distance from livorno cruise port to pisa

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How to Travel to Pisa from Livorno cruise port in 2023

Essential guide for cruise passengers to the port of Livorno to travel to Pisa on your own by shuttle, bus, rail or taxi and how to get to top things to do and see.

By: Editor-in-Chief Updated: May 20, 2023

Pisa is one of the most popular towns in Tuscany amongst cruise ship excursions and passengers. It is also one of the main reasons why cruise ships dock in Livorno.

• The shuttle from the port
• Travel to Pisa by private shutlle
• Travel to Pisa by rail
• Travel to Pisa by public bus

Travel to Pisa by taxi

Travel to pisa by car rental car.

Pisa is the closest of all the destinations on cruise traveler's must-see-list when calling at this port in the West coast of Italy. Naturally, all cruise lines offer shore excursions to Pisa. But it should be noted that most of these shore excursions include other destinations such as Lucca or Florence .

Inevitably, cruise passengers on these excursions will not spend much more than 1 hour (two at best) in Pisa and will only explore the Piazza dei Miracoli with its 3 main attractions - the Leaning Tower , the Cathedral , and the Baptistery .

For those that would like to visit other sites and attractions in Pisa and fully enjoy the town, it is advisable to travel on your own, especially because it is so easy to do so by rail, public bus or a transfer shuttle.

The shuttle from the port to the Livorno

Unless you are on a shore excursion, you will have to get to the historical city center of Livorno to travel to any of the top destinations in Tuscany independently, or on your own.

The good news is that the port of Livorno authority provides a free shuttle to the heart of Livorno with its drop off stop at the Piazza Municipio. The shuttle takes around 10 minutes and runs regularly every 15 to 20 minutes.

Piazza Municipio is in the heart of Livorno's historical center. Close to the shuttle bus drop-off, or nearby, you will find a city sightseeing bus stop , the stop for the Tuscany Bus and a taxi rank .

The stop for the public bus to Pisa used to be behind the Cathedral but it has changed in the last years. The bus stop is now on Piazza della Repubblica, around 10 to 15-minute walk from Piazza Municipio.

Right across the street where the shuttle bus stops, you will see right away a taxi rank, which will charge around €8.00 to take you to the railway station.

Travel to Pisa by private shutlle (TuscanyBus)

The fastest and most convenient way to travel to Pisa is by using the TuscanyBus service. This is not a guided tour but just a straightforward transfer from Livorno to Pisa. Although it is fast and reliable, cruise travelers must know that schedules and availability are limited.

Therefore, you need to book your tickets online and well in advance - don't leave it for the last days before calling at the Port of Livorno. To find out more about the TuscanyBus schedules and prices visit the official website in English: www.tuscanybus

As mentioned, the TuscanyBus pick up stop is on Piazza Municipio, right in front of the free shuttle bus drop off from the cruise port in Livorno. The TuscanyBus drop off stop in Pisa is within a few minutes walking distance to Piazza dei Miracoli. Therefore, the TuscanyBus is the most convenient way to get to Pisa and explore this magnificent city on your own.

How to travel by rail from Livorno cruise port to Pisa

Traveling by rail from Livorno to Pisa is another convenient way of exploring Pisa on your own and is very affordable considering that fares start at €2.50 for a 15 to 20-minute ride. However, you will need to get from the cruise port to the Railway Station in Livorno.

There are two ways of getting from the port to Livorno Centrale (as the railway station in Livorno is officialy named): by shuttle bus to Piazza Municipio and then public bus, or by taxi directly from the port.

To get on a public bus from Piazza Municipio shuttle drop off to the railways station is relatively easy. All you need to do is walk to the big square (Piazza Duomo) right behind Piazza Municipio and then turn right into Via Grande. Cross the street and the bus stop for Lam Blu (LB) line is right on the first block.

Alternatively, instead of turning right you can turn left on Via Grande, but make sure you cross the street. The Lam Blu (LB) Bus stop is right by the H&M department store.

To use Livorno's public bus network, you need to buy a bus ticket, as cash is not accepted at the bus. Public Buses have a fixed fare of €1.20 and are valid for 75 minutes. It is advisable to buy two tickets (for both ways).

Bus tickets can be acquired at tobacconists (Tabacchi). Right on the opposite side of where the cruise ship shuttle bus stop (on Via Cogorano) you will find a tobacconist - just look for the sign Tabacchi.

Alternatively, go to the Tourist Office and buy a Livorno Card, which offers unlimited rides for 24 hours on public buses. The tourist office in Livorno is inside the large building next to shuttle bus from the port. Click here to read more about how to travel by bus in Livorno.

Once at the railway station (Livorno Centrale), you will have many train choices.

There are 5 trains to Pisa in the early morning every hour (on weekdays) and 6 (between 8:00 am and 10:00 am on Sundays). The journey takes between 15 and 20 minutes and costs €2.50.

Pisa Train Station

Photo © IQCruising.com

Keep in mind that the "Frecciabianca" service is way more expensive - considering the journey duration and that it will cost €10.00 for a second-class ticket not worth it at all.

Here is, step by step, how to get from your cruise ship to the railway station in Livorno:

• Free shuttle bus from the port to Piazza Municipio
• Walk to Via Grande and take Lam Blue bus to Livorno Centrale - €1.20 each way (buy two tickets)
• Alternatively, take a taxi from Piazza Municipio (shuttle bus drop-off) to the railway station - around €8.00
• Take a taxi from the port straight to the railway station - may cost up to €20.00

You will arrive at Pisa Centrale railway station and once there you have two choices. Our favorite choice is to go on a relaxed 20 to 30-minute walk through the city all the way to the Piazza dei Miracoli (where the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, and the Baptistery are located).

