Quick Answer
The best overall way to get from Florence Peretola Airport (FLR) to Lucca is by taking the T2 tram to Florence's Santa Maria Novella (SMN) train station, then catching a regional train to Lucca. This balance of cost, speed, and frequency makes it the top choice for most travelers. The total journey takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours and costs roughly â¬9 to â¬20 per person one-way, depending on the train service booked. For maximum convenience with heavy bags, a direct bus (Flibco) is a strong alternative.
By Train: The Step-by-Step Guide (Best Value)
Taking the train is the most popular method, offering a genuine Italian travel experience with good value. Since Peretola Airport lacks a direct train station, this journey is a two-part process: airport to Florence's central station, then train to Lucca.
Step 1: Airport to Florence Santa Maria Novella (SMN) Station
You have two main options, ranked by value:
- T2 Tram (Best Value): The T2 tram line "Vespucci-Aeroporto" connects directly from outside the airport terminal to the 'Unità ' stop, a 5-minute walk from SMN's main entrance. Runs every 5-10 minutes. Journey: 20 min. Cost: â¬1.50. Buy tickets from machines at the airport tram stop.
- Taxi (Most Convenient): A direct taxi from the airport rank to SMN station takes 15 minutes and costs a fixed fare of â¬25 (day rate) or â¬30.70 (night rate). Ideal if you have lots of luggage.
Step 2: Train from Florence SMN to Lucca
At SMN, you can choose between two train operators. This table outlines the key differences:
| Train Type | Operator | Journey Time | Avg. Price (One-Way) | Key Features & Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regionale | Trenitalia | 1h - 1h 20m | â¬7.90 | Best for flexibility: Tickets are valid for several hours on a specific day. No mandatory seat reservation. Purchase last-minute without huge surcharge. Slower, makes more stops. |
| Intercity (IC) or Frecciarossa | Trenitalia | ~50 min - 1h | â¬12 - â¬25+ | Best for speed & comfort: Requires a specific timed reservation. More spacious, often with air conditioning. Prices fluctuate like airfares; book in advance on Trenitalia.com for best deals. |
Arrival in Lucca: All trains arrive at Lucca's central station (Stazione di Lucca), located just a 10-15 minute walk south of the famous Renaissance walls and the historic center.
By Direct Bus: The Hassle-Free Door-to-Door Option
For travelers who want to avoid the train station transfer in Florence, a direct bus is an excellent, straightforward choice.
Flibco Bus Service (The Primary Operator)
Flibco operates comfortable, air-conditioned coaches specifically for airport transfers.
- Route: Direct from Peretola Airport (bus stop outside Arrivals) to Lucca's main bus depot at Piazzale Verdi, right outside the historic walls.
- Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes (subject to traffic).
- Frequency: 4-6 departures daily. Schedules align with common flight arrival times.
- Cost: â¬15-â¬20 one-way per person. Round-trip tickets offer a small discount.
- Booking: Online booking is essential. Buses can sell out, especially in peak season (May-September).
- Luggage: Includes free luggage allowance (typically 1 large suitcase + 1 carry-on).
Analysis: While slightly more expensive than the cheapest train combo, the Flibco bus eliminates the stress of navigating Florence's tram and train station with bags. The direct drop-off at Piazzale Verdi is incredibly convenient for accessing most hotels. It is the most recommended option for travelers with heavy or multiple suitcases.
By Taxi or Private Transfer: For Special Circumstances Only
A direct taxi or pre-booked private car is the simplest but by far the most expensive option for this transfer. Use it selectively.
Cost & Practicalities
- Official Taxi Fare: The trip from FLR to Lucca is subject to a fixed rate of approximately â¬180-â¬220 (for the car, not per person), depending on the time of day (night/weekend rates are higher) and exact destination within Lucca. Always confirm the fixed price with the driver before departure.
- Journey Time: About 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes via the A11 motorway.
- Private Transfer: Companies like Suntransfers or Welcome Pickups offer pre-booked cars at similar fixed rates. Benefits include meeting you in the arrivals hall with a sign and providing child seats if needed.
When Does a Taxi Make Sense?
Consider this option only in these specific scenarios:
- Late-Night/Early-Morning Arrivals: If your flight lands after the last bus/tram has departed (typically after 11:30 PM).
- Small Groups (4+ People): Splitting a â¬200 fare four ways (â¬50 pp) becomes competitive with other options and offers door-to-door convenience.
- Travelers with Significant Mobility Challenges or Excessive Luggage: When managing public transport is physically impractical.
Warning: For a solo traveler or a couple, this cost is prohibitive and difficult to justify given the efficient public alternatives.
Ticket & Cost Comparison: At a Glance
This table summarizes all key data to help you decide the best transfer from Peretola Airport to Lucca.
| Transport Method | Total Door-to-Door Time | Approx. Cost (One-Way) | Key Advantage | Key Disadvantage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tram + Regional Train | 1h 45min - 2h 15min | â¬9 - â¬12 | Cheapest option | Two separate tickets, walk with luggage | Budget travelers, light packers |
| Taxi + Frecciarossa Train | 1h 30min - 1h 45min | â¬35 - â¬55 | Fastest train, minimal hassle to station | Higher cost, train ticket needs advance booking | Time-sensitive travelers willing to pay for comfort |
| Flibco Direct Bus | ~1h 30min (incl. wait) | â¬15 - â¬20 | Direct, no transfers, easy luggage handling | Subject to road traffic, must book ahead | Most travelers, especially those with suitcases |
| Taxi / Private Car | 1h - 1h 15min | â¬180 - â¬220 (per car) | Door-to-door, private, available 24/7 | Extremely expensive for 1-2 people | Late arrivals, groups of 4+, special needs |
Verdict: The Flibco bus offers the best balance of convenience and price for most. The Tram+Train combo is the most economical. Taxis are a niche luxury.
