Which One First? The Honest Truth About the Florence to Pisa and Lucca Day Trip
If you’re wondering which one to go to first on a Tuscan day trip, go to Pisa, but spend less time there so you can have much more time in Lucca. Yes, you can do both in one day following this smart itinerary below.
Most generic travel itineraries and AI summaries tell you to head to Lucca first. Don’t. Going to Lucca first lands you in Pisa right during peak afternoon congestion, forcing you to fight massive tour-bus crowds at the Leaning Tower. When I told my Italian host family my plans during lunch, they strongly advised against a full day in Pisa. “Non mi piace, non è bella. Go to Lucca instead!” they said passionately.
They were right. The secret to a flawless day trip is hitting Pisa early as a fast morning pitstop, then spending the rest of your day slow-traveling through Lucca.
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Quick Comparison & Master Timeline
| Day Trip Leg | Average Travel Time | Recommended On-Ground Time |
| Florence to Pisa Centrale | ~50 to 60 mins (Direct) | Transit Leg |
| Pisa Stop | 24 walk to tower from train station | 1.5-2 Hours max (Snap photos & leave) |
| Pisa San Rossore to Lucca | 21 mins (Direct) | Transit Leg |
| Lucca | Station inside city walls | 5 to 7 Hours (Bulk of your day) |
| Return to Florence | ~1 hour 15 mins (Direct) | Direct evening transit |
The Perfect 1-Day Tuscan Rail Loop
Use the train itinerary below to plan your day trip.
Step 1: Florence to Pisa Centrale
Catch an early morning regional train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN) to Pisa Centrale for around €10 on the local Trenitalia Regionale. Book your trip from Florence to Pisa.
Crucial Tip: If using the app, you must hit “Check-in” before boarding. If using a paper ticket, stamp it in the green-and-yellow machines at the platform. Failing to validate means an instant, hefty fine. Plan your departure options on Omio.
My Experience: This train wasn’t the nicest, it was older and jam packed because its the tourist train that does many routes per day. However, the train experience becomes pleasant and spacious from here on out.
Step 2: Spend less than 2 hours in Pisa
When you arrive, start your 24 minute walk to the Tower of Pisa and the Square of Miracles (Piazza dei Miracoli).
Don’t want to walk? Outside the central train station, look for the LAM Rossa (Red Line) bus or Line 21 heading towards Via Pietrasantina. Tickets cost around €1.50, and it drops you off right next to the tower grounds in about 10 minutes. Just buy your ticket at the station Tabaccheria (tobacco shop) and validate it inside the bus.
As you get closer, you will be bombarded with tourist menu’s and restaurants. Take your pictures of the Tower and Duomo, look around, then plan for your swift exit!
(Note: To climb the tower, you must book a timed-entry slot weeks in advance via GetYourGuide.
My Experience: Walking through the town of Pisa heading to the leaning tower has a creepy vibe, especially on a cloudy day. I understand why Italians generally don’t like Pisa, and why they say there’s nothing there, because there isn’t, expect the famous tower of course. In the end, I spent 2 hours in Pisa, including the walking time from the station to tower and back.
The Exit Hack: There are two ways to exit. I wasted time walking all the way back to Pisa Centrale. Don’t do that! Instead, walk 5 minutes around the corner from the Leaning Tower to the small secondary station, Pisa San Rossore. You can catch an hourly train straight to Lucca for €4, eliminating the backtrack.
Book the train from Pisa to Lucca here with the correct station!
Step 3: Arrive to Lucca
Board at Pisa San Rossore, and exactly 21 minutes later you step into a completely different world.
Pisa is built around one tourist attraction. Lucca is a quiet, pedestrian-friendly medieval town where real life actually happens. Locals ride vintage bikes, shop outdoor markets, and chill in the beautiful squares. It is truly authentic compared to Pisa. This is where you spend the bulk of your afternoon.
The train from Lucca back to Florence is very easy, comfortable, new, and relaxing! The views through the tuscan countryside were extremely beautiful.
Things to do in Lucca in a Day
I wish I had more time to spend in Lucca! From strolling the medieval streets, to chilling in the piazza’s, to walking more on the walls, and checking out some of the museums, there’s a ton to do. I understand why my Italian host family told me to visit Lucca. Here is what I did in the limited time I had here.
Explore the Historical Squares of Lucca
Lucca has several beautiful squares, or piazze (piazza in singular form) that are rich in history and charm. First I came upon Piazza San Michele. See the beautiful church of San Michele in Foro, which offers a lovely glimpse into Lucca’s medieval past. Next I walked around, and into Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, built on the ruins of an ancient Roman amphitheater, which is a circular square lined with cozy cafés and perfect for people-watching. Lastly I stumbled upon Piazza San Frediano, which amazed me when I saw the stunning mosaic facade of the Basilica di San Frediano.
Climb the Torre delle Ore
Climbing this medieval clock tower was a highlight of my day. Skip the lines at the Guinigi Tower and scale the Torre delle Ore instead (€5–€10). I walked right up! The panoramic views of the terracotta rooftops and rolling Tuscan hills from the top were absolutely breathtaking — well worth the climb.
The ticket worker was very nice too, and completely made my day by complimenting my Italian, telling me my American accent barely stood out.
