If you’re planning a trip to Florence, you’ll want to make sure you visit the Uffizi Gallery. This renowned museum, established by the infamous Medici family, houses some of the most beautiful works from the Italian Renaissance, and is a must-see destination for art lovers and history buffs alike.
There’s a lot to take in at the gallery – so check out this in-depth guide to making the most of your visit. Now you know what’s awaiting you inside, it’s time to figure out exactly how to get to the Uffizi Gallery.
Planning your visit to the Uffizi Gallery
Being one of the world’s most famous museums has its downsides – which come in the form of long, long lines. However, the gallery is less crowded during the off-season (November to February), and on weekdays.
It’s also worth booking tickets in advance. You can purchase tickets online, and it’s a great idea to bag skip-the-line access. Why wait, when you have exploring to do?
You could also consider a guided tour, with skip-the-line access as part of the package. This will save you time, while also deepening your understanding of Renaissance Florence. Check out a range of ticket and guided tour options here.
Get the Florence Pass
If you’re in Florence for a while you could also consider the Florence Pass – which includes entry to the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery, and Brunelleschi’s Dome!
Go early to beat the rush
If you cannot book tickets in advance, or prefer to visit the museum independently, try to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The gallery is usually less crowded during these times, and you may be able to avoid some of the lines.
Bring water, snacks, comfortable shoes – and a dash of patience. That way, if you do have to wait, you won’t feel anything but excitement for what’s ahead in this magnificent attraction.
👟 How to get to the Uffizi Gallery on foot
The Uffizi Gallery is located in the heart of Florence, near the Piazza della Signoria and the Ponte Vecchio. If you’re staying in the city, it’s very easy to get to the Uffizi Gallery on foot.
The museum is located in the historical centre of Florence, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. A stroll through these ancient streets is the perfect way to soak up the atmosphere before taking in the art of Florence’s golden age.
Depending on where you are located in Florence, start by heading towards the historic center of the city. Once there, walk towards Piazza della Signoria. You can’t miss this important square as it’s surrounded by iconic buildings such as Palazzo Vecchio, and the Loggia dei Lanzi.
From Piazza della Signoria, walk towards the Arno River. You should see a bridge called Ponte Vecchio in front of you. Cross the bridge and continue straight ahead. You will reach another square called Piazza Pitti. The Uffizi Gallery is located on the other side of this square, about 200 metres away.
🚲 How to get to the Uffizi Gallery by bicycle
Florence is pleasantly bikeable – with rental options all over the city.
To get to the Uffizi by bike from the historic centre, you can follow the same directions as on foot. Just sure to wear a helmet and follow traffic rules to stay safe on the road!
Biki Rental Florence is one recommended shop, conveniently located near the Santa Maria Novella train station. Blubike is a bike-sharing service available in Florence – offering both traditional and electric bikes. You can rent a bike through their app or website and pick it up at one of their stations located throughout the city.
🚆 How to get to the Uffizi Gallery by public transport
Florence has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, trams, and trains.
The Uffizi Gallery is located near the Santa Maria Novella train station, so if you’re arriving by train, you can take the 20 – 25 minute walk to the museum. This station is well connected to other major Italian cities.
If you want to save your energy, you could grab a cab or take the C1 bus from the Santa Maria Novella station and get off at the Uffizi stop. The bus ride takes around 15 minutes. It’s also possible to get the T1 tram, and alight at the Alamanni-Stazione FS stop. From there, you can transfer to the C1 bus, or walk to the gallery.
🚘 How to get to the Uffizi Gallery by car
If you’re arriving by car, it’s important to note that the Uffizi Gallery is located in a restricted traffic zone. This means that you can’t drive directly to the museum unless you have a special permit. However, there are several parking garages located near the museum.
🚖 How to get to the Uffizi Gallery by taxi
Taxis are also plentiful across the city. The same restrictions apply, but at least you don’t need to find a place to park!
Official taxis in Florence are white and have a taxi sign on the roof, a taxi licence on the door, and a meter inside the car. Avoid unlicensed taxis or private drivers who approach you on the street, as they may overcharge you or take you on an unnecessarily long route.
You can hail a taxi on the street if you see an available one passing by. Just make sure to look for official taxis, and make sure the driver starts the meter when you get in. There are also several taxi stands located throughout Florence, usually near popular tourist spots, train stations, and the airport.
Find the taxi stands by looking for signs that say “Taxi” or “Parcheggio Taxi”. Taxis in Florence accept cash and credit cards, but it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand just in case.
💡Download an official taxi app
There are a wealth of taxi apps available in Florence, including MyTaxi and Uber, that allow you to order a cab from your smartphone. Just make sure to use reputable apps and check the estimated fare before booking a ride.
🛬 How to get to the Uffizi Gallery from the airport
There are several options for those who are flying in and heading to the gallery directly.
Catch the shuttle bus
You can take the Volainbus shuttle from the airport to the Santa Maria Novella train station. The journey takes around 25 minutes and costs 6 euros. Alternatively you can take the T2 Tram from the airport to the Santa Maria Novella train station. The journey takes around 25 minutes and costs 1.50 euros.
Take a taxi
Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminal. The journey to the Uffizi takes around 20-30 minutes and costs approximately 25-30 euros, depending on traffic. If you prefer a more comfortable and convenient option, you can arrange for a private transfer from the airport to the Uffizi Gallery through a variety of companies. This is more expensive, but it can save you time and hassle.
Now that you know how to get to the Uffizi Gallery, remind yourself what’s inside with this handy guide. And check out what else you can do on your trip to Florence!
