Quick Answer
The best overall way to get from Pisa Airport (PSA) to Florence is by train. The journey involves a short 5-minute ride on the PisaMover people mover to Pisa Centrale station, followed by a 50-80 minute train to Florence Santa Maria Novella (SMN). The total cost is €11-€35 and the total travel time is 1h 15m to 1h 45m. The cheapest option is the regional train (€11.10), while the fastest is a high-speed train after the PisaMover. For a direct, door-to-door service, taxis or private transfers cost €160-€220 and take 70-90 minutes.
By Train from Pisa Airport to Florence (The Recommended Route)
Taking the train is the most efficient, reliable, and scenic way to travel between Pisa Airport and Florence. It's a two-step process but is well-organized and frequent.
Step-by-Step Guide
- PisaMover from Airport to Pisa Centrale: Follow signs for “Stazione FS/Railway Station” or “PisaMover” inside the terminal. The automated people mover station is a 2-3 minute walk. Trains depart every 5-8 minutes. The journey takes exactly 5 minutes.
- Ticket Cost: €2.70 (one-way). Buy from machines at the station, online, or via the PisaMover app.
- Operating Hours: Approximately 6:00 AM - 12:15 AM.
- Train from Pisa Centrale to Florence SMN: At Pisa Centrale, find your platform. Two main types of trains operate this route:
Train Type Operator Journey Time Approx. Fare (One-Way)* Key Features Regionale / Regionale Veloce Trenitalia 70-80 minutes €8.40 Slower, stops at many stations (Lucca, Pistoia). No seat reservation needed. Cheapest rail option. Intercity (IC) Trenitalia 50-60 minutes €15-€25 Faster, fewer stops. More comfortable. Reservation included. Frecciarossa (FR) / Frecciargento (FA) Trenitalia 50-55 minutes €20-€35 High-speed. Most comfortable, with business class options. Advance booking offers best prices. Italo Italo NTV 50-55 minutes €15-€30 Private high-speed operator. Modern trains, competitive pricing. Departs from different platform area. *Fares are dynamic. Book high-speed trains in advance for the best price.
Buying Tickets & Practical Tips
- Combined Ticket: You can buy a single ticket covering both the PisaMover and a Trenitalia regional train on the Trenitalia website or app. This simplifies validation.
- Validation: Regional train tickets (not for specific time/reserved seats) MUST be validated in the green or white stamping machines before boarding to avoid a fine.
- Luggage: Ample space for luggage on trains. On high-speed trains, use overhead racks or dedicated areas at the end of carriages.
- Frequency: Trains run very frequently, from early morning until late evening (often over 50 departures daily).
By Bus from Pisa Airport to Florence (The Budget Choice)
Direct buses are a straightforward and cost-effective alternative, especially if you have limited luggage and want a single seat without transfers.
Key Bus Operators
- Flibco: The most frequent service. Drops off at Florence's Viale Filippo Strozzi (a 10-min walk to SMN station).
- Travel Time: ~70 mins.
- Fare: €10-€15 online, €15-€20 on board.
- Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes.
- Terravision: Reliable service to Florence SMN station's bus terminal.
- Travel Time: ~75 mins.
- Fare: Similar to Flibco, cheaper online.
Pros, Cons & Booking Advice
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
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Tip: Always book online in advance for the lowest fare and to guarantee a seat, especially during peak tourist season (May-September) or on weekends. Have your e-ticket ready on your phone.
By Taxi or Private Transfer (For Convenience & Groups)
This is the most expensive but also the most convenient door-to-door option, suitable for specific circumstances.
Taxi from Pisa Airport
- Fixed Fare: The official fixed rate from Pisa Airport to any address within Florence's historic center (inside the Viali di Circonvallazione) is €160 (daytime, 6 AM - 10 PM). At night (10 PM - 6 AM), the fare rises to €200-€220.
- Journey Time: 70 to 90 minutes, heavily dependent on traffic.
- Where to Find: Official taxi rank is directly outside the Arrivals hall. Only use licensed white taxis with a taxi sign.
- Uber: Uber operates as Uber Black in Pisa/Florence, using licensed professional drivers. Prices are similar to or slightly higher than taxi fixed fares.
Pre-Booked Private Transfers
Services like SunTransfers, Booking.com Transfers, or Welcome Pickups offer pre-paid, meet-and-greet services. A driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a name sign.
- Cost: €140-€180 for a standard sedan (3 passengers + luggage).
- Advantages: Peace of mind, fixed price, English-speaking drivers, child seats available on request, 24/7 service.
When is a Taxi/Transfer Worth It?
- Traveling in a group of 3-4 people (splitting the cost).