You can read more about the tower’s details via Visit Tuscany.
Walk or Cycle the Iconic City Walls in Lucca
Lucca’s massive Renaissance walls are completely intact, wide, and shaded. I walked along the walls, which was beautiful. Howeverm I saw many people riding bikes. Rent a bicycle near the city gates and pedal the 4-kilometer loop for views of terracotta rooftops and Tuscan hills. Pisa lacks this entirely, so take this advantage for a nice ride.
Why to Spend More Time in Lucca
1. Local Life, Not Just Tourism: Lucca offers a much more authentic Italian, or Tuscan experience than Pisa, where mostly tourists can be seen. For starters, Lucca is a city where people actually live. While Pisa seems to revolve entirely around the Leaning Tower and the tourists that flock to see it, Lucca felt calm, lived-in, and relaxed. Locals were riding bikes along the city walls, shopping at outdoor markets, and chatting over coffee in quiet piazzas. It wasn’t about rushing from sight to sight — it was about slowing down and experiencing the town’s rhythm.
2. Preserved Medieval Charm: The city’s medieval charm is beautifully preserved. Walking through Lucca’s narrow, cobbled streets or along its Renaissance walls, you get the sense that not much has changed in centuries. The walls themselves are a highlight, offering a peaceful, panoramic stroll above the city — something Pisa simply doesn’t have.
3. Local Cuisine: Another thing I noticed was the food. In Lucca, it was all about cozy, family-run trattorias and small wine bars where locals gather for long, leisurely meals. I tried tordelli lucchese, a delicious meat-filled pasta, and a slice of buccellato, a sweet bread with raisins — both local specialties.
Lucca vs. Pisa: Which is the Better Choice?
By now you can see how Lucca is a more laid back, authentic experience instead of a touristy Pisa, which only contains the Leaning tower, and no charming piazza’s. However, of course it is a must to still see the UNESCO site of Pisa, which you can do in the morning first, then after take the scenic train to Lucca. From there you can take a relaxing beautiful train ride back to Florence.
Alternate Ways to Modify Your Itinerary
If you want to customize your loop based on your travel style, you can easily shift this 1-day itinerary around:
- The Lucca Purist Route (Skip Pisa Entirely): If you have zero interest in tourist traps or the Leaning Tower, take a direct regional train straight from Florence SMN to Lucca. It takes 1 hour and 20 minutes, giving you a full 8 to 10 hours to leisurely cycle the walls, shop local markets, and slow down your pace completely.
- The Guided Tour Option: If navigating the Trenitalia rail validation rules or timing individual legs sounds too stressful, you can book a structured small-group day tour out of Florence. Many options include a guide, private air-conditioned coach transit, and skip-the-line entries to both towns. Check out the highest-rated direct Tuscan group day tours on [GetYourGuide].
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you do Florence, Pisa, and Lucca all in one day?
Yes, absolutely. Because the train ride between Pisa and Lucca is only 21 minutes, combining them into a single loop from Florence is incredibly easy. Just make sure to visit Pisa early in the morning and save the bulk of your afternoon for Lucca.
How much does the train ticket cost for this day trip?
The entire loop uses regional trains, keeping costs very low. Expect to spend roughly €10 for Florence to Pisa, €4 for Pisa to Lucca, and around €10 for Lucca back to Florence. Your total transit cost will be around €24.
Should I use Omio or Trenitalia to book my tickets?
It depends on what you value more: saving money or convenience. Here is the honest breakdown:
- Trenitalia: This is the official Italian rail app. Booking directly means you pay the exact base price with zero fees. However, the app can be clunky, sometimes rejects foreign credit cards, and requires you to look up the exact Italian station names (like Firenze S.M. Novella).
- Omio: This is a third-party aggregator. It charges a tiny booking fee (usually €1–€2), but the interface is entirely in plain English, accepts US credit cards or Apple Pay instantly, and puts your entire three-leg day trip into one clean dashboard. You can search live schedules and buy your tickets on Omio. Plus, bookings come with a free eSIM.
Do I need to validate my train tickets in Italy?
Yes, and failing to do so will result in an immediate €50 fine. If you buy a physical paper ticket at a station kiosk, you must stamp it in the green-and-yellow validation machines at the platform before boarding. If you use the official Trenitalia app, you must open your digital ticket and hit the “Check-in” button before departure. If you use [Omio], check your digital PDF ticket; it often comes pre-validated for your selected travel window or provides a direct check-in link.
Is there luggage storage at the train stations?
Pisa Centrale has a reliable left luggage office (Deposito Bagagli) where you can store suitcases for a small fee. However, the smaller Pisa San Rossore station has zero luggage storage facilities, no ticket desks, and no staff. Traveling with just a lightweight daypack is highly recommended for this itinerary.
Planning a Trip to Lucca?
Pisa is worth a quick stop for the bucket-list photo, but Lucca is the city you will actually fall in love with.
I left wishing I had more time. If I could do it over, I would pack an overnight bag and spend the night inside the medieval gates after the day-trippers head home. To slow down your pace, view the best boutique stays inside the walls on Booking.com.
Have you visited both Lucca and Pisa? Which city won your heart? Let me know in the comments below!
Have you visited both Lucca and Pisa? Which city won your heart? Let me know in the comments!
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