Traveling between Pisa and Florence by train is easy, affordable, and efficient. Here’s what you need to know:
- Travel Time: 50–80 minutes, depending on the train type.
- Cost: Starting at ~$9.90 (€9.30) one-way.
- Frequency: Departures every 7–30 minutes, from early morning to late evening.
- Stations: Trains run from Pisa Centrale to Florence Santa Maria Novella (SMN).
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Train Options:
- Regionale Veloce: Faster with limited stops.
- Regionale: Slower with stops at all stations.
- Frecciarossa: High-speed, requires a transfer in Florence for onward travel.
Quick Comparison
| Transport Method | Journey Time | Cost (One-way) | Key Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | 50–80 minutes | ~$9.90 | Frequent, scenic, and convenient. |
| Bus | ~70 minutes | Similar to trains | Prone to traffic delays. |
| Taxi | ~60 minutes+ | ~$195 | Expensive but direct. |
| Driving | ~60 minutes+ | Varies | Includes tolls and parking challenges. |
Trains are the most reliable and cost-effective option for exploring Tuscany. With frequent schedules, comfortable seating, and scenic views, they’re perfect for both tourists and locals. Tickets can be purchased online or at the station, and no reservations are needed for regional trains.
Train Companies and Services
Available Train Operators
Trenitalia runs the Pisa–Florence route, offering a mix of regional and high-speed train options. Most trains leave from Pisa Centrale, but Pisa S. Rossore is also an option if you’re visiting the Leaning Tower. Here’s a breakdown of the train types and services available.
Train Types and Services
Trenitalia provides two main types of trains for this route, designed to suit different travel preferences:
| Train Type | Journey Time | Stops | Class Options | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regionale Veloce | 48 minutes | Limited stops | 2nd class | Quicker regional option with fewer stops |
| Regionale | 73–81 minutes | All stations | 2nd class | Covers all stations, with frequent departures |
| Frecciarossa* | Varies (with transfer) | Via Florence transfer | 1st & 2nd class | High-speed for extending travel to cities like Rome or Venice |
*Frecciarossa trains require a connection in Florence but are perfect for travelers heading to destinations beyond, such as Rome, Venice, or Naples.
Regionale trains are the most reliable choice, running at least twice an hour throughout the day. Tickets for standard Regionale services start at €9.30 (around $9.90).
Tickets and Booking
Ticket Types and Costs
This route offers three types of tickets: Regionale, Regionale Veloce, and the Airport Connection for the PisaMover service. Both Regionale options are priced at €9.30, while the Airport Connection ticket costs €2.70.
| Ticket Type | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Regionale | €9.30 | Includes multiple stops; no seat reservations needed |
| Regionale Veloce | €9.30 | Faster service with fewer stops; no seat reservations needed |
| Airport Connection | €2.70 | Covers PisaMover transfer from Pisa Airport to Pisa Centrale |
Once you’ve chosen your ticket, you can purchase it using one of the methods below.
Booking Methods
You have a few convenient ways to buy your tickets:
- At the Station: Tickets can be purchased at staffed counters or through self-service machines. The machines are user-friendly, offer multiple languages, and accept both cash and card payments.
- Online: Book directly on Trenitalia’s official website. Make sure to use correct local place names and complete any required online check-in.
Cost-Saving Options
While regional tickets have fixed prices, Trenitalia offers a Connection Protection feature. This allows you to rebook for free on a later train within an hour if delays cause you to miss your connection.
| Saving Option | Perks | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Connection Protection | Free rebooking on the next train within 1 hour | Available if a delay leads to a missed connection |
Taking the train from Pisa to Florence
Trip Planning Guide
Planning your trip between Pisa and Florence is easier with well-equipped stations and frequent train connections.
Station Information
Pisa Centrale is a key transportation hub in Tuscany, handling around 15 million passengers each year [2]. It has 16 platforms connecting to destinations like Florence, La Spezia–Genoa, and Livorno–Rome [2].
