Quick Answer
The best way to get from Siena to Pisa Airport (PSA) is by train. The journey takes 1 hour 50 minutes – 2 hours 15 minutes and costs €12.30 – €20.00 (≈ $13.30 – $21.60) including the Pisa Mover shuttle. You'll change trains at Empoli or Pisa Centrale. For a direct door-to-door service, a taxi costs €120–€150 (≈ $130–$162) and takes 1.5 hours.
Train – The Most Reliable Way from Siena to Pisa Airport
Taking the train from Siena to Pisa Airport is the preferred choice for most travelers. It's affordable, runs frequently, and avoids traffic. Below we break down the two main routes, ticket prices, and everything you need to know about the Pisa Mover shuttle.
Route Option 1: Siena → Empoli → Pisa Centrale → Airport (Recommended)
This is the most common route. You board a Regionale train from Siena to Empoli, then change to another Regionale train to Pisa Centrale. From there, the Pisa Mover shuttle takes you directly to the airport terminal.
| Depart Siena | Arrive Empoli | Depart Empoli | Arrive Pisa Centrale | Pisa Mover | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06:18 | 07:30 | 07:36 | 08:10 | 08:12 → 08:17 | 1h 59min |
| 07:18 | 08:30 | 08:36 | 09:10 | 09:12 → 09:17 | 1h 59min |
| 08:18 | 09:30 | 09:36 | 10:10 | 10:12 → 10:17 | 1h 59min |
Source: Trenitalia official timetable (typical weekday schedule). Always check live departures.
Ticket Cost Breakdown (Route 1)
- Siena → Empoli: €5.80 (≈ $6.25)
- Empoli → Pisa Centrale: €4.40 (≈ $4.75)
- Pisa Mover: €2.70 (≈ $2.90)
- Total: €12.90 (≈ $13.90)
Route Option 2: Siena → Pisa Centrale (Direct Train) → Airport
Some Regional trains run directly from Siena to Pisa Centrale without changing at Empoli. These services are less frequent (about 4–5 per day) but save you the hassle of one transfer.
| Depart Siena | Arrive Pisa Centrale | Pisa Mover | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:20 | 08:58 | 09:00 → 09:05 | 1h 45min |
| 13:00 | 14:38 | 14:40 → 14:45 | 1h 45min |
Source: Trenitalia – direct Regionale services vary by season.
Ticket Cost Breakdown (Route 2)
- Siena → Pisa Centrale (direct): €9.60 (≈ $10.35)
- Pisa Mover: €2.70 (≈ $2.90)
- Total: €12.30 (≈ $13.25)
Pisa Mover – the Airport Shuttle
The Pisa Mover is an automated light rail that connects Pisa Centrale station to Pisa Airport in just 5 minutes. Trains run every 5–10 minutes from 06:00 to 23:00 daily. Tickets cost €2.70 one way and can be bought from vending machines at the station. For more details, visit the official Pisa Mover website.
Where to Buy Train Tickets
- Trenitalia App – easiest for mobile tickets (search "Siena" to "Pisa Aeroporto")
- Self-service kiosks at Siena station – accept cash and cards
- Trenitalia ticket office – open daily 06:00–20:00
- Online at Trenitalia.com
Train Tips & Practical Notes
- Regional train tickets are not seat-specific – just board any Regionale on the correct route.
- Validate your ticket at the yellow machines on the platform before boarding (fine for non-validation: €50+).
- Luggage racks are available in each car; space is limited during peak hours.
- The walk between platforms at Empoli is short (2–3 minutes), but check the departure board for the correct track.
- If your flight arrives after 23:00, the Pisa Mover stops running – use a taxi from Pisa Centrale (€8–€12).
Bus & Coach – Budget-Friendly but Less Direct
Several coach companies operate between Siena and Pisa, offering lower fares than the train. However, most services drop you in Pisa city centre (Piazza Vittoria or Pisa Stazione), not at the airport. You'll then need a local bus (Line 4 or LAM Rossa) or a short taxi ride to complete the journey.
FlixBus
FlixBus runs 3–5 daily connections from Siena (bus stop at Viale Federico Tozzi / Siena Train Station) to Pisa (Pisa Stazione / Piazza Vittoria). Journey time is about 1 hour 50 minutes – 2 hours 10 minutes. Fares start from €5.99 (≈ $6.45) when booked in advance, rising to €15–€20 during peak periods. Check live schedules at FlixBus.it.
