How to Reach the Arno River Cruise — Directions & Tips (2025)

Discover the simplest ways to board an Arno River Cruise in Florence. Compare walking routes, tram & bus options, taxis/ride-shares, and accessibility—complete with local, time-saving tips.

Plan Your Cruise

Quick Overview

Main pier: Piazza Mentana/Lungarno Diaz, a 3-minute walk east of Ponte Vecchio. Alternate pick-up: near Ponte Santa Trinita (check ticket confirmation). Closest transit is Tram T2 → Unità or Santa Maria Novella (SMN) station, then a 10-minute scenic stroll along Via dei Calzaiuoli and the river.

Fastest Connection

Walk from Ponte Vecchio eastward on Lungarno Acciaiuoli/Diaz — the pier is riverside, opposite the Uffizi in ≈3 mins.

From SMN Station

Exit toward Piazza dell’Unità, cross Via de’Cerretani to the Duomo, then head south to the river (≈12 mins total).

Option 1 — Walk from the Historic Center (Easiest)

Ideal if you’re already sightseeing around the Duomo, Uffizi, or Ponte Vecchio.

  • Locate Ponte Vecchio and face downstream (east).
  • Stroll 250 m along Lungarno Acciaiuoli/Diaz; cruise staff & “ArnoBoat” signs mark the pier.
  • Total time: 3–8 minutes from most riverfront landmarks.

Tip

Arrive 10 mins early—boats depart on schedule and space is limited.

Option 2 — Tram / Bus

Tram T2 from Airport

Ride Tram T2 to Unità, walk via Piazza dell’Unità & Via de’Cerretani toward the river (≈25 mins total).

Bus C-line

Local C2/C3 minibuses loop the centro; hop off at Piazza della Repubblica and walk 5 mins south.

From Piazzale Michelangelo

Bus 12/13 downhill to Piazza Giuseppe Poggi; cross Ponte alle Grazie and head west 400 m.

Wayfinding

Signs read “Arno Cruise / ArnoBoat”; staff wear navy shirts with boat icons.

Tickets

Single ride (€1.50) or 90-minute passes cover trams & buses; buy at machines or via the TABNET app.

Option 3 — Driving & Ride-Share

ZTL Alert

The historic center has a limited-traffic zone (ZTL); cameras issue fines for unauthorized entry.

Nearest Car Parks

Use Garage Lungarno, Garage Palazzo Vecchio, or SMN station parking and walk/bus to the pier.

Ride-Share/Taxi

Set drop-off to Piazza Mentana 10 R for the main pier; taxis can enter the ZTL.

Cycling

Flat riverside lanes make biking easy; dock e-bikes at Piazza Mentana racks.

From Florence Airport (FLR)

Tram T2 → Walk

Tram T2 to Unità (≈20 mins) then 10-min walk to the river.

Bus “VolaInBus”

Shuttle to SMN station (≈20 mins) → walk/tram/bus to pier.

With Luggage?

Consider a taxi (≈€25–30) directly to Piazza Mentana riverfront.

Practical Tips

Seasonal Hours

Boats run March–October; sunset slots sell out fastest—book ahead.

Weather & Seating

Open-air deck; carry a light jacket for evening breezes.

Accessibility

Pier ramps accommodate wheelchairs; notify staff in advance for boarding assistance.

Getting There Cheatsheet

Closest Stops

Ponte Vecchio (walk 3 mins) • Unità (T2) tram 10-min walk.

Typical Times

SMN station → pier in ≈12–15 mins on foot.

Wayfinding

Look for “ArnoBoat” flags on the riverside railing at Piazza Mentana.

Best Light

Golden hour (7–8 pm in summer) for Ponte Vecchio reflections.

Apps

Tiemme Bus, ATAF Official, and Google Maps display live tram/bus ETAs.

Not in Pisa!

The cruise departs Florence; double-check your ticket city.

Make the Journey Easy

Reserve your spot and pick the route that suits you—walk from the center, hop on the tram, or arrive by taxi.

Book Arno River Cruise Tickets