Quick Answer
The fastest and most recommended way to get from Florence Peretola Airport (FLR) to Pisa is by taking the tram to Florence's main train station (Santa Maria Novella) and then a direct regional train to Pisa Centrale. The total journey takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes and costs approximately â¬12-â¬18 per person. The cheapest option is the direct Flibco shared shuttle bus, costing around â¬5-â¬10 but taking slightly longer (about 1h 50min). For door-to-door convenience, a taxi or private transfer costs â¬120-â¬180 for up to 4 people and takes about 1h 10min.
Option 1: Train via Florence Santa Maria Novella (SMN) Station
This is the most popular and balanced option for most travelers, offering a good mix of speed, reliability, and cost. It involves a short tram ride from the airport to Florence's main railway hub.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Exit the Airport & Find the Tram: After baggage claim, follow signs for "Tramvia" or "Public Transport". The T2 tram line stop ("Aeroporto") is just outside the terminal.
- Buy Your Tram Ticket: Purchase a single urban ticket (â¬1.70) from the vending machine at the stop. Validate it onboard. This ticket is valid for 90 minutes on all urban transport.
- Tram Ride to SMN Station: Take the T2 tram towards "Unità ". Get off at the "Stazione Santa Maria Novella" stop (approx. 22-minute ride).
- Transfer to the Train Station: The tram stop deposits you directly opposite the main entrance of Santa Maria Novella railway station.
- Buy Your Train Ticket to Pisa: Inside the station, use the self-service Trenitalia machines or ticket counters. Look for Regionale or Regionale Veloce trains to Pisa Centrale. No high-speed trains run on this route.
- Board the Train: Trains depart frequently (every 20-40 minutes). Check the departure board for your platform (binario). Validate your paper ticket at the small green/yellow machines near the platform entrance before boarding.
Train Types, Schedule & Fares
| Train Type | Journey Time (Florence SMN to Pisa) | Approx. Fare (One-Way) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regionale Veloce (RV) | 48 - 60 minutes | â¬8.40 | Faster, fewer stops, air-conditioned. |
| Regionale (R) | 60 - 80 minutes | â¬8.40 | More stops, slightly slower, same base fare. |
Source: Trenitalia Official Website
Important Considerations
- Luggage: Space is available but can be limited during peak hours. Avoid the busiest commuter trains (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM).
- Tickets: Buying online in advance via Trenitalia or Italo (for some routes) doesn't usually save money on regional trains but guarantees a seat on specific services.
- Travel Passes: If you have a Eurail/Interrail Italy Pass, this journey is fully covered. Simply board and fill in your travel diary.
Option 2: Direct Shuttle Bus (Flibco)
The most budget-friendly direct option, ideal for solo travelers or those with light luggage. The Flibco shared shuttle bus runs directly between Peretola Airport and Pisa Centrale station.
Service Details
- Operator: Flibco (Shared Shuttle Bus).
- Departure Point: Directly outside Peretola Airport Arrivals, at the designated bus bays.
- Arrival Point: Pisa Centrale Railway Station (main entrance side).
- Journey Time: Approximately 70-90 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Frequency: Around 10-15 departures per day, from early morning until late evening.
Fares & Booking
Fares are dynamic. Booking online in advance is highly recommended and much cheaper.
- Online Advance Purchase: â¬5 - â¬10 (one-way).
- On-the-Spot Purchase: â¬15 - â¬20 (one-way).
- Luggage: One standard suitcase and one carry-on included. Extra bags may incur a fee (â¬5-â¬10).
Pro Tip: Check the Flibco website for seasonal promotions and off-peak discounts.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| â Direct connection, no transfers. â Cheapest option. â Comfortable, air-conditioned coaches. â Free Wi-Fi on board. |
â Travel time susceptible to road traffic. â Less frequent than trains. â Can be crowded; advance booking is essential. â Limited space for oversized luggage. |
Option 3: Taxi & Private Transfers
For maximum convenience, late-night arrivals, groups, or travelers with lots of luggage, a direct road transfer is the solutionâbut at a premium price.
Official Taxi (Most Expensive)
- Pick-up: Rank outside Arrivals.
- Approx. Fare: â¬120 - â¬180 (fixed rate for the airport to Pisa city center journey).
- Journey Time: ~70 minutes.
- Important: Always use the official white taxis with a meter and logo. Agree on a fixed price ("prezzo fisso") before departure.
Pre-Booked Private Transfer (Recommended for This Route)
Booking a private car or van in advance is often more reliable and can be similarly priced or slightly cheaper than a hailed taxi.
- Average Cost (Sedan for 3): â¬110 - â¬150.
- Average Cost (Van for 8): â¬180 - â¬250.
- Providers: Reliable companies include SunTransfers, Welcome Pickups, and KiwiTaxi.
