Travel by Rail
from Livorno (Italy)
Cruise Port in 2023

Photo of the ticket hall of Livorno Centrale railway station, in Livorno cruise port.

Everything you must know to travel by rail to Livorno's top destinations on a cruise in 2023: how to get from the cruise port in Livorno to the railway station, and the best train schedules to visit Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Siena, San Gimignano and Volterra.

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Last Update: June 5, 2023

The railway station (Livorno Centrale) is around two miles East of the cruise port, having direct services to Rome, Genoa, Florence, and Pisa.

Obviously the last two are of major interest for cruise travelers calling at the Port of Livorno. Because of Livorno's good train connections, Lucca, Siena, San Gimignano and Volterra can also be reached by rail although a train change/connection may be required.

Contents

  1. Overview
  2. Getting to the Railway Station
  3. From Livorno to Florence by Train
  4. From Livorno to Pisa by Train
  5. From Livorno to Lucca by Train
  6. From Livorno to San Gimignano by Train
  7. From Livorno to Siena by Train
  8. From Livorno to Volterra by Train

Overview

Trenitalia is an Italian railway company that operates trains efficiently, punctually (most of the time) and is very user-friendly. The Trenitalia website is accurate, reliable, and has an English version ideal for checking timetables and prices.

The website allows you to buy your tickets online, including seat reservations. All signage is in Italian and English, making it easy to navigate.Click here to visit Trenitalia website

Photo of Ticket Machine at Livono Railway Station

Ticket Machine at Livorno Railway Station

Photo © IQCruising.com

The level of comfort of the trains depends on the different services offered. The regional trains only have Second Class which is very comfortable, in particular for journeys around 1 hour. However, the fast Intercity (Frecciabianca) trains have both first and second class, including bar service, and taking comfort to a higher level. Naturally, and inevitably, the Intercity (Frecciabianca) trains are more expensive (almost double the price).

Photo of Validation Box at Livorno's Railway Station

Validation Box

Photo © IQCruising.com

Essential To Know and Remember: after purchasing a train ticket (on an automated machine or at the ticket office) it is mandatory to Validate the ticket in small Orange Boxes placed close to the train platforms. Sometimes these are not easy to spot BUT make sure you find one and validate your ticket. The fine for traveling without a validated ticket is €50.00 and the ticket inspectors are famous for being cynically strict.

Photo of Ticket Offices at Livorno's Railway Station

Livorno's Railway Station Ticket Offices

Photo © IQCruising.com

From the cruise port to the railway station

To get from the Cruise Port in Livorno to the Railway Station you have two options: travel by taxi or by bus. The cost of a taxi to the Livorno Centrale Railway Station should be around €25.00 (for up to 4 passengers). However, you will find that taxi drivers may try to sell longer tours and tend to inflate rates. The bus ride to Livorno Centrale costs €1.20. Cruise travelers should read IQCruising following articles Travel on Public Buses in Livorno and Travel by Taxi.

Trains from Livorno to Florence

The train connections between Livorno Centrale and Florence couldn't be better, with travel times between 1 hour 10 minutes and 1 hour 35 minutes. However, be aware that there are two different routes: A the direct regional train (second class only) and B the "Frecciabianca" service with stop and train change in Pisa. There is also a regional train requiring a train change in Pisa.

However, all these services are very frequent. On any given day (including weekends) there are 7 trains between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM - so just don't jump on the first one as it may take less time to wait 10 minutes for a direct train. Have also in mind that the regional train costs €9.90 whilst the "Frecciabianca" starts at €19.10, which is not worth it unless you only travel in First Class and absolutely require a Bar Service.

Railway Station in Florence

The arriving railway station in Florence is Firenze S. M. Novella, it is very to Santa Maria Novella (one of the highlights in the city) and is at walking distance to all major highlights. In order to return to Livorno in time for your cruise ship sailing, its is advisable to double-check the departure times from Florence at the Railway Station.

As a guideline, there are at least 5 trains to Livorno between 3:00 PM and 5:30 PM (arriving at the port city between 4:15 PM and 6:45 PM). Once again a word of caution to make sure you check the Trenitalia Website in English.

From Livorno to Florence
Train Schedule: Direct or Via Pisa
Weekdays

LIVORNO
CENTRALE
Arrival
Florence
DEPART
FLORENCE
Arrival
Livorno
7:30 AM
8:12 AM
8:52 AM
9:12 AM
9:41 AM *
10:12 AM
9:07 AM
9:32 AM
10:00 AM
10:32 AM
11:22 AM
11:32 AM
1:00 PM
1:28 PM
1:53 PM *
2:28 PM
3:00 PM
3:28 PM
4:28 PM
5:00 PM
5:28 PM
1:12 PM
2:48 PM
3:24 PM *
3:48 PM
4:12 PM
4:48 PM
5:48 PM
6:08 PM
6:46 PM

* Change train in Pisa and Frecciabianca €19.10
These times are indicative and may change.
To double check and for weekend times strongly advisable to visit Trenitalia Website

Trains from Livorno to Pisa

If you have read the lines above about the trains to Florence you may have already realized that all trains to Florence stop at Pisa. Besides these ones, there is also a handful more. In fact, there are 5 trains to Pisa every hour (on weekdays) and 6 (between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM on Sundays). The journey takes between 15 and 20 minutes and costs €2.60. Just have in mind that the "Frecciabianca" service is way more expensive. Considering the journey duration and that it will cost €10.50 for a second-class ticket not worth it at all.