Here’s what you’ll find at Pisa Centrale:
- Ticket counters for domestic and international travel
- Waiting rooms and baggage storage (€6 per bag) [3]
- Restaurants, retail stores, and a pharmacy
- Accessibility features like elevators, ramps, and reserved parking [3]
For additional support, the Sala Blu service offers elevators, wheelchairs, and luggage trolleys [3]. Outside the station, on Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, there’s a tourist information office [2].
Florence Santa Maria Novella (SMN) is the city’s main railway station [4], offering excellent local transit options:
| Transportation Option | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Local Buses | Bus terminal next to the station | Varies by route |
| TRAM | Direct line to Scandicci through Cascine Park | Standard city fare |
| Taxis | Taxi stand outside the station | Meter-based |
With these stations as your starting points, let’s look at train schedules to plan your trip.
Train Times and Frequency
Trains operate daily from 4:15 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. [1]. During peak hours, trains run every 7–15 minutes, while off-peak times see trains about every 30 minutes.
Once you arrive at Florence SMN, there are plenty of options for continuing your journey.
Onward Travel Options
From Florence SMN, you can connect to major Italian cities via high-speed trains [4]. Local travel options include:
- City buses operated by Autolinee Toscane
- TRAM services crossing the Arno River [5]
- Car rental services
- Line 1 bus from Pisa Centrale to Piazza dei Miracoli [2]
- Pisa Mover shuttle connecting Pisa Centrale to the International Airport [2][3]
What to Expect Onboard
Train Facilities
Trenitalia trains running between Pisa and Florence are designed to make your trip comfortable, offering different amenities depending on your class of travel.
| Feature | First Class | Second Class |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Space | Wider seats with extra legroom | Standard seats |
| Power Outlets | Available | Available |
| Wi‑Fi | Complimentary | Complimentary |
| Luggage Storage | Extra space | Standard overhead storage |
| Additional Perks | Complimentary soft drinks, newspapers | Basic amenities |
No matter your class, you’ll have access to:
- Clean, sanitized restrooms
- Reading lights
For dining, you can choose between the FrecciaBistro restaurant car or a mobile food cart service.
"First-class seating is more spacious, with fewer seats per compartment, and usually more quiet." – ItaliaRail [7]
Now that you know about the onboard amenities, let’s go over how to board the train.
First-Time Passenger Guide
If it’s your first time traveling between Pisa and Florence, here’s what you need to know:
- Validate Your Ticket: Use the green validation machines at the station to stamp paper tickets. If you have a digital ticket, you can skip this step.
- Check Your Platform: Look for your train number and platform on the departure boards.
- Find Your Car: Reserved seating? Check your ticket for the car number to locate your seat.
- Store Your Luggage: Place large bags in the designated storage areas and keep valuables with you.
First-class cars provide a quieter atmosphere [8], but all cars follow strict cleaning routines to maintain hygiene and safety [6].
Quick Reference Guide
Here’s a quick overview of the key details for your journey.
Main Points
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Journey Duration | About 1 hour (regional train) |
| Standard Ticket Cost | €9.30 (around $10.10) |
| Main Stations | Pisa Centrale → Florence Santa Maria Novella (SMN) |
| Luggage Storage | €6 per bag (around $6.50) |
Follow these tips to make your trip smooth and stress-free.
Travel Tips
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Station Navigation
- Pisa Centrale has 16 platforms – check the departure boards to confirm your train.
- Use the LAM Verde (Green) bus line to get to Pisa Centrale from the city center.
- A tourist information office is located at Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, right outside Pisa Centrale.
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Special Assistance
- First-class ticket holders might have access to the Club Eurostar lounge at Pisa Centrale.
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Station Amenities
- Both Pisa Centrale and Florence SMN provide ticketing halls, restrooms, shops, restaurants, newsstands, taxi stands, and bus connections.
-
Time-Saving Tips
- Arrive at the station at least 20 minutes before your train departs.
- Keep your valuables close during the journey.
- Have your ticket handy for quick access.