- Arriving very late at night or very early in the morning when public transport isn't running.
- Have a lot of heavy or bulky luggage.
- Have mobility issues or young children.
- Need to go directly to a specific hotel not near Florence SMN station.
Warning: Never accept rides from unlicensed drivers soliciting inside the terminal.
Ticket & Cost Comparison Table
Use this table to quickly compare all your options from Pisa Airport to Florence city center.
| Transport Method | Total Door-to-Door Time | Approx. Cost (One-Way) | Transfers / Steps | Best For | Book In Advance? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train (Regional) | 1h 30m - 1h 45m | €11.10 | Two (PisaMover + Train) | Budget travelers, flexible schedules | Not necessary, but combined ticket is convenient. |
| Train (High-Speed) | 1h 15m - 1h 30m | €25-€40 | Two (PisaMover + Train) | Speed & comfort, business travel | Yes, for best price & seat. |
| ✅ Direct Bus (e.g., Flibco) | 1h 10m - 1h 40m* | €10-€20 | None (Direct) | Solo travelers, budget, simple route | Yes, for lower price. |
| Taxi / Uber | 70 - 90 min* | €160-€220 | None (Direct) | Groups, late night, heavy luggage | Taxi: No. Uber/Transfer: Yes. |
| Private Transfer | 70 - 90 min* | €140-€180 | None (Direct) | Families, first-time visitors, specific needs | Yes, essential. |
*Times heavily dependent on road traffic.
Winner for Value & Efficiency: Train.
Winner for Lowest Price: Bus (booked online) or Regional Train.
Traveler Tips & Experience
Beyond schedules and fares, here are practical insights from experienced travelers.
Luggage Strategy
- Light is Right: The fewer bags, the easier the PisaMover and station navigation will be.
- Baggage Storage: If you want to visit Pisa on the way, use the left luggage office (deposito bagagli) at Pisa Centrale station (approx. €6 per bag for 5 hours).
- Forward Your Luggage: Services like Bagbnb or hotel-to-hotel couriers can send your bags ahead, allowing you to travel freely.
Navigation & Timing
- Pisa Centrale Station: It's a medium-sized station. Allow 10-15 minutes between your PisaMover arrival and your train departure to find your platform comfortably.
- Florence SMN Station: It's large and busy. Know your exit point in advance (your hotel direction) to avoid confusion.
- Peak Seasons & Strikes: In summer and during Italian holidays (Ferragosto in August), trains and buses are crowded. Book reserved seats. Check for national transport strikes (sciopero) on the official strike calendar.
Combining with Sightseeing
Consider stopping in Pisa or Lucca. Get off the PisaMover, store your bags at Pisa Centrale, visit the Leaning Tower (20-min walk or bus), then continue to Florence later. A regional train ticket often allows multiple stops within its validity period—check the conditions.
FAQs: Pisa Airport to Florence Transport
Is there a direct train from Pisa Airport to Florence?
No. You must first take the 5-minute PisaMover shuttle to Pisa Centrale station, then board a train to Florence.
What is the cheapest way to get from Pisa Airport to Florence?
The cheapest combination is the PisaMover (€2.70) plus a Trenitalia Regionale train (€8.40), totaling ~€11.10. Direct buses booked online can also be as low as €10.
What is the fastest way to get from Pisa Airport to Florence city center?
The fastest overall door-to-door journey is via the PisaMover + a high-speed Frecciarossa or Italo train, taking about 1 hour 15 minutes. A taxi is direct but often slower due to traffic.
How long is the bus journey from Pisa Airport to Florence?
The direct bus takes approximately 70 to 90 minutes, but this can extend significantly during rush hour traffic on the A11 highway.
Can I use a taxi or Uber from Pisa Airport to Florence?
Yes. Licensed taxis have a fixed fare of €160 (day) to €220 (night). Uber Black is available at similar prices. It's the most expensive option.
Where do I buy tickets for the PisaMover and train?
PisaMover: Machines at the airport station, online, or via app. Trains: Purchase from Trenitalia/Italo websites, apps, or station machines. A combined ticket for both is available on Trenitalia's platform.
What should I do if I arrive at Pisa Airport late at night?
After ~11:30 PM, options are limited to: 1) Pre-booked private transfer, 2) Taxi (expensive), or 3) Staying at an airport hotel and traveling in the morning. Plan late arrivals carefully.
Is it better to fly into Pisa or Florence for a trip to Tuscany?
Pisa (PSA) often has cheaper flights and easy train links to Florence (~1.5 hrs). Florence (FLR) is more convenient (20 mins to center) but has fewer and pricier flights. For cost and flexibility, PSA is excellent.