Along the way, you will pass by or have the option to make short diversions to see off-the-beaten-track museums, art and religious sites such as:

• St. Mathew's National Museum
• Keith Haring's Tuttomondo Mural
• Church of Saint Mary
• Saint Catherine's Church
• Palazzo dei Cavalieri (The Knights Palace)
• Palazzo dell’Orologio (Clock Palace)

Instead of walking to Piazza dei Miracoli from Pisa Centrale railway station you can get on another train to the railway station of Pisa S Rossore - a secondary train station that is only a 5-minute walk away from the Piazza dei Miracoli.

Pisa S Rossore Train Station

The journey time between Pisa Centrale and Pisa S Rossore is 5 minutes. However, in some cases, you may have to wait for 30 to 40 minutes for the connecting train.

If you prefer, Pisa has a good public bus network, and you may want to take a bus back to the Railway station. The stop for this bus is close to the Leaning Tower, right by the Museum of the Cathedral - look out for the City Sightseeing Bus Stop.

Public Bus in Pisa

How to travel by public bus from Livorno port to Pisa

Although the public bus drive from Livorno to Pisa takes longer than the TuscanyBus shuttle or the train, this can be a good transportation alternative.

The public bus to Pisa is ideal if you would like to stop at one of the beautiful beaches of Tirrenia, or for a unique lunch in Marina di Pisa savoring "Cacciucco" (a soup made of various sea creatures, wine, tomato, hot peppers, and garlic).

It should also be noted that the traveler would save some time as you will not need to take a bus or a taxi to the railway station. All added up, the bus ride would take about 20 minutes longer than the train.

Pisa Bus Station

The Bus Nº 10 stop is located on Piazza Repubblica in Livorno, around 15-minute walk from Piazza Municipio where the port shuttle bus stops. Bus Nº 10 runs between Livorno and Pisa, every 30 minutes (between 6:00 am and 10:00 pm). The journey to Pisa takes around one hour.

The bus stops along the way at the beaches of Tirrenia , at Marina the Pisa and at a couple of small villages before arriving in Pisa.

The Bus Station in Pisa is not far from the railway station and, therefore, you will be at about the same walking distance (around one mile away) from the major attractions in Pisa.

Because Bus Nº 10 is an inter-city service you will not be on the most comfortable bus in the world but considering the journey time it can be a nice way to travel to Pisa. To return to Livorno , the bus departs every 30 minutes (last bus at 8:00 pm). The fare for this Bus is €4.00 and is NOT included in the Livorno Card.

Finally, a word about traveling by taxi to Pisa. Most taxi drivers waiting for cruise passengers at the port of Livorno, expect a long journey to the farthest destinations such as Florence , Siena or San Gimignano .

Pisa is so close to Livorno that taxi drivers will only do it for a high fare. Some drivers may ask as much as €200.00 for a ride to Pisa and back with a couple of hours waiting time. We find this to be an exorbitant fare and always prefered to travel with the TuscanyBus, by public bus pr train.

However, if traveling with a group of 4 you may try to negotiate this exorbitant fare. There are reports of taxi drivers accepting €120.00 for the return drive with more than a couple of hours waiting time.

Aparently, the trick is to let all your fellow cruise passengers to leave the ship and then approach the taxi drivers left behind.

Car rental is the least advisable way of traveling from the cruise port in Livorno to Pisa. Although car rental is ideal to visit destinations such as San Gimignano , Siena and Volterra , we find it too much of a hassle if you planning to explore Pisa on your own.

Besides the fact that there are cheaper and easier ways to travel to Pisa, parking in Pisa is both complicated and expensive.

► Explore: Tuscany Destinations and Livorno All Reviews and Guides to Livorno Cruise Port Destinations - Florence, Lucca, Siena, San Gimignano, Volterra, Cinque Terra and Livorno in Depth Learn More ►

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Arriving in Pisa by cruise via Livorno

How to get to pisa from the livorno (leghorn) cruise terminal.

Pisa's cruise port is actually the separate city of Livorno, a Renaissance-era port city on the Tuscan coast about 25km (15.5 miles) south of Pisa .

(Ironically enough, Pisa was once a mighty seapower itself, but its harbor slowly silted up, pushing the sea farther and farther west and eventually stranding Pisa in drydock. Even more ironically, the ruling Medici family of Florence built Livorno specifically to compete against their rival city of Pisa ).

How to get from Livorno to Pisa by private car

Livorno is Leghorn FYI: For reasons still unclear, some cruise lines and other travel literature continue to refer to Livorno by its antiquated, Anglicized name left over from World War II: Leghorn. First of all, don't take a taxi. It'll cost around €90 ($120) each way. Insane.

How to get from Livorno to Pisa by train

A train is the cheapest option. There are several trains per hour, and the ride from Livorno to Pisa only takes 15–20 minutes.

First, however, you have to get from the ship to the stazione treni (train station) Livorno Centrale, which is not really walkable from any of the cruise terminals at the port.

How to get from the docks to the Livorno train station

A taxi from the Livorno docks direct to the train station will cost you about €20–€30, so get a few people together and the ease and time you save will make it worth it. The ride will take all of 10 minutes.

Many cruise lines offer a cheap or free shuttle to Piazza Grande in the center of Livorno (takes about 10 minutes). Don't bother.

If you dock at Molo Mediceo, just walk out of the port, buy a biglietto autobus (bus ticket) for €1 from any newsstand you pass, and head straight up Via Grande to the first bus stop on your right. Hop city bus #1 ( www.atl.livorno.it ) to the stazione treni in about 15 minutes.

If you dock at the Darsena Toscana, or anywhere else in the hinterlands of the port complex, public transport become more difficult. Just grab a taxi, or if it's offered that free/cheap shuttle to Piazza Grande.

(If you do take your shuttle to Piazza Grande, you can still grab public bus #1 from there; there are newsstands on the piazza where you can buy bus tickets. This adds another 5–10 minutes.)

