Livorno to Pisa

[wanttocruise2]

We are trying to plan an excursion to Pisa from Livorno. We're not all that keen on going there, so we're reluctant to spend a lot of money on this one 🙂

For people familiar with the area, is this a crazy idea?

We will get a cab to the central train station in Livorno. From there, we pick up a train to Pisa and then walk to the Leaning Tower area. Do the tour, and then return the same way. We hope to accomplish all of this between the hours of 9 am to 2 pm.

Thank you!

[euro cruiser]

Easily done.  The most difficult part of this plan, believe it or not, is the taxi to the station.  IF you can find a driver willing to take the short trip, they will charge at least 25 euro.

 

Check to see if your cruise line offers a transfer to the train station, and look at that as an alternative.  Every line offers a transfer into town, to Piazza Municipio.  From there to the train station is 2.4 km/1.5 miles.  It's an easy walk if you have the time and the energy, otherwise there is a public bus.  There will be taxis at the drop off point but they want longer fares, they will try to convince you to use them to drive you to Pisa and back.  It might be a good idea, depending on the fare they ask for.

 

There are also tour bus options from Piazza Municipio to Pisa. 

[John Bull]

13 minutes ago, euro cruiser said:

Easily done.  The most difficult part of this plan, believe it or not, is the taxi to the station.  IF you can find a driver willing to take the short trip, they will charge at least 25 euro.

 

Check to see if your cruise line offers a transfer to the train station, and look at that as an alternative.  Every line offers a transfer into town, to Piazza Municipio.  From there to the train station is 2.4 km/1.5 miles.  It's an easy walk if you have the time and the energy, otherwise there is a public bus.  There will be taxis at the drop off point but they want longer fares, they will try to convince you to use them to drive you to Pisa and back.  It might be a good idea, depending on the fare they ask for.

 

There are also tour bus options from Piazza Municipio to Pisa. 

 

Yes, the train and the walk to the Field of Miracles are easy, as Eurocruiser has said it's port to station that's difficult.

And except for small ships (which berth close to a port gate) there's no walking through the port.

To the best of my knowledge, NCL are the only line which offers transfers to Livorno Centrale train station. Shuttle plus into town then local bus to the station means travelling two sides of a triangle, but its workable

Many of the taxis at the port are 8-seaters, which makes it a cheap option to the station - mebbe even a reasonable option to Pisa - if you share. Then take the train back & taxi from Livorno Centrale to ship.

 

JB 🙂

Edited April 20, 2023 by John Bull

[CynBeth6]

Thank you for asking and the replies we are thinking of doing the same thing.  I wish we knew more than 3 weeks in advance if we will be able to get tickets for the Leaning Tower.

[mapleleaves]

We were on NCL so took advantage of their shuttle direct to the railway station. IIRC it was $25pp. Pricey for what it was, but efficient as we wanted to visit Pisa AND Florence.  You might be pleasantly surprised by the Field of Miracles. I expected a 15 minute stop for a photo, but my companions had never been there before and were quite taken with the sight. 

Another option to look into is Tuscany Bus. In the past they offered trips to Pisa, for 15-20E pp.  They pick up at the Piazza where the free shuttles drop off cruise ship pax which makes it a bit easier.  (They also had a Pisa/Florence combo but their time at each location was very limited so we did the train instead.)

 

[thedriver23]

We did this last summer - we waited until most people had got off the ship, and the taxis knew most of the bigger fares had gone - then it was 25 euros for 4 in a taxi to the train station - then train to Pisa

 

it was cheaper than the NCL shuttle this way and we had plenty of time at Pisa.

 

On way back from station it was a case of flagging or getting a taxi which was dropping off.

 

We needed two taxis as there was 8 of us and it was no real hassle.