Pisa airport to Florence — all transport options
How do I get from Pisa airport to Florence?
The easiest route is the Pisa Mover rail shuttle (€2.70, 5 min) to Pisa Centrale, then a regional Trenitalia train to Florence Santa Maria Novella (€9–15, 1–1.5h, trains every 30–60 min). Total journey under 90 minutes door-to-door.
Why many travellers arrive at Pisa airport
Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport (IATA: PSA) is one of the main gateways to Tuscany. It handles significantly more budget-airline routes than Florence Peretola — Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, Vueling and others all use PSA, whereas Florence FLR is dominated by Lufthansa, BA, Air France and smaller carriers.
If you are flying Ryanair from London, Stansted, Manchester, Dublin or many other European cities, there is a good chance you are landing at Pisa. The distance from PSA to central Florence is approximately 80 km by road.
The good news: the connection is excellent by train.
Option 1 — Pisa Mover + regional train (recommended)
This is the standard and most reliable route for independent travellers.
Step 1: Pisa Mover airport shuttle
The Pisa Mover is an automated rail shuttle that runs every 5–8 minutes directly from the PSA arrivals terminal to Pisa Centrale main station.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Departure | PSA terminal ground floor, clear signage |
| Journey time | 5 minutes |
| Fare | €2.70 (machines at the terminal; also sold at tabacchi) |
| Operating hours | 06:00–00:00 daily |
| Luggage | Unlimited — dedicated luggage spaces |
Step 2: Trenitalia regional train to Florence
At Pisa Centrale, follow signs for Trenitalia. Trains to Florence Santa Maria Novella leave from platforms 1–3.
| Service type | Journey time | Approx fare | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast regional (R) — direct | 60 min | €9.90 | 2 per hour |
| Intercity direct | 70 min | €13–15 | 1 per hour |
| Regional stopping service | 80–90 min | €9.90 | 2 per hour |
Book online at trenitalia.com or at the Pisa Centrale ticket machines. Regional trains (category R) can be bought on the day with no extra fee. Only Intercity and Frecciarossa services require advance booking for the best prices.
Important: validate your ticket in the yellow stamp machines on the platform before boarding. Failure to validate results in a €50 on-the-spot fine.
Total journey time and cost
| Leg | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Pisa Mover | 5 min | €2.70 |
| Wait at Pisa Centrale | 5–15 min | — |
| Train to Florence SMN | 60–90 min | €9.90–15 |
| Total | ~80–120 min | ~€12–18 |
Option 2 — Direct coach (Terravision)
Terravision operates a direct coach service from the PSA terminal forecourt to Florence Santa Maria Novella bus station (directly behind the main train station).
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Pickup point | PSA terminal forecourt |
| Drop-off | Florence SMN bus station |
| Journey time | 1h15–1h45 (traffic dependent) |
| Fare | €6–10 one way, €10–16 return |
| Frequency | Roughly hourly, timed to flight arrivals |
| Booking | terravision.eu or at PSA terminal desk |
The coach is comfortable but slower than the train when traffic on the A11 motorway is heavy. In July and August, afternoon journeys can take up to 2 hours. The train is generally more reliable.
Other shuttle operators occasionally serve the PSA–Florence route, including Flixbus on certain days — check current schedules closer to your travel date.
Option 3 — Private transfer
A private transfer from PSA to your Florence hotel is the most convenient option if:
- You are travelling with children or elderly family members
- You have more luggage than you can comfortably manage on trains
- You are arriving late at night (the Pisa Mover stops at midnight)
- Your hotel is in an area difficult to reach from SMN
Typical prices (2026 estimates):
| Vehicle type | Capacity | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan / saloon | 1–3 passengers | €65–90 |
| Estate / people carrier | 4–6 passengers | €85–120 |
| Minibus | 7–8 passengers | €110–150 |
Most private transfer drivers carry a sign with your name in the arrivals hall. Reputable operators include local NCC (noleggio con conducente) services bookable via your hotel or travel platforms.
Note: even private transfers cannot enter the ZTL without a pre-arranged authorisation code. Your driver will either have one or will drop you at the edge of the restricted zone — usually a short walk from your hotel.
Option 4 — Rental car
PSA has desks for Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Budget and Goldcar just outside the terminal building. The A11 motorway connects Pisa directly to the Florence ring road (Firenze Sud or Firenze Nord exits).
Driving time: 75–90 minutes in normal conditions. During the summer tourist peak (July–August) and Friday evenings, add 15–30 minutes for congestion around the Florence ring road.
