How to Get to Livorno. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports

Pisa International Airport (PSA), also Galileo Galilei Airport, is closest (20-30 km north). Florence Peretola Airport (FLR), also Amerigo Vespucci Airport, is about 80 km northeast. Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, is about 300 km south, a major international hub.

Recommended Airports

Pisa (PSA) for closest proximity and quickest transfer.
Florence (FLR) for combining a Livorno visit with Florence.
Rome (FCO) for widest range of direct intercontinental flights.

Airport Transfers

All major airports (Pisa, Florence, Rome) offer a comprehensive range of facilities and services for travelers, including car rental desks, currency exchange, ATMs, duty-free shops, and cafes. Free Wi-Fi is usually available.

Transfer Options

From Pisa (PSA) to Livorno: PisaMover automated shuttle to Pisa Centrale, then train to Livorno Centrale (30-40 minutes total).
Taxis from Pisa Airport cost approximately €40-€60.
From Florence (FLR) to Livorno: Tramvia (T2) to Santa Maria Novella station, then train to Livorno Centrale (1 hour 45 minutes - 2 hours total).

Airlines & Routes

Pisa (PSA) is served by low-cost carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Vueling, connecting to major European cities. Full-service airlines also operate routes via hubs.

Flight Fluctuations

Flight availability is highest and prices generally increase during peak tourist season (June-August) and around major holidays. Lower prices appear in the low season.

Direct Flights

Direct flights to Pisa or Florence are mainly available from major European cities. For intercontinental travel, a connection through a major European hub is typically needed.

Car Rental at Airports

Rental Companies & Booking

Major international car rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Enterprise, Sixt) have offices at Pisa Airport and some in Livorno.
Booking your rental car in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season.
Advance booking helps secure your preferred vehicle type and better rates.
Use resources like DiscoverCars.com for comparisons.

Requirements for Rental

A valid national driving license is required.
For non-EU citizens, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended and legally needed in many cases.
A major credit card in the driver's name is usually required for the security deposit.
Minimum age for rental is typically 21, though some companies require drivers to be 25 or impose a surcharge for those under 25.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Livorno Centrale is a major railway station with good connections to Italian cities and regional towns. Trenitalia operates regional, Intercity, and Freccia services (connect from Florence/Pisa for Freccia).

Long-Distance Buses

FlixBus offers connections from Livorno to various Italian cities and some European destinations. Autolinee Toscane manages regional bus services throughout Tuscany.

Self-Driving

Livorno is well-connected to Italy's motorway network (Autostrada A12). Italian roads are generally well-maintained, but motorways are toll roads.

Driving Considerations

Driving Laws

Italy drives on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Headlights must be on outside urban areas, even during the day. Using a mobile phone without a hands-free system is illegal.

Speed Limits

Generally 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas.
90 km/h (56 mph) on ordinary main roads.
130 km/h (81 mph) on motorways (Autostrada). Always observe posted signs, as limits can vary.

Parking Information

Parking can be challenging and expensive in city centers. Paid parking (marked by blue lines) is common; pay at a "parcometro" machine. White lines indicate free parking, and yellow lines are for reserved parking (e.g., residents, disabled).

ZTL Limited Traffic Zones

Limited Traffic Zones exist in many Italian city centers, including parts of Livorno.
These zones restrict vehicle access during certain hours or entirely to residents and authorized vehicles.
Driving into a ZTL without proper authorization will result in an automatic, hefty fine, captured by cameras. Pay close attention to ZTL signs (a white circle with a red border).

Sea Arrivals

Livorno is a major port city, making sea travel a significant mode of arrival for many. It handles both commercial cargo and a substantial volume of passenger traffic.

Ferry Services

Regular ferry connections operate from Livorno to Sardinia (Olbia, Golfo Aranci, Porto Torres) with Moby Lines, Grimaldi Lines, Corsica Ferries.
Direct ferry services to Bastia in Corsica are available with Corsica Ferries.
Capraia Island, within the Tuscan Archipelago, is accessible by Toremar ferries (approx. 2.5-3 hours). Grimaldi Lines also offers services to Palermo, Sicily.

Cruise Port

Livorno is a very popular port of call for major international cruise lines. Cruise passengers often disembark here for excursions to Florence, Pisa, and the Tuscan countryside, or to explore Livorno itself.

Port Facilities & Transfers

The port facilities are well-equipped to handle large cruise ships.
Local buses serve the port. Taxis are readily available.
For cruise passengers, shuttle buses are often provided by cruise lines or port authority to transport passengers to the city center or train station.

Departure Information

Italy does not impose specific exit fees or tourist taxes directly collected from travelers upon departure.
Air Travel: For international flights (outside Schengen), arrive at Pisa or Florence airport at least 2-3 hours before departure. For domestic/Schengen flights, 1.5-2 hours.
Ferry Travel: Arrive at the ferry terminal at least 1-2 hours before scheduled departure, especially with a vehicle. Confirm timing with your ferry operator.

Train Travel: For departures from Livorno Centrale, arriving 15-30 minutes before your train's scheduled departure is generally sufficient.
Validate your train ticket if required by the ticket machine before boarding.
Airport/Station Facilities: Airports offer shops, restaurants, lounges. Livorno Centrale has a waiting area, ticket office, newsstands, cafes.

Crossing Borders & Entry

Land Border Info

As Italy is a member of the Schengen Area, there are no routine internal border checks when traveling by land from other Schengen countries (e.g., France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia). Standard passport control procedures apply for borders with non-Schengen countries.

Aspects

No routine internal border checks within the Schengen Area.
Standard passport control for non-Schengen borders.
Freedom of movement within the Schengen zone once initial entry is cleared.

Sea Immigration

Immigration procedures at seaports vary based on origin. For international arrivals from outside the Schengen Area, standard passport and customs control procedures apply upon disembarkation.

Port Entry Procedures

For intra-Schengen arrivals (e.g., from Sardinia or Corsica, if Schengen entry cleared elsewhere), procedures are usually minimal or non-existent.
Passport control and customs for non-Schengen arrivals.
Port areas are well-connected to Livorno Centrale train station and the city center via local buses and taxis.

Train Accessibility

Livorno Centrale is a major hub. Regional trains connect quickly to Pisa, Florence, La Spezia (for Cinque Terre). Intercity trains link to Rome and Genoa.

Bus Networks

FlixBus serves long-distance routes. Autolinee Toscane provides comprehensive regional and local bus services throughout Tuscany.

Self-Drive Perks

Excellent motorway connections (Autostrada A12). Requires an International Driving Permit for non-EU citizens. Be aware of ZTL zones in city centers.

General Transit Notes

Airport Operations

Pisa (PSA) and Florence (FLR) airports are the main gateways for air travel to Livorno. Rome Fiumicino (FCO) serves as a major international hub with wider direct flight options.

Seasonal Impact

Flight availability peaks and prices increase during summer and holidays.
Lower prices typically appear in the low season (November-March).
Shoulder seasons often strike a good balance of reasonable prices and agreeable weather.

Travel Insurance

A comprehensive travel insurance policy is highly recommended for all travelers, regardless of nationality.

Coverage Details

Medical Emergencies: Including treatment, hospitalization, and evacuation.
Trip Cancellation/Interruption: For unforeseen circumstances impacting your trip.
Lost or Delayed Luggage: Reimbursement for baggage issues.

Border Information

Schengen Area

