Florence to Pisa train with Regionale

Taking the Train from Florence to Pisa: A Scenic Day Trip Made Easy

Introduction

I’ve taken plenty of trains around Italy, but the Florence to Pisa train journey stands out for its ease, scenery, and timeless charm. If you’re chasing that classic photo with the Leaning Tower or looking for a peaceful escape from Florence’s energy, this route delivers. Here’s exactly how I did it and how you can, too.

Route Overview

Traveling from Florence to Pisa by train is one of the quickest and most scenic ways to connect two of Tuscany’s gems. The ride is about an hour, covering roughly 85 kilometers of countryside filled with cypress trees, rustic villas, and little hilltop towns. I boarded at Firenze Santa Maria Novella and arrived at Pisa Centrale, both of which are centrally located and easy to navigate. If you’re wondering the best way to get from Florence to Pisa, the train wins for convenience, speed, and that dreamy Tuscan window view.

Transportation Experience

I booked my Florence to Pisa train on Omio the night before, and it took less than 5 minutes. I had several departure times to choose from, and the prices were super budget-friendly. If you’re deciding between the train and the bus from Florence to Pisa, here’s my take: the bus takes longer and isn’t as comfortable. Trains leave more often, run on time, and let you glide right through the Tuscan countryside with a cappuccino in hand.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

Firenze Santa Maria Novella is Florence’s main station, a short walk from the Duomo. It’s modern and organized, and it has plenty of cafés and bakeries if you want to grab something before boarding. I got there 20 minutes early, which gave me time to find my platform without rushing.

Pisa Centrale is about a 20-minute walk from the Leaning Tower (or a short bus or taxi ride). The station itself is easy to exit and has clear signage.

Schedule & Frequency

Trains run frequently, at least every 30 minutes throughout the day. I caught a late morning regional train that took just over an hour. If you’re planning your day, know that the best time to travel is mid-morning to avoid rush hour and still have plenty of daylight to explore Pisa.

Onboard Experience & Services

I rode in second class on a Trenitalia regional train, and honestly, it was more comfortable than I expected. The seats were wide, clean, and had plenty of legroom. No assigned seating on my train, so I snagged a window spot. There’s no Wi-Fi, but I just downloaded a podcast ahead of time.

The real highlight? The views. Tuscany is even prettier from a train window: olive groves, sunflower fields, and terracotta-roofed towns. It felt like watching a moving postcard. Note that on Trenitalia, regional trains do not have onboard food. You can, however, bring luggage on board for free (no strict size or weight limit), but you are expected to keep bags from blocking aisles or seats.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

Book early if you want more time options, but even same-day fares are affordable. I paid €9.90 for a one-way regional ticket on Trenitalia. Here's what I spent in total:

Top Tips & Recommendations

• Sit on the left side of the train from Florence for the best views.
• Bring water or a snack, as regional trains don’t have a café car.
• If you plan to return the same day, book a return ticket ahead of time (or keep the Omio app handy).
• Don’t worry if your ticket says “unreserved.” You can just hop on and sit where you like.

Scenic Moments on the Florence to Pisa Train

Somewhere near Empoli, I caught the sun glinting off vineyards in the distance. It reminded me why I always prefer trains over highways. The journey wasn’t long, but it was calming and beautiful, and it set the perfect tone for a relaxed day in Pisa.

Conclusion

Taking the train from Florence to Pisa is an easy, scenic way to enjoy a bit of Tuscan life. It’s quick, affordable, and full of little moments that make the journey just as enjoyable as the destination. I’d definitely choose it again, especially for a relaxed day out.

About the Author: Nancy Sevilla

• Job Title: Travel Content Creator
• Bio: Nancy Sevilla is a travel and lifestyle content creator who shares honest guides, helpful tips, and personal experiences from her global adventures. Based between Spain and the U.S., she specializes in solo travel, digital nomad life, and creating visually compelling content for her blog and social platforms.