Genoa to Pisa

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

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Genoa and Pisa are connected by one of Italy's most scenic rail corridors, the line that clings to the Ligurian coast before swinging south into Tuscany. The journey gives glimpses of the Italian Riviera, the Cinque Terre and the Gulf of La Spezia — making the train not just the practical but arguably the most enjoyable way to travel between these two cities.

The quickest way: the direct train

Trenitalia runs Intercity (IC) and Regionale Veloce services between Genova Piazza Principe (or Genova Brignole) and Pisa Centrale, with direct journey times of around 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes depending on the service. Several direct trains run per day; at other times a change at La Spezia Centrale is required, adding a short wait but not significantly lengthening the journey.

Intercity trains offer the fastest and most comfortable option and require a reservation. Regionale Veloce (fast regional) services are pass-friendly with no reservation required. For full details on reservations and ticket types, see our Italy by train guide.

The route passes through some extraordinary scenery: the tunnel-and-viaduct coastline from Genoa, the Cinque Terre villages visible from the train window, and the Gulf of La Spezia (sometimes called the "Gulf of Poets" for its association with Shelley and Byron) before the line turns inland towards Pisa.

Breaking the journey at Cinque Terre or La Spezia

The intermediate stop at La Spezia makes this route very well suited to a staged journey. From La Spezia, the Cinque Terre villages — Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso — are all reachable by local train in minutes (the coastal path between villages is famously beautiful but partially closed at various times for landslide repair; check conditions before planning to hike). Monterosso al Mare is the northernmost village and has the area's best beach.

La Spezia itself is a pleasant working port town and a more affordable base than any of the five villages for those wanting to explore the area without the tourist premium.

The cheapest way: the bus

Coach services between Genoa and Pisa exist, though this route is primarily served by rail and the bus options are more limited than on other Italian corridors. FlixBus offers some services, with journey times varying around 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours. Fares can be low, but the train's Regionale services — already pass-valid and reservation-free — are a competitive alternative even on a budget.

The scenic way: driving the coastal road

The Via Aurelia (SS1) and the minor coastal roads from Genoa to La Spezia pass through the same string of cliff-top villages and fishing coves that make the Riviera di Levante famous. This is one of Italy's most dramatic coastal drives, but also one of the most congested in summer: the narrow cliff roads can be slow, and parking in the Cinque Terre villages is effectively prohibited (cars must be left in designated areas). Factor in significant extra time during July and August.

From La Spezia south to Pisa, the A12 motorway is fast (around 45 minutes) and tolled, running inland through the marble-rich Apuan Alps landscape. Total driving time from Genoa to Pisa is typically 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes via motorway, longer on the scenic coast road.

Arriving in Pisa

Pisa Centrale station is about 1.5 km from the Campo dei Miracoli (the Piazza del Duomo where the Leaning Tower stands) — a manageable walk or a short bus ride. Pisa is often treated as a half-day stop rather than a base, and it connects very easily to Florence by fast train (around 45–55 minutes by Frecciarossa or 1 hour 15 minutes by Regionale) and to Lucca by regional train (around 30 minutes).

Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei) is about 2 km from Pisa Centrale, served by a direct rail link — if you are flying in or out of Tuscany, this is a particularly convenient connection.

Which should you choose?

The direct Intercity or Regionale train is the right choice for most travellers — fast, scenic, and convenient at both ends. If you are pass travelling, the Regionale Veloce is particularly good value. The coastal drive is tempting for those with a car and a light schedule, but save it for the off-season or early morning if you want to avoid the worst of the traffic. The bus is a secondary option for tight budgets.

Luggage and comfort on the train

Intercity carriages have proper overhead and end-of-car luggage racks, comfortable for standard suitcases; Regionale Veloce trains are more basic commuter-style stock with less dedicated space, so if you are travelling with large bags and can choose, the Intercity is the more relaxed option. Both are perfectly fine for a journey of under two and a half hours. If you plan to break the journey at La Spezia for Cinque Terre, travelling light is a real advantage, since the villages' narrow streets and station steps are not kind to large wheeled cases.

Money-saving tips

Regionale Veloce fares are fixed and inexpensive regardless of when you book, making them a reliable budget choice if your dates are flexible and you do not mind the possibility of a change at La Spezia. Intercity fares can be cheaper with advance purchase through Trenitalia, though on this relatively short corridor the saving over a walk-up fare is usually modest. If you are visiting Cinque Terre as part of the trip, the Cinque Terre Treno Card covers unlimited local trains between the villages and La Spezia for a set period and can work out cheaper than buying individual tickets if you plan to hop between several villages in a day.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the train from Genoa to Pisa take?

Direct Intercity trains take around 1 hour 50 to 2 hours. Regionale services may take 2 hours 10 to 2 hours 30 minutes. Some services require a change at La Spezia.

Can I see Cinque Terre on the way from Genoa to Pisa?

Yes. Break the journey at La Spezia (well served by trains from both ends) and take the local train to any of the five villages. A half-day is enough for a taste; a full day or longer is better for hiking or exploring more than one village.

Do I need to book in advance for the Genoa–Pisa train?

Intercity trains require a reservation and advance booking is recommended. Regionale Veloce trains do not require reservations and can be bought at the station or on the day.

Is the Cinque Terre coastal hiking path open?

Sections of the Sentiero Azzurro coastal path are periodically closed for maintenance or after landslides. Check the current status with the Cinque Terre National Park before planning a hike.