Pisa Airport to Florence

Many travelers heading to Florence actually fly into Pisa's Galileo Galilei Airport (PSA), about 80 kilometers west -- it draws more budget and international routes than Florence's own small Amerigo Vespucci airport (one reason: it has a second, and longer, runway). The good news: getting from Pisa to Florence is straightforward, and the cheapest way is also one of the best.

Here's how it actually works.

Getting from Pisa Airport to Florence

By Train (the recommended route)

There's no direct train from the airport itself -- you make one easy connection at Pisa Centrale station. Two steps:

1. PisaMover shuttle. This automated shuttle runs from the airport to Pisa Centrale station in about 8 minutes, every 5-8 minutes throughout the day. Tickets are roughly €5-6.50. One tip that saves money and hassle: buy from the ticket machines at the station rather than the staffed airport booth, which has been known to add a per-ticket commission.

2. Pisa Centrale to Florence. From Pisa Centrale, Trenitalia runs frequent trains to Florence Santa Maria Novella (SMN) -- around 50 a day. A regional (Regionale Veloce) train costs about €8.50 and takes roughly 1 hour 15 minutes; a faster Frecciabianca runs €13-18 and does it in 50-60 minutes. No seat reservation is needed on the regional trains -- just buy, validate, and board. Both terminate at SMN, a ten-minute walk from the Duomo.

All in, budget about 90 minutes door to door and roughly €13.50 the cheap way. Buy tickets at the Pisa Centrale machines, on the Trenitalia site, or via the Trenitalia app. Tickets are typically valid for 24 hours from purchase, so you can book ahead and travel when you land.

By Direct Bus

Flixbus and BusItalia run direct coaches from Pisa to Florence in about 1.5 hours for roughly €12-18, which eliminates the station connection. They run less frequently than the train, so they suit travelers whose arrival lines up with a departure. Check schedules at flixbus.com. Note that some services drop you at Villa Costanza (the tram park-and-ride) rather than the center -- a €1.70 tram ride from the city proper.

By Private Transfer

For a door-to-door ride -- driver meets you in arrivals, handles the luggage, drops you at your hotel -- a private transfer covers the ~1 hour drive from around €80. It's the priciest option but the least friction, and it makes sense with heavy luggage, a group, small children, or a late arrival when trains thin out. Because many Florence hotels sit inside the ZTL restricted zone, a licensed transfer can take you right to the door where a rental car legally can't.

Which Should You Choose?

For most travelers, the train wins: cheap, frequent, and it drops you in the center at SMN. Take the direct bus if its timing suits you and you'd rather skip the connection. Book a transfer if you're loaded with luggage, traveling as a group, or landing late. And if you haven't sorted a room yet, our Florence hotels & apartments guide covers where to stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a direct train from Pisa Airport to Florence?
No. You take the PisaMover shuttle (~8 minutes) from the airport to Pisa Centrale station, then a Trenitalia train to Florence SMN. The connection is simple and well signposted.

How long does Pisa Airport to Florence take?
About 90 minutes door to door by train: ~8 minutes on the PisaMover, a short transfer, and a 50-75 minute train depending on whether you catch a regional or a fast Frecciabianca.

How much does it cost?
Roughly €13.50 total the cheap way (PisaMover + regional train), or €18-23 with the faster Frecciabianca. The direct bus is €12-18; a private transfer starts around €80.

Where do I buy tickets?
Buy PisaMover and train tickets at the machines in the stations, on the Trenitalia website or app, or online in advance. Avoid the staffed airport ticket booth if you can -- it may add a commission. Regional train tickets are valid 24 hours, so you can buy ahead.