| Travel distance | 12 miles |
|---|---|
| Fastest time | 0h 25m |
| Daily trains | 35 |
| Ticket from |
Traveling from the maritime city of Pisa to the beautifully preserved, walled city of Lucca involves a short and incredibly convenient journey of approximately 12 miles. This route is one of the most heavily frequented local train corridors in Tuscany, connecting the bustling transport hub of Pisa with the flat, circular plains of the Serchio River basin. With direct regional trains covering the distance in a fastest time of just 25 minutes, it is the absolute best way to travel between the two cities—bypassing the hassle of local traffic, highway tolls, and the strict ZTL (limited traffic zone) restrictions that protect Lucca’s historic center.
Choosing Train Types for the Serchio Valley Line
Due to the short distance, the rail service between Pisa and Lucca is operated exclusively by Trenitalia’s domestic Regionale fleet. High-speed Frecciarossa services do not run on this local regional line, but the frequent regional trains are modern, air-conditioned, and highly efficient. With approximately 35 daily departures, trains run roughly every 20 to 30 minutes from early morning until late evening. Tickets are fixed-price based on distance, starting at an exceptionally affordable $4.20. Because regional fares do not change based on demand, there is no financial penalty for purchasing your ticket on the day of travel, giving you complete flexibility to decide when to make the trip.
Practical Advice for First-Time Italy Rail Travelers
Navigating this quick hop is incredibly straightforward, but keeping a few local logistical tips in mind will make your journey completely seamless:
-
Two Departure Stations in Pisa: While almost all trains to Lucca depart from the massive Pisa Centrale station, many of them also make a brief stop at Pisa San Rossore. San Rossore is a much smaller, quieter station located just a flat, ten-minute walk from the Leaning Tower and the Piazza dei Miracoli. If you are already visiting the tower, boarding at San Rossore will save you a bus or taxi ride back to Pisa Centrale.
-
Ticket Validation: If you purchase a physical paper ticket at any station kiosk, you must validate it by inserting it into the green or yellow electronic stamp machines near the platforms before you board. If you buy a digital ticket online or via the Trenitalia mobile app, you must complete the digital "check-in" on your smartphone prior to the train's scheduled departure.
-
Luggage and Seats: Because these are regional commuter trains, there are no assigned seat reservations; boarding is first-come, first-served. There are no luggage restrictions, and you can store your bags in the overhead racks or in the designated floor spaces near the carriage doors.
Lucca’s railway station is a beautiful, historic brick terminal located just outside the southern edge of the city’s famous 16th-century defensive walls. The station layout is flat and incredibly easy to navigate. Essential services include automated ticket kiosks, a small waiting room, and a classic station bar for refreshments. Immediately outside the main exit, a wide, flat pedestrian path leads straight through the green moat area and under the historic ramparts via Porta San Pietro, placing you directly into the cobblestone streets of the medieval historic center within a five-minute walk.
As one of the primary transport hubs in Tuscany, Pisa Centrale is a large, busy, and highly functional station. It features eighteen tracks situated on a single ground level, making platform navigation simple even with heavy bags. Inside the main concourse, travelers will find automated ticket kiosks, a staffed travel center, currency exchange, a pharmacy, and a wide variety of shops and cafes to grab a quick espresso. The station is also directly connected to the Pisa Mover—the high-frequency automated shuttle that provides a direct, five-minute transit to the Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei).
