Contrary to what you might think, it’s not the Florence airport but Pisa that serves as Tuscany’s principal gateway.
Its official name is the Pisa-San Giusto Intercontinental Airport, though it’s better known as the Galileo Galilei Airport; its IATA code is PSA. The airport sits just 2 km from the heart of the city and at the centre of a crucial transport hub that ensures swift connections both north and south.
Pisa airport is primarily served by budget airlines, though flights from major carriers also operate here.
How do you get from the airport to Pisa city centre and back again? Are there buses from Pisa airport to Siena? How long does it take to drive from Florence?
The information below answers all your questions about Pisa airport transport.
Just a stone’s throw from the city centre, Pisa airport couldn’t be easier to reach! If you’re travelling light, you could even walk, though we wouldn’t recommend it as the surrounding roads are usually quite busy.
The most convenient way to reach Pisa city centre from the airport is the People Mover, an automated shuttle that takes just 5 minutes to connect the airport to the main railway station; from there you can continue on foot or catch a local bus.
The People Mover runs from early morning until midnight; services run every 5 minutes during peak times and every 15 minutes during quieter periods. The stop is less than 40 metres from the passenger terminal exit and is clearly signposted. A single journey ticket costs €6.50.
Pisa airport is one of the most popular entry points for those heading to Florence: the city is reachable in around an hour by various means of transport, all comfortable and well organised. It’s worth knowing your options before you travel to choose what suits your needs best.
The most direct option is the shuttle service Sky Bus Lines Caronna, in partnership with Flibco.com: a direct bus service connecting Pisa airport to Florence city centre in around an hour, with departures throughout the day and at night. Daytime services stop at the Guidoni tram stop on the T2 line, from which you can reach Santa Maria Novella station in just a few minutes without walking. Night services (after 21:40) drop passengers directly at Piazza della Stazione SMN. It’s the most practical option if you’re arriving with luggage and want to reach Florence without any changes.
Alternatively, the People Mover gets you to Pisa Centrale station in 5 minutes (ticket €6.50), from which Trenitalia regional trains depart regularly for Florence. The train journey takes around 50-60 minutes and trains run frequently throughout the day. It’s a good alternative to the bus, especially if shuttle bus waiting times don’t align well with your flight arrival.
Fast and convenient as the People Mover is, it’s not the right solution for everyone: if you’re travelling as a group of 3-4 people, consider taking a taxi – for a few euros more you can be dropped off directly at your hotel. Alternatively, you can catch one of the local buses that pass near the airport.
An alternative to TAXIs is to book in advance a private transfer to or from Pisa Airport airport. A driver will pick you up at the airport arrivals (thus avoiding taxi queues), at your hotel or wherever you prefer, to take you to the desired address.
It is the best solution if you do not want to waste time, do not want to use public transport, have a lot of luggage or are travelling in a group. To book a private transfer to or from Pisa Airport airport visit this site.
Pisa airport’s location is equally strategic for those travelling by car: situated right next to the Florence-Pisa Expressway and a short distance from the Pisa Nord junction on the A12 Genova-Rosignano motorway, it’s easily accessible from multiple directions.
From the airport to the city centre, simply take Viale dell’Aeroporto and Cavalcavia San Giusto: 5-10 minutes and you’re there.
Those opting for car hire at Pisa airport can reach Florence in around an hour via the Florence-Pisa-Livorno Expressway, with no tolls. It’s the ideal choice if you want to continue your journey independently and explore other parts of Tuscany: in an hour and a half you can reach the Chianti region to the east or Siena to the south, whilst the Versilia beaches are just 30 minutes away to the north.
To rent a car in Pisa we always recommend comparing the rates of all companies with DiscoverCars because in our opinion it offers the best prices, allows cancellation up to 48 hours before rental and offers a very cheap comprehensive insurance policy.
Below you can see real-time departure and arrival times at Pisa Airport.
By entering the dates of your stay in the following form, you can check the rates and availability in real time of the facilities near thePisa Airport.
Below is a list of recommended hotels near Pisa Airport.
Below are the cheapest prices for car hire at at the pisa Airport, to book click here.
According to reviews by other travellers, the following are the best car rental companies at the pisa Airport. To compare rates click here.
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