How to get from Florence to Pisa

The train is the default for almost everyone: both stations sit near the historic centres, so you avoid parking, ZTL cameras and the last-mile taxi. Regional trains are the cheapest and most frequent; faster Intercity and Frecciabianca services cost more and save only a few minutes on a route this short.

Coaches can be cheaper on paper but usually take longer and drop you at Pisa's bus terminal rather than the station. Driving only makes sense if you are combining Pisa with Lucca, the coast or a Tuscan countryside stop on the same day.

Regional trains leave Firenze Santa Maria Novella for Pisa Centrale through the day, with the fastest runs around 50 minutes and slower ones closer to an hour. You do not need a seat reservation on regional services: buy at the ticket machine, the app or the counter, validate a paper ticket before boarding, and take the next departure.

Intercity and Frecciabianca trains also serve the route and can be marginally quicker, but on a trip this short the time saved rarely justifies the higher fare. If you are heading to Pisa Airport, get off at Pisa Centrale and take the PisaMover people mover, a roughly 5-minute ride from the station to the terminal.

Pisa Centrale is about a 20–25 minute walk from the Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli, or a short local bus ride. Trains toward Lucca also stop at Pisa San Rossore, which is closer to the tower if your service calls there.

Long-distance coaches cover Florence to Pisa, usually from the bus terminal near Santa Maria Novella, and can be the cheapest option if you book early. Journey times are typically longer than the train and departures are fewer, so check the timetable against your plans before committing.

Driving is about 80–90 km on the A11 Florence–Pisa motorway, roughly 1h15 in clear conditions and longer at peak times. Tolls apply. Both Florence and Pisa have ZTL camera zones around their historic centres: park outside the restricted area or at a signed garage and walk in, or you risk a fine arriving weeks later.

For regional trains, booking ahead is optional: turn up, buy and board. Tickets are sold at station machines, ticket offices and the operator's app, and prices are fixed rather than rising with demand, so there is no financial reason to book early.

For Intercity or Frecciabianca departures, and for travel on holiday weekends or during major events, reserving a seat in advance is sensible because those trains can sell out. Coach seats are usually cheapest booked ahead online. If you are continuing to Rome or Venice, book those high-speed legs separately and early for the best fares.

Pisa works well as a half-day or day trip from Florence: leave mid-morning, see the tower and cathedral, and be back for dinner. If you want the tower climb, timed slots sell out in summer, so reserve before you go.

Keep an eye on your bags at Pisa Centrale and around Piazza dei Miracoli, both busy with tour groups. A travel eSIM keeps maps and tickets working without hunting for a local SIM.