Getting to Tuscany: Airports, Trains and Transfers

The first decision of any Tuscan journey sets the tone for everything that follows. Choose the right airport and the region unfolds with remarkable ease; choose poorly and you will spend your first precious afternoon wrestling with luggage and connections. For travellers aged 50 to 70, the difference between a seamless arrival and a stressful one often comes down to understanding how Tuscany's three main gateways actually work in practice.

Most seasoned travellers agree on a simple rule: Pisa (PSA) serves the wider region best, while Florence (FLR) wins when your trip centres on the city itself. Bologna (BLQ) works well for northern Tuscany, and Rome Fiumicino (FCO) remains a viable option if the flight prices are right, though it adds the longest onward journey. The good news is that all four airports connect to Florence's Santa Maria Novella station, the region's rail heart, through straightforward public transport links that require minimal physical effort.

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Fig. 02 — Tuscany

Which airport should I fly into?

Fly into Florence if your first stop is Florence, Fiesole, Chianti or Siena; choose Pisa for broader Tuscany itineraries that include Lucca, the coast or multiple hill towns; consider Bologna for northern Tuscany; and use Rome only when the fare difference justifies the extra travel time.

Florence Airport (Peretola, FLR) sits just 4 kilometres from the city centre, making it the most convenient option for anyone whose trip begins in the regional capital. The T2 tram connects the terminal to Santa Maria Novella station in roughly 20 minutes, with services running frequently throughout the day. According to Visit Tuscany, the airport stop is only a short walk from the terminal exit, and the journey costs about €1.50–€1.70.

Pisa Galileo Galilei (PSA) is repeatedly described in travel guidance as the most practical all-round airport for Tuscany holidays, particularly if you plan to visit multiple towns. The airport handles more flights than Florence, often at better prices, and its rail connection through Pisa Centrale opens up the entire regional network. The trade-off is one simple transfer: a five-minute ride on the PisaMover shuttle to the station, followed by a train to Florence taking 50 to 80 minutes depending on the service.

Bologna (BLQ) deserves consideration for northern Tuscany. Fast trains from Bologna Centrale reach Florence Santa Maria Novella in about 37–38 minutes on the fastest services, according to recent rail-travel data. Rome Fiumicino (FCO) remains workable by rail, with direct trains to Florence on limited services and journey times of roughly 2–3 hours, though most connections require one change.

How do I get from Florence Airport to the city?

The T2 tram is the easiest and cheapest option, taking about 20 minutes to reach Santa Maria Novella station for roughly €1.50–€1.70. Taxis cost a flat €28 on weekdays and €30 on Sundays and holidays, with a bag supplement mentioned in traveller reports.

The tram platform is only about a two-minute walk from the terminal exit. One practical tip from experienced travellers: buy your ticket in the small shop inside the terminal before leaving, rather than fumbling with the machines at the platform. The tram avoids Florence's traffic entirely and runs frequently throughout the day, making it the sensible default choice for most visitors.

However, the tram can get busy, and you must validate paper tickets or tap correctly to avoid fines. If mobility or luggage weight is a concern, the taxi flat fare offers genuine value for two people sharing, especially after a long flight. Recent guests note that Santa Maria Novella station itself is very walkable for many, but stairs and surface streets can surprise people; if stairs are a problem, use the underground shopping-mall access with its ramps and escalators rather than the main stairs, or get off one stop later at Piazza dell'Unità to save walking.

What about Pisa Airport?

Take the PisaMover shuttle from the terminal to Pisa Centrale in about five minutes, then board a train to Florence Santa Maria Novella. The total journey typically takes around 1.5 hours, with the shuttle running every 5–8 minutes and trains to Florence departing roughly once an hour.

The PisaMover is a dedicated people-mover that connects the airport terminal directly to Pisa Centrale station, with the stop located near platform 14. The route is simple and well signposted, making it manageable even with luggage. From there, Trenitalia regional trains run to Florence with journey times ranging from 50 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes, depending on whether you catch a fast or stopping service.

Pisa Centrale itself has received a Google rating of 3.8 out of 5 based on 2,143 reviews as of August 2026. Recent guests describe the station as clean with helpful staff, and note that the walk from the station to the Leaning Tower takes about 20–25 minutes along well-paved roads suitable for rolling luggage. The station offers step-free access between platforms via a tunnel with lifts, though some reviews note stairs and a lack of elevators to certain platforms. Luggage storage is available at the end of platform 1, costing around €5–€6 per bag, requiring photo ID, and often having long queues in summer.

One recurring piece of advice from travellers aged 50 and older concerns pickpocketing and scams targeting tourists in and around the station, particularly at ticket machines and on buses. Police and military are often present at the entrance, but it pays to remain vigilant with your belongings.

"Very clean train station. People are nice both security and train station employees. The pizza at this train station is outstanding. Be sure to pick some up for yourself." — Google review, June 2025

Are Bologna or Rome worth considering?