Traveler Tips & Insider Experience
The Luggage Challenge & Smart Solutions
Managing luggage is the biggest pain point. Cobblestone streets in Lucca are not suitcase-friendly.
- Pack Light: This is the best advice. A single carry-on-sized roller bag and a backpack is ideal.
- Use Luggage Shipping: For a stress-free experience, consider services like MyBaggage or national couriers to ship your large bags directly from the airport to your hotel in Lucca. It costs â¬30-â¬50 but is transformative.
- Left Luggage at Florence SMN: If you want to explore Florence before heading to Lucca, store bags at the "Bagagli in Stazione" office in the station.
Navigating Florence SMN Station
It can be chaotic. Key tips:
- Trains to Lucca primarily depart from the lower-level "Binari" (tracks) 5-10.
- Check the large electronic departure boards for your train's final destination (often "Viareggio") and track number. "Lucca" will be listed as a stop.
- Validate regional train tickets at the green/white stamping machines before boarding to avoid a fine. Pre-booked Italo/Frecciarossa tickets do not need validation.
Practical Planning Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Book Train/Bus Tickets in Advance: Especially for high-speed trains (big savings) and the Flibco bus (guarantees a seat). For regional trains, buying on the day is fine, but the price is fixed.
- Download Essential Apps: Trenitalia or Italo Treno for train tickets/timetables; Flibco for bus tickets; Google Maps for real-time local transit (Tramvia T2) navigation in Florence.
- Peak Season Warning (Jun-Aug): All services are busier. Book trains and buses weeks in advance. Expect crowds at Florence SMN.
- Validate Your Ticket: As noted above, failure to validate a regional train ticket can result in an on-the-spot fine of â¬50+.
- Cash & Cards: Have some Euros for the tram ticket machine (cards usually work, but machines can be finicky). Taxis and all online bookings accept cards.
FAQs: Peretola Airport to Lucca Transfer
Is there a direct train from Peretola Airport to Lucca?
No, there is no direct train. You must first take a shuttle or taxi from Peretola Airport (FLR) to Florence's main train station, Santa Maria Novella (SMN), which takes about 20 minutes. From there, you can catch a regional train to Lucca, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Peretola Airport to Lucca?
The cheapest option is the combination of the T2 public tram (â¬1.50) from the airport to Florence SMN station, followed by a regional train to Lucca (â¬7.90 if purchased in advance). The total one-way cost can be as low as â¬9-â¬10 per person. Direct buses like Flibco are slightly more expensive but can be more convenient if you have heavy luggage.
How long is the transfer from Peretola Airport to Lucca?
The total door-to-door travel time typically ranges from 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on connections. This includes: 15-20 min to reach Florence SMN station, waiting time for the train (2-4 departures per hour), and a 1h-1h20m train ride. A direct bus takes about 1 hour 15 minutes of driving time, plus boarding.
Are there direct buses from Peretola Airport to Lucca?
Yes, the most reliable direct bus service is operated by Flibco. It runs multiple times daily from outside Peretola Airport's arrivals terminal directly to Lucca's main bus station (Piazzale Verdi). The journey takes about 75 minutes, and tickets cost approximately â¬15-â¬20 one-way. Advance online booking is highly recommended, especially in summer.
Is a taxi from Peretola Airport to Lucca a good idea?
For most travelers, a taxi is not cost-effective. The fixed-rate fare for the 90 km trip is high (â¬180-â¬220) and the journey takes over an hour. It is only advisable in specific scenarios: late-night arrivals after public transport has ended, for a large group (4+ people) sharing the cost, or for travelers with significant mobility issues or excessive luggage.
Where do I buy tickets for the train from Florence to Lucca?
You have several options: 1) **Online in advance**: Use Trenitalia or Italo's official websites/apps for the best fares. 2) **At the Airport**: At the information desk or ticket machines in the arrivals hall. 3) **At Florence SMN Station**: From self-service machines or ticket counters. Note: The regional train (Regionale) tickets are open for a few hours, while Italo/Le Frecce trains require a specific timed reservation.
What should I do with large luggage on the train?
On regional trains to Lucca, space is limited. Use overhead racks or designated areas near the doors. For a seamless experience, consider using Italy's luggage transfer service, **âBagagli in Stazioneâ (Left Luggage)** at Florence SMN or, even better, a door-to-door **luggage shipping service** like "MyBaggage" or "Stasher" to send your bags directly to your Lucca hotel, allowing you to travel with just a day pack.
Can I use a ride-sharing app like Uber from Peretola Airport?
Uber operates in Florence but primarily as Uber Black (luxury cars) at airport rates, which are similar to or higher than regular taxis. The standard UberX is not widely available. The most reliable and regulated option for a private car is to pre-book a transfer with a local company like **Suntransfers** or **Welcome Pickups**, which offer fixed prices and meet-and-greet services.