Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport (IATA: PSA) has one of the most convenient locations of any Italian regional airport - it is approximately 2km from Pisa city centre and just a short automated rail ride from Pisa Centrale station. Many passengers using this airport are actually heading to Florence, about 80km east. Here is how to get where you need to go.
PisaMover: Quickest Link to the City and Train Network
The PisaMover is an automated people-mover rail shuttle that connects the airport terminal directly to Pisa Centrale station - the city’s main railway hub.
Cost: approximately €2.70 per person one way as of 2026. Tickets are purchased at the PisaMover station inside the terminal.
Journey time: approximately 8 minutes.
Frequency: runs every 8 minutes during operating hours (approximately 06:00–00:00). Check for the exact first and last service times if you have an early-morning or late-night flight.
Why it matters: Pisa Centrale connects directly to the national rail network. From here, Florence Santa Maria Novella is approximately 50–65 minutes by regional train. This two-leg journey (PisaMover + regional train) is the standard and most cost-effective route from Pisa airport to Florence.
Train to Florence: The Standard Route
From Pisa Centrale station, regional trains (Regionale and Regionale Veloce services) run to Florence Santa Maria Novella throughout the day.
Cost: approximately €9–€10 per person as of 2026 for a regional train (Trenitalia).
Journey time: 50–65 minutes depending on whether you take a direct service or one with stops at intermediate stations (Empoli, Signa, etc.).
Frequency: trains depart roughly every 15–30 minutes during the day from Pisa Centrale to Florence. At peak morning and evening times, services are more frequent.
For Frecciarossa passengers: Pisa Centrale is not on the main high-speed rail corridor. The fastest trains between Pisa and Florence are the Intercity services rather than Frecciarossa. Check Trenitalia (trenitalia.com) for the quickest option on your specific day.
The total journey from airport to Florence (PisaMover + train + walking time) typically takes around 75–90 minutes door to door.
Taxi: Simple but Expensive for Florence
Licensed taxis are available outside the arrivals terminal. For Pisa city itself, taxis are a convenient option. For Florence, the cost is considerably higher.
Typical fares as of 2026:
- Airport to Pisa city centre or Piazza dei Miracoli: approximately €10–€15
- Airport to Florence city centre: approximately €110–€140 (traffic-dependent, metered)
Journey times:
- To Pisa centre: 5–10 minutes
- To Florence: approximately 60–90 minutes depending on traffic on the A11 motorway
A taxi to Pisa itself is good value given the short distance. For Florence, the taxi is only worth considering for groups of four splitting the cost, late-night arrivals when trains are infrequent, or travellers with mobility constraints.
Private Transfer: Best Option for the Florence Run
If you are heading directly to Florence, a pre-booked private transfer is worth serious consideration. Services like Welcome Pickups, Kiwitaxi, and GetTransfer offer a vehicle waiting at arrivals with a fixed price - no metered uncertainty.
Typical cost to Florence: approximately €90–€130 for a standard sedan as of 2026. Minivans for families or groups are available at higher rates.
Why this works well for the Pisa–Florence route: the train-plus-people-mover route involves two changes and requires navigating Pisa Centrale with luggage. A private transfer drives direct. For families with young children, anyone with accessibility needs, or groups arriving at night, this is often the better option despite the higher cost.
For Pisa city: a private transfer to a Pisa hotel costs approximately €25–€40, which is only marginally more than a metered taxi. Worth it if you value the predictability of a pre-booked service.
Getting to Key Destinations
Pisa city centre and Piazza dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles): The Leaning Tower is approximately 2km from the airport. The PisaMover drops you at Pisa Centrale; from there, it is a 20-minute walk to the Piazza dei Miracoli, or a 10-minute taxi/bus ride. City buses (LAM Rossa) also run from near the station to the tourist area.
Lucca: From Pisa Centrale, regional trains reach Lucca in approximately 30 minutes (€3–€4 as of 2026). Lucca is also easily reachable by taxi from the airport (approximately €35–€50).
Cinque Terre: The most practical route from Pisa airport to Cinque Terre is via train: PisaMover to Pisa Centrale, then a regional train towards La Spezia, changing at Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, or Riomaggiore as required. Total journey time approximately 2–2.5 hours.
Shuttle Buses to Florence
Some coach operators run direct shuttle services between Pisa airport and Florence, typically terminating at Florence Santa Maria Novella or near the SITA bus terminal.
Cost: approximately €7–€12 per person as of 2026.
Journey time: approximately 60–90 minutes. Slower than the train route on busy days due to motorway traffic.
These shuttles are useful if you have heavy luggage and want to avoid the PisaMover-to-train transfer. Check availability at the airport arrivals hall - services change seasonally.
Late-Night Arrivals
For flights arriving after the PisaMover stops running (approximately 00:00):
- Taxis are available 24/7 outside arrivals
- A pre-booked private transfer via Welcome Pickups, Kiwitaxi, or GetTransfer is the most reliable option for the Florence run at night
- Night train services from Pisa Centrale to Florence are reduced but exist on some overnight schedules - check trenitalia.com
For early-morning departures (before 06:00), check PisaMover’s first service time. If it does not align, a taxi to Pisa Centrale (approximately €10) to catch an early train is a practical option.