Bologna works well for northern Tuscany with fast trains to Florence in about 37–38 minutes; Rome is viable only when flight savings are substantial, as the rail journey takes 2–3 hours and usually requires a change.

Bologna's Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) has a dedicated monorail shuttle to Bologna Centrale station, one of Italy's busiest rail hubs. From there, high-speed Frecciarossa and Italo trains reach Florence Santa Maria Novella in under 40 minutes on the fastest services. This makes Bologna a genuinely practical alternative if you find significantly better flight prices or schedules, particularly for itineraries starting in northern Tuscany such as the Mugello valley or the Apuan Alps.

Rome Fiumicino (FCO) presents a different calculation. Rail Europe lists trains from Fiumicino Airport to Florence taking as little as 2 hours 23 minutes, usually with one change. The Leonardo Express runs non-stop to Roma Termini in about 32 minutes, where you connect to high-speed services north. For many arrivals, however, the simplest city-to-city transfer is still via Florence or Pisa rather than relying on FCO connections. As one traveller on the Fodor's forums advised, if you arrive in Rome, take the train to Florence immediately while jet-lagged, so you do not waste a full day dragging luggage back toward the airport at the end of your trip.

For a broader comparison of airport options, the official Tuscany tourism portal provides useful guidance on all regional gateways.

How accessible are the main stations?

Florence Santa Maria Novella is the region's most accessible hub, with lifts, ramps and a ground-level north entrance; Pisa Centrale offers step-free access between platforms via a tunnel with lifts, though some platforms still require stairs.

Florence's Santa Maria Novella is a major rail hub with strong regional and high-speed connections, making it the most useful station for onward travel in Tuscany and beyond. The station has multiple elevators and level changes due to its historic multi-building layout, which can be confusing to navigate. If stairs are a concern, the Via Alamanni stop can be awkward, while the Piazza dell'Unità stop at the ground-level north entrance may serve you better.

Recent guests consistently report that Santa Maria Novella station is very walkable for many, with most major Florence sights reachable on foot within 10 to 15 minutes. The station area itself has been praised for its cleanliness and clear signage, with departure screens and announcements in both Italian and English.

For those planning to explore Florence's cultural treasures at a relaxed pace, our guide to the museums and gardens of Florence at an unrushed pace offers practical advice on avoiding crowds and fatigue.

What luggage strategy works best?

Pack light and use wheels wisely. Heavy luggage is the biggest practical hazard in Tuscany, and travellers repeatedly advise against renting a car in Florence itself due to restricted traffic zones (ZTLs) that make driving and parking a nightmare.

The ZTL system is a common source of confusion and fines. As a general rule, assume anywhere within a city wall is a restricted traffic zone unless you know otherwise. Public transport is the best way to reach many attractions in Florence because it serves places often inside these limited-traffic areas, according to Visit Tuscany.

For the train journey itself, consider these practical points:

• Choose a backpack or wheeled bag that fits in overhead luggage racks on regional trains
• Book assistance at stations if you need help with steps or platforms — Trenitalia offers free assistance for passengers with reduced mobility
• Use luggage storage at stations rather than dragging bags through hill towns
• Consider shipping larger bags ahead to your accommodation if you are staying in one place for several nights

Several senior travellers recommend starting at the furthest point first, then working back toward your departure airport, so you do not waste a final day travelling with luggage. Others suggest choosing fewer bases with longer stays, as constant moves are tiring, especially for older adults. One Fodor's forum contributor noted that "most all towns are reachable by train or bus, but it takes longer to get around," reinforcing the wisdom of basing yourself in rail-linked towns such as Florence, Pisa, Lucca or Certaldo.

Are there senior discounts on trains?

Discount rules vary by operator, route, age and ticket type, so check each operator's fare page before purchase. There is no universal regional senior discount across Tuscany's transport network.

Trenitalia and Italo both offer reduced fares for seniors on certain routes and services, but the specific conditions change frequently. The most reliable approach is to check the fare page or ticket machine for senior, over-60, or special reduction fares before purchase. Booking in advance through the operator's website typically yields the best prices, with high-speed services offering significant savings for early bookings.

For regional trains, which are the workhorses of Tuscan travel, fares are generally modest and discounts less significant. The practical advice from experienced travellers is to compare prices on the operator's official website rather than through third-party aggregators, which may not display all available fare types.

What should I pack for a Tuscan trip?

Comfort and stability come first: strong-grip walking shoes, lightweight layers, sun protection and a refillable water bottle. Tuscany combines warm Mediterranean summers with historic centres of cobblestones and hills that demand careful footwear.

Tuscan historic centres are often pedestrian-friendly but can be tough on the feet because of cobblestones and uneven stone streets. Hill towns require frequent uphill walking, a major consideration for travellers with limited mobility. Even Florence itself includes slopes and bridges, so short distances may feel more strenuous than in modern cities.

