Stepping off your cruise ship in Livorno, the gateway to Tuscany, the allure of Pisa and its world-famous Leaning Tower is undeniable! Making the DIY trip from Livorno to Pisa is a classic cruise day adventure and surprisingly easy to do on your own!
This comprehensive DIY guide will walk you through how to catch the train from Livorno to Pisa, the must-see sights beyond the Leaning Tower and share practical advice to ensure your independent shore excursion is a resounding success. Ready to craft your perfect Pisa day trip?
This is Part 2 of my Livorno Port Guide Series. Part 1 covers Livorno, including logistics on how to navigate Livorno Cruise Port to Livorno train station for your day trip. Part 3 & 4 are detailed guides covering day trips to Lucca and Florence respectively from Livorno.
- Part 1 – Livorno: Livorno Cruise Port DIY Excursions: Florence, Pisa & Lucca
- Part 3 – Lucca: Livorno Cruise Port to Lucca: DIY guide to Tuscan Gem
- Part 4 – Florence: Livorno to Florence Guide: Duomo, David & Divine Views
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Livorno to Pisa: Is a DIY Excursion Easy? 😎😎😎😎 Smooth Sailing!
Besides staying in Livorno itself, I would rate a day-trip to Pisa as the easiest DIY excursion from Livorno cruise port. Here’s why a DIY shore excursion from Livorno Cruise Port to Pisa is 😎😎😎😎 Smooth Sailing:
- Frequent train services: Frequent train services between Livorno and Pisa train stations mean no worries about missing your train! And the ride is only 20 minutes!
- Easy bus connections to Leaning Tower: Buses are available at Pisa train station to take you to the Leaning Tower or you can just walk it and enjoy the views!
- Rest of Pisa equally walkable: You’ll love a walk along the Arno River and see the rest of Pisa before returning to Livorno.
Planning Your Livorno to Pisa Day Trip? Here’s What You Need to Know
1. Livorno Cruise Port to Livorno Train Station
Read Part 1 of my Livorno Cruise Port guide here for how to get from Livorno Cruise Port to Livorno Train Station quickly. IMHO, this is the hardest part of your DIY excursion.
If you prefer not to deal with local trains, then pre-book an escorted transfer service from Livorno to Pisa – you’ll have free time in Pisa to explore on your own. The coach service will pick you up from Piazza del Municipio in Livorno, where the port shuttle buses drop you off. You’ll also be dropped back there on your return journey, and you just need to catch the port shuttle back to your ship.
2. Livorno Station to Pisa Centrale Station
Once you get to the train station, here’s all the info you need to get to Pisa Centrale Station on your own:
- Train Timetables: Use Omio to search for train timetables. There’s multiple trains per hour, so I wouldn’t worry about too much about timetables
- Departure station: Livorno Centrale is the train station you’re leaving from
- Arrival station: Pisa Centrale – note that Pisa S. Rossore station is closer to the Leaning Tower but most train services between Livorno <-> Pisa is to Pisa Centrale.
- Journey Time: Regional services take 20-25 minutes. Intercity services take about 17-20 minutes.
- Types of Train Services:
- Regional Services: Bulk of train services between Livorno <–> Pisa are regional services
- Intercity & Frecciabianca services: These are usually slightly faster but only faster for a few minutes.
- Tickets:
- Regional Services: €2.80 adults one-way; note that on regional services, kids over 12 pay adult price, kids under 12 can travel at 50% discount.
- Cheap Tickets only work on Regional Services: Don’t buy a regional ticket and hop onto an intercity or Freecciabianca as you can be fined! These faster train’s ticket prices vary depending on demand and usually cost €10+ one-way.
- Buy Tickets from Ticket Machines: Because the trains are so frequent on this route, I would just buy a ticket on the machine. Cards accepted. Don’t forget to validate your ticket at the ticket gates!
My Best Tip: Live Departure Board
See the Livorno Centrale Station Live Departure Board on your phone when you’re on your way to Livorno station. No stress about finding out which platform to go to!
