Going to Pisa

When To Go:

All year round Pisa is a lively city. It becomes even livelier every June 16 when the Luminari de San Raniere is celebrated. In the evening of this day, the bank the of Arno is lighted with torches and candles creating a dazzling light display.

During this festival, the city party in the streets, courtesy of the free concerts that are organized in every square.

The following day, dressed in historical costumes, participants from each city quarter parade in the streets to prepare for the regatta at the Arno River. The regatta is another reason you should come in June.

Then there is the Gioco del Ponte, literally translated as "the game of the bridge", a different version of the "tug of war" held every last Sunday of June. This is a competition for space, wherein several teams of men push a heavy cart with their necks. The team that manages to push into the other team's space wins.

Ready to go?

By Plane

The Galileo Galilei Airport, Tuscany's main international airport is just 3 km. (2 miles) south of Pisa. The airport services international, domestic, and charter flights. Airport Information: Galileo Galilei Airport phone number - 050-500707; Website Address: www.pisa-airport.com. Visitors coming from abroad should inquire from their airlines about direct flights to Galileo Galilei Airport.

From the airport, you can take a taxi (highly recommended if you are a group of at least four), the train, or the bus.

From the airport by bus.

Buy your tickets from the tobacco or newspaper stores in the area (cheaper) or you can also buy a ticket when onboard the bus. Board bus No. 3 in front of the airport. Once in the bus, you must validate your ticket at the yellow machines in the bus.

Here are the bus tickets prices and types:

• One - 60-minute ticket euro 0.85
• One - 120-minute ticket euro 1.15
• One - 240-minute ticket euro 1.45
• Daily ticket euro 2.90
• Book of 4 tickets (four - 60-minute tickets) euro 3.15
• Book of 10 tickets (ten - 60-minute tickets) euro 7.50
• Sold on board euro 1.50

You get off at Piazza del Duomo.

By Train:

The city is interconnected to the rest of Italy and Europe by rail. The following points of origin when in Italy are the most convenient:

• From Rome, the average trip is 3 hours, with 20 daily runs to Pisa.
• From Florence, 80-90 minutes, with 40 trips daily.
• From Livorno, it is a 15-minute ride, with 3 to 4 trips per hour.
• From Siena, it is a 100-110 minute trip, with hourly departures.
• From Lucca, it would take 20-30 minutes, with 24 daily runs.

If you are coming from Lucca, you should get off at the San Rossore Station, a walking distance to the Campo dei Miracoli. All others should disembark at the Pisa Central Station (tel. 050-41-385).

From the train station by bus:

Board bus No. 1, 3, or 11 to Piazza del Duomo.

From the Central Train Station on foot:

Out of the main entrance of the station, head for Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, in front and from there turn into Via Crispi, go straight ahead as far as Ponte Solferino. Cross the bridge, then go straight ahead, turn into Via Roma and go on until you reach Piazza dei Miracoli and the Leaning Tower, a walk of approximately 25 minutes.

From the San Rossore Station:

On foot:

Take the subway and get out through Piazza Fancelli. Walk straight to Via Andrea Pisano. Turn left and go on straight ahead on until you reach Piazza dei Miracoli and the Leaning Tower in about 5 minutes.

Pisa by Bus

Lazzi Bus Service (tel. 0583-584-876) has hourly buses from Florence, but you have to connect through Lucca for a 20-30 minute trip (hourly runs).

CPT (tel. 050-505-511) from Volterra with connections through Pontenedra (total of 2-2 1/2 hour trip) or from Livorno with half-hour runs for a 40-45 minutes trip. Towns along the coast are also served by CPT.

By Car

If you plan on going via this mode of transport, book a rental before arriving in Italy. It would save you some money.

Coming from Florence, use the autostrada to Lucca, and take the SS12 or S12r.

Coming from the north coastal area, use the A12, and if coming from the south, the SS1.

Parking is at Via A. Pisano or at Via C. S. Cammeo. Both are near the Porta Santa Maria, your tour's starting point.

From here, walk to the Cathedral Square and enjoy the attractions.

Welcome to Pisa.