Tips & links

Pisa tourist information office Most convenient location: Piazza Arcivescovado 8 (in the Museo del Duomo, just behind the Leaning Tower) tel . +39-334-641-9408 Main location: Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II 16 (two blocks north of the main train station) tel . +39-050-42-291 Other locations: • At the aiport • Near Ponte di Mezzo (Lungarno Galilei at Piazza XX Settembre) www.pisaunicaterra.it www.pisaturismo.it

• Skip the Line: Leaning Tower of Pisa Ticket
• Pisa Walking Tour Including Skip-the-Line Leaning Tower of Pisa Ticket
• Context: Pisa in Context
• Pisa Segway Tour
• Pisa Walking Tour: Cathedral Square and Piazza dei Cavalieri
• Private Tour: Pisa and the Leaning Tower from Florence
• Pisa Half-Day Trip from Florence Including Skip-the-Line Leaning Tower of Pisa Ticket
• Pisa and the Leaning Tower Half-Day Trip from Florence
• Two Tuscan Towns: Pisa and Lucca
• Private Tour: Lucca and Pisa from Florence
• Private Tour: Lucca and Pisa
• Art Cities of Tuscany: Small Group Tour of Lucca, Forte dei Marmi and Pisa
• Tuscany in One Day Sightseeing Tour
• 5-Day Italy Trip: Florence, Pisa and Venice
• 3-Day Italy Trip: Florence and Pisa
• Livorno Shore Excursion: Pisa and Florence Private Day Trip
• Florence & Pisa Shore Excursion: Livorno Port-of-Call
• La Spezia Shore Excursion: Florence and Pisa Day Trip
• La Spezia Shore Excursion: Pisa and Lucca Day Trip

Recommended hotels in Pisa ★ Hotel Royal Victoria ★ Hotel Francesco ★ Hotel Villa Kinzica Hotel dell'Orologio Hotel Verdi » More hotels in Pisa (from €50) » B&Bs in Pisa (from €25) Hotels in Pisa www.booking.com www.hotels.com www.bedandbreakfast.com www.hostelworld.com

Related pages

• Pisa planning FAQ
• Pisa homepage
• Pisa hotels
• Pisa restaurants
• Cruising in Italy
• D.I.Y. shore excursions
• How to get into town from other major ports of call ( Livorno/Florence , Civitavecchia/Rome , Venice , Naples )
• Tuscany homepage
• Italy homepage

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8 Best Things To Do In Livorno Cruise Port | Port Overview

Welcome to Livorno cruise port guide! (Post updated: March 2024)

Nestled on the northwest coast of Italy, the city of Livorno is the main gateway to Tuscany and its iconic cities of Pisa and Florence. It is one of the major cruise ports in Italy together with Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples, Venice, and La Spezia , often included in the Mediterranean cruise itineraries. In this article, read about:

• Livorno port (Livorno cruise terminal, getting around, helpful info)
• 8 best things to do in Livorno Italy & Livorno shore excursions (including day trips to Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Cinque Terre, Volterra, San Gimignano, and Siena)

Visit also our cruise port guides to Civitavecchia (Rome) , Naples , La Spezia (Florence) , Cagliari (Sardinia) , Marseille , Monaco (Villefranche)

Livorno Cruise Port

The cruise port of Livorno is one of the largest seaports in the Mediterranean and the third-largest port in Italy. Livorno cruise ship terminal consists of two main parts: Porto Industriale (or Porto Nuovo – New Port) in its northern part, and Porto Mediceo (part of Porto Vecchio – Old Port) in the south, closer to the Livorno downtown.

1. Porto Industriale – Industrial Port

The majority of cruise lines dock at Porto Industriale , the large container and cargo cruise terminal located in the northern part of the harbour. It consists of 3 main berths that can accommodate 3 large cruise vessels at a time. It is also possible to dock at several other piers, so in total the port can accommodate up to 8 ships simultaneously.

The new Livorno cruise terminal, Alto Fondale (located at Calata Punto Franco) is mainly used by ferries and cruise ships doing turnarounds in Livorno.

The industrial port handles heavy traffic and is usually very noisy, as that is also a ferry terminal offering ferry transportation between Sardinia and Corsica and the mainland. Guests are not allowed to walk around the port, so a complimentary shuttle service to the main port entrance is provided.

The shuttle bus will drop you off at the terminal building by the port entrance where cruise passengers can find an ATM, a tourist information office, car rentals, taxis, tour operators, and free Wi-Fi internet.

In front of the ship, guests can find only taxis and a tourist information kiosk. Here you can take a 5€ shuttle bus to the city center (the drop-off point is Piazza Grande, the main square). Tickets for this shuttle can be purchased in cash right before boarding the bus, and the ride takes less than 10 minutes.

If you are taking a cruise line-organized shore excursion, your tour buses are parked outside the terminal building. However, if you have booked a trip with an Independent tour operator, your transport will be waiting for you at the port entrance near the terminal building and you must take the free shuttle to get there.

2. Porto Mediceo

Porto Mediceo (a historic Medici port) is located in the southern part of the Livorno harbour and is dedicated to smaller cruise ships/yachts. It has 2 berths, located within 10-15 minutes walking from the city center. In the cruise terminal, you will find a tourist information kiosk, taxis and car rental service.

