How to get to Pisa Tower
How to Get to Pisa Tower: The Ultimate Travel Guide
Visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a highlight of any trip to Italy. Whether you’re coming from nearby cities like Florence or traveling from further afield, this comprehensive guide provides all the details on how to reach the iconic Pisa Tower efficiently and conveniently. From trains and buses to private tours and car rentals, we’ll explore the best options to suit your travel needs.
1. Where is the Pisa Tower Located?
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is situated in the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) in the heart of Pisa, a city in the Tuscany region of Italy.
- Address: Piazza del Duomo, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy.
- Coordinates: 43.7228° N, 10.3966° E.
The Piazza dei Miracoli complex includes the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Baptistery, and the Camposanto Monumentale, all within walking distance of each other.
2. How to Get to Pisa Tower by Train
Traveling by train is one of the most convenient and affordable ways to reach Pisa from various cities in Italy.
From Florence
- Duration: ~1 hour.
- Route: Florence Santa Maria Novella (SMN) → Pisa Centrale.
- Frequency: Trains run every 20–30 minutes.
- Cost: Tickets start at €8 one way.
- Tip: Once you arrive at Pisa Centrale, it’s a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute bus ride to the Piazza dei Miracoli.
From Rome
- Duration: ~2.5–3 hours.
- Route: Rome Termini → Pisa Centrale (with a possible transfer in Florence or Livorno).
- Cost: Tickets start at €20.
From Milan
- Duration: ~3–4 hours.
- Route: Milano Centrale → Pisa Centrale (usually via Florence).
- Cost: Tickets start at €25.
3. How to Get to Pisa Tower by Bus
Buses are a budget-friendly option, but they are typically slower than trains.
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From Florence:
- Duration: ~1.5–2 hours.
- Operators: Companies like Autolinee Toscane provide services between Florence and Pisa.
- Cost: Starts at €10.
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From Other Cities: Long-distance buses connect Pisa to cities like Siena, Lucca, and Rome.
Tip: The Pisa bus station is located near the city center, about a 20-minute walk from the Piazza dei Miracoli.
4. How to Get to Pisa Tower by Car
Driving to Pisa offers flexibility and the opportunity to explore nearby Tuscan towns.
From Florence
- Distance: ~85 km (53 miles).
- Duration: ~1 hour 15 minutes.
- Route: Take the A11 highway or the Firenze-Pisa-Livorno (Fi-Pi-Li) expressway.
From Rome
- Distance: ~350 km (217 miles).
- Duration: ~4 hours.
- Route: Take the A1 highway, then switch to the A11 or Fi-Pi-Li expressway.
Parking Near Pisa Tower
Parking is not allowed directly at the Piazza dei Miracoli, but several parking lots are nearby:
- Piazza dei Miracoli Parking Lot: ~5-minute walk.
- Via Pietrasantina Parking Lot: Free parking, ~10-minute walk.
- Paid Street Parking: Available within walking distance.
Tips for Driving:
- Watch for ZTL Zones: Pisa’s historic center has Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL) areas where cars are restricted.
- Use a GPS App: Apps like Google Maps or Waze can help you navigate around ZTL zones.
5. How to Get to Pisa Tower by Air
If you’re flying to Italy, Pisa has its own international airport: Galileo Galilei International Airport (PSA).
- Distance to Tower: ~4 km (2.5 miles).
- Getting to the Tower:
- By Taxi: Takes ~10 minutes; costs around €10–15.
- By Bus: The “LAM Rossa” bus line connects the airport to the city center.
- By Train: PisaMover trains run between the airport and Pisa Centrale, taking ~5 minutes.
6. Guided Tours with Transportation
For a hassle-free experience, guided tours often include transportation directly to the Pisa Tower.
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From Florence:
- Half-day or full-day tours often include transport, a guide, and skip-the-line tickets to the tower.
- Cost: Starting at €70 per person.
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From Other Cities:
- Tours from Rome, Venice, or Milan often combine Pisa with nearby attractions like Lucca or Cinque Terre.
- Cost: Starting at €120 per person.
Tip: Platforms like Viator and GetYourGuide offer convenient options for guided tours.
7. How to Get to Pisa Tower on Foot or by Bike
Walking
If you’re already in Pisa, the Leaning Tower is within walking distance from most parts of the city.
- From Pisa Centrale Train Station: ~20-minute walk along Via Francesco Crispi and Via Roma.
- Walking Tours: Guided walking tours are available to help you discover Pisa’s history on the way to the tower.
Cycling
Pisa is bike-friendly, with rental services and dedicated bike lanes.
- Bike Rentals: Start at €10 per day.
- Tip: Lock your bike at designated stands near the Piazza dei Miracoli.
8. Tips for Getting to Pisa Tower
- Plan Ahead: Check train and bus schedules in advance to avoid delays.
- Peak Season Caution: Expect larger crowds and potentially longer travel times during summer (June–August).
- Travel Light: The tower and nearby attractions don’t allow large bags, so pack light or use a storage facility.
- Comfortable Shoes: Wear comfortable footwear, especially if you’re walking or biking to the tower.