Cheap Flights to Florence: Florence, Pisa or Bologna? (2026)
Quick answer
Florence Airport (FLR) is the closest, but it is small, so always compare Pisa (PSA) and Bologna (BLQ), which often have more routes and sometimes lower fares. Travel in the shoulder months of April, May, October or November, and weigh the cost and time of the train into the city before choosing the cheapest ticket.
Compare live fares on ScanFlyGo →
Three airports, one city
Florence is a compact, walkable city, and a short break there is popular all year. The catch is that its own airport handles fewer routes than many travellers expect, so the cheapest or most convenient flight may land elsewhere. Looking at three airports together is the single most useful habit for this destination.
| Airport | Distance idea | Getting to Florence |
|---|---|---|
| Florence (FLR) | Close to the city | Tram or taxi to the centre |
| Pisa (PSA) | About an hour away | Direct train link from the airport area to Florence |
| Bologna (BLQ) | Roughly an hour by fast train | Shuttle to the station, then a fast train |
Treat the ground transfer as part of the price. A fare that is a little cheaper into Pisa may stop being a bargain once you add the train ticket and the extra travel time, especially if you are only staying a weekend.
Best time of year for value
Florence is hot and crowded in summer, cool and quieter in winter, and especially pleasant in spring and autumn. Demand follows the weather, so fares and hotel prices do too.
- April to June: excellent weather and popular, so book ahead.
- July and August: very warm and busy, with strong demand for flights.
- September to October: comfortable temperatures and often good value.
- November to March: typically the lowest fares, with Christmas and New Year as the exceptions.
Weekends in the city are usually the most expensive, so a midweek visit can lower both the flight and the accommodation cost.
How to search smartly
Search all three airports together
Enter each airport, or use a flexible search that covers the region. Looking at only Florence can hide cheaper options into Pisa or Bologna.
Use flexible dates
Shifting your trip by a day or two can change the fare noticeably. A cheapest-day calendar shows the low points quickly.
Go open-jaw if it suits
Flying into Pisa and leaving from Bologna, or the reverse, can fit a wider Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna trip without backtracking.
Check the baggage rules
A short city break often needs only a cabin bag. Make sure your fare includes the size you plan to bring, since low-cost carriers can be strict at the gate.
Extending the trip
Florence works well as a base for day trips. Siena, Lucca and Pisa are reachable by train or bus, and the surrounding countryside is easiest with a car. If you plan a longer Tuscan holiday, compare flying into Pisa or Bologna with taking a train from a major Italian city, because the best-value option depends on your starting point.
Before you travel
- Check that your passport meets entry rules for your nationality.
- Book popular museum entries ahead in busy months to avoid long queues.
- Allow a comfortable margin for the transfer back to the airport on your departure day.
- Use a live flight tracker to see if your flight is running late before you leave for the airport.
A sample weekend plan
For a three-day break, many visitors spend the first day on the historic centre, the second on museums and viewpoints across the river, and the third on a half-day trip to Siena or Pisa. Flying out in the evening on the last day keeps your time in the city, but leave a margin for the transfer so a delayed train does not put your flight at risk. If you arrive late at night, check how your transfer runs after dark before you book, as services can be less frequent.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to fly into Pisa or Florence?
It varies by route and date. Pisa often has more low-cost services, but add the train cost and travel time before deciding. Compare both on the same dates.
How do I get from Pisa airport to Florence?
A train service links the Pisa area with Florence in roughly an hour. Check current timetables and ticket options before you travel.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Florence?
Late autumn and winter outside the holidays are generally cheapest. Spring and early autumn offer a good balance of weather and price.
Do I need a car in Florence?
Not for the city itself, which is best explored on foot. A car is more useful for the countryside, and driving in the historic centre is restricted.
The bottom line
For Florence, the cheapest flight is not always the best deal. Compare Florence, Pisa and Bologna, add the transfer to your calculation, and choose the combination that fits your dates. Start a live search on ScanFlyGo, browse the popular routes, and use the live flight tracker once you are booked.
Some links on ScanFlyGo are affiliate links · we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are examples found in recent searches and are confirmed at the partner’s checkout.