Getting Around Livorno Port

• The official currency in Italy is EURO (€). Major credit cards are widely accepted. Small businesses though will only take cash.
• The easiest way to get to Livorno city center is by a 5€ shuttle bus that picks you up at the terminal building and drops you off at Piazza Grande. From there, you can explore the city of Livorno on foot.
• If you plan to get to the train station ( Livorno Centrale ) you can take the shuttle to the city center and then take bus #1 in front of the Duomo (Cathedral) to the Livorno Centrale train station. You can buy the bus ticket at Tabacchi – Tobacco shops , and you will find several of these at the place where the shuttle bus drops you off (in Via Claudio Cogorano and Via Grande streets). You can also purchase the tickets at the newsstands. You will find the bus stations on Via Grande, the street in front of the Cathedral and Piazza Grande Square.
• The bus ride from Piazza Grande to Livorno Centrale takes only 5 minutes. Once you arrive at the Livorno train station, you can take trains to Pisa, Florence, Lucca, and other places. If you are not in a hurry, you can also walk to the station and the journey takes around 30 minutes.
• If you are planning to use the train services during your visit, make sure to check the train schedules and always have a backup plan, as you never know when trains can go on strike. You can check the timetables and fares on Trenitalia.com
• You can also take a taxi to Livorno train station directly from the cruise terminal, and the ride takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes.  This is a convenient option since 6 people can fit in a taxi.
• Taxis are also available outside the terminal. A ride from Porto Industriale piers to Livorno city center lasts approximately 15 minutes, however, many taxi drivers won’t agree to drive you to Livorno as most of them wait for the passengers who want to travel further – to Pisa, Florence, or elsewhere.
• Public bus – Livorno has a reliable bus network and is well-connected to other places in Tuscany. The two main bus routes in Livorno are LAM BLU (LB) Bus Route (or Bus #1), and LAM ROSSA (LR) Bus Route (or Bus #2). You can use both to get to the Livorno Centrale train station. If you are docked at Porto Mediceo, there is a bus stop within walking distance from the port and you can catch the LAM BLU bus to go to the city center.
• Livorno Hop on Hop off bus tours are available every hour and they depart from the shuttle bus stop at the cruise terminal. The whole circuit takes 60 minutes and the audio guides in multiple languages are available.
• Pisa International Airport is the closest airport to Livorno. It is located approximately 22 km/14 miles (a 35-minute drive) northeast of Livorno cruise port. Another airport is Florence Airport which is located 90 km/56 miles (a 1h 15-minute drive) northeast of the port.
• Explore Livorno tours, activities and shore excursions
• Book a private transfer to/from Livorno cruise port
• Rent a car in the port of Livorno
• Search the best hotels in Livorno

8 Best Things to Do in Livorno Cruise Port

The city of Livorno is known as the gateway to the Italian Tuscany region and its iconic cities of Pisa, Lucca, and Florence.

Before I share the best things to do in Livorno, I invite you to grab your copy of the “ Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide” , the most comprehensive guide to 45 Mediterranean cruise ports (including Livorno) , packed with practical information, expert tips & unforgettable experiences! (PDF format/200 pages)

1. Livorno Sightseeing

If you decide to stay closer to the ship, do not miss the opportunity to visit the city of Livorno because it has a lot to offer! Once the shuttle bus drops you off at Piazza Grande, you can explore the majority of Livorno city attractions on foot.

The entrance to the city from the port already speaks well of its history, because one of the first things you will come across is Fortezza Vecchia , an imposing medieval fortress with three defensive bastions that were built in the 16th century.

Further on, the Cathedral of San Francisco (Cattedrale di San Francesco), also known as Duomo, dominates Piazza Grande and Via Grande, the main street that connects the old port (Porto Mediceo) to Piazza della Repubblica .

The Cathedral was constructed in the early 17th century and represents a remarkable example of Renaissance architecture, boasting valuable artworks and a beautiful interior. It had a turbulent history as it was completely demolished during World War II bombings, only to be restored in the 1950s.

There are also a few other Livorno highlights not to be missed:

• Jewish Synagogue – located only 2oo m from the Duomo, the new synagogue was built in the 1960s to replace the original one that was destroyed in World War II.
• Venice Quarter (Quartieri Venezia) – Less than a 10-minute walk north of the Cathedral, close to the Livorno cruise port, you will come across this historic quarter that kept its original look as it wasn’t destroyed in the WWII bombings. Often referred to as the Venezia Nuova district, with its channels, bridges, colorful facades and ancient buildings, this part of Livorno will throw you back to Venice. In the vicinity, you will find the Church of St Catherine (Chiesa di Santa Caterina) and Fortezza Nuova – an imposing ancient fort dating from the early 17th century.
• Central Market (Mercato Centrale) – Known as Mercato delle Vettovaglie, this market is one of the favorite local spots and a famous landmark of Livorno. Housed in an ornate 19th-century building, this is the best place to shop for fresh products and feel the authentic Italian spirit. Ground coffee, fresh pastries, cheeses, meats, seafood, bread, wines, oils, fruits, and vegetables… over 200 stalls and shops await you for a unique local experience!
• Civic Museum “Giovanni Fattori” (Museo Civico Giovanni Fattori) – Approximately a 30-minute walk (or 10 minutes drive) south of Livorno city center and Porto Mediceo, and a 15-minute drive south of Porto Industriale, art lovers can visit this exceptional art museum dedicated to Giovanni Fattori, a 19th-century artist born in Livorno and a leader of ‘Macchiaioli’ artistic movement. In the gallery, you can visit the remarkable collections of his paintings, as well as the artworks of other Macchiaioli painters.
• The Four Moors (Monumento dei Quattro Mori) – Dominating Piazza Giuseppe Micheli and Piazza del Pamiglione, this extraordinary monument overlooks Porto Mediceo dock and sits at the beginning of Via Grande. The marble and bronze monument was erected in the early 17th century and commemorates Medici Grand Duke Ferdinando I’s victories over the Ottomans.
• Mascagni’s Promenade (Terrazza Mascagni) – A 30-minute walk south of Porto Mediceo and the city center, this immense chessboard promenade square offers outstanding views of the harbor and the sea. Besides numerous cafes and eateries, here you can find a gazebo, benches to relax, and Livorno Aquarium featuring Mediterranean marine life. Book your Aquarium ticket here !
• Livorno Hop on Hop off – Get a 24-hour open-top sightseeing bus ticket and explore the city at your own pace. The buses start from Piazza Grande (Via Cogorano), and they stop at the major city highlights, including Teatro Goldini and Old English Cemetary. They also stop at the cruise terminal. Check out Hop on Hop off Livorno tours on Viator and Get Your Guide .
• If you are only looking for some food and shopping – You’re at the right place because Livorno offers visitors great shopping opportunities and many restaurants where you can enjoy delicious Italian cuisine!

