How to Take the Shuttle from Livorno to Florence (Cruise Guide)

Last update: June 2025

Written by: Martina, a former cruiseline employee

If your cruise ship docks in Livorno, the shuttle bus from Piazza Grande in Livorno to Florence delivers a hassle-free trip to Tuscany’s Renaissance heart.

While working for cruise lines, I helped thousands of cruisers get from Livorno to Florence using this convenient and cost-effective service, and now I get to help you, too!

Continue reading or jump straight to...

• How far is Livorno from Florence, Italy?
• Livorno to Florence map
• Why take the shuttle bus from Livorno to Florence?
• How to get from Livorno to Florence by bus?
• Where to Board: Piazza Grande Meeting Point
• How to get Livorno to Florence bus tickets?
• What is the shuttle bus schedule?
• How to get your tickets for the Livorno to Florence bus?
• How much is the ticket for the bus to Florence?
• Returning to Livorno by Bus: Departure Details

How far is Livorno from Florence, Italy?

The port of Livorno is quite distant from Florence and Pisa, the major points of cruisers' interest in Tuscany.

The town of Livorno is a big maritime/industrial port on the coast of Italy, and it is where your cruise ship docks for you to enjoy all the Renaissance jewels inland.

Florence is about a 1 1/2 hour ride away from Livorno, while Pisa is much closer, only about 45 minutes away. 

That is why your day here needs some careful planning: there is so much to see when coming to this incredibly beautiful part of the world, and we all know a cruiser's day is always time-limited. 

On my map you can see exactly where Florence is related to Livorno:

Livorno to Florence map

Why Take the Shuttle Bus from Livorno to Florence? 

As you may know, I am always in search of the ways our readers can make their stay in ports more cost-effective. 

Browsing through TripAdvisor's pages, I came across many people praising this local tour operator and giving their service a whopping four-and-a-half-star rating. 

Their service offers you low-cost coach transportation from Livorno to Florence, as easy as the cruise line's shore excursions are and as affordable as catching the train is!

This is not a guided tour or cruise ship excursion—it's an affordable transport-only option that gives you more time to explore Florence independently. It is a kind of Florence day trip from Livorno port, but On Your Own style. 

Dozens of our readers book this service daily, and here are three reasons why you should consider this option of getting from Livorno to Florence!

1. Convenience for Cruise Passengers: Independent transportation by train typically consists of at least three legs: first a port shuttle to Piazza Grande, next getting to Livorno Centrale rail station by taking the local bus or taxi, and then the train journey to Florence. Each adds a potential delay. By taking the Florence shuttle from Piazza Grande, you can avoid these transfers entirely.

Also, these shuttles usually have air conditioning, cozy seats, and crew that speak multiple languages. That avoids the headache of rushing through local transit and overcoming language obstacles.

2. Cost-Effective Travel Option: Although it costs a little more than do-it-yourself train travel, the shuttle is still less expensive than cruise line excursions and offers cruisers a high-value option because it saves time and worry.

3. Guaranteed Return Before Ship Departure: These shuttle services are arranged to fit with cruise itineraries, ensuring that passengers arrive in Livorno before the ship departs. 

Planning the trip to Florence is exciting when you know what beauties are awaiting for you!

How to get from Livorno to Florence by bus?

Now let me explain, step-by-step, how easy it is to get on one of their buses and have a relaxed day in Florence or both Florence and Pisa.

Where to Board: Piazza Grande Meeting Point

1) When you get off the ship's gangway, first you need to get on the shuttle bus run by the port authorities (also called the PortoLivorno 2000 shuttle bus) that takes you to the center of Livorno town. It will be waiting for you in front of the ship.

This shuttle drives passengers back and forth the whole morning.

The charge is about 7.50 euros per person round trip (the exact price depends on the cruise line), 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 PortoLivorno 2000 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. It doesn't normally happen before 8am.

You can upgrade your Florence shuttle bus ticket to the one with a guided Florence walk

The PortoLivorno 2000 shuttle bus will drop you off in Via Claudio Cogorano.

It is just a few steps away from the point where the shuttles leave from, Piazza Municipalio.

2) When you get off the PortoLivorno 2000, you will recognize the Florence transfer bus staff by their green t-shirts.

Their shuttle bus to Florence will be parked a few meters away from the PortoLivorno 2000 bus that brings you from the ship.

What is the shuttle bus schedule?

What time does the Livorno to Florence bus depart?

As I have mentioned already, there is only one departure time for the Livorno to Florence bus, and it's only at 9:45 am.

If it doesn't depart right on time, it means they are still waiting for some passengers coming from the ship.

It arrives in Florence at 11:00 am. 

Once in Florence, the coach will drop you off a few steps away from the Santa Maria Novella train station. It is the same spot you would be starting your Florence exploration if you were taking a train.

From there, it's hardly a ten-minute walk to the Florence Cathedral, Ponte Vecchio bridge, and all the other famous sights of Tuscany's capital.

How to get your tickets for the Livorno to Florence bus?

Once again, I wholeheartedly suggest booking your seats ahead for one reason: there is only one coach to Florence a day, and you don't want to miss your opportunity for this low-cost transfer to Florence.

If you miss it, you will have to run for the next train and possibly wait for another hour for its departure. Something you just can't afford on this short day.

You can book your trip here. 

Or on the widget below:

Your seat will be waiting for you with your name on it once you reserve your place on the bus in advance!

You will therefore be safe no matter how many other eager passengers want to board that identical bus at that very moment.

How much is the ticket for the bus to Florence?

The return trip to Florence is only $46 (sometimes you can even catch it on sale), and it's $24 for children from 3 to 9 as well as disabled passengers.

For toddlers up to 1 year old, the ride is free.

Reserve your seat now!

Returning to Livorno by Bus: Departure Details

 When coming back, you will come back to the same spot and have the coach bring you back to Livorno. Be on time!

The same bus will depart Florence at 3:45 pm and arrive back in Livorno at 5:00 pm.

Should it happen that your bus is running late for some reason (bad traffic), the great thing is their friendly coach driver will take you straight back to the ship instead of to Via Cogorano to catch The PortoLivorno 2000.

In other words, there's no risk of running late! That takes a lot of stress off every cruiser's back, I think, and is one of the biggest reasons so many passengers go with this transport option.

What's great about this company is they are really easy to work with. Should your cruise ship miss the port due to bad weather, many TripAdvisor readers confirmed they had their money refunded, no questions asked.

Taking the organized shuttle bus from Livorno’s Piazza Municipale is one of the most convenient and affordable ways for cruise passengers to reach Florence.

It’s a direct, stress-free option that guarantees you’ll be back on time. But keep in mind—it runs only once daily at 9:45 AM and sells out quickly on busy cruise days.

If Florence is on your bucket list, book your spot in advance to make the most of your day ashore!