Rome to Pisa

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

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Rome to Pisa is a journey that most visitors combine with a wider Tuscan itinerary — and there are several ways to do it, from a reasonably fast train change in Florence to a direct coach or a longer drive up through the countryside. Here's how the options compare.

The quickest way: high-speed to Florence, then regional to Pisa

There is no direct high-speed train from Rome to Pisa, but the fastest route is a simple change at Florence Santa Maria Novella. Take a Trenitalia Frecciarossa or Italo high-speed service from Roma Termini to Florence — about 1 hour 30 minutes — and then connect to a regional train to Pisa Centrale, which takes around a further 50 minutes to 1 hour. Total journey time is typically around 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes, depending on the connection at Florence.

Both Frecciarossa and Italo services between Rome and Florence require compulsory seat reservations — book your ticket in advance through Trenitalia or Italo's websites. The regional Florence–Pisa train does not require a reservation; you can buy it separately at Florence station if you prefer flexibility for your Pisa arrival time.

Read our guide to Italian rail reservations to understand how the different train categories work. Explore more about travelling Italy by rail.

The direct but slower option: regional train all the way

Trenitalia Intercity services run directly from Rome to Pisa on the classic (non-high-speed) line, taking around 3.5 to 4 hours. These trains require a reservation but are significantly cheaper than the high-speed option. The route runs along the Tyrrhenian coast in places, offering some appealing sea views through Lazio and Tuscany. If time is not of the essence, this is a pleasant and affordable way to make the journey.

Some Regionale services also cover part of this route but with many more stops and considerably longer total journey times — practical mainly for those stopping at towns along the coast such as Livorno or Grosseto.

The cheapest way: the long-distance coach

Operators including FlixBus and Marino Autolinee connect Rome (Tiburtina) with Pisa, with journey times of approximately 4 to 5 hours. Fares are the lowest of any option on this route, and the coach is a genuine choice if you want to keep costs down and have time to spare. Coaches drop off in Pisa near the city centre or at Pisa airport, from where Pisa Centrale is a short train ride away.

Driving: scenic but longer than it looks

The drive from Rome to Pisa is about 340 km, with two main route options:

• Via the A1 motorway (through Florence): around 3.5 to 4 hours in normal traffic. The A1 is toll-charging and climbs over the Apennines before descending into Tuscany. Passing through Florence by car is not recommended — use the ring road and pick up the SGC FI-PI-LI expressway towards Pisa.
• Via the Aurelia (SS1) along the Tyrrhenian coast: longer in distance and time — around 4.5 to 5 hours — but spectacular in places along the coast of Lazio and Tuscany. Worth it if you plan to stop at Civitavecchia, the Argentario peninsula or the Maremma.

Parking in Pisa requires some planning — see the Florence-to-Pisa guide for more detail — but if you're driving in from Rome and continuing northward, Pisa with a car is entirely manageable.

Stopping in Florence

Florence is such an obvious stop between Rome and Pisa that it's worth planning the journey around it. Change trains there and spend a few hours — or a night — in one of Italy's greatest art cities before continuing to Pisa. The two are only 50 minutes apart by train, so you can easily split your Tuscan time between them. See the routes section for a guide to the Rome–Florence leg.

Getting around Pisa on arrival

Pisa Centrale is the arrival station and is about 1 km from the Piazza dei Miracoli. A pleasant 20-minute walk through the city brings you to the Leaning Tower, Cathedral and Baptistery. Local buses also connect the station to the square.

Note that climbing the Leaning Tower requires a timed advance booking through the official ticket site. Walk-up entry is not available, and popular time slots sell out well in advance during the tourist season.

Which should you choose?

For most travellers, the high-speed train to Florence followed by a regional connection to Pisa is the best combination: fastest overall, comfortable, and gives you the option to stop briefly in Florence. The Intercity direct is a good slower alternative if you want simplicity and a lower fare. The coach is the budget choice. Driving suits those on a wider Tuscany road trip.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a direct train from Rome to Pisa?

There is no direct high-speed train, but Trenitalia Intercity services run direct from Rome to Pisa on the classic line in about 3.5 to 4 hours. The faster option is to take a high-speed train to Florence and connect to a regional service to Pisa, completing the whole journey in under 3 hours 15 minutes.

How much does the train from Rome to Pisa cost?

Advance Frecciarossa or Italo fares to Florence can start low; add a regional ticket to Pisa for a modest additional cost. Intercity direct tickets are fixed and generally cheaper than the high-speed option. Coaches are the lowest-cost alternative.

How do I get from Pisa airport to Pisa city centre?

A dedicated shuttle train — the Pisa Mover — connects Pisa Galileo Galilei airport to Pisa Centrale station in around 5 minutes. From the station, the city centre and the Piazza dei Miracoli are a short walk or bus ride away.

Can I see both Florence and Pisa on a day trip from Rome?

In theory, but it would be a rushed day. Spending a night in Florence or Pisa makes for a much more enjoyable trip. Each city deserves at least half a day, and the rail connections between all three are frequent and easy.