Check out Livorno city sightseeing tours and activities

Thanks to its legendary Leaning Tower, Pisa is one of the most famous cities in Italy known all over the world. Located in the Field of Miracles (Campo dei Miracoli), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the spectacular Leaning Tower is surrounded by the Pisa Cathedral (Duomo di Pisa), the cemetery (Camposanto) and the Baptistery – considered the most beautiful example of Romanesque architecture.

Besides its extraordinary landmarks, The Field of Miracles is packed with cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops.

The tower was originally built as a bell tower for the Cathedral but never fulfilled its purpose due to its faulty design and loose soil beneath it. Undoubtedly, climbing the most famous Tower in Italy is among the main experiences of your trip to Italy, but please consider that you will need to climb 300 spiral steps to the top.

It is strongly recommended to purchase tickets at specific times selected in advance to ensure your place in line. For security reasons and conservation of the Tower of Pisa, visitors can climb in groups of 40 people with shifts of 35/40 minutes. Kids under 8 cannot climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa due to safety reasons.

It takes 5-10 minutes to reach the top, depending on your pace, so you can admire Pisa and the Field of Miracles for about 30 minutes.

Unfortunately, there is no elevator inside the tower to accommodate wheelchair users, however, you can admire the beauty of the tower from the outside and take the iconic picture holding the tower. Check out more information on the Tower of Pisa official webpage

How to Get to Pisa from Livorno Port?

• Train – You can catch the train from Livorno Centrale train station to Pisa Centrale; the train runs every 10-15 minutes, and the journey to Pisa takes 15 minutes. The train station in Pisa (Pisa Centrale) is approximately a 20-minute walk from the Field of Miracles.
• Public bus – The buses to Pisa depart from Piazza della Repubblica, the square located a 5-minute walk from Piazza Grande in Livorno. You will need bus #10 which runs every 30 minutes, and the ride to Pisa lasts approximately 1 hour. Once you arrive in Pisa, the bus will drop you off at the bus stop near the railway station, so you can either walk to the Field of Miracles or take a local bus to get there.
• Taxi/Private Transfer – A taxi ride to Pisa from the cruise port in Livorno takes around 30 minutes (the distance is 25 km/15.5 miles. Taxis in Italy are quite expensive (make sure you inquire about official prices at the tourist information desk) so a better deal is to book a private transfer .
• Shore Excursion – Cruise lines offer different tour options to Pisa – some of them include the entrance fee to the Tower, others a guided tour and free time at the site, or just the transfers. You can either book with your cruise line or explore Independent tour operator offers.

Check out Pisa tours and activities from Livorno

3. Florence

Known as the cradle of the Renaissance thanks to its remarkable architecture, and historical and cultural heritage, Tuscany’s capital is a must-see place if you are visiting Tuscany for the first time.

Although you need at least a couple of days in Florence to properly visit the city, the best way to explore Florence is to take a guided walking tour along with a knowledgeable guide, who will share the local stories and take you to the most interesting corners and hidden gems of the city.

If you decide to come on your own, keep in mind that for most of the museums and landmarks you need to purchase the skip-the-line entrance tickets  in advance.

Here are some of the must-see places in Florence:

• If you are an art lover, you should visit Uffizi Gallery , and Galleria dell’Accademia (which houses the original Michelangelo’s  David ) considered some of the most renowned museums in Florence. Be prepared for the long lines, especially during the summer months. Some other museums and art galleries to consider are Palazzo Vecchio , Palazzo Pitti , Palazzo Strozzi , Casa di Dante Museum , Casa Buonarroti (Michelangelo’s Museum) among others.
• At the beautiful Piazza della Signoria Square dominated by the imposing Palazzo Vecchio, you can see a replica of Michelangelo’s David, and the statues of the great artists of Florence.
• The 13th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore) located in Piazza del Duomo is the most striking structure in Florence with its red-tiled Dome – the symbol of Florence. The Cathedral is majestic and in addition to enjoying its external beauties, it is worth visiting the Cathedral’s interior and climbing to the Dome to enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the city. 
• Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is a remarkable 15th-century basilica and the city’s main Dominican church featuring famous frescoes by Gothic and Renaissance masters.
• The famous Baroque Porcellino fountain (Fontana del Porcellino – the bronze fountain of a boar) is located in the 16th century Market Square (Mercato del Porcellino) and is a mandatory stop for those who want to return to Florence. Tradition says that if you touch the boar’s snout you will surely return.
• No visit to Florence is complete without a stop at Ponte Vecchio (old bridge). Take your time to admire it from a distance or walk through and visit one of the shops – the jewelry on the bridge is not cheap, but looking at the jewelry does not cost anything!

How to Get to Florence from the Port of Livorno?

• Shore Excursion – Florence is located 90 km/56 miles from the port of Livorno, approximately a 1-hour 30-minute drive. Due to the distance and the limited time in port, I strongly suggest you take an organized shore excursion, either from the cruise line or a reliable tour operator.  
• Train – You can take the train from Livorno Centrale to Firenze Santa Maria Novella station. The train runs 2 or 3 times per hour, and the journey takes 1h 20 minutes (up to 1h 40 minutes). Once you get off the train, you’ll be in front of the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, and in less than a 10-minute walk you can reach The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.
• Taxi/Private Transfer

Check out Florence tours and activities from Livorno

If you are already familiar with Pisa and Florence then head over to Lucca, one of the few Italian cities that has kept all the medieval splendor of its historic center intact. Known as the city of 100 towers and 100 churches, it contains historical and artistic sites that deserve to be visited.

