4 Best Ways of Getting
from Livorno to Pisa
(Cruise-Friendly Guide 2025)

Last updated: June 2025

Written by: Martina, a former cruiseline employee

Looking for the best way to get from Livorno to Pisa? While working on cruise ships, I made this journey many times, and now I want to help decide how to get there: by transfer bus, train, shore excursions, or taxi. In this article, you will get a great overview of each means of transport based on my experience and cruisers feedback! 

How do I get from the Livorno cruise port to Pisa?

Traveling from Livorno to Pisa is quite straightforward—once you know your transport options.

The world-famous town of Pisa is only 20 km (12 miles) from the town of Livorno, where your cruise ship docks. 

For most tourists, hopping on a regional train from Livorno to Pisa is easy and fast. But that isn’t ideal for cruise passengers.

Since cruise ships typically dock at Livorno’s outer port terminals—not in the city center or near Livorno Centrale train station—you’ll need additional transfers first.

This means that what might seem like a simple train ride actually becomes more complicated when you dock far from the rail hub.

That’s why in this article you’ll discover all the transport options and alternate routes for getting from Livorno cruise port to Pisa—including shuttle buses, regional trains, private taxi transfers, and tours—so you can choose the one that fits your schedule, budget, and cruise timing.

There are several reliable choices; you just need to read on to compare and find the best fit for your needs.

How do you get from the Livorno cruise port to Pisa by bus? 

Is there a regional public bus from Livorno to Pisa? Yes, there is.

However, based on my guests feedback, this service is not very tourist-friendly, as the bus stop is quite far from the cruise port. 

So here's what to do instead...

Rather than using the regular regional bus, there's something much better in Livorno for you: a shuttle service that caters to the needs of cruisers only!

This means:

• this shuttle bus conveniently leaves from the same spot where your Livorno port shuttle bus (PortoLivorno2000) drops you off in the center of Livorno
• it is much cheaper than your cruise line's shore excursions
• and it always brings you back in time for the sail-away

I will explain everything about it in my article on how to get to Pisa by bus or jump directly to Pisa Low-Cost Transfer.

Due to its affordable price, this service is getting widely popular, so make sure to book your seats ahead to avoid any disappointments! There's just no better deal you will find!

2. Shore excursions from Livorno to Pisa

Getting on a day trip or a shore excursion is one of the most popular ways of seeing Pisa, Florence, and other charming Tuscan destinations in one day. 

Shore excursions are great for you if:

• You want the safety of an organized group.
• Prefer a professional guide to explain the highlights of Miracle Square.
• Don’t want the stress of managing a train or local transport.

There are two ways to get on shore excursions:

• You can book one through your shore excursions department onboard the ship—this can be quite limiting when it comes to different tours on offer. Also, it will come out much pricier (please compare the prices for yourself). That is why I think it's best for passengers who don't take the time to plan ahead. Since you're reading this, you're not one of them.

• By booking your tours ahead of time with one of the tested, world-known tour platforms like Viator—I will show you their options here on MCPE. What is great about their tours is that they are custom-made for cruisers and coordinated with ships' departure times, so there is no need to fear getting back on the ship late. 

What are the best shore excursions to Pisa?

It's my job to save you time and energy planning your trip so here are my best finds for Pisa guided shore excursions.

I broke them down into two types, here's the first one:

1. Livorno to Pisa shore excursions

Pisa is only 20 minutes away from Livorno, and 30–45 minutes is often enough to walk around, take photos, and enjoy the square.

That is why shore excursions that focus on Pisa only last no longer than 3 ½ hours. If you are taking one in the morning, you will be back on board the ship by lunchtime! 

To maximize their day, most passengers will combine Pisa with some other locations in Tuscany. 

If you still decide seeing Pisa only is what you'd like to do on this day, I've found a tour that focuses on Pisa only (a rare find!)

This shore excursion is not only super affordable but also provides you with an expert guide to the Miracle Square, where there is the Leaning Tower of Pisa (you can pick the option that includes the entrance ticket to the tower).

2. Pisa and other popular destinations in Tuscany

If this is your first or second visit, you’re fit & healthy and don’t mind exploring all day… you will want Pisa to be just a quick stop on the way to:

• Florence
• Lucca
• San Gimignano
• or Cinque Terre.

One way of combining both Pisa and Lucca in a day would be by using a special tourist bus transfer service -  and for only 28,80 euros too! Read more about it and book your seats on this Bus Transfer to Pisa and Lucca here or read more on our Lucca page. 

If you want to maximize your day even more and have a tour guide by your side all day, check some of our recommendations below...

Is it worth booking one of the online day trips to Pisa? Just go check some of the reviews of the cruise passengers who booked them before you, and you will see it definitely is!

How to get from the Livorno cruise terminal to Pisa by taxi?

As you get off the cruise ship in Livorno, there will be some taxis available to take you to Pisa.

As I have learned, only some companies are authorized to enter the Livorno dock area, and they will want to take you for a half-day/all-day tour.

How much is a taxi to Pisa? The usual price for a taxi fare to Pisa is approx. €120 for a round trip for up to 4 people, and that is with a 2-hour wait.

As I've mentioned already, if you’re not into detailed exploration and climbing of the Pisa tower, 30-45 minutes around the Piazza dei Miracoli is more than enough, so maybe you can cut your wait time there and arrange with your taxi driver to take you to Lucca for that price too!

If you don't like the feeling of arranging a taxi ride in a foreign country with a driver who hardly speaks English and fear of getting ripped off by drivers who won't stick to standard prices, I suggest booking one of the taxi transfers online:

How to get from your cruise dock to Pisa by train?

Can you travel to Pisa by train?

Yes, you can take an independent trip from Livorno to Pisa.

The train ride from Livorno to Pisa takes only 25-30 minutes, which is great.

After doing it so many times myself, I realized it was still very hectic and nerve-wracking. Now I know why:

Many factors are out of your control!

Namely, this stretch of the journey involves a few steps:

• getting on a port shuttle bus that takes you from the cruise ship gangway to Livorno Piazza Grande (PortoLivorno2000)
• taking a public bus #1 from Piazza Grande to the railway station

Planning makes all the difference—it’s not impossible to pull off on a tight schedule, but timing is everything!

Luckily, I’ve got you covered:

• For step-by-step cruise port to rail guidance, check my article Getting to Pisa by Train, which includes train timetables, fares, and station info.
• In that article, you’ll also find detailed return train schedules and ticket pricing.

Hopefully, this article helps you choose the best way to get from the Livorno cruise port to Pisa—whether you prioritize speed, cost, or convenience—with smart tips tailored to cruisers on a fixed schedule.