Regional Services are marked “R” or “RV”. Look for a train going to either “Firenze Santa Maria Novella” or “Pisa Centrale” – click on the “Information” symbol to confirm that it’s going to Pisa Centrale. That’s your train!
3. Pisa Centrale Station to Leaning Tower
Pisa Centrale station is about 20-25 minutes’ walk from both the Leaning Tower and the Square of Miracles. if you’re okay with the walk, see the best walking route here, with what to see along the way.
Alternatively, connect via bus or train to Pisa S. Rossore station, which is much closer to the Tower if you prefer not to walk. (Note Pisa S. Rossore station is still ~8-10 mins walk from the Leaning Tower.)
- Bus: Many bus routes will take you from Pisa Centrale station to within a few minutes’ walk of the Square of Miracles. There’s so many I won’t list them here! Use Citymapper or Google Maps to see live departure times.
- Bus Tickets: All buses & trams in Tuscany now accept contactless cards (or Apple/Android Pay on your phones or smart watches). Single fares are €1.70 in Pisa (same as in Livorno). Just tap and go!
- Train to Pisa S. Rossore: Not all trains from Livorno will stop at Pisa S. Rossore station. If yours does, get off here instead! If not, check for connecting trains from Pisa Centrale. There’s usually a few trains an hour between Pisa Centrale and Pisa S. Rossore. This will save you much of the walk!
- Recommended Transport App: I would recommend using Citymapper – just change the city to Florence / Pisa. Citymapper will give you real-time access to rail departure times from Pisa Centrale.
- Official Websites: Turismo Pisa, Autolinne Toscane (local bus authority)
Pisa Day Trip Map
- On Desktop | Laptop? Use buttons on bottom left to zoom in/out. Click on the upper right hand corner to see a bigger version.
- On Tablet | Mobile? Pinch your screen to zoom in/out and use two fingers to move map around. If you have Google Maps installed on your tablet/mobile, my map will open in your Google Maps app if you click on the upper right hand corner.
- If map is not loading correctly, click here to see it directly on Google Maps
Pisa Day Trip: Top Things to Do
1. Must-See Pisa: Pisa’s Leaning Tower!
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks, and for good reason! Its unique tilt and marble beauty make for an unforgettable sight. This iconic bell tower began construction in 1173, but its soft foundation soon caused it to lean – a tilt that only became more pronounced over centuries.
In 1350, the lean was reported to be around 1.4°. The lean reached 5° when a 10-year project to stabilise the Tower started in 1990. Here’s what you need to know for a smooth DIY visit:
Climbing the Leaning Tower: Planning Your Logistics
- Pre-Booking Essential: Tickets for the Tower are dated and timed. Due to capacity issues, you’ll be turned away if you show up late! Bookings open 90 days in advance. Here’s the official website for tickets.
- 2025 Ticket Prices: Cathedral and Tower tickets are €20, the €27 “Complete” ticket will get you into all the attractions at the Square of Miracles (incl. Baptistery & Opera Museum). If you’re not climbing the Tower, the €11 ticket will let you into the Cathedral and Square of Miracles.
- Sold Out Tower Time Slots? If you can’t find the time slot you want, then check the slightly more expensive premium skip-the-line tickets sold through local tour operators. They have separate allocation of tickets.
- Opening Hours: Generally 9am to 8pm daily, double check opening times on official website
- The Climb: There’s 251 spiral steps but you get breathtaking views of the city and Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles)! Be aware that the climb is not suitable for those with mobility issues. Most take about 30 minutes to complete the climb.
- No kids under 8: Unfortunately kids under 8 are not permitted. Under 18s need to be accompanied by an adult.
- Avoid bringing valuables: You’ll be asked to leave bags at the cloakroom before the climb. If you’re bringing a day-pack, be prepared to take out your valuables (phone, wallet etc), so a small purse or fanny pack will be perfect.
- Audio Tour Tip: Listen to the free audio tour (30 mins), you can also download it onto your phone and listen to it when you get there!