The city is famous for being surrounded by a wall built between the 16th and 17th centuries that has remained intact, and it is the birthplace of two of the greatest Italian musicians, Luigi Boccherini and Giacomo Puccini. Stroll through the beautiful elliptical-shaped square, Piazza Anfiteatro , built on top of an ancient amphitheater from the 2nd century AD. See the monumental church of San Michele in Foro with its 13th-century façade decorated with intricate details and its huge statue of the Archangel Michael at the top.

The Guinigi Palace (Palazzo Guinigi) and Guinigi Tower (Torre Guinigi) are must-see attractions, especially if you look for spectacular panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains. You can climb 230 steps of this 14th-century brick tower and admire some great views of Lucca from the picturesque garden at the top.

Torre delle Ore (Torre dell’ Orologio) located only a few minutes walk from Guinigi Tower, is the medieval clock tower and the tallest tower in the city from the top of which you can see the entire city of Lucca. The most interesting thing about this tower is the manual clock mechanism, which can be observed in detail while climbing. Throughout the old town, you will find signs that indicate a tour of the city; I advise you to follow them as they will allow you to find the monuments easily.

How to Get to Lucca from Livorno Cruise Port?

• Train – The distance between Lucca and the port of Livorno is approximately 50 km/30 miles (a 55-minute drive). The most convenient and affordable option is to take the train from Livorno Centrale to Pisa Centrale and then change train to Lucca. The train runs twice per hour, and the whole one-way trip takes around 1 hour.
• Taxi/Private Transfer – A taxi ride takes around 45 minutes.
• Shore Excursion – Cruise lines and independent tour operators offer shore excursions to Lucca.

Check out Lucca tours and activities from Livorno

5. Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre (“five towns”) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national park that consists of five fishing villages perched high up on the cliffs of the Italian Riviera approximately 110 km/68 miles north of Livorno. The beauty of the colorful medieval villages can best be admired by boat, which allows visitors to take in the breathtaking views of the villages and the dramatic coast of northwest Italy.

The villages of Riomaggiore , Manarola , Vernazza , Corniglia , and Monterosso al Mare boast rich history and traditions as they date from the Middle Ages, and they are interconnected by trails so you can explore them on foot, or by hiking. There is also a train that runs every few minutes between the villages, which allows travelers to easily move from one village to another.

Another wonderful place to visit is Portovenere , a medieval coastal village located south of Cinque Terre. Although it isn’t officially part of Cinque Terre, the village is equally beautiful and often included in the same itinerary and Cinque Terre shore excursions. I wrote about Cinque Terre in detail in my article: Day Trip to Cinque Terre and Portovenere from La Spezia Port

How to Get to Cinque Terre from Livorno Port?

• It takes at least a 1-hour 30-minute drive one way to reach the first village of Riomaggiore from Livorno cruise port and due to the distance, not all the cruise lines offer shore excursions to Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre is more easily explored from the port of La Spezia , but in case you decide to visit it from Livorno, the best way would be to either book a shore excursion or a round-trip private transfer .
• The train is not a convenient option as it would take you at least 2 hours one way to get to the villages, including changing one or two trains (at Pisa Centrale and La Spezia Centrale). You would need to carefully plan your day according to the train timetables and the ship’s scheduled time in port.

Check out Cinque Terre shore excursions from Livorno  

6. San Gimignano

Nestled in the heart of the Tuscan countryside and the Chianti wine region in the province of Siena, San Gimignano is another hidden gem of Tuscany boasting stunning medieval architecture. The distance between San Gimignano and Livorno port is 83 km/52 miles and it takes a 1h 30 minutes drive to get there.

San Gimignano is a small walled hilltop town also known as the Town of Fine Towers due to a dozen of preserved tower houses. The town boasts beautiful Gothic and Romanesque architecture, churches, medieval fortifications, great local cuisine, and delicious wines.

The main San Gimignano highlights are the Colegiata (Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta); the Church of Sant’ Agostino;  the Communal Palace (Palazzo Communale, the Town Hall) located on Piazza del Duomo and home to the town gallery; Palazzo Vecchio del Podestà;  the Cistern Square (Piazza della Cisterna, the main town square); Torre Grossa (54m, the tallest tower); Salvucci Tower (Torri dei Salvucci); and a few others.

How to Get to San Gimignano from Livorno Cruise Port?

• It takes around a 1-hour 30-minute drive one way to reach San Gimignano. Some cruise lines offer shore excursions, however, most of them include stops at other places in Tuscany (Siena) which means that you won’t have much time to spend in San Gimignano.
• You can either book a shore excursion or private round trip transfer , or you can rent a car, which is a great option as there are a couple of car parks outside the walls of San Gimignano where you can leave your car for a fee.
• You can also take a train from Livorno Centrale to Poggibonsi-S.Gimignano (with 1 change at Empoli). The ride takes around 1 hour 40 minutes.

Check out San Gimignano tours and activities from Livorno  

With its historic center protected by UNESCO, medieval architecture, a great number of museums, galleries, and a long history of banking/commercial activities, Siena is the capital city of the province of Siena located 130 km/81 miles (a 2-hour drive) southeast of Livorno port.

It is one of the most visited cities in Italy, and if you decide to spend your day in Siena, you should see the city highlights including the imposing Campo Square (Piazza del Campo, the main square), the Tower of Mangia (Torre del Mangia), the 12th-century Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena) overlooking Piazza del Duomo, Santa Maria in Provenzano Church , the 14th-century Gothic Palazzo Salimbeni dominating a large Piazza Salimbeni , Siena Synagogue …

How to Get to Siena from Livorno Port?

