Distance Florence to Pisa: about 82 km (51 miles), roughly 1 hour 5 minutes by car, according to Rome2Rio. By train it takes between 50 minutes and 1.5 hours, depending on which train you catch.
Most people going from Florence to Pisa want one thing: the Leaning Tower. So the useful question is not just how to get to Pisa, but how to get to the Square of Miracles without losing an hour on the way.
How long is the train from Florence to Pisa?
The train from Florence to Pisa takes between about 50 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes, with one to four trains an hour from Santa Maria Novella, per Show Me The Journey’s route guide. Faster regional trains (RV) run via Empoli; slower ones stop more often.
Watch out for trains that go via Lucca, which the same guide notes add about an hour. Tickets cost the same whether you buy them in advance or at the station.
Which Pisa station is closest to the Leaning Tower?
Pisa San Rossore is the closest station: about 400 m, or a 5-minute walk, from the Square of Miracles, as Discover Tuscany explains. The main station, Pisa Centrale, is about a 30-minute walk away through the shopping streets.
Not every train from Florence stops at San Rossore, so check before you board. From Pisa Centrale, the LAM Rossa city bus to the “Torre” stop is the alternative to walking.
How to go from Florence to Pisa by bus?
For most visitors the train is simpler than the Florence to Pisa bus, because trains are frequent and run straight into Pisa. Before you book a bus, check whether it stops in the town centre or only at Pisa airport.
For Pisa airport specifically, Visit Tuscany describes the Sky Bus Lines service, which takes about 60 minutes non-stop.
Should you drive from Florence to Pisa?
You can drive from Florence to Pisa in about an hour, which is slightly faster than most trains. The downside is at the tower: Discover Tuscany warns that car parks near Piazza dei Miracoli are targeted by thieves, so never leave luggage visible.
A car makes most sense if you want to add Lucca, the coast or Forte dei Marmi to the same day.
How do the Florence to Pisa options compare?
| Option | Journey time (one way) | Arrives | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train to Pisa San Rossore | Only some trains stop here; check before boarding | 5 min walk from the tower | Tower-only visits |
| Train to Pisa Centrale | About 50 min – 1 h 30 min | 30 min walk or LAM Rossa bus | Frequent departures |
| Driving yourself | About 1 h 5 min, plus parking | Car parks near the square | Adding Lucca or the coast |
| Private driver | About 1 h 5 min, hotel to tower | Drop-off near the square | Families, luggage, combined days |
Can you see Pisa and Lucca in one day from Florence?
Yes. Pisa and Lucca are close together and pair well in one day: the tower in the morning, then Lucca’s walls and old town in the afternoon.
Our private Pisa and Lucca tour covers both from Florence, and our Lucca, Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi tour adds the coast. Ask us what is included when you request a quote.
How do I book a private car from Florence to Pisa?
Tell us your date, hotel and group size through our booking form and we will reply with a quote. For airport runs, see our transfer services.
