moments during peak times.

The Itinerary in Detail: What Stops Make the Difference?

Starting from the Santa Maria Novella station, the route takes you through the city center, where you’ll see Florence’s most famous sights. For example, stops near Santa Croce and the Duomo provide great opportunities to hop off and explore on foot. Many travelers, like Renae, found the audio guidance a bit sparse after the initial commentary, but the visuals and stops compensate well.

The highlights include Piazzale Michelangelo, renowned for its panoramic views of Florence, often described as “breathtaking” by visitors. From here, you can spend time taking photos or just soaking in the scenery. The Fiesole stop on Line B is another favorite, offering a peaceful contrast to the busy city and a glimpse into Tuscany’s hillside charm.

Some stops, like Piazza Indipendenza and Porta Romana, allow for exploring neighborhoods that are less crowded but full of local character. The removal of some stops (like Stop #11 of Line A and Stop #3 of Line B) until further notice might slightly limit options, but overall, the routes are well-planned.

The Authentic Experience: Insights from Reviewers

Many reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides and excellent commentary, which help turn a simple ride into an engaging orientation. Melanie highlights how getting off at Michaelangelo and completing Line B up to Fiesole “makes your trip all the more worthwhile,” because of the amazing views.

Charlotte mentions that buses fill quickly, especially mornings, so punctuality and early arrival are key if you want a seat. Renae notes that the commentary sometimes stops early, but the allure of the views often makes up for it.

A recurring theme is how the tour offers a good balance of sightseeing and relaxation. Many travelers appreciated the ability to rest their legs after walking through Florence or to see the city from above without the hassle of navigating crowded streets on foot.

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Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Tour

• Book in advance: Especially during high season, the buses fill up quickly.
• Arrive early: For Line A, the first departure is at 9:00 am, so getting an early start helps avoid crowds.
• Use the mobile app: It helps track bus arrivals and plan your stops better.
• Wear comfortable shoes: If you plan to hop off and explore, there’s a lot of walking involved.
• Bring headphones: To enjoy the multilingual commentary without interruptions. Keep in mind that some ports might not work perfectly.
• Consider Fiesole: If possible, plan extra time for this scenic hillside stop, especially on Line B.

The Value for Money

At $33 per person for a 24-hour ticket (with options to extend to 48 or 72 hours), the price offers good value for a flexible, all-around overview of Florence. The convenience of unlimited rides and the chance to see both the city and Fiesole makes it a smart choice for first-time visitors or those short on time.

Many reviews emphasize how the views from Piazzale Michelangelo and Fiesole are some of the best moments of their trip. The audio guides add educational value, making this more than just a scenic ride.

While the buses can get crowded and some stops temporarily suspended, most travelers agree that the overall experience enables broad exploration without the stress of planning multiple public transit tickets or walking long distances.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This hop-on hop-off bus is perfect for first-time visitors wanting a full overview of Florence. It’s also ideal for those seeking scenic vistas outside the city, especially at Piazzale Michelangelo and Fiesole. If you prefer a guided experience with detailed narration and the flexibility to hop on and off, this tour has you covered.

However, if you’re looking for more in-depth guided tours or have mobility issues, you might want to supplement this with walking tours or private guides. It’s best suited for travelers who want to maximize sightseeing with minimal effort and enjoy beautiful views and panoramic photos.

Final Thoughts

For the price, this hop-on hop-off bus tour offers a comprehensive, flexible way to experience Florence’s highlights and scenic hills. Its two routes cover both the bustling city center and peaceful hillside vistas, giving you a well-rounded perspective on Florence’s stunning landscape and architecture.

The multilingual audio guides, free Wi-Fi, and easy hop-on hop-off design make it accessible and convenient, especially for those on a time crunch or with limited mobility. While some buses can get crowded and a few stops might be temporarily unavailable, the overall value remains high, and the views from Piazzale Michelangelo and Fiesole are genuinely memorable.

If you’re after an efficient, comfortable, and scenic introduction to Florence, this tour will serve you well. It’s particularly suited for travelers eager to see as much as possible with minimal hassle, and those who enjoy combining sightseeing with breathtaking landscape views.

FAQ

How long can I use the ticket?
You can choose from 24, 48, or 72-hour tickets, giving you flexible options to explore at your own pace.

Does the tour include stops at Fiesole?
Yes, Line B includes stops at Fiesole, a hillside town with great views of Florence. It’s about a 2-hour route.

Are the buses accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the buses are wheelchair accessible, making it easier for travelers with mobility needs.

Can I hop off and explore a stop?
Absolutely. The main benefit is being able to hop off at key sites like Piazzale Michelangelo and Fiesole, then reboard when ready.

Is there an audio guide?
Yes, multilingual audio commentary is included, helping you learn about Florence’s sights as you ride.

What happens if I miss a bus?
Buses run every 25 minutes on Line A and every 60 minutes on Line B, so planning ahead helps avoid long waits.

Are there any stops that are suspended?
Yes, Stop 11 of Line A and Stop 3 of Line B are temporarily suspended, but most other stops remain operational.

In summary, this hop-on hop-off tour provides a practical, scenic, and educational way to see Florence’s highlights and beyond. It’s a smart choice if you want flexibility, comfort, and a taste of Tuscany’s hillside beauty without the stress of navigating public transit.

You can check availability for your dates here: