How to Get to Lucca: From Florence, Pisa & Pisa Airport

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Lucca may be a little less famous than Florence or Pisa, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s difficult to get to.

In fact, it’s pretty easy.

Whether you’re arriving from Florence, already exploring Pisa, or flying into Pisa International Airport, getting to Lucca is pretty straightforward. And because Lucca Station / Stazione di Lucca is just outside the historic city walls, you can be wandering through the medieval streets before you know it.

I’ve broken down the easiest ways to get from Florence, Pisa, and Pisa Airport to Lucca, including trains, buses, rental cars, private transfers, and day tours.

Quick Answer: What’s the Best Way to Get to Lucca?

If you just want the short version, here you go:

• From Florence: Take the train. It’s affordable, easy, and you won’t have to worry about parking.
• From Pisa: Take the train. The journey is quick, and Lucca Station / Stazione di Lucca is just outside the city walls.
• From Pisa Airport: Take the PisaMover to Pisa Centrale, then hop on the train to Lucca. It’s the option I’d personally choose.
• Planning a Tuscan road trip? A rental car gives you flexibility, but be sure you understand Lucca’s ZTL and parking situation before you arrive.

Getting to Lucca at a Glance

Starting Point	My Recommended Option	Approx. Time	Approx. Cost
Florence	Train	90 min	€10
Pisa	Train	30 min	€5
Pisa Airport	PisaMover + Train	45–60 min	€12
Tuscany road trip	Car	Varies	Varies

Want all the details? Keep reading!

Train and bus schedules, fares, and routes can change, so always check current information before your trip. I recommend using Trenitalia for trains and Autolinee Toscane for regional buses.

How to Get to Lucca From Florence

Spending time in Florence and wondering if Lucca is worth adding to your itinerary?

Absolutely.

At just over 90 kilometers away, Lucca is close enough to visit as a day trip from Florence—but if you have the time, I’d recommend spending at least one night so you can experience the city after the day-trippers leave.

Florence to Lucca by Train

My Pick: Take the Train

For most travelers, the train is the easiest way to get from Florence to Lucca.

Regional trains leave from Firenze Santa Maria Novella (Florence SMN) throughout the day, and the journey takes around 90 minutes.

Tickets are usually inexpensive, and you can buy them online through Trenitalia or at the station.

The best part?

You don’t have to deal with a rental car.

You don’t have to navigate Italian traffic.

And you definitely don’t have to figure out where to park once you get to Lucca.

Just sit back, enjoy the ride, and get excited about all the pasta and gelato waiting for you.

A few things to know:

• Direct trains are the easiest option, so look for one if your schedule allows.
• Some regional services have both first- and second-class cars, so double-check your ticket before boarding.
• You can sit in any available seat in your assigned class.
• Don’t expect a meal service. This isn’t the Orient Express!
• If you’re using a paper regional ticket, make sure you understand the current validation requirements before boarding.

Approximate travel time: 90 minutes
Approximate cost: €10

→ Check current schedules and fares

Driving From Florence to Lucca

Renting a car can make sense if Lucca is just one stop on a larger Tuscany road trip.

The drive takes around 70 minutes via the A11, and you’ll encounter highway tolls along the way.

But—and this is important—don’t assume you can drive straight to your hotel inside Lucca’s historic center.

Lucca has a ZTL (limited traffic zone), and unauthorized vehicles can be fined.

Driving to Lucca: My verdict

Renting a car makes sense for exploring Tuscany—but not necessarily for exploring Lucca itself.

If you’re planning to drive, check out my guide to parking in Lucca before you go.

Taking the Bus From Florence to Lucca

Buses are another option, but I’d compare schedules and prices with the train before booking.

Autolinee Toscane operates regional bus services, while FlixBus may offer coach services depending on your travel date.

This can be a good option if you find a convenient departure time or a particularly good price.

But personally, if I had the choice between the bus and a direct train?

I’d take the train.

Take a Day Tour From Florence

Not planning to spend the night in Lucca?