• Some cruise lines offer shore excursions to Siena, however, these excursions normally include stop at either San Gimignano or other places in Tuscany.
• Due to the distance between the Livorno cruise port and Siena, it’s advisable to either book a shore excursion, private round-trip transfer , or rent a car. The traveling time to Siena is approximately 2 hours each way.
• You can also take the train from Livorno Centrale to Siena; the train runs once per hour, and you will need to change the train in Empoli. The ride takes at least 2 hours.

Check out Siena tours and activities from Livorno

8. Volterra

Located around a 1-hour drive from Livorno cruise port (72 km/45 miles), the mountaintop town of Volterra is known for its rich history and the ruins dating from the Etruscan, Roman, and Medieval periods.

While there, don’t miss out on visiting some of the main Volterra highlights: the Roman Theater of Volterra (Teatro Romano di Volterra) dating from the 1st century BC; Piazza dei Priori (the main square) dominated by Palazzo dei Priori , the 13th-century Town Hall building; Volterra Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta) with its marble entrance and a gilded coffered ceiling; the Etruscan Museum “Mario Guarnacci” , and the remains of the Etruscan Acropolis (Acropoli Etrusca) among others.

How to Get to Volterra from Livorno Port?

• Some cruise lines offer shore excursions that include a stop in Volterra, however, if you want to go on your own, the best option would be to either rent a car or book a private transfer . The ride takes approximately 1h 10 minutes each way.
• You can also take the train from Livorno Centrale to Volterra-Saline-Pomarance train station (including 1 change in Cecina). The ride takes up to 1 hour 30 minutes. Once you get off at the Volterra-Saline-Pomarance, you will need to catch a local bus #780 and ride for another 25 minutes.
• If you decide to go by train, you need to carefully plan your day because there are only a few trains running per day, and the local buses are not frequent. I suggest you book a shore excursion, either with your cruise line or a reliable tour operator, as you will avoid all the hassle with the local transportation.

Check out Volterra tours and activities from Livorno  

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Getting to Pisa tower from  Pisa train station

"Getting to Pisa tower – find about 3 different ways of getting to the Pisa leaning tower and Piazza dei Miracoli: walking, local bus and taxi"

After successfully getting from the  Livorno cruise dock to Florence train station  and/or eventually  Pisa train station , all there is left is getting to the  Pisa tower!

Once you find yourself at  Pisa Centrale train station , before you head to the leaning tower of Pisa, make sure you double-check your train schedules for either onwards to Florence or back to Livorno.

Purchase your tickets  to return or continue your trip before you head out of the train station and so prevent standing in line later and possibly missing the train.

Pisa Centrale train station is one of the principal regional and national railway junctions with trains frequently running to Florence, Rome, Genoa and Lucca.

It is located at the southern edge of the city’s historical center and it is about 1,5 km far from Piazza dei Miracoli where the Pisa tower stands.

Exit the train station building and pick one of the 3 ways of getting to the Pisa tower:

• Taking the local Bus
• Taking a Taxi

Getting to Pisa Tower: taking a walk

Take this option only if Pisa is your only destination in a day as it will take you about 20-30 minutes to reach the tower of Pisa from the Pisa train station.

If you’re headed to Florence afterwards, you cannot afford to lose that much time.

If you decide to walk, take the Via F. Crispi on the left side of the Pisa train station square. Cross the Arno river and then follow the Via Roma.

To do this, having a map will help so before you leave the train station stop by the tourist office on the left to pick up a free map of Pisa . Or simply get your bearings by looking at the big map of Pisa displayed in front of the train station.

Getting to Pisa tower: taking a local bus

Taking a local bus is what the majority of people will go with, as it is cheap and relatively quick.

You will find the local bus station right across the street from the train station, below the hotel on your right hand side.

Before you get on the local bus there make sure you have your ticket with you, and you can purchase one inside the Pisa train station (you will see the Biglietto sign at one of the news-stands) or at any other news-stand outside the station.

The buses are very frequent, you won’t wait longer than 5-10 minutes for one. The fee is around €1 per person each way if you buy it at the news-stand, or pay double if buying it directly from the bus driver.

It is buses #3, #4 and Navetta A you will be taking to the Field of Miracles, but if they have no signs ask the driver for the “Torre?” (Italian for Tower).

Make sure you validate your tickets in the little machine on the bus.

You will know you need to get off when you see this wall on your right hand side (see photo below).

You can catch the bus to go back on the corner of this yellow building (see photo below).

Getting to Pisa tower: Taking a taxi

Taking a taxi straight to the Piazza dei Miracoli, or the Pisa Tower, is the quickest way of getting there and highly recommended if you are catching the next train to Florence.

You will find the taxi stand right in front of the train station.

The ride will cost you approximately €8-10 and last about 5 minutes.

Taxis to go back to the train station will be right in front of the entrance to the Piazza dei Miracoli.

If you think this whole process is too complicated, consider taking a tourist bus from central Livorno to Pisa . This service is getting widely popular so book your seats way ahead to avoid any disappointments! 

Thinking of going to both Pisa and Lucca in a day ? The budget transfer roundtrip service is available now , too!

RELATED ARTICLES:

• LIVORNO TO PISA
• PISA BY TRAIN
• PISA LEANING TOWER - HISTORY AND BUILDING

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How to Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa Independently

If your cruise ship visits Livorno in Italy, the two most popular sightseeing choices are Florence and Pisa. In this post I share the best way to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa independently , without needing to overspend on a cruise line shore excursion.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

This landmark is actually a bell tower located next to the Cathedral of Pisa, in Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) in the city of Pisa. The square, so named for its uniqueness and artistic beauty, has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Construction of the tower began in 1173 and took 226 years to complete! It took such a long time to finish due to a number of reasons including war, debt and of course the lean, which started just five years after the building work commenced.

