Traveling from Florence to Pisa is a quick and easy trip, perfect for a day outing or a longer stay in this historic Tuscan city. Famous for its iconic Leaning Tower, Pisa offers much more than just its renowned landmark, including beautiful architecture, rich history, and a vibrant local culture. This guide will cover the best transport options, things to do in Pisa, and tips to help you make the most of your journey from Florence to Pisa.

1. Transport Options: Getting from Florence to Pisa

The distance between Florence and Pisa is around 85 kilometers (53 miles), making it a relatively short journey. Here are the main transportation options:

A. Train

The train is the most popular and convenient way to travel between Florence and Pisa.

• Duration: The direct train takes around 50 minutes to 1 hour, depending on whether you choose the regional or high-speed option.
• Cost: Ticket prices range from €8 to €12 for a one-way trip on regional trains, while faster trains may cost a little more.
• Stations: Trains depart from Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN) in Florence and arrive at Pisa Centrale, which is about a 20-minute walk from the Leaning Tower.
• Pros: Trains are frequent, affordable, and the fastest option, allowing you to relax and enjoy scenic views of the Tuscan countryside.
• Tip: Purchase your tickets in advance on the Trenitalia website or app to ensure availability, especially during peak travel seasons. Regional trains do not require seat reservations, but high-speed trains do.

B. Bus

Buses are a good alternative for budget travelers, though slightly slower than trains.

• Duration: Bus journeys take around 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1.5 hours.
• Cost: Tickets range from €7 to €10, depending on the bus company and time of booking.
• Companies: FlixBus and Autostradale are popular operators offering services between Florence and Pisa.
• Pros: Buses can sometimes be cheaper than trains, and they drop passengers off at the Pisa Pietrasantina bus station, a short walk from the city center and the Leaning Tower.
• Cons: The bus ride is slower and more susceptible to traffic delays compared to trains.
• Tip: Book your bus tickets online in advance, as seats may sell out quickly during the high tourist season.

C. Car

Driving from Florence to Pisa gives you the flexibility to explore the Tuscan countryside at your own pace.

• Duration: The drive takes about 1 hour, depending on traffic.
• Route: Take the SGC Firenze-Pisa-Livorno (also known as the FI-PI-LI) highway, which is a direct route from Florence to Pisa.
• Cost: In addition to fuel, there may be tolls on certain routes, but they are minimal. Expect to pay around €10 to €20 for fuel, depending on your car’s efficiency.
• Pros: Driving allows you to stop at scenic Tuscan villages or attractions like San Miniato or Montecatini Terme along the way.
• Cons: Parking in Pisa, especially near the Leaning Tower, can be difficult and expensive. Look for parking lots outside the city center or use public parking lots like Piazza dei Miracoli.
• Tip: If you’re only visiting Pisa for the day, consider parking in one of the long-term parking lots near the city center and walking or taking public transport into the historic area.

D. Private Transfer or Tour

For a more comfortable and stress-free option, consider booking a private transfer or joining an organized day tour from Florence to Pisa.

• Duration: Similar to driving, a private transfer takes about 1 hour, depending on traffic.
• Cost: Private transfers can range from €100 to €300 depending on the service and vehicle. Day tours that include guided visits to Pisa and other nearby attractions typically start around €50 to €100 per person.
• Pros: This option provides a hassle-free experience with door-to-door service and may include guided tours or additional stops at other Tuscan towns.
• Cons: It’s a more expensive option compared to public transport.
• Tip: Many day tours offer combined visits to Pisa and Lucca, another charming Tuscan town, which can be a great way to see more of the region.

2. Things to Do in Pisa

Once you arrive in Pisa, there’s plenty to see and do beyond visiting the famous Leaning Tower. Here are the top attractions and experiences:

A. Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles)

The Piazza dei Miracoli is Pisa’s main attraction, home to the city’s most famous landmarks.

• Leaning Tower of Pisa: The world-renowned Torre Pendente di Pisa is a freestanding bell tower that began tilting during construction in the 12th century. You can climb its 294 steps for panoramic views of the city. Entry costs around €20, and tickets are limited, so it’s best to book in advance.
• Pisa Cathedral (Duomo di Pisa): Located next to the Leaning Tower, the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. Admission to the cathedral is free, but there’s a small fee if you want to visit additional areas like the crypt or museum.
• Baptistery of Pisa: The largest baptistery in Italy, it’s known for its unique acoustics and beautiful architecture. Entry costs around €5, and combined tickets with other attractions are available.
• Camposanto Monumentale: A historic cemetery with beautiful frescoes, the Camposanto is often overlooked but offers a peaceful atmosphere and an interesting look at Pisa’s history.

B. Explore Pisa’s Historic Center

While the Piazza dei Miracoli is the main draw, Pisa’s historic center has much to offer as well.

• Piazza dei Cavalieri: Once the political heart of Pisa, this square is home to the Palazzo della Carovana and the Church of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri. It’s a quiet but beautiful area away from the tourist crowds.
• Borgo Stretto: This charming street is lined with cafes, shops, and restaurants. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll and a coffee stop in one of Pisa’s historic cafes.
• Arno River Walk: Take a walk along the Lungarni, the streets lining the banks of the Arno River, for picturesque views of Pisa’s historic buildings and bridges. Don’t miss the small Church of Santa Maria della Spina, a Gothic gem located on the riverbank.

C. Visit the University of Pisa

One of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Pisa was founded in 1343 and has educated many famous alumni, including Galileo Galilei. You can explore the university’s historic buildings and visit the Botanical Garden of Pisa, the oldest university botanical garden in Europe.

D. Museums in Pisa

Pisa offers several excellent museums for those interested in art and history.

• Museo dell’Opera del Duomo: Located near the Leaning Tower, this museum houses important works of art and artifacts related to the Duomo and other religious buildings in Pisa.
• National Museum of San Matteo: Situated in a former Benedictine convent, this museum showcases medieval and Renaissance art, including works by Donatello and Fra Angelico.

3. Practical Tips for Traveling to Pisa

• Best Time to Visit: Pisa can be visited year-round, but the best times are spring (April-June) and fall (September-October), when the weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller. Summer (July-August) can be hot and crowded, especially around the Leaning Tower.
• Luggage Storage: If you’re only visiting Pisa for the day and have luggage, you can store it at Pisa Centrale train station or at various luggage storage facilities around the city.
• Booking Tickets: If you plan to climb the Leaning Tower, it’s highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, as there are limited entry slots and they often sell out.
• Safety: Pisa is generally safe, but as with any popular tourist destination, be mindful of pickpockets, especially around the Leaning Tower and train station.
• Dress Code: If you plan to visit Pisa’s religious sites, such as the Duomo or the Baptistery, be sure to dress modestly. Shoulders and knees should be covered, especially in the cathedral.

4. Day Trips and Extensions

If you have extra time, consider visiting nearby towns or combining your trip to Pisa with other Tuscan destinations:

• Lucca: Just 30 minutes from Pisa by train or car, Lucca is a charming, walled city known for its medieval towers, beautiful squares, and relaxed atmosphere.
• San Miniato: This small town, located between Florence and Pisa, is famous for its truffles and offers a peaceful escape with stunning views of the Tuscan countryside.
• Cinque Terre: A little further afield, the Cinque Terre is a collection of five colorful coastal villages located along the Ligurian coast, about 1.5 hours from Pisa by train.

Traveling from Florence to Pisa is a perfect way to explore more of Tuscany’s rich history and culture. Whether you’re interested in climbing the Leaning Tower, enjoying the local cuisine, or simply wandering through Pisa’s historic streets,

this guide will help ensure you make the most of your visit.