Heading to Florence, Italy, and wondering if your favorite car-sharing apps are available in the city? It makes sense to see if they are running where you are traveling too since they are so useful in your home town. This article will cover how Uber works in Florence and what you need to know before using it.
Pro Tip: Planning what to do on your trip to Florence? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you need it. Check out our guide to Florence for more planning resources, our best Florence tours for a memorable trip, and how to see Florence in a day (with itinerary).
Is it possible To Get an Uber in Florence?
Short Answer: You might be able to get an Uber in Florence, but you’re not likely to be able to depend on the service the way you do in other cities.
In December 2020, Uber was actually not available in Florence. You can use Uber in other cities in Italy—find out more in our main article: Is Uber in Italy?
Read on to find out a little more about the Uber situation in Florence. If you’re looking for a great way to get around Florence and see the city like a local, join our passionate local guides on our top-rated Florence tours.
Not ready to book a tour? See our best Florence tours to take and why.
Why Is Uber Not in Florence, Italy?
In the past, Uber was tested in Florence but in the end, it didn’t make much sense. The city is majority pedestrian with a strong train system getting travelers in and out.
You can walk from the Accademia on one side of the city to the Pitti Palace on the opposite side in 20 minutes. While walking is easy in Florence, we have some tips to make getting around easier.
As it’s pretty easy to get around Florence, there really wasn’t much need for a ride-sharing app. Uber’s business model relies on providing back-to-back rides for drivers and it really wasn’t possible in Florence.
NCC License
Also, you need a license known as “NCC” or Noleggio Con Duecento in Italy. Not only is it difficult to get but it’s also expensive. A license could cost €100,000 in a city like Rome. While Uber does exist in Rome, the license makes it more expensive.
Italy prefers the NCC system as it allows costs for services like this to be regulated and stay elevated. It’s also sort of a buy-in union that protects jobs. If Uber can be used by anyone, then all the people who bought these licenses would be out of a job. It’s similar to the taxi drivers in NYC.
Pro Uber Tip
If you want to check to see if Uber is in a city in the future, simply open the Uber app and pick a location in that city. The app will let you know if that city is covered by Uber drivers.
Tours of Chianti and Florence
Top-Rated Experience
Florence Day Trip to Tuscany: Siena, San Gimignano & Winery Lunch
Planning a day in Tuscany’s countryside can be tricky, with winding roads, remote villages, and countless wineries to choose from. With a 3-course lunch and 5 wine tastings, allow us to take the guesswork out of your Tuscan experience. Start in Florence, drive through Siena’s rolling hills, walk the medieval streets of San Gimignano, and tour a family-run Chianti winery. Along the way, learn the stories behind Chianti’s renowned wines and soak in the charm of Tuscany’s most stunning landscapes.
Best-Selling Tour
Florence in a Day Combo Tour with David & Uffizi
Planning to hit all of Florence’s highlights in one day can be a lot to manage. We’ll take care of every detail so all you have to do is enjoy the experience. With skip-the-line access, insider stories, and a charismatic guide who knows the city inside and out, you’ll see everything from Michelangelo’s David and the Florence Duomo to Ponte Vecchio and masterpieces by Caravaggio and Botticelli at the Uffizi Gallery. Experience Florence with all the must-sees, and none of the stress.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our article on the best Florence tours to take and why.
Where To Stay in Florence
Florence has a small historical center packed with iconic landmarks to explore. Plan where to stay in the best neighborhoods in this beautiful city.
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