Private Car Vs. Public Transport IN Florence Please Advise

[LasOlas2]

Our first time traveling to the Med. We dock in Livorno at 8.00a.

 

It looks like it would be about $300.00 each (just two of us) to hire a private car that could take us to Pisa (we'll prebook the tower) and then onto Florence.

 

Alternatively, Ive seen some postings recommending trains. Im guessing this would be a cheaper option, but what with the train schedules and having to be back in port by 7p, Im concerned about wasting time waiting for the train and connections....

 

Id really appreciate your input.

 

Thanks!

 

 

Mark

lasolas2@aol.com

[VickiVSN]

We took the train into Pisa only. It was CHEAP and EASY. Trains from Pisa to Livorno were every half hour. I'm not sure how often they went to Florence (looks like about every 30 minutes online with an 1 hour 15 minute trip to Florence). I don't see why you couldn't do both. You shouldn't need much time in Pisa. Getting to the tower is a bit of a walk from the train station, but to save on time you could hire a cab at that point or ask at the station about bus service.

[TMWOOD1012]

marklasolas....

are you speaking of Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale? what ship are you on and when?

we're on Liberty, Oct 12.

[Blondie77]

We just did this same port last week with just about same time frame. We took train to Pisa Centrale, first, easy and quick about 15-20 minute ride and then took cab to the tower (otherwise it is about a 45 minute walk) theres a cab stop right outside train station. Good decision, tower was not crowded at all, but crowds were pouring in by time we left. Afterward we took train from Pisa into Florence and then back to Livorno. The trip takes 1.5 hours back and unforunately we headrf to train station to head back early to have plenty of time, only to find that the train didn't run on two of the times listed that particular day, luckily the next train got us back just in the nick of time. We did find out that you can look on the departure schedules at the station and some trains that list other city destinations also stop in Livorno, etc on the way and you can take one of these and hop off at that stop, instead of specifically waiting for a train to 'Livorno'. It is easy, cheap and feasible !

[estebofarr]

I wonder if there is a way to access the information about the train strikes, ahead of time? Does anyone have any ideas?

[Cruisingonceagain]

Hi, I'm quite new in this site and it is quite helpful. We are booked for a Med cruise in June 2006 and we are also looking at doing Florence and Pisa on our own. I saw this link in another website which might be helpful in finding out about train strikes in Italy. It is important though that you hit your refresh button to get the latest information.

 

http://www.seekitaly.com/news/from_roma.html

[DEL67]

Although trains are less expensive, there are advantages to hiring a car and driver. The driver will not be a tour guide, but he will be able to provide you with information about what you will be seeing and life in Italy. He will also save time by taking right to each sight (except in downtown Florence.)

 

To reduce the expense of a private tour, you could try posting a message on your cruises' string on the Roll Call Board asking if someone would like to share a tour.

[pcur]

I found on another thread to go to the Pisa S. Rossore train station which is just a few blocks from the Tower.