2. Explore Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles)
The Leaning Tower may be the star of the show, but it shares the spotlight with other architectural wonders that make up the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles). This name might sound unusual, but it has a fascinating origin.
During the Middle Ages, this area was considered a sacred burial ground, and the presence of such magnificent buildings was seen as a “miracle.” Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason:
- The Duomo (Cathedral): Construction began in the 11th century, making it a prime example of Pisan Romanesque architecture. Its stunning facade features intricate black and white marble. Inside, be sure to look up and admire the breathtaking dome, adorned with mosaics depicting the life of the Virgin Mary.
- The Baptistery: Standing opposite the Cathedral, this large, circular building is Pisa’s Baptistery, where baptisms have been held for centuries. Take a moment to appreciate the incredible acoustics – sometimes you’ll hear the staff demonstrating them with a cappella singing, creating a truly magical experience. The Baptistery’s pulpit is a masterpiece of Pisan Romanesque sculpture, adorned with panels depicting scenes from the life of John the Baptist.
- Camposanto Monumentale (Monumental Cemetery): This might surprise you, but the Monumental Cemetery is another architectural gem within the Piazza dei Miracoli. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, it’s a vast cloister with elaborately decorated sarcophagi and frescoes lining the walls. The highlight is the Camposanto’s collection of frescoes by famous artists like Buonamico Buffalmacco and Benozzo Gozzoli, depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments.
- Opera della Primazia Pisana: This impressive building served as the administration center for the cathedral complex. Today, it houses art exhibits and the ‘Museo dell’ Opera del Duomo’, displaying sculptures, paintings, and treasures from the Cathedral, Baptistery, and Camposanto. Look for the stunning ‘Madonna and Child’ by Nino Pisano and the original griffins that once adorned the Cathedral’s roof.
- Sinopie Museum: Located in a former hospital, this museum offers a unique glimpse into the creation of frescoes. “Sinopie” are preparatory drawings that artists used to plan large-scale murals. The museum houses a collection of sinopie, including several that were originally on the walls of the Camposanto Monumentale. It offers a fascinating look into the artistic process and the restoration efforts that helped preserve the Campo Santo’s masterpieces.
Note: All of these attractions in the Square of Miracles are included in the €27 “Complete” ticket with Tower climb and the €11 “Complete” ticket without the Tower climb. Book a guided tour to Cathedral & Baptistry here, so you can skip the Cathedral queue!
Many visitors to Pisa only visit the Tower, the Cathedral and Baptistery. But I would also highly recommend the Opera della Primazia Pisana and the Sinopie Museum if you have the time. Here’s a glimpse of what there is to see:
3. Stroll along the Arno River
The Arno River, which cuts through the heart of Pisa, offers a delightful change of pace from the crowds of the Piazza. Stroll along this scenic walkway (Lungarni di Pisa) along either bank and enjoy views of historic buildings, bridges, and locals enjoying the waterfront.
The best stretch is between Ponte Solferino (to the west) and the Ponte della Fortezza (to the east), with the central Ponte di Messo at the heart of this walk. See this mark in my Pisa DIY Day Trip map above.
4. Explore the Borgo Stretto
“Borgo Stretto” literally means “Narrow Village” or “Narrow Street”. The medieval arcades (porticoes) line both sides of the street, offering a cover walkway. These porticoes, with their stone columns and vaulted ceiling, also come in handy if you’re looking to escape the summer sun for a bit.
While Corso Italia has more mainstream brands, Borgo Stretto is known for its more upscale boutiques, historic shops, artisan stores and traditional cafes. Some of Pisa’s oldest and most beloved cafes and pasticcerias (pastry shops) by locals, are also located here.
Up for a snack while strolling in Borgo Stretto? Here’s a few places to try – see these marked in my Pisa Day Trip map above
- Pasticceria Da Tripoli: Grab a freshly baked cornetti (Italian croissants) and pastries here!
- Strapizzami Pisa: Pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) on offer here, with pizza fritta available (fried pizza), which is a Neapolitan specialty.
