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Bus system
The city bus company is called ATAF. It is definitely the cheapest way for getting around the city. Tickets/passes range anywhere from one hour tickets to a one month ticket. Most buses usually run from early morning (about 6:00am) to midnight. A few buses run all night but they make very general routes. For bus routes, schedule and any other information, you may visit www.ataf.net, call the toll free # 800 424 500 or go directly to the Ataf office located next to the train station.
SITA, LAZZI & CAP Buses: These three bus companies have routes that travel outside of Florence's city limits. Bus terminals are located near the train station. SITA, which is located in Via Santa Caterina Da Siena, has buses that depart for Siena, San Gimignano, the Chianti wine country, etc. LAZZI is located in Via Valfonda and has routes going to Lucca, Viareggio, etc. CAP is located in Largo Alinari and has routes going to the Mugello area, Prato and the fairly large shopping mall, I Gigli.
Taxis
Keep in mind that taking a taxi in Florence is very expensive, especially at night. Generally, taxis cannot be hailed; you must either go to a taxi stand or call a taxi at the following numbers just telling them where you are: 055 4242, 055 4390 or 055 4798. Rates vary widely with the part of the city, the time of the day, how many pieces of luggage you have, etc. No checks or credit card are accepted for payment.
Travelling by train
The Italian state railroad is called FS ('Ferrovie dello Stato'). The main train station in Florence is called 'Santa Maria Novella' - SMN) and, as all the main train stations in Italy, has departure and arrival boards, showing departure/arrival times, main stops, delay, and track numbers. For information on train schedule, tariffs, special offers and reservations, you may call 892 021 (without any code but not from cell phones) or visit www.trenitalia.com.
IMPORTANT: YOU MUST VALIDATE YOUR TICKET BEFORE GETTING ON THE TRAIN! YELLOW BOXES ARE SET UP RIGHT BY EACH TRACK ESPECIALLY FOR THIS PURPOSE. IF YOU FORGET TO DO SO, THE CONDUCTOR WILL MAKE YOU PAY A FINE!
Airlines
New rules for hand baggage at all airports in the European Union
Effective November 6, 2006, new rules for the contents of hand baggage will apply for all airline passengers throughout the European Union (EU). Passengers may only carry small quantities (max. 100 ml per container) of liquids, gels and aerosols in their hand baggage. The packaging of these products must also meet specific requirements. This applies for all passengers departing from or catching connecting flights at airports within the European Union. The new rules apply for liquids such as water and other soft drinks, but also extend to gels, pastes, lotions, and the contents of aerosols. This includes toiletries such as toothpaste, shaving cream, hair gel, lip gloss, and facial creams.
Cheap airline companies to travel around Italy and Europe:
www.flyairone.it
www.ryanair.com
www.easyjet.com
www.malev.com
www.klm.com
www.hlx.com
www.transavia.com
www.vueling.com
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Florence guide
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