How to get from Florence to Pisa

For culture-lovers visiting Italy, it’s fair to say that Florence and Pisa are hard to beat as a duo of destinations. Two treasures of Tuscany, both cities brim with awe-inspiring art, architectural wonders, and places to tuck into tasty food. If that’s whet your appetite, read on to find out how to get from Florence to Pisa.

How to get from Florence to Pisa

As for how to get from Florence to Pisa, you have a few options to choose from. The train comes recommended as a cost-effective, convenient way to make the trip. Then there’s the bus — a good option for travellers on more of a budget.

Meanwhile, if you’re planning a longer trip around Tuscany and like to do things in your own time, you could hire a car. The drive typically takes just over an hour.

At the other end of the scale, you could let someone else handle the logistics and take an organised tour.

Going to Florence or Pisa? Contact our Italy travel experts  to save yourself the trouble of mapping out an itinerary and planning.

How far is Pisa from Florence?

A mere 42-miles apart, Pisa isn’t at all far from Florence. With a driving distance of 51 miles, it can take just over an hour to travel between them by road.

For a slightly longer, more scenic road journey (hello, rolling Tuscan hills!), use the A11/E76 highways.

Set on taking a trip to Italy? Read about our fully cutomisable Tusany itineraries. 

What's the quickest way to get from Florence to Pisa?

The quickest way to get from Florence to Pisa is via high-speed train. These take just 49 minutes to run between the cities.

Meanwhile, if you opt to go by car, expect a journey time of just over an hour.

Using the fastest bus service, it takes from 1 hour 10 minutes to get from Florence to Pisa. Note that some services can take up to two hours.

Short on time? Check our 5-day Florence itinerary.

By train

Duration: from 49 minutes | Cost: from €10

With a route that runs through the scenic Tuscan countryside, catching a train is arguably the best way to get from Florence to Pisa.

With fast trains taking just 49 minutes, and tickets available from just €10, it’s also super-quick, ultra-affordable, and always direct.

What’s more, with up to 46 trains a day, you have lots of flexibility. Just be aware that if you’re travelling over a weekend, or during a holiday, the service is less frequent.

Love epic train journeys? Discover the 10 best railway journeys in Italy.

By bus

Duration: from 1hr 10 mins – 2hrs | Cost: from €8

With 35+ buses and multiple operators running between the cities each day, taking a bus is another good way to get from Florence to Pisa. That’s especially so if you’re on a budget — single tickets start from €8.

Add to that the fact that some services take just over an hour, and the bus option amounts to another all-round winner.

Just be aware that even operators promising faster journey times are subject to all the usual possibilities of traffic congestion. Note also that you can take less luggage on buses.

Keen to see more of Italy? Read our suggested 7 days Italy itineraries, with 8 ideas to inspire a multitude of experiences.

By car

Duration: from 1hr 10 mins | Daily car hire: from €45

Depending on which route you take — and whether you opt to stop-off in some beauty spots along the way — driving from Florence to Pisa can take just over an hour.

Be aware that in addition to the cost of hiring a car, you should factor in parking charges. With that in mind, when you reach Pisa, we recommend taking advantage of the free car park at Via Pietrasantina. From here, for just €1, you can catch a shuttle and be in the heart of town in a mere five minutes.

Into independent travel? Read up on getting around Italy.

By organised tour

Duration: up to 8 hours | Cost: from €35

To benefit from the knowledge of a local tour guide, and from the time-saving benefits of bagging skip-the-line entry to top attractions, consider booking an organised tour to get from Florence to Pisa

In addition, the tour option means you’ll also forgo the hassle of having to buy bus or train tickets, or hire a car.

Alongside seeing the Pisa Duomo, Baptistery, and Camposanto — and having the option to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa — you can usually expect free time to find your new favourite café. Most tour companies offer half and full day experiences, with guided walks a feature.

Rough Guides tip: To better prepare for your trip to Florence, also read our guide to the best areas to stay in Florence.

Can Pisa be a day trip from Florence?

In a word, yes! Pisa is in fact one of the best day trips from Florence - we highly recommend incorporating the city into your trip schedule.

Given that you can get from Florence to Pisa in under an hour on a high-speed train, taking a day trip is quick, easy and eminently rewarding.

For example, when you arrive (Leaning Tower aside), make a beeline for the magnificent museums of the Campo dei Miracoli. They rival the best museums in Florence, which is really saying something.

For more info and inspo, get The Rough Guide to Italy, and find out about Florence in the Pocket Rough Guide.

You’ll find more inspiring trip ideas among our customisable Italy itineraries. Talk to an Italy local travel expert to start creating your dream trip.