A day tour can be a convenient option if Florence is your home base and you simply want to see Lucca without figuring out the logistics yourself.

Many tours combine Lucca with Pisa, which gives you the opportunity to see two Tuscan cities in one day.

You won’t have as much flexibility as you would traveling independently, of course, but sometimes it’s nice to let someone else figure out the transportation.

Florence to Lucca: My verdict

Take the train unless you’re already planning a Tuscany road trip.

How to Get to Lucca From Pisa Airport

If you’re flying into Pisa International Airport, you’re in luck.

Pisa is one of the most convenient airports for visiting Lucca, and the trip from the airport is relatively quick and inexpensive.

The easiest option—and the one I’d personally choose—is to take the PisaMover to Pisa Centrale, then catch a train to Lucca.

It sounds like a lot of steps.

It really isn’t.

Step 1: Take the PisaMover to Pisa Centrale

The PisaMover is a short shuttle train connecting Pisa Airport with Pisa Centrale.

You can purchase tickets at the airport, and the journey only takes a few minutes.

This is the first part of your journey to Lucca—and thankfully, it’s pretty simple.

Step 2: Take the Train From Pisa Centrale to Lucca

Once you arrive at Pisa Centrale, follow the signs to the platforms and catch a regional train to Lucca.

The train journey takes around 30 minutes.

Some trains are direct. Others require a change.

If I’m traveling with luggage, I always look for a direct train. Could I manage a connection?

Sure.

Do I want to drag my suitcase across another train station if I don’t have to?

Absolutely not.

Trains run regularly throughout the day, and tickets can be purchased at the station or through the Trenitalia app.

The nice thing about taking the train from Pisa to Lucca is that once you arrive, the train station is just outside Lucca’s historic walls.

Approximate total travel time: 45–60 minutes
Approximate cost: €12 total

The Pisa Airport to Lucca Train: My Verdict

If you’re arriving at Pisa Airport and aren’t planning to rent a car, take the PisaMover + train. It’s quick, inexpensive, and avoids the hassle of driving and parking.

How to Get to Lucca From Pisa

Already spending a few days in Pisa?

Then getting to Lucca is even easier because you can skip the PisaMover entirely.

Pisa to Lucca by Train

Just head to Pisa Centrale and hop on the train to Lucca. The journey takes around 30 minutes, making Lucca an easy addition to a trip to Pisa.

My advice? Take a direct train if you can. Some routes require a change, and while that’s not the end of the world, I prefer avoiding the hassle when I’m traveling with luggage.

My Pick: Take the Train

For most travelers, the train is the easiest way to get from Pisa to Lucca. It’s quick, affordable, and puts you just outside Lucca’s historic walls.

Approximate travel time: 30 minutes

Approximate cost: €5

Taking the Bus From Pisa to Lucca

You can catch the E3 bus to Lucca near Pisa Centrale, but if I’m already that close to the train station, I’m going for the easier option and catching the train.

Driving From Pisa to Lucca

If Lucca is just one stop on your Tuscan road trip, then renting a car can make sense. But if you’re like me and hate driving in unfamiliar places, skip the hassle and stick with the train!

Pisa to Lucca: My verdict

Take the train. It’s only about 30 minutes, inexpensive, and by far the easiest option.

So, What’s the Best Way to Get to Lucca?

For most travelers, getting to Lucca is actually pretty simple.

If you’re coming from Florence, I’d take the train unless you’re already renting a car for a larger Tuscany road trip.

If you’re coming from Pisa, definitely take the train. At around 30 minutes, it’s quick, inexpensive, and easy.

And if you’re flying into Pisa Airport, my choice would be the PisaMover + train combination.

Once you arrive, you’re just a short walk from Lucca’s historic city walls.

Now all you have to decide is what you’re going to do first!

Here are the best things to do in Lucca.

Planning to stay awhile? Here are the best places to stay in Lucca.

Looking for a place to eat? Here’s where to eat in Lucca.

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