A Quick Day Trip to Pisa: Florence to Pisa
Are you planning a Florence to Pisa Day Trip? Or perhaps Livorno to Pisa day trip? No matter which route you’re coming from to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa, there are a few things you should know before setting off on your journey on a day trip to Pisa, Italy.
A day trip to Pisa is one of the most popular cities in Tuscany. It is the home of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The tower is one of the world’s top tourist attractions.
Everyone wants to see this infamous tower that has a slight lean. We sure did! It’s an architectural wonder and one of those sites you must see for yourself at least once.
We spent a short time in Pisa during one of our last trips to Italy. Took a few of those fun photos with the tower. We even climbed the leaning tower to see the spectacular views from atop.
If you’re spending time in Florence, this is an easy Florence to Pisa day trip that you can plan to take via train.
And if your cruise is docking in Livorno for the day, you can easily take the train from Livorno to Pisa.
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Day Trip to Pisa
Is Pisa a day trip from Florence?
A Florence to Pisa day trip can be a whole-day trip, or you can make it a stop along the way on a day trip to a nearby city.
How long do you need in Pisa?
You do not need more than a few hours in Pisa. You can plan a pit stop in Pisa or a half-day trip to Pisa. From Pisa, you can easily take a train and day trip to Lucca, which is only a 30-minute train ride from Pisa.
Is Pisa, Italy, worth visiting?
Pisa is worth visiting at least once to see the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. It’s one of those places you should see for yourself once in your lifetime. So if you’re close by, why not stop in Pisa?
Can you go inside the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
Yes. You can go inside the Leaning Tower of Pisa. There is an entry fee, and you must purchase your tickets in advance. Keep in mind that there are 251 steps to take to the top of the leaning tower.
This article will provide you with all the information you need to have a successful day trip. We’ll talk about how to get from Florence to Pisa or Livorno to Pisa and back and what to see in Pisa.
Florence to Pisa
Option 1: Take the Train
- Is there a direct train from Florence to Pisa? Yes. Take the train from Stazione di Santa Maria Novella in Florence to Pisa Centrale. The train ride from Florence to Pisa is about 50 minutes to over an hour, depending on the train you book.
- Book your tickets in advance. Click here for train times and info.
Option 2: Rent a Car
- The drive from Florence to Pisa is about 1hr 18mins. You can rent a car with a local car rental in Florence.
Livorno to Pisa
Is your cruise stopping in the port of Livorno? Livorno to Pisa is easy and doable from this port.
- Cruisers: At the Livorno Cruise Port, a shuttle is provided for you to take from the cruise terminal to the town of Livorno. You will walk about 20-30 mins from the drop-off point to the Livorno Centrale Railway Station.
Option 1: Take a Train
- Is there a direct train from Livorno to Lucca? Yes. This is the easiest transportation option. Take the train from Livorno Centrale to Pisa Centrale. The train ride from Livorno to Pisa is about 16-20 minutes, depending on the train you book.
- Book your tickets in advance or purchase them at the train station. Click here for train times and info.
Option 2: Rent a Car
- The drive from Livorno is about 30 mins. You can rent a car with a local car rental in Pisa. Renting a car should only be an option if you plan to explore more outside of Pisa to places you can’t get to via public transportation.
Option 3: Book a transfer with your cruise ship or hire a private car.
– Don’t Miss: Wonderful Day Trips from Florence –
What to See in Pisa: Piazza dei Miracoli
In this article, we quickly cover the highlights to see in Pisa, Piazza dei Miracoli, and a few tour options you may be interested in adding to your itinerary. So you can have a successful Florence to Pisa day trip.
How to get to Piazza de Miracoli from Pisa Centrale?
When you arrive at Pisa Centrale, you’ll have to either walk, take a taxi, or a bus to Piazza dei Miracoli where the Leaning Tower of Pisa resides.
- Walk Via Roma, north for 23 mins
- Take a Taxi outside of the Pisa Centrale terminal
- Take the Linea 21 Bus outside of the Pisa Centrale terminal at Stazione 1
Piazza dei Miracoli
Piazza del Duomo
56126 Pisa PI, Italy
Google Map It
Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) is a beautiful square located in the heart of Pisa. This historic center of Pisa is a Unesco World Heritage Site. It’s home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the cathedral, and the Baptistery.
