Peter Greenberg: Touring Pisa and Florence
By: Peter Greenberg | Source: AARP.org | 2009-03-23
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Is it possible to go from Pisa, Italy, to Florence, Italy, by public transportation? I would then have to get back to my ship in Livorno, also by train or bus. I did not want to take the shore excursion offered by the ship. Thank you.
–Jim, New York
Livorno/Pisa:
The port most commonly used to access Pisa and Florence is Livorno. There are bus routes from the port in Livorno to the train station in Pisa; bus 101, for example, travels between the port terminal and Pisa's airport (which has train and bus links to Florence). Once in Pisa, there are trains that directly connect to Florence in a little more than an hour. Now keep in mind that when you get off the train in Pisa, it will take about 30 minutes to walk to the Leaning Tower, and taxis are scarce. Local bus lines are also an option, but difficult to plan ahead for, as all Web sites for bus services are in Italian. Unless you can speak the language, you'll likely find train travel to be much easier to plan.
In Florence:
The train station in Florence is located directly next to the bus station, which is another option for going between Pisa and Florence. Once in Florence, there are local bus lines that will take you around the city, though exploring by foot is also an option. Tour guides and taxis are available, but pricier. From Florence back to Livorno, the train trip may take up to an hour and a half. So plan accordingly to make it back to your ship on time.
To plan your trip by train, check out http://www.trenitalia.it/en/index.html.
A round-trip ticket (Livorno–Firenze) is likely to be the cheapest option, and you can hop off in Pisa, if you like.
If you're dead set on doing this itinerary, keep in mind that you'll be spending a lot of time traveling between points. In my opinion, Pisa is just not worth the trip. There's a tower and it leans. There's not much else. Florence, on the other hand, offers more than a full day of sights and museums. Consider making a beeline for Florence and spending the day there.
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