Florence
Florence to Pisa Day Trip
Tuscany is where every road leads to art, history, and jaw-dropping scenery. If you’re spending time in Florence and wondering how to make the most of a day, why not set your sights on Pisa? Pisa is famous for its Leaning Tower, but you’ll find so much more, peaceful piazzas, delicious food, and a unique local flair. Here’s your traveler-friendly, easy-to-follow guide for a day trip from Florence to Pisa!
How to Get from Florence to Pisa: Your Transportation Guide
Getting to Pisa is a breeze and you’ve got several reliable options, whether you’re exploring solo or with friends and family.
By Train
Riding the train from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station is the fastest and smoothest way to reach Pisa. The Regionale trains run direct to Pisa Centrale and take as little as 49–51 minutes (most rides average just over an hour). You get to relax, read, or just gaze out at the rolling Tuscan countryside as you travel.
- Pros: Quick; trips as short as 49 minutes. Trains run frequently (about every 20–30 minutes). No traffic worries.
- Cons: Slightly pricier than buses, but great value for the comfort and speed. Can get crowded during peak tourist hours.
You don’t need to stress about missing a train, departures are frequent from early morning through late evening. Want a seat? Buy tickets in advance online and have peace of mind from the start.
How to Buy Florence–Pisa Train Tickets:
- Visit the Trenitalia official site for train schedules and direct ticket purchases.
- Pick your travel date, then choose your preferred time of departure and class (1st or 2nd). Flexible and discounted ticket options are available.
- Once purchased, show the ticket on your smartphone or print it for the conductor. That’s it, you’re good to go!
Regional trains are your best bet, but there is occasionally an Intercity or Frecciarossa departure. Time savings, though, are minor, so don’t sweat catching a “fast train.”
By Bus
Buses from Florence to Pisa are a bit slower but easy and affordable. FlixBus is the main operator, with departures several times daily. Most journeys take about 1 hour 10 minutes.
- Pros: Cheaper than trains. You get a whole new route to enjoy the scenery.
- Cons: Slightly longer journey, and traffic can sometimes cause delays.
How to Buy Florence–Pisa Bus Tickets:
- Book your ride on the FlixBus official site.
- Select your travel date, pick the timing you want, and complete the booking online for an e-ticket.
By Car
If you want total freedom, driving between Florence and Pisa can be a fun adventure. You set the schedule, stop wherever you want, and discover smaller Tuscan towns along the way! Do remember that Pisa’s city center is old, with some tight streets and limited parking.
- Pros: Explore at your own pace. Side trips are unlimited!
- Cons: Parking is tricky in Pisa, and you’ll need to know Italian road signs and regulations.
What to See in Pisa: Must-Visit Highlights
Pisa is much more than the Leaning Tower. Let us walk you through the sights you don’t want to miss, all an easy walk from each other in the city’s heart!
Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles)
This world-famous piazza is more than a postcard, it’s the dazzling setting for the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, Baptistery, and Camposanto. Think of it as Pisa’s open-air museum, filled with centuries of art and wonder.
Address: Piazza del Duomo, Pisa, Italy
Opening hours: Open to the public all day, every day. (Check official site before visiting.)
Entry: Free to enjoy the square.
Official site for tickets and info: https://www.opapisa.it/en/
The Leaning Tower of Pisa
Now’s your chance to see the Leaning Tower in real life! Take a picture, then climb its unique spiral staircase for a view you’ll never forget. Book your climb in advance, especially in summer.
Address: Piazza del Duomo, Pisa, Italy
Opening hours: Summer: 9:00–22:00; Winter: shorter hours (always check the official Opera di Pisa site for up-to-date times).
Tickets: €18 for the Leaning Tower. Online booking is required for most summer slots. Buy official tickets here.
Pisa Cathedral (Duomo di Pisa)
Step inside and experience Pisa’s breathtaking cathedral, a masterpiece mixing Italian and Byzantine style, with beautiful frescoes, mosaics, and the renowned pulpit by Giovanni Pisano. The grand doors and glittering ceiling will stay in your mind long after you’ve left.
Address: Piazza del Duomo, Pisa, Italy
Opening hours: Varies by season. Typically open when the complex is (see latest times here).
Entry: Free, but you need a timed ticket. Ticket is included with any paid monument combo or you can reserve a free entry ticket.
Book your visit here
Pisa Baptistery
Right beside the Cathedral, the Baptistery is striking for its unique blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, plus, its echoing acoustics are fun for all ages. Don’t forget to try out a soft echo-clap or gentle “ciao”!
Address: Piazza del Duomo, Pisa
Opening hours: Same as main complex, check official site.
Tickets: €5 for the Baptistery; €7 if combined with another monument. Buy tickets here
Camposanto Monumentale
This walled cemetery is peaceful and inspiring, filled with impressive tombs, ancient sculptures, and beautiful frescos. Locals say it was built on earth brought from Jerusalem!
Address: Piazza del Duomo, Pisa
Opening hours: Check the official hours.
Entry: €5 alone, €7 combined. Purchase here
Santa Maria della Spina
Standing on the Arno’s riverbank, this tiny gothic church is spectacular, with its marble ornamentation and intricate spires. It’s now usually open Thursdays and Fridays 16:00–19:00, Saturday & Sunday 10:00–13:00 and 16:00–19:00. Entry is free unless there’s a special exhibition.