Itabus
Itabus also serves this route, with 2–3 daily departures. Prices range from €6.90 – €12.90 (≈ $7.45 – $13.90). The drop-off is at Pisa Stazione, a 5-minute walk from Pisa Centrale where you can catch the Pisa Mover. Book via Itabus.it.
| Operator | Price (€) | Price ($) | Duration | Drop-off | Extra to Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | €5.99 – €20 | $6.45 – $21.60 | 1h 50min – 2h 10min | Pisa Stazione/Piazza Vittoria | Bus + Pisa Mover (€2.70) or taxi (€8–€12) |
| Itabus | €6.90 – €12.90 | $7.45 – $13.90 | 1h 55min – 2h 15min | Pisa Stazione | Pisa Mover (€2.70) or taxi (€8–€12) |
Bus Tips
- Book online at least 1–2 days ahead for the lowest fares.
- Each passenger can bring one large suitcase (max 20 kg) and one carry-on – excess luggage may be charged.
- Buses are equipped with Wi-Fi and power sockets on most FlixBus coaches.
- If you have a flight to catch, add at least 30–40 minutes for the final transfer from Pisa city centre to the airport.
Taxi & Private Transfer – Fastest Door-to-Door Option
A taxi or private car is the most convenient way to reach Pisa Airport, especially if you have a lot of luggage, are traveling in a group, or need to depart very early or late when trains are less frequent.
Cost & Time
- Price: €120 – €150 (≈ $130 – $162) for a standard car (up to 4 passengers).
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes – 1 hour 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Distance: 100 km (62 miles) via the SS2 or A1/E80 highway.
When to Choose a Taxi
- Early morning flights (before 07:00): First trains from Siena depart around 05:30–06:00, so a taxi may be necessary for early departures.
- Late-night arrivals (after 23:00): Pisa Mover stops running – a taxi from Pisa Centrale or a pre-booked transfer is the only option.
- Group of 3–4 people: Splitting the fare makes it comparable to train tickets (€30–€38 per person).
- Heavy or bulky luggage: Instruments, skis, or multiple large suitcases are much easier by car.
Recommended Booking Platforms
- Welcome Pickups – fixed prices, meet-and-greet service, €135 from Siena to PSA.
- KiwiTaxi – pre-booked private transfers from €125.
- Local taxi: Call +39 0577 57575 (Siena Radio Taxi) – fares start at €120, confirm upfront.
Always confirm the total price before booking – some drivers add surcharges for airport drop-offs, luggage, or night hours.
Rental Car & Driving – Flexible but Plan Ahead
Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore Tuscany at your own pace, but for a one-way trip to Pisa Airport you'll need to factor in drop-off fees and parking.
Cost Overview
- Rental (24h): €35 – €70 (≈ $38 – $76) for a compact car, depending on the company and season.
- One-way fee: €30 – €60 (≈ $32 – $65) for dropping the car at a different location.
- Fuel: About €12 – €15 (≈ $13 – $16) for the 100 km journey.
- Tolls: €6.20 (≈ $6.70) on the A1/E80 motorway (optional – the SS2 is toll-free but slower).
- Parking at Pisa Airport: €3.00/hour or €18/day in the long-stay lot.
Driving Route
The most direct route is via the SS2 (Via Cassia) north to Empoli, then the A11/E80 west to Pisa. In light traffic the journey takes 1 hour 20 minutes – 1 hour 40 minutes. During summer weekends, traffic around Pisa can add 20–30 minutes.
Rental Companies at Siena
- Hertz – Siena Train Station office
- Europcar – Via Mazzini 45
- Avis – Piazza Gramsci 18
- Sixt – Siena city centre
Tip: Book a "one-way" rental in advance to avoid high walk-in fees. Most companies allow drop-off at Pisa Airport's rental car centre.
Cost & Time Comparison – All Options at a Glance
| Transport Mode | Total Time (door-to-door) | Cost (€) | Cost ($) | Transfers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train (via Empoli) | 1h 55min – 2h 15min | €12.90 – €15.00 | $13.90 – $16.20 | 2 changes | Budget & reliability |
| Train (direct to Pisa Centrale) | 1h 45min – 1h 55min | €12.30 – €14.00 | $13.25 – $15.10 | 1 change | Faster train option |
| FlixBus / Itabus | 2h 20min – 2h 50min | €6.00 – €20.00 | $6.45 – $21.60 | 1–2 (plus local transfer) | Lowest ticket price |
| Taxi / Private Transfer | 1h 20min – 1h 40min | €120 – €150 | $130 – $162 | 0 (direct) | Speed & convenience |
| Rental Car (one-way) | 1h 20min – 1h 40min (+ rental process) | €70 – €140 (incl. one-way fee & fuel) | $76 – $151 | 0 (direct) | Flexibility & group travel |
Best value: Train via Empoli or direct to Pisa Centrale. Cheapest: FlixBus from €6. Fastest: Taxi (1h 20min).