Pisa got it’s name from the Greek word for ‘marshy ground’ and this explains why the tower leaned to one side due to the soft ground. Interestingly, it’s not the only bell tower in Pisa that leans (there are two others) and the adjacent baptistery and cathedral are also sinking.

The original height of the tower was 60m but it now stands at 56.67m on the highest side. There are 251 steps that take you from the bottom to the very top with an internal spiral stone staircase.

Getting to Pisa from Livorno

A shuttle bus will take you from the cruise terminal to the centre of Livorno and from here it’s possible to take a bus to Pisa. We decided to book a bus journey from Livorno to Pisa . The bus is a low cost option at around €17 per person. You can catch this bus at 10.00am from the Via Cogorano at the back of Piazza Grande (this is very handy as it’s where the cruise shuttle bus drops you).

The journey was approximately 40 minutes and there was plenty of pleasant Tuscan scenery to see during the short journey. When we arrived in Pisa, it was quite easy to follow the signposts and other tourists to get to the Tower (around 5-10 minutes walk). The walk takes you through a market where you can pick up souvenirs as well as drinks and snacks from the local cafes.

The bus will take you back to Livorno at 1pm, which gives you around 2 hours, 20 minutes. We chose to book the bus as it was as cheap as the train but far less stressful!

Do I Need a Ticket to See the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

You don’t need to buy tickets to be able to visit Miracle Square and see the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It’s free to walk around and take photos.

You will witness lots of people taking this photo but as you can see in the photo below, I actually had to stand on a post to get this shot!

Tickets to Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa

If you choose to climb the Tower, it is advisable to book them in advance. You can choose a time slot to visit the Tower, which saves you so much time. We booked our tickets with Weekend in Italy for €22 per person, which also included free entry to the Cathedral at any time.

You must go to the nearby cloakroom to check-in and store any bags you have with you. It is strictly forbidden to carry any bags and/or containers of any kind and shape during the visit and these objects must be left at the cloakroom. Cameras are allowed to be carried.

It’s very important that you are punctual in joining the line directly in front of the Leaning Tower, if you’re late, you’re not guaranteed entry. This all seems very strict but the sheer amount of people visiting the site means that it’s run like a military operation!

Climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa

There are 251 steps leading to the top of the Tower, my legs got a little tired towards the top but don’t let that put you off. There are plenty of passing places so you can have a rest if you need it.

The experience was very strange whilst climbing the tower, you could actually feel the tilt so although we were climbing up the stairs it would feel harder on one side and easier on the other. It was very weird!

The complete visit of the Leaning Tower of Pisa takes around 35 minutes, including ascending and descending the staircase. This gives you plenty of time to admire the views from the top of the bell tower.

What is at the Top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

At the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a viewing platform, which offers 360-degree views. It’s here where the bells are housed too.

Key Information for Visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa

• Book your tickets in advance to avoid the queues
• Give yourself enough time to store any bags in the cloakroom before joining the queue to enter the Tower
• The line for the toilets can be huge so pop into one of the local bars or cafes to use theirs, you may need to pay €1 to get a code to unlock the door
• Pick up some cheap souvenirs in the market close by, you can haggle the prices here!

Opening times vary throughout the year:

• January, February and March: from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
• From April to September: from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
• October and from December 25 to January 6:  from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
• November and December: from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm
• From June 17 to August 31: special night opening of the Tower until 10:00 pm.
• June 16:  closing at 4:30 pm.

Final Thoughts on Pisa

I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Pisa and I would highly recommend climbing to the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The views are breathtaking and the experience of climbing the Tower and feeling its lean is strange but enjoyable!

Planning independent shore excursions are certainly doable as long as you do your research and give yourself plenty of time to get back to the ship. You can save money and get to see and do exactly what you want to do, rather than having to stay with a group.

Here are more ideas about how to visit Mediterranean cruise destinations independently .

Laura is a UK cruise blogger based in Cornwall, UK. She founded Cruise Lifestyle in 2016 to share useful advice about cruising, destinations and food. Last port visited: Bridgetown, Barbados Next port of call: unknown, but she can’t wait for cruising to resume safely!

Find me on: Twitter

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Despite living in Italy for half the year, I’ve still not made it to Pisa! I also never knew it was easy to get to from Livorno until reading your post. The views from the top of the tower are incredible, even if it takes 251 steps! Good tip on paying in advance for your ticket too.

It’s definitely worth going inside the tower!

I have been to Italy several times so far, but I have not been to Pisa yet. Although it is on my list, I would love to take pictures of this famous tower. I like the idea of taking a cruise. It is a different perspective to travel this way. So, I enjoy your detailed info about the cruise. It helps prepare for the trip.

Thanks Agnes!

Visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa on a cruise trip is a great idea. I love the Leaning Tower of Pisa because of its unique structure and perfect architecture work. I am surely going to see the 360 degree view from the top. Of course, I will book the ticket in advance, thanks for your tips.

Have never been on Cruise trips. Had no idea that visit to attraction are not included in the package. We visited Florence last year but it was raining non-stop so had to skip Pisa. Hopefully we will get to visit this year. 🙂 Thanks for sharing some amazing tips and I guess not many go to the top and take pictures, nice perspective.

Both Florence and Pisa are in my go to places although have been to Italy and covered part of it.Thanks for the guide. Would use it to plan.

Great post!! I have seen the leaning tower way back when I was a young kid but to be honest I don’t think I would choose to see it again, it was just way more touristy for me even back then. I wasn’t aware of a cruise trip, which actually sounds great and fun.

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