When you arrive, you should walk around the perimeter of the square to take in all the views. Take fun photos with the Leaning Tower. And you may want to plan to enter the tower, cathedral, and baptistery.
Normally, the square is filled with tourists and vendors. Be cautious and aware of your surroundings as you explore.
Tour Options:
Pisa All-inclusive: Baptistery, Cathedral, and Leaning Tower guided tour [book here]
Fun Fact: Did you know that Pisa is one of 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Tuscany?
Leaning Tower of Pisa
Most tourists go to Pisa mainly to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks and one of the most photographed structures.
The tower is located in the Piazza dei Miracoli, the third oldest structure in Pisa’s Cathedral Square. When you arrive at the square, you can’t miss it!
What makes the Leaning Tower of Pisa lean? The tower began to tilt during construction in 1173 due to a poorly built foundation. The tower was later “straightened” and stands at less than 4.0 degrees.
In the 1990s, engineers stabilize the tower by drilling holes into the foundation and injecting cement.
The tower is open to the public, and you can climb to the top for some stupendous views of Pisa. There are 251 steps to get to the top of the tower.
Make sure you can take those steps up and then back down – there is only one way up and one way down! There are no elevators.
You will probably be huffing and puffing by the time you reach the top (we were), but the views are worth it.
During the high season, we suggest booking your tickets in advance. You can book your tickets to Leaning Tower Here on their official site.
Things to Do in Florence, Italy
Looking for the best things to do in Florence, Italy? We’ve got your back. Visit attractions like The Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. From eating gelato at every opportunity. Read all the things you should not miss when traveling to the beautiful city of Florence.
Duomo di Pisa
The majestic Duomo of Pisa (Pisa Cathedral is an iconic structure that has dominated the center of the city for centuries.
This magnificent cathedral combines elements of Romanesque and other styles, with its stunning marble-striped facade standing tall amid Piazza dei Miracoli.
Because of its prime location next to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Duomo draws thousands of visitors who come to witness both architectural marvels firsthand.
Whether exploring Pisa for the first time or making a return visit, the Duomo is a must-see attraction that never fails to impress.
Entering the Pisa Cathedral with your Leaning Tower of Pisa ticket is free.
Battistero di San Giovanni (Pisa Baptistery)
The Baptistery of Pisa is the largest Baptistery in all of Italy. It is renowned for its octagonal shape and beautiful interior mosaics. Constructed between 1152 and 1363 to replace an older baptistery structure.
The Baptistery is located adjacent to the Duomo in the Piazza dei Miracoli. It is the second structure built in the square. It is the first building that welcomes you to the square as you enter from the walk from the train on your day trip to Pisa.
The building is truly a work of art and a fitting reflection of the city’s rich history and culture. You can visit it and admire it from the outside. But if you’re interested in going inside, you must book tickets in advance: here.
Tours to Consider for Your Day Trip to Pisa
Maximize your day in Pisa, Italy. Outside of seeing the highlights, book one of these tours and see the best of what Pisa has to offer.
- Pisa Food Tour [book here]
- Best of Pisa Private Walking Tour with Local Food Tasting [book here]
- Self-Guided Pisa Bike Tour to the Tyrrhenian Sea [book here]
3 Days in Tuscany Itinerary: Explore Val D’Orcia & Beyond
How to spend 3 days in Tuscany? If you’re looking to plan an unforgettable Italian vacation, Tuscany should be at the top of your list. This stunning region is home to rolling hills, picturesque and charming villages, and delicious Tuscan food.
So there you have it, a quick Florence to Pisa day trip or Livorno to Pisa day trip. You can literally take a quick train ride and see the highlights or spend the day exploring what else the city has to offer.
Are you planning a day trip to Pisa? Let us know in the comments below.
Other articles you may enjoy or find helpful:
10 Tantalizing Foods to Eat in Florence
Delicious Places to Eat in Florence
One Day in Florence: 3 Itinerary Options
Kathy Ava
Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.