- Primo – Pasta & Street Food Pisa: Want a quick bowl of pasta to fuel up before returning to Livorno, this is a great place to grab it. Seating and takeaway available.
- Gelateria De’ Coltelli: You’ll see quite a few Gelateria around. This one is handy along the river bank.
- La Piadona: Short of time? This is ideal for a grab and go lunch. A piadona is a rustic flatbread, folded in half (like a half-moon). Traditional fillings include prosciutto, arugula / rocket, cured meats and grilled vegetables.
5. Experience Tuscan Flavours: Where to Eat in Pisa
I’ve named some street food and quick lunch choices above but if you’re a foodie and dying for a sit-down Tuscan lunch, here’s more choices of what and where to eat – see these marked in my Pisa Day Trip map above. Alternatively, you can also book a food tour with a full Tuscan meal.
- Pappardelle al Cinghiale: Hearty, flavourful pasta dish with thick ribbons of pappardelle tossed in a robust, slow-cooked ragù made with wild boar (cinghiale), a Tuscan specialty. Try it at Osteria dei Cavalieri or Osteria La Mescita.
- Ribollita: Literally meaning “reboiled”, this humble soup is a cornerstone of Tuscan cucina povera (peasant cooking). It’s a hearty, thick concoction of seasonal vegetables, beans and day-old bread, all simmered into a comforting bowl. You can try it at Osteria I Santi.
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina: Meat lovers, prepare yourselves! It’s a thick-cut, T-bone grilled over hot coals. Seasoned simply with salt and pepper, it’s typically served rare with a beautifully charred crust. It’s a premium dish and often sold by weight. Try it at Beersteccheria Mediceo
- Cantuccini: These dry almond biscuits are the perfect accompaniment to a sweet dessert wine like Vin Santo. Dunk and enjoy this classic Tuscan treat. Most Osteria will offer this as a dessert.
Best Walking Path: Pisa Centrale to Leaning Tower to Piazza dei Miracoli
If you choose to do the 20-25 minutes walk from Pisa Centrale to the Leaning Tower and the Square of Miracles, here’s the best route and what to see along the way:
1. “Best” Route via Corso Italia
I rate this as the “best” route because it’s easy to navigate and there’s things to see along the way, not necessarily the shortest possible route. You’ll see that the walk is pretty much a direct line though. See this route marked on my Pisa DIY Excursion Map above.
- Exit Pisa Centrale: Once you exit the station, you’ll immediately be at Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II
- Use Main Street Corso Italia: Cross the Piazza and head north via the Main Street Corso Italia. Corso Italia is pedestrianised shopping street.
- Arno River: Keep walking on Corso Italia until you reach the Arno River. Cross the bridge (Ponte di Mezzo) to the other side of the Arno River
- Continue Walk North: Keep walking straight on Borgo Stretto. Borgo Stretto naturally leads you towards Via Guglielmo Oberdan. Keep walking until you see signs for the “Torre Pendente” (Leaning Tower). Take the left turn and you’ll soon be at Piazza dei Miracoli.
Note that once you’ve on the other side of the Arno River, you can zig-zag through the small streets and find your way to the Leaning Tower. But the route I recommend is much easier to navigate and much harder to get lost!
2. What to See and Do Along The Walk
- Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II: You’ll see a prominent statue of the first King of a unified Italy in the centre of the square
- Corso Italia: Pisa’s primary shopping street, with both well-known Italian brands, independent boutiques, gelaterias and cafes. If you need a snack before more sightseeing, this is where to get it!
- Arno River: Just before the bridge (Ponte di Mezzo) is Palazzo Gambacorti – Pisa’s Town Hall, with its beautiful facade and clock tower
- Borgo Stretto: There’s stretches of medieval arcades (porticoes) on both sides, filled with pasticcerias (pastry shops), street food and gelato shops.
Featured Image by Lorenzo Pacifico
If you’re considering a day-trip to Pisa when your ship is docked in Livorno, I hope that this guide has given you ideas on how to structure your day and what else to see besides the Leaning Tower! Happy cruising as always!