Toll: the A11 motorway has a small toll (approximately €3–5 each way). Ensure your rental car has a Telepass or be prepared to pay cash at the toll booths.
Critical reminder about driving in Florence: the ZTL covers the entire historic centre. Cameras operate 7:30–20:00 on weekdays and 7:30–16:00 on Saturdays. Fines are €80–335 per camera and arrive weeks later by post. Rental companies add a €20–40 administrative charge per fine. Park outside the ZTL at Piazzale Michelangelo, the Fortezza da Basso or station car parks.
A rental car is genuinely useful if you plan to drive through Chianti, Montepulciano, Val d’Orcia or other areas of rural Tuscany — see our guide to renting a car in Tuscany.
Late-night arrivals at Pisa airport
The Pisa Mover stops at midnight. If your flight lands after midnight:
- Taxi from PSA: official taxis queue outside arrivals. Flat rate to Florence city centre is approximately €100–120. This is expensive but unavoidable for very late arrivals.
- Pre-booked private transfer: the sensible option for late flights — book in advance with a meeting point in arrivals.
- Stay in Pisa overnight: if your flight lands after 23:00, consider staying near Pisa and taking the first morning train. Pisa Centrale is 5 minutes from the airport. Pisa’s old town has good options for a single night.
Comparing Pisa airport vs Florence airport
If you have a choice of entry airports, here is an honest comparison:
| Factor | PSA (Pisa) | FLR (Florence Peretola) |
|---|---|---|
| Distance to Florence | 80 km | 5 km |
| Journey time to Florence | 80–90 min by train | 18 min by tram |
| Journey cost to Florence | €12–18 | €1.50 |
| Budget airlines | Many (Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air) | Fewer |
| Legacy airlines | Limited | More (Lufthansa, BA, Air France) |
| Transatlantic connections | Via Rome or Milan | Via Rome or Milan |
If you can fly into FLR at a comparable price, it is more convenient for Florence itself. But PSA’s wider range of budget routes — particularly from UK regional airports and many European cities — means it is often the cheaper or only option, and the train connection is genuinely straightforward.
Practical tips
- Buy train tickets online on the Trenitalia app before you land — regional trains can sell out on busy days in summer
- Validate your ticket before boarding the train at Pisa Centrale — there is no excuse for not doing this, and inspectors board regularly
- Pisa Central station has a left-luggage facility if you want to visit Pisa’s Leaning Tower before heading to Florence (a sensible stop, since you are already there)
- Currency: the ticket machines and Pisa Mover accept Visa and Mastercard contactless — you do not need cash
- Pisa Centrale station has a small café and shops if you need a quick breakfast before the Florence train
Pisa airport terminal guide — what to expect on arrival
Arrivals hall layout
Pisa Galileo Galilei is a mid-sized Italian regional airport with a single terminal building. Arriving passengers exit into a central arrivals hall. From left to right as you face the exit doors:
- Pisa Mover entrance: at the far left, following signs for “Treno/Train” — this leads directly to the elevated track. Journey takes 5 minutes to Pisa Centrale.
- Taxi rank: outside the main terminal exit, straight ahead. Taxis are metered — do not pay in advance or hand money to anyone inside the terminal.
- Bus stops: outside the terminal to the right. Terravision and other operators depart from the marked bus bays.
- Car rental desks: Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Budget and Goldcar desks are in a separate building to the right of the terminal (follow signs or short outdoor walk).
- Currency exchange: inside the terminal, though ATM rates are better. ATMs are near the terminal exit.
Useful terminal facilities
| Facility | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ATMs | Arrivals hall | Prefer bank ATMs (Intesa, UniCredit) over standalone exchange kiosks |
| Left luggage | Near check-in area | Useful if you want to see Pisa’s Leaning Tower before Florence |
| Pharmacy | Departures (landside) | Limited but available |
| Car hire | Separate building, right of terminal | Short walk from arrivals |
| Café / restaurant | Departures terminal | Acceptable quality, better prices than Florence tourist area |
| Wi-Fi | Throughout terminal | Free, registration required on some networks |
Visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa en route to Florence
Since you are already at Pisa airport, the Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli are only 5–10 minutes from Pisa Centrale station. Spending 2–3 hours in Pisa before the Florence train is entirely logical and many visitors combine the two.
Logistics:
- Take the Pisa Mover to Pisa Centrale station (5 min, €2.70)
- From Pisa Centrale, walk to the Piazza dei Miracoli (20 min on foot, or 10 min by taxi/bus 4)
- Visit the Leaning Tower complex
- Return to Pisa Centrale and take the Florence train
Tower tickets: the tower itself requires a timed entry ticket booked at opapisa.it. €15–20 depending on the attractions included (tower only, or combined with Cathedral/Baptistery/Camposanto). The tower can be fully booked weeks ahead in summer — pre-book before you fly.
