General
Overview
Pisa International Airport (PSA) is the primary gateway for low-cost and long-haul flights to Tuscany, located approximately 80km from Florence.
Transfer Options
Luggage Storage
Luggage storage is available inside the passenger terminal, managed by the Information Office (near the Arrivals exit). Hours are typically 09:00–19:00 for drop-off; check the official site for current rates.
Visitor Cards and Passes
Florence’s urban transit is managed by Autolinee Toscane. The same tickets work for both trams and city buses.
Ticket Options
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| 90-minute Ticket | €1.70 |
| 10-ride Carnet | €15.50 |
Seamless Boarding: ‘Tip Tap’
The “Tip Tap” system allows you to pay for your ride by tapping a contactless card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) or mobile device on the green sensors upon boarding. It automatically applies the best urban fare for your journey.
The FirenzeCard museum pass does not include public transportation. You must purchase transit tickets separately.
Important: If you buy a ticket via the app, you must activate it manually within the app before boarding.
Public Transit
Direct Train to Florence (Trenitalia)
Pisa Airport has a Trenitalia fast regional train station inside the check-in area, offering a direct connection to Florence SMN (stopping only at Pisa Centrale). The journey takes about 57 minutes. Tickets cost €5.80 (2nd class) or €8.70 (1st class). The service runs approximately 6 times per day — check the timetable before planning your journey.
Pisa Mover & Regional Train Connection
Alternatively, take the Pisa Mover automated shuttle from the airport to Pisa Centrale station (a 5-minute ride). From there, board a regional train to Firenze Santa Maria Novella. The total journey takes about 75–80 minutes. The Pisa Mover station is just a few steps from the airport check-in area.
Direct Coach to Florence
Direct shuttle buses operated by Sky Bus Lines / Caronna Tour run from Pisa Airport to Florence (Guidoni – T2 tramway stop).
- Cost: From €14.99.
- Time: 60 minutes (non-stop, traffic permitting).
- Logistics: The bus stop is located less than 50 m from the arrivals exit, next to the taxi stand. Convenient for those with heavy luggage as it avoids the station transfer.
Tram (Lines T1 & T2)
The tram is the most reliable way to get around Florence.
- Line T2: Connects Florence Airport (FLR) directly to the city center (Unità stop) in about 20 minutes.
- Line T1: Connects the station to Scandicci and Careggi.
- Validation: Paper tickets must be stamped in the yellow machines onboard immediately after boarding. “Tip Tap” users just tap their card on the green reader.
City Buses
Autolinee Toscane buses serve the wider city area. While useful for reaching the hills (like Piazzale Michelangelo), they can be subject to traffic delays in the historic center.
All Florence trams offer level boarding, making them the superior choice for travelers with heavy luggage or mobility needs.
Accessibility & Safety
Accessibility
Pisa Airport provides the Special Assistance service (located in the Departures area, Check-in A). The airport is equipped with ramps and elevators. The Pisa Mover shuttle is also fully accessible with level boarding.
Safety
- Transit Scams: Only buy tickets from official machines or desks. Ignore anyone offering “discounted” train tickets or private rides in the arrivals hall.
Once you reach the city center, the “San Pietrini” (cobblestones) are uneven and slick. If you have limited mobility, ensure walking aids have fresh rubber tips, and be careful stepping out of taxis.
Essential Services
Lost & Found
The Lost Property office is located in the Baggage Reclaim area (Ground Floor), open daily from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
First Aid
Located on the Ground Floor in the Departures area.
Pharmacy
Farmacia Comunale, located on the Ground Floor near the check-in desks.
- Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Arrival
Official Taxi
Long-Distance Fares
Taxis from Pisa Airport to Florence are metered and very expensive due to the distance (approx. 80km).
- Estimated Cost: €170.00–€200.00.
- Location: The taxi rank is located directly outside the arrivals exit. For this distance, it is highly recommended to pre-book a private transfer service for a fixed price rather than taking a metered taxi.
Rideshare
Meet your driver at the designated NCC (Rental with Driver) area outside the terminal.
- NOTE: A private transfer or Uber Black to Florence can cost upwards of €180.
Choose itTaxi or AppTaxi for the best reliability in Florence, as they are the official apps used by the city’s two main taxi cooperatives.
Standard UberX does not exist in Florence. The app summons Uber Black (luxury NCC vehicles).
Freenow and Uber have fewer active drivers in Florence compared to the local dispatcher apps.
ATMs and Currency
ATMs are located in the departures and arrivals halls. Use machines operated by banks like Banca Tirrenica or Poste Italiane for the best rates. Avoid currency exchange booths for cash withdrawals.
When an ATM asks if you want the machine to perform the currency conversion, always select ‘No’ (Decline Conversion). Your home bank’s rate is almost always cheaper than the machine’s rate.
Departure
Arrival & Check-In
For European flights, arrive 2 hours before departure. For long-haul connections, arrive 3 hours early.
- Check-in: All 33 desks are on the Ground Floor. Main desks are in the central hall (1-20); some budget carriers use Building A (30-42).
If taking the train from Florence, the Pisa Mover shuttle from Pisa Centrale requires a separate ticket (approx. €5) unless included in your Trenitalia booking.
Security Controls
Security & Screening
Located on the First Floor. Lines can be long during summer; prioritize clearing security before browsing shops. Standard liquid and electronics rules apply.
- Fast Lane is available for purchase online or at the airport for approx. €12.
Passport Control
Required for non-Schengen flights (e.g., Ryanair flights to the UK). Ensure you allow extra time as queues can form quickly for multiple departing flights.
Non-EU citizens will undergo biometric verification (facial image and fingerprints) at passport control. If you have not yet registered in the system (first trip to the Schengen area since Oct 2025), your biometrics will be recorded during this check.
VAT Refunds
Italy uses the OTELLO digital system. To be eligible, you must have spent at least €70.01 in a single store.
Instructions
The Customs (Dogana) office and tax refund desks (Global Blue/Planet) are located on the Ground Floor near the check-in area. You must validate your tax-free forms here before checking your bags if the items are not in your carry-on. Pisa Airport uses the OTELLO digital system for validation.