Getting from Pisa Airport to Florence
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Pisa Airport has a charming exterior. Image credit: DV/Creative Commons
Florence is one of Europe’s most popular destinations, despite it only being the eighth largest city in Italy. Yet for such a major centre of tourism on the continent, its airport is relatively small, serving just over 2.7 million passengers in 2018, and the only regular routes from the UK are from London City and London Gatwick with British Airways and Vueling, respectively.
So, it is more likely that to get to Florence, you’ll actually end up flying in to Pisa International Airport – the largest in Tuscany. Pisa is a focus city for Ryanair, and while some passengers may stick around for the Leaning Tower, many will be heading straight for Firenze. So, if you’re travelling between Pisa Airport and Florence, here are the various ways you can get from A to B.
By bus
Bus is how I travelled from Florence to Pisa Airport as I had an early morning flight and it was the only method of public transport operating overnight. It’s also relatively cheap and doesn’t involve any changes, as companies Autostradale and Sky Bus Lines Caronna operate direct from Pisa Airport to Santa Maria Novella Station in Florence.
By train
Getting the train from Pisa Airport to Florence is straightforward, but does require a change. First take the Pisamover – a high-speed metro system connecting the airport to Pisa city centre – then switch at Pisa Centrale station and get the train to Florence. Total journey times can take between one hour and 1 hour and 25 minutes
Check Italian train timetables at Trenitalia
By taxi
Taxi is by far the most convenient way of getting from Pisa Airport to Florence, but I wouldn’t recommend it. A ride will cost approximately €170 – an eyewatering amount that will more than likely be a lot more than the cost of your flight (especially if you’re travelling with Ryanair).
Drive
If you’re happy to, and are allowed to, drive on Italian roads, then you could always hire a car from Pisa Airport and drive to Florence. There are several car rental kiosks including big names such as Avis, Europcar and Hertz.
This is probably the best option for those who are visiting Florence as part of an itinerary where they’d also be exploring the wider Tuscany region as it is much easier than relying on public transport to get around the vast expanses of beautiful countryside.
Information about Car Rental at Pisa International Airport
Cruise
Florence is a popular port of call for cruise ships, and although the famed Italian city is inland, frequent shuttles run cruisers from their ships to the nearby coastal destination of Livorno. Thinking of trying a floating holiday anytime soon? Then check out these cruises through the Mediterranean.
