Getting from Livorno to Pisa By Bus

Can you get from Livorno to Pisa by Bus? Yes, you can. But instead of using a public bus, I will let you in on a secret service that not many know of. In this article, you will find out how to take advantage of the affordable shuttle bus that caters specifically to the needs of cruisers and is our readers' favorite! 

Here's what you can read about on this page:

Is it worth visiting Pisa from Livorno?

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most recognizable symbols of Italy.

Docking in a cruise port of Livorno or La Spezia, so close to where it's at, it is only natural you would think of getting to Pisa to see this amazing building as well as all the others in the Piazza dei Miracoli.

The problem is, that Pisa competes with other attractive jewels of Renaissance Tuscany like Florence, Sienna and San Gimignano, and Lucca. 

It doesn't take much time to see Pisa itself so it's always a good idea to combine it with visiting one of the other destinations, too.

However, if you've been to this part of the world before, or you can't stand the heat and don't want to go too far from the ship, in this article you will find instructions how to visit Pisa independently, from the cruise port of Livorno.

Livorno to Pisa by BusLike this bus service? Pin it and let other cruisers know!

How can you get from Livorno cruise port to Pisa?

What is really great about getting from the cruise terminal in Livorno to Pisa is there are so many options and you can consider:

Should I go from Livorno to Pisa by bus?

Getting on a bus transfer is an excellent option for two reasons:

  • you don't need to waste your precious time running about Livorno looking for their local bus station (not so easy to find)
  • departure times are adjusted to your ship's arrival/departure times and you can rest assured you will not miss your ship when returning back
  • don't want to spend too much money on private tours
  • don't want to spend all day out in port (you'll be back to ship in about 4 hours)

Being such a popular option, in this article we will...

  • Give you step-by-step instructions on how to go about taking a bus transfer from Livorno to Pisa
  •  Give you tips on how not to miss out on the limited number of seats on it.
Livorno to Pisa shuttle bus for cruisers

How to get from Livorno to Pisa by bus transfer?

Just like with taking a bus transfer to Florence, when getting from Livorno to Pisa, first you need to get on the Livorno port shuttle bus (PortoLivorno2000) that takes you from right in front of your cruise ship's gangway to the center of Livorno (Via Cogorano).

If you have had a chance to read our Florence transportation pages, where the whole procedure is explained in detail, you will know it is impossible to walk from your cruise ship to the center of Livorno.

Cruise ships dock on the inside of the big industrial port of Livorno and are cut off from the town itself.

It wouldn't only take you very, very long to walk through that port...it is also dangerous as there are no pedestrians walkways at all.

That is why you just need to get on the PortoLivorno2000 cruise port shuttle bus (which operates only between the cruise ship to Livorno town center, back and forth all day).

The charge for that shuttle is about 7 euros per person round trip and most cruise lines will make it possible for you to purchase the tickets on board.

If you forget to do it ahead of time, they will charge your cruise card on the shuttle bus itself.

The first shuttle departs once the ship is cleared by the local authorities and as soon as it fills up with the independent travelers trickling off the gangway.

Which doesn't normally happen before 8 am.

Where do I catch the bus from Livorno to Pisa?

The Port shuttle bus will drop you off right behind Livorno's Piazza Grande, in Via Cogorano, just a few steps away from the transfer bus stop.

That is where you will find the bus that will take you from Livorno to Pisa.

However, something you need to do right now is to book your seat on the bus that will be waiting for you there, and you will do it by clicking this link and following the easy instructions...

When you get off the port shuttle bus you will recognize the shuttle bus staff by their green T-shirts and there will also be a friendly company representative waiting for you.

I wholeheartedly suggest booking your seats ahead for one reason: there is only one transfer bus going from Livorno to Pisa at a certain time (although there are a few convenient morning and afternoon departure times) and you don't want to miss your opportunity of this low-cost transfer to Pisa (especially if you are traveling in a bigger party).

If you do, you will have to run/wait for the next train or bus and possibly wait for hours before its departure. Something you just cannot afford on this short day.

Once you book your spot on the bus ahead, your seats will be waiting for you! So regardless of how many eager fellow passengers want to get on the bus right there on the spot, you will be safe.

How much is the ticket for the Pisa bus? What are the ticket options?

The cost for the round trip is cca $21 for adults, and for children (aged 3-9) and disabled passengers qualify for a discounted fare (cca $14).

The bus is free for infants (up to 2 years old)y.

Of course, the tickets from Livorno to Pisa can be booked and paid for online. At the time of booking, you can also pick the option that includes climbing the Tower!

Cancellation is free for up to 24 hours before the day of travel. Should your ship miss the port due to bad weather, you will be refunded your money, no questions asked.

The cathedral of PisaPisa cathedral is another must-see attraction in Pisa

When does the bus shuttle to Pisa depart?

"Motor coach was very comfortable, had air conditioning and very easy to locate in Livorno! Viator staff friendly and helpful with any/all questions. The trip was amazing and we loved Pisa!!"

Colleen N., October 2023 on Viator

Before you book your low-cost shuttle from Livorno to Pisa you will also have to decide which time suits you best to visit Pisa:

  • morning 
  • or early afternoon? 

Namely, there are two different departure times from Pisa to Livorno:

      a)      The first bus departs Livorno at 10 am – and arrives at Pisa at 10.40 am. It gives you one hour and twenty minutes in Pisa and departs Pisa at 1 pm. It arrives back in Livorno at 1.40 pm.

      b)      The second bus departs from  Livorno at 12.00 noon and arrives at Pisa at 12.40 pm. It gives you one hour and twenty minutes in Pisa and departs  Pisa at 3 pm. It arrives back in Livorno at 3.40 pm. 

Please note that, for the company to handle passenger numbers efficiently, passengers must choose one specific round trip and cannot travel back at a different time.

This means you cannot take the first bus from Livorno to Pisa and extend your stay in Pisa hoping to catch the second or the third going back.

Where does Pisa shuttle bus drop you off?

In Pisa, the bus will drop you off at “Parcheggio Pietrasantina”, 700 meters (1 mile) from Miracle Square.

From there you can either walk for 10-15 minutes or pick up the shuttle bus (1 euro round trip) which takes you to Piazza dei Miracoli which is where you will see the majestic Cathedral, the Baptistery and its bell tower, better known as the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

If you think your stay in Pisa is short, let me just tell you this: Pisa is all about the Pisa Tower and the other wonderful buildings in the Piazza dei Miracoli.

Besides that, there is not much to see, do or enjoy in Pisa. That is why, especially if this is your first visit ever to Tuscany, everyone will suggest you'd rather do both Pisa and Florence in a day.

If you've been to Florence before and insist on going to Pisa only, keep in mind it's better to have your lunch and do your shopping once you return to Livorno.

Restaurants around Piazza dei Miracoli are very touristy and they offer overpriced food of questionable quality. I had lunch there once, with the view of the Duomo and the tower...and I regretted doing it.

Also, besides the little souvenir mom-and-pop stores,  there are no other shops nowhere nearby. That is why an hour and twenty minutes are more than enough for walking around the Campo dei Miracoli, taking photos, and getting a few souvenirs.

Have a fantastic day in Pisa!

To book your seats in time, click here...

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