Traveler Tips & Insider Advice
1. Book Train Tickets the Smart Way
Regional train tickets (Regionale) have a fixed price and are valid for 6 hours after validation – you can buy them last minute. But for Intercity or Frecce trains (if you go via Florence), book ahead on Trenitalia to get discounted prices.
2. Validate Your Ticket – No Excuses
Italian trains require you to validate your ticket at the yellow machines on the platform before boarding. Forgetting this results in a fine of €50 – €100, even if you have a valid ticket. Set a reminder on your phone.
3. Consider the "Bus + Train" Hybrid
If the train schedule doesn't align, you can take a FlixBus from Siena to Florence (€4–€8, 1h 15min) and then a high-speed train from Florence to Pisa Centrale (€8–€15, 1h). This adds flexibility but costs slightly more.
4. Early Morning Flight? Stay Overnight in Pisa
If your flight departs before 09:00, the first train from Siena (around 05:30–06:00) may not give you enough time. Consider booking a budget hotel near Pisa Centrale or the airport the night before – options like Hotel Bologna or B&B Pisa Tower start at €60–€80 per night.
5. Luggage – Pack Light for the Train
Regional trains have limited luggage space. If you're traveling with more than one large suitcase, try to board early to claim a spot near the luggage racks. For very heavy luggage, a taxi might be worth the extra cost.
6. Peak Season Warning (Easter, Summer, Christmas)
During Easter week, August, and Christmas holidays, trains fill up quickly – book your tickets at least 2–3 days in advance. Buses also sell out, so reserve online. Expect crowds at Empoli interchange.
7. Use the "Trenitalia App" for Real-Time Updates
Download the Trenitalia App (free) for live train tracking, platform changes, and instant ticket purchase. It's the most reliable tool for navigating Italian rails.
8. Taxi Scam Prevention
Only use licensed white taxis with a official meter. In Siena, you can pre-book a fixed-price transfer through trusted platforms like Welcome Pickups to avoid overcharging.
FAQs – Getting from Siena to Pisa Airport
Is there a direct train from Siena to Pisa Airport?
No, there is no direct train from Siena to Pisa Airport. You must change at Empoli or Pisa Centrale. From Pisa Centrale, the Pisa Mover shuttle (€2.70, 5 minutes) connects directly to the airport terminal.
What is the cheapest way to get from Siena to Pisa Airport?
The cheapest option is the regional train (€12.30–€15.00 / $13.30–$16.20) or a FlixBus ticket booked early (from €5.99 / $6.45). Keep in mind that bus passengers often need an extra local transfer from Pisa city centre to the airport.
What is the fastest way to get from Siena to Pisa Airport?
A taxi or private transfer is the fastest, taking about 1 hour 20 minutes – 1 hour 40 minutes door-to-door, but costs €120–€150 ($130–$162). By train, the fastest journey is via the direct Siena → Pisa Centrale service (about 1 hour 45 minutes total).
How much is a taxi from Siena to Pisa Airport?
A standard taxi from Siena to Pisa Airport costs €120 – €150 (≈ $130 – $162) for up to 4 passengers. Prices vary by company, time of day, and luggage volume. Always confirm the fare before starting the trip.
Can I take a bus from Siena to Pisa Airport?
Yes, FlixBus and Itabus serve the Siena → Pisa route. However, most buses drop you at Pisa city centre, not the airport. You'll then need a local bus (€1.50) or taxi (€8–€12) for the final 3 km to the terminal.
How far is Siena from Pisa Airport?
The distance is approximately 100 km (62 miles). By car or taxi, the drive takes about 1 hour 20 minutes – 1 hour 40 minutes via the SS2 or A1/E80 motorway. By train, the rail distance is similar but requires transfers.
How early should I leave Siena for a flight from Pisa Airport?
For a morning flight (before 12:00), leave Siena at least 4 hours before departure to allow for train changes, Pisa Mover wait time, and airport security. For afternoon flights, 3–3.5 hours is usually sufficient.
Is it better to take the train or a bus from Siena to Pisa Airport?
The train is more reliable and frequent (every 30–60 minutes), with a total journey time of around 2 hours. Buses can be cheaper (from €6) but often require a transfer in Pisa city centre, making the total journey less convenient and potentially longer.