Railway Station in Pisa

You will be arriving at Pisa Centrale and once there you have two choices, either go on a relaxed 20 to 30 minute walk through the city all the way to the Piazza dei Miracoli (where the Leaning Tower is located) or get on another train to Pisa S. Rossore - a secondary railway station that is only a 5-minute walk away from the Piazza dei Miracoli. The journey time between Pisa Centrale and Pisa S. Rossore is 5 minutes BUT, in some cases, you may have to wait for 30 to 40 minutes for the connecting train.

From Livorno to Pisa and Return
Train Schedule: Direct on Weekdays

LIVORNO
CENTRALE
Arrival
Pisa
DEPART
PISA
Arrival
Livorno
8:01 AM
8:12 AM
8:31 AM
8:52 AM
9:12 AM
9:19 AM
9:41 AM
9:55 AM
10:12 AM
8:16 AM
8:29 AM
8:50 AM
9:09 AM
9:28 AM
9:39 AM
9:53 AM
10:18 AM
10:29 AM
11:29 AM
3:09 PM
3:32 PM
3:45 PM
3:53 PM
4:08 PM
4:32 PM
5:07 PM ***
5:32 PM
5:45 PM
5:53 PM
3:24 PM
3:48 PM
4:00 PM
4:12 PM
4:23 PM
4:48 PM
5:20 PM
5:48 PM
6:00 PM
6:08 PM

*** Frecciabianca €10.50
These times are indicative and may change.
To double check and for weekend times strongly advisable to visit the Trenitalia Website

Trains from Livorno to Lucca

Lucca is probably one of the most underrated Tuscan towns among cruise passengers. Lucca is one hour away by train. There isn't a direct train connection from Livorno Centrale and you will need to change train in Pisa (or in Viareggio). The the train ticket costs start at €5.70 (€14.10 on the Frecciabianca service).

Be aware that there is only a handful of trains early in the morning and a handful to return. Even so, if you wish to spend 5 hours exploring Lucca (with time for a relaxed lunch) it is very much doable.

Railway Station in Lucca

The railway station in Lucca is just outside the medieval walls and within walking distance (around 10 minutes) to the main attractions of Lucca. If Lucca is on your exploration plans make sure you double-check train times.

From Livorno To Lucca
Train Schedule on Weekdays
change in Pisa or Viareggio

LIVORNO
CENTRALE
Arrival
Lucca
DEPART
LUCCA
Arrival
Livorno
08:12 AM *
8:31 AM *
08:52 AM *
9:19 AM *
9:41 AM ***
11:12 AM *
11:24 PM **
9:20 AM
9:38 AM
9:50 AM
10:18 AM
10:48 AM
12:27 PM
12:27 PM
1:12 PM *
1:42 PM *
2:11 PM *
2:42 PM *
3:11 PM *
3:42 PM *
4:11 PM ***
4:42 PM *
5:11 PM *
5:42 PM *
2:12 PM
2:48 PM
3:24 PM
3:48 PM
4:12 PM
4:48 PM
5:20 PM
5:48 PM
6:08 PM
6:38 PM

* Change train in Pisa
** Change train in Viareggio €12.10
*** Frecciabianca €14.10
These times are indicative and may change.
To double check schedule and for weekend times it is strongly advisable to visit the Trenitalia Website.

Trains from Livorno to San Gimignano

San Gimignano is a hidden treasure in the heart of Tuscany. Most cruise travelers that have visited San Gimignano did it on a shore excursion and didn't really had much time to explore this wonderful medieval town. Travel by rail to San Gimignano requires one train change and also a short bus ride but is very much worth it. The train to San Gimignano takes between 1 hour and 30 minutes and 2 hours and costs € 9.90 one way. If you avoid the 9:19 AM train, you will only need to change train in Empoli arriving at the Poggibonsi-San Gimignano Railway Station, which is 3 miles (5km) from the town.

From the Railway Station in Poggibonsi to San Gimignano

Right outside the railway station in Poggibonsi the bus #130 will take you straight to Porta S. Giovanni the main entrance to the medieval fortified town in less than 20 minutes. Buses depart from the railway station at: 10:20 AM; 11:00 AM; 11:25 AM and 12:00 PM . For the return, buses depart at 2:00 PM; 2:40 PM; 3:00 PM and 3:40 PM.

