Florence Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Guide 2025 - Tickets, Map, Tips

Florence is a walkable museum, but its treasures are spread out—from the riverside palazzos to the hilltop views of Fiesole. The City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off (HOHO) bus is the smartest way to bridge the gaps, especially when your feet need a break from the cobblestones.

Why Choose the Bus in Florence?

• Save Your Legs: Florence’s historic center is pedestrian-only, but getting to the gates or up to Piazzale Michelangelo is a hike.
• Audio History: The onboard commentary (available in 8+ languages) gives you the context that guidebooks often miss.
• Reach the Hills: The Blue Line takes you all the way to Fiesole, a panoramic Etruscan town that’s a hassle to reach by public transit.

The Routes: Red vs. Blue

🔴 Line A (The City Center Loop)

This is the classic route. It circles the historic core and the immediate outskirts.

• Key Stops: Santa Maria Novella Station, Donatello (for the English Cemetery), Piazzale Michelangelo (the must-see view), and Santa Croce.
• Frequency: Every 15–20 minutes.
• Duration: About 60 minutes if you stay on board.

🔵 Line B (The Fiesole & Hills Route)

This route gets you out of the crowds and into the Tuscan hills.

• Key Stops: Piazzale Michelangelo, Museo del Calcio, and the town of Fiesole.
• Frequency: Every 60 minutes.
• Duration: About 120 minutes full loop.

Pro Tip: Use Line A for sightseeing the main monuments and Line B for a relaxing afternoon scenic drive.

Practical Info: Tickets & Timetables

• Validity: Tickets are usually valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours. The clock starts ticking when you first hop on.
• First Bus: Around 9:30 AM from the Train Station (Stop 1).
• Last Bus: Departures stop around 5:00 PM in winter and 6:00 PM in summer. Check the onboard brochure!
• Amenities: Free WiFi (limited), Wheelchair access, and Audio Guide in multiple languages (Italian, English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Russian).

Accessibility

The buses are equipped with ramps for wheelchair users. However, only one wheelchair space is usually available per bus, so it's good to signal the driver early.

Where to Buy Tickets?

• Online: Usually cheaper and allows you to skip the sales queues.
• On Board: You can buy from the driver, but it takes time.
• Visitor Centers: Located near the train station.

Local's Advice

Don't just use it as a taxi. Ride the full loop of Line A first to get your bearings of the city layout. Then, plan your "hops" for the second round.