Pisa Transportation – Taxi, Train, Bus & Airport Tips

Pisa Transportation

Sharing the same name as its world famous Leaning Tower, Pisa is the capital city of the Pisa Province in Italy’s Tuscany region. Pisa is a fairly small city with several methods of transportation that are simple to use if you know certain tips ahead of time.

Transportation That Arrives to and Departs from Pisa

Traveling by airplane to Pisa is a good starting point if you plan to tour the rest of Italy. Known as the “Gateway to Tuscany,” Pisa’s airport Galileo Galilei is a short five-minute drive from downtown and provides affordable ticket options from several airlines if you plan to save your funds for the sightseeing. For even lower rates, flexibility with travel dates for booking your flight is recommended. And if you happen to fly in good weather, you will likely be treated to a beautiful bird’s eye view of the Italian lakes.

On the ground, you will find a number of shops and eateries at the airport, along with bus and train ticket offices in key places. These spots are a little out of the way and require a bit of hunting, but are worth it if you want to catch a ride to the Leaning Tower or to Florence. Some tourists like to use Pisa as a one-way stopping point to Florence, while others prefer to use Pisa as a strategic location to visit the surrounding areas on day trips.

The trains take about one hour to Florence, more or less, and it leaves the station at Pisa in 20-minute intervals. Train rides are for the most part comfortable and safe. If you happen to miss the train, you can catch a ride from Pisa’s taxi cooperative for a few more Euros.

Getting Around Pisa

Pisa offers several ways to travel in town. Several bus lines are available that sell tickets at good prices. Most of these buses are very comfortable inside with air conditioning and places to store luggage that give travelers a brief respite from watching them. One bus company even offers rides free of charge on Christmas and special holidays.

Two mini train lines are also available, which are a good option for tour groups. Both of these transportation options provide two-way routes for the Leaning Tower.

Walking or Driving in Pisa

While some tourists prefer the creature comforts of the bus and mini trains, others enjoy the experience walking through town. Being a small city, Pisa is very safe to walk through during the daytime, and it boasts a myriad of charming restaurants and shops en route to the Leaning Tower. As with all cities, common sense and street smarts are recommended. Besides walking, tourists have to option to rent a car instead, also known as “hiring,” and drive through downtown as well. The pickup and drop-off sites for rental cars is located in the Pisa airport.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about Pisa transportation.