Basically, you will have between 3 and 5 hours to explore and enjoy San Gimignano, which is much more than on a typical Shore Excursion. However, it is advisable to double-check train times if you dock in Livorno on a weekend as trains and buses will be less frequent.

From Livorno To San Gimignano
Train Schedule on Weekdays
with change in Empoli (and Pisa)

LIVORNO
CENTRALE
Arrival
S. Gimignano
DEPART
S. GIMIGNANO
Arrival
Livorno
8:12 AM *
9:12 AM *
9:19 AM **
10:12 AM *
9:48 AM
11:14 AM
11:14 AM
12:14 PM
2:12 PM *
2:46 PM **
3:12 PM *
4:12 PM *
4:46 PM **
3:58 PM
4:23 PM
4:48 PM
5:48 PM
6:38 PM

* Change train in Empoli
** Change train in Pisa and Empoli.
These times are indicative and may change.
To double check train schedule, specially on weekends, visit the Trenitalia Website. To double check Bus #130 schedule, check the website Tiemme S.p.a.

Trains from Livorno to Siena

Siena is one of the most charming destinations for cruise travelers docking in the port of Livorno. Unfortunately, the shore excursions exploring this stunning town are on the expensive side, usually coupling Siena and San Gimignano and many cruise travelers skip these tours. The good news is that to explore Siena on your own by train is not particularly complicated.

To travel by train to Siena takes around 2 hours and costs €11.00 (€19.20 if on the "Frecciabianca" service). You will have to change train in Empoli (on the line to Florence) or in Pisa and Empoli. However, the fact that 2 changes may be required doesn't mean it takes longer - see the schedule below. Trains are frequent both ways, even on weekends.

From the Railway Station in Siena to the Historic Center

Once at the Siena Railway Station you will need either to get on a taxi or on a short bus ride (5 to 10 minutes) to get to the Historical Center You will find taxis and a number of bus stops right outside the railway station. Buses depart almost every 10 minutes. Bus #10 is the best as it has a stop at Piazza San Domenico in the Historical Center and no more than 300 meters from the absolute must see Piazza del Campo and many Highlights in Siena. For updated information on the Bus Service in Siena check the Siena Mobilita Website. You should also visit Trenitalia Website for updated schedule and train fares.

To Siena by Train
Via Empoli (and Pisa)
Weekdays

LIVORNO
CENTRALE
Arrival
Siena
DEPART
SIENA
Arrival
Livorno
08:12 AM *
09:12 AM *
09:30 AM **
10:12 AM *
10:14 am
11:38 am
11:38 am
12:38 am
2:18 pm **
2:41 pm *
3:41 pm *
4:18 pm **
4:41 pm *
4:23 pm
4:48 pm
5:48 pm
6:38 pm
6:46 pm

* Change train in Empoli
** Change train in Empoli and Pisa
These times are indicative and may change.

Trains from Livorno to Volterra

Although there is a train service between Livorno and Volterra (station Volterra-Saline-Pomarance) with a train change in Ceccina there are only two trains in the morning. Furthermore, it requires additional and complicated bus connections from the railway station to the city. Therefore, IQCruising doesn't recommend this route to explore Volterra.

Railway Station in Pontedera and Bus to Volterra

A more feasible connection is via Pontedera-Casciana Terme on the train line to Florence (with or without a train change in Pisa). The journey between Livorno Centrale and Pontedera takes between 30 and 40 minutes and there are numerous trains in the morning. In Pontedera, you will need to get on Bus #500 (the bus stop is next to the railway station in Pontedera), which takes around 1h 20 minutes and has a stop right at the heart of Volterra's historical center For the return journey, there are more Bus #500 departure times from Volterra and a good number of trains between Pontedera and Livorno.

In one word: depending on the arrival and sailing time of your cruise ship it is feasible and can be enjoyable to explore Volterra on a train/bus connection. However, the editor strongly advises the rental of a car if you wish to explore this hidden jewel. Although a few cruise lines have recently started to offer shore excursions to Volterra, not all offer this tour and you may have to do it on your own.

To Volterra by Train and Bus
Via Pontedera
Weekdays Schedule

LIVORNO
CENTRALE
(Train)
Arrival
Pontedera
Depart
Pontedera
#500 Bus
Arrival
Volterra
08:12 AM
09:12 AM
09:30 AM
10:12 AM
08:46 am
09:46 am
10:09 am
10:46 am
09:24 am
11:24 am
10:40 am
12:40 pm


Return

VOLTERRA
Bus #500
Arrival
Pontedera
Depart
Pontedera
Train
Arrival
Livorno
1:05pm
2:02pm
4:02pm
2:23 pm
3:25 pm
5:23 pm
2:55 pm
3:14 pm
3:49 pm*
4:14 pm
5:14 pm
5:55 pm
3:34 pm
3:48 pm
4:23 pm
4:48 pm
5:48 pm
6:38 pm

* Change train in Pisa
These times are indicative and may change. Double check the Trenitalia Website for updated schedules and fares.

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