Address: Lungarno Gambacorti, Pisa
Opening hours & info: See Pisa’s official Comune site.
Palazzo della Carovana
This elegant “knights’ palace” is covered in sgraffito and today houses Pisa’s prestigious Scuola Normale Superiore. The exterior is always viewable; interior visits are occasionally organized by university appointment.
Address: Piazza dei Cavalieri, Pisa
Entry: Free to admire from the square.
National Museum of San Matteo
For art lovers and history buffs, don’t skip this hidden gem! You’ll find a serene collection of medieval paintings, antique ceramics, and rare Tuscan sculptures inside a former Benedictine convent.
Address: Piazza San Matteo in Soarta, 1, Pisa
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 9:00–19:00. Sunday & holidays 9:00–13:30. Closed Mondays.
Entry: €5 standard, €2 reduced. (Combined tickets for the Palazzo Reale museum sometimes available.)
Check latest info on the official monument site.
A Taste of Pisa: Simple, Local, and Delicious
Hungry from all that walking? Pisa’s food scene celebrates both land and sea, with recipes that let the local ingredients shine!
- Cecina: A warm and crispy chickpea flatbread, naturally gluten-free and perfect as a snack or appetizer.
- Spaghetti alla Pisana: Pasta tossed with seafood, cherry tomatoes, and white wine, pure Mediterranean comfort.
- Rosticciana: Slow-roasted pork ribs fragrant with rosemary, grilled to tender perfection.
- Pane Toscano: Iconic unsalted bread, ideal for sopping up any delicious sauce after lunch.
- Torta co’ bischeri: Pisa’s classic dessert, a sweet tart filled with chocolate, rice, pine nuts, and candied fruit.
Pair any meal with a glass of local Tuscan wine (try a local San Torpè or Chianti) and you’ll understand the real meaning of “la dolce vita.”
Sample Pisa Day Trip Itinerary (from Florence by Train)
Here’s a simple step-by-step route for a perfect day in Pisa, optimized for travelers hopping over from Florence:
Early Morning: Departure from Florence
Catch a Regionale train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella as early as 07:38AM and you’ll arrive at Pisa Centrale before 9:00AM. Trains run about every 30 minutes until late evening, check the Trenitalia schedule for exact times, and don’t forget to validate your ticket before boarding!
Morning: Into Pisa’s Old Town
From Pisa Centrale, stroll along the lively Corso Italia, a great spot for people-watching, window shopping, and maybe your first espresso of the day. Within 20–30 minutes on foot, you’ll reach Piazza dei Miracoli, the breathtaking heart of Pisa.
- Beat the crowds: Climb the Leaning Tower right after arrival. Book tickets in advance here.
- Enjoy the peace of the Cathedral and be wowed by its art.
- Soak up the beauty of the Baptistery and the Camposanto Monumentale, try a combined ticket for efficiency and value.
Lunch & Local Flavors
For lunch, treat yourself to a family-run trattoria or bakery and savor some cecina, spaghetti alla pisana, or a Pisan-style sandwich packed with local specialties. Want dessert? Grab a slice of torta co’ bischeri at a local pasticceria!
Afternoon: More Pisa Sights
Walk off your meal beside the Arno River, heading to Santa Maria della Spina for some spectacular photo ops. Then, if museums are your thing, dip into the peaceful National Museum of San Matteo for a dose of Tuscan art and history.
- If you’re an architecture fan, swing by Palazzo della Carovana in Piazza dei Cavalieri.
Evening: Relax and Return
Sip a glass of local wine or enjoy artisanal gelato in the late afternoon sun, soaking up the city’s easygoing energy. When you’re ready, stroll back to Pisa Centrale and hop on a return train, departures are frequent until late evening.
You’ll return to Florence, heart full and camera loaded, having experienced Pisa not just as a tourist, but as an explorer, taster, and time traveler.
Tip: Always check the official websites for up-to-the-minute opening hours and ticket info, as they may change due to events or restoration.
Pisa’s wonders, from its leaning tower to its simple food and vibrant piazzas, await you. Go slow, savor every corner, and make lasting Tuscan memories!
Discover Florence on Foot
Why our Florence guide works
Our mission is simple: help you explore Florence in a smart, walkable way. Every guide includes time‑boxed routes, an interactive map, and practical advice on tickets, transport, safety, and food, so you can discover Florence without overwhelm.
Clear, realistic Florence itineraries built by locals
Insider tips to beat crowds and avoid tourist traps
On‑route cafés, trattorie, gelato, and viewpoints
Offline‑friendly PDFs + map pins for your phone
FAQs
Will the itineraries work offline?
Yes. The PDFs are phone‑friendly and the map pins can be saved offline (instructions included).
Do you update opening hours and links?
We maintain 2025 updates and push changes to your download link whenever things change.
Are tickets included?
No, attraction tickets, transport, and meals are not included. We provide direct links and advice on what to book.
Refunds for digital downloads?
All sales are final. If you have trouble accessing files or the map, contact us and we’ll help.
Free Florence planning checklist (PDF)
Join 10k+ travelers planning to explore Florence smarter
We’ll email you the checklist to save on your phone.