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Pisa and Lucca in one day by train from Florence: itinerary and tips

Torre di Pisa e Duomo in Piazza dei Miracoli

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Quick answer

Pisa and Lucca are the easiest car-free day trips from Florence: regional trains from Santa Maria Novella reach Pisa in about an hour and Lucca in about 1 hour 20 to 1 hour 40. Lucca and Pisa are linked by frequent trains in under half an hour, so you can see both in one day. Regional trains need no seat reservation.

If you want a simple, cheap, stress-free day out, Pisa and Lucca are perfect: walk from our apartments to Santa Maria Novella, hop on a train and be back for dinner.

How do you get from Florence to Pisa?

Take a regional train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Pisa Centrale: about an hour, with frequent departures. From Pisa Centrale it’s about a 25-minute walk through the centre to Piazza dei Miracoli, or a city bus.

What to see in Pisa?

  • Piazza dei Miracoli: the Leaning Tower, Cathedral, Baptistery and Camposanto. Book a time slot to climb the Tower.
  • Borgo Stretto and Pisa’s riverside.
  • Piazza dei Cavalieri, home of the Scuola Normale.
Leaning Tower of Pisa and Cathedral in Piazza dei Miracoli
Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa

How do you get from Florence to Lucca?

By regional train from Santa Maria Novella: usually between 1 hour 20 and 1 hour 40. Lucca station is just outside the walls, a few minutes’ walk from the centre.

What to see in Lucca?

  • The Renaissance walls, over 4 km you can walk or cycle on a rented bike.
  • Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, built on the ruins of the Roman amphitheatre.
  • The Guinigi Tower with trees growing on top.
  • San Martino Cathedral and the church of San Michele in Foro.
Renaissance walls of Lucca
Lucca’s walls, perfect by bike

How to see Pisa and Lucca on the same day?

  1. Early train from Florence to Pisa and a morning at Piazza dei Miracoli.
  2. Train from Pisa to Lucca (under half an hour).
  3. Lunch and afternoon in Lucca, with a loop of the walls.
  4. Evening train from Lucca back to Florence.

Practical tips

  • Buy regional tickets at the station, online or in the app; no seat reservation needed.
  • Check for strikes or engineering works the day before.
  • Leaving Florence the same day? Store your bags at Luggage Storage Hub.
  • More destinations: day trips from Florence.

Stay 5 minutes from the trains to Pisa and Lucca

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FAQ

How long is the train from Florence to Pisa?

About an hour by regional train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Pisa Centrale.

Do I need to book the train from Florence to Lucca?

No, regional trains don’t require seat reservations: just buy a ticket.

Can you visit Pisa and Lucca on the same day?

Yes, the two cities are linked by frequent trains in under half an hour.

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