- Advantages: Door-to-door service, meet & greet with a name sign, fixed price, 24/7 availability, child seats available on request.
When is a Taxi/Transfer Worth It?
Consider this option if:
- Your flight arrives after 10 PM (when public transport options are limited).
- You are a group of 3 or more (splitting the cost makes it reasonable).
- You have mobility issues or excessive luggage.
- You are on a very tight schedule and value time over money.
Cost & Time Comparison: Peretola Airport to Pisa
Use this table to quickly compare all your options at a glance.
| Transport Method | Total Approx. Time | Approx. Cost (One-Way) | Transfers | Best For | Our Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tram + Regional Train | 1h 40min | â¬12 - â¬18 | 1 (Tram to Train) | Most travelers, balanced budget, scenic route. | â BEST OVERALL |
| Direct Shuttle Bus (Flibco) | 1h 50min | â¬5 - â¬15 | 0 (Direct) | Solo travelers, tight budgets, light luggage. | ð° CHEAPEST |
| Taxi / Private Transfer | 1h 10min | â¬110 - â¬250 | 0 (Direct) | Groups, late arrivals, luxury/convenience. | ð MOST CONVENIENT |
Traveler Tips & Essential Advice
1. Manage Your Luggage Wisely
The tram and trains can be crowded. If you have heavy bags, consider using the "Baggage Delivery" or "Luggage Storage" services at Florence SMN station to send them ahead or store them if you're exploring Florence first. Services like Stow Your Bags have kiosks at major stations.
2. Master the Florence SMN Station Transfer
The transfer from the tram to the train station is easy (minimum 30-minute buffer between your tram's arrival and your train's departure, especially if you need to buy tickets and find your platform for the first time.
3. Book Public Transport in Peak Season
During summer (June-August) or Italian holidays (Easter, Christmas), book your Flibco bus seat online days in advance. Train seats cannot be reserved on regional services, so be prepared to stand on very busy days.
4. Validate Paper Tickets!
For regional trains and trams, you MUST validate paper tickets at the stamping machines before boarding. Failure to do so can result in a hefty fine (â¬50+). Digital tickets (on your phone) do not need validation.
5. Consider Your Final Destination in Pisa
If you're going directly to the Leaning Tower (Miracle Square), get off at "Pisa San Rossore" station instead of "Pisa Centrale". It's a 10-minute walk vs. a 25-minute walk or a short bus ride from the main station. Check your train's stopping pattern.
FAQs: Getting from Peretola Airport to Pisa
Is there a direct train from Peretola Airport to Pisa?
No. There is no direct train station at Peretola Airport. You must first take the T2 tram (or a taxi/bus) to Florence's main Santa Maria Novella (SMN) train station, and from there catch a direct regional train to Pisa.
What is the cheapest way to get from FLR Airport to Pisa?
The absolute cheapest way is the Flibco shared shuttle bus, with advance online fares as low as â¬5-â¬10 one-way. The tram+train combo is slightly more expensive (â¬12-â¬18) but offers more frequency and reliability.
How long does the journey take?
The total travel time varies:
- Train Route (Tram+Train): 1 hour 40 minutes on average.
- Direct Bus: 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes (traffic dependent).
- Taxi/Private Car: About 1 hour 10 minutes in normal traffic.
How do I get from Peretola to Pisa late at night?
After about 10:30 PM, public transport options become very limited. Your only reliable options are a pre-booked private transfer or an official taxi (which will be expensive). Always book your night transfer in advance.
Is it better to fly or take the train from Florence to Pisa?
Taking the train is unequivocally better. There are no direct commercial flights between Florence and Pisa. Flying would require traveling back to an airport, a very short flight, and then transport from Pisa's airport to the cityâtaking longer and costing significantly more than the simple 1-hour train ride.
Can I use a Eurail Pass for this journey?
Yes. If you have a valid Eurail/Interrail Italy Pass, the regional train journey from Florence SMN to Pisa Centrale is fully covered. You simply need to board and fill in your travel diary for that day. The tram from the airport to SMN station requires a separate urban ticket (â¬1.70).
Is the route easy with children and strollers?
Moderately easy. Trams and trains have dedicated spaces for strollers, but they can be crowded. The tram-to-train transfer in Florence is manageable with lifts/escalators. For ultimate ease, especially with lots of baby gear, a pre-booked private transfer (with a child seat request) is worth the extra cost.
Should I buy train tickets online in advance?
For regional trains (Trenitalia Regionale), it is not necessary to buy in advance, as the price is fixed and seats are not assigned. However, purchasing via an app (Trenitalia or Trainline) saves time at the station and ensures you have a ticket. For peace of mind during peak season, buying online a day or two ahead is a good idea.