Your packing list should include:

• Walking shoes with strong grip — non-negotiable for cobblestones
• Lightweight layers for changing temperatures
• Sun hat and sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Refillable water bottle
• Small daypack for excursions
• Light rain jacket for shoulder-season showers
• Compression socks if you expect long train days or swelling
• Walking cane or trekking pole if you already use one for stability
• Portable phone charger
• Any prescription medication in original packaging
• Foldable seat pad if you need rest breaks while sightseeing

Summer heat increases the burden of walking with bags, especially in historic centres and around station areas. Travellers mention August as particularly challenging, when crowds and heat make the tram-versus-taxi choice more about comfort than savings.

What healthcare facilities are available?

Florence is the most practical base for higher-level medical care as the regional centre, directly connected to the airport by tram. For serious medical needs, larger cities like Florence and Pisa are the most reliable places to find hospitals and specialist care.

In Italy, the standard emergency number is 112 for urgent assistance, including medical emergencies. Pharmacies in Tuscany towns and cities are generally located near the centre, and Florence airport-area travellers can reach the city quickly by tram for better access to services.

Before arrival, save your hotel's address and the name of the nearest hospital. While the supplied research does not include specific clinic addresses, the practical advice is to check locally on arrival, especially if you are transferring through Florence or Pisa late in the day. For wellness-focused travellers, our guide to the best thermal spa towns and hotels in Tuscany may offer a restorative addition to your itinerary.

How are the pedestrian paths and streets?

Expect cobblestones, uneven paving and steep hills in historic centres. Benches are more common in larger piazzas, parks and transit hubs than on narrow historic lanes, so plan for fewer seating opportunities in older districts.

The quality of pedestrian infrastructure varies significantly across Tuscany. Modern districts and station areas generally offer smooth, well-maintained pavements, while historic centres retain their medieval character with all its physical challenges. Pisa Centrale's walk to the Leaning Tower, for example, follows well-paved roads suitable for rolling luggage, according to recent guest reviews.

For those planning to base themselves in Florence, the area around Santa Maria Novella station is notably walkable, with most major sights reachable on foot within 10 to 15 minutes. However, the historic centre's narrow streets and bridges can be strenuous, and the summer heat amplifies the effort required.

If comfort is your priority when choosing accommodation, our guide to where to stay in Tuscany when comfort comes first offers curated recommendations that consider accessibility and ease of movement.

How should I plan my arrival day?

Build in buffer time and avoid rushing. The most common mistake is underestimating how long transfers take, especially with luggage and in summer heat. A relaxed arrival sets the tone for the entire trip.

Experienced travellers offer consistent advice: spend more time in one place, have leisurely breakfasts, and use the day for short excursions rather than long transfers. Constant moves are tiring, especially for older adults, so consider a week in one base rather than hopping between three or four.

For your arrival day specifically:

• Book morning flights when possible, giving you daylight hours to navigate
• Arrange airport transfer in advance if you are not using public transport
• Have your hotel's address and phone number written down, not just stored on your phone
• Carry a small amount of euros for tram tickets, luggage storage and refreshments
• Know which station exit leads to your accommodation before you arrive

For those considering a splurge on arrival, the Castello di Casole, a Belmond Hotel: a senior traveller's dossier describes a property that handles transfers with particular grace.

How do the transfer costs compare?

Florence's tram costs about €1.50–€1.70; a taxi from Florence airport costs €28–€30 flat rate; the PisaMover plus train to Florence typically totals around €10–€15 per person; Bologna's shuttle plus high-speed train runs roughly €25–€40.

Here is a practical comparison of the main transfer options:

All prices are indicative and vary by season and booking channel. High-speed train fares in particular fluctuate significantly based on how far in advance you book, with substantial savings available for early reservations.

For travellers weighing the Rome option, the Fodor's community discussion on the best airport for Tuscany offers extensive first-hand experience from travellers who have made the journey multiple times.

What is the easiest door-to-base route?

For Florence-based trips: fly into FLR, take the T2 tram to Santa Maria Novella, and walk or take a short taxi to your hotel. For wider Tuscany: fly into PSA, take the PisaMover and train to Florence, then connect to regional services. Bologna works for the north; Rome only for significant savings.

The simplest arrival experience combines Florence Airport with the T2 tram. The entire journey from terminal to station takes about 20 minutes with no transfers, no ticket complications beyond validation, and minimal walking. Recent guests consistently describe this route as "direct" and "super easy," making it the gold standard for senior travellers.

Pisa's route requires one easy change but offers more flight options and often better prices. The PisaMover runs every 5–8 minutes, making the connection painless even with luggage. The train from Pisa Centrale to Florence departs roughly once an hour, so check the schedule before boarding the shuttle to minimise waiting time.

Whichever airport you choose, the golden rule remains the same: build in buffer time, pack light, and don't try to see everything in one trip. Tuscany rewards slow travel, and the journey itself is part of the pleasure.