Leaning Tower visit time: allow 30 minutes for the tower climb (294 steps to the top), plus 60–90 minutes to see the Cathedral, Baptistery and Camposanto. Total 2–3 hours is comfortable.
Left luggage at Pisa airport: you can store bags at the airport left luggage before heading to the tower. This avoids carrying suitcases to the Piazza dei Miracoli.
Pisa to Florence trains: run throughout the day. As long as you do not leave Pisa after 20:00 you will reach Florence at a reasonable hour.
Practical considerations for different traveller types
Solo travellers and couples (budget)
The Pisa Mover + Trenitalia regional train is the clear best option. Buy a ticket online the night before for the best prices. The journey is comfortable, reliable and cost-effective at approximately €12–18 total.
Families with children and lots of luggage
A private transfer is worth the premium (€85–120 for a family car) if you have young children, travel during summer heat, or have more luggage than you can comfortably manage across two train connections. Door-to-door service with luggage loading is a significant convenience.
Business travellers
Intercity direct trains (Trenitalia IC or FR connections via Pisa) offer a comfortable, fast connection with power sockets and Wi-Fi at a professional cost level. Book first class (Prima Classe) for wider seats and guaranteed quiet.
Groups of 6–8
A shared minibus transfer costs less per person than individual train tickets for larger groups, offers luggage handling and drops directly at the hotel. Get quotes from multiple operators before booking.
Frequently asked questions about Pisa airport to Florence
Is there Wi-Fi at Pisa airport?
Yes. Pisa Galileo Galilei airport has free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. Coverage is reliable for checking train times and booking tickets.
Can I leave luggage at Pisa airport?
Yes — left luggage is available at the terminal. This is useful if you want to see Pisa’s Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli before catching the train to Florence.
Does the train between Pisa and Florence run every day?
Yes, including weekends and public holidays. Frequency is slightly lower on Sundays but trains still run at least every 60–90 minutes throughout the day.
How far is Pisa Centrale from Pisa airport?
5 minutes by Pisa Mover automated shuttle, which runs every 5–8 minutes. On foot it is about 800 metres — walkable with light luggage if you know the way, but the Pisa Mover is strongly recommended.
Is the Terravision bus timetabled or on demand?
Terravision runs to a fixed timetable, broadly aligned with arriving flights. If your flight is delayed you should check whether you have missed your coach connection and plan accordingly — book the next departure rather than hoping the driver waits.
What time is the first train from Pisa to Florence?
Regional trains begin around 05:30–06:00 from Pisa Centrale. Check current Trenitalia timetables as schedules change seasonally.
Are there currency exchange facilities at Pisa airport?
Yes — there are exchange booths and ATMs at PSA. Airport exchange rates are poor; withdraw from a bank ATM in Florence if you can.
Frequently asked questions about Pisa airport to Florence
How long does it take from Pisa airport to Florence?
Allow 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes total: 5 minutes on the Pisa Mover airport shuttle, up to 10 minutes in Pisa Centrale station, then 60–90 minutes on the regional train depending on service. Fast regional trains take around 60 minutes.How much does the train from Pisa airport to Florence cost?
Pisa Mover shuttle costs €2.70. Regional train (Trenitalia) from Pisa Centrale to Florence Santa Maria Novella costs €9–15 depending on service and booking time. Book on trenitalia.com or at the station. Total: approximately €12–18.Is there a direct train from Pisa airport to Florence?
The Pisa Mover goes from the airport to Pisa Centrale in 5 minutes. From Pisa Centrale there are regular Trenitalia regional trains to Florence Santa Maria Novella — many are direct, some stop at intermediate stations. Check Trenitalia for the fastest service.Are there buses from Pisa airport to Florence?
Yes. Terravision operates a direct coach from PSA to Florence SMN. Journey time is typically 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, costs around €8–16 return. The train is usually faster and more reliable.What is a private transfer from Pisa airport to Florence?
Private transfers cost €60–120 depending on vehicle size and operator. They take 60–80 minutes by motorway (A11). This is convenient for families or groups with lots of luggage who want door-to-door service without transfers.Can I rent a car at Pisa airport and drive to Florence?
Yes — PSA has all major rental desks and the A11 motorway is well signed. Driving takes 75–90 minutes. However, do not drive into central Florence — the ZTL cameras will fine you. Park at a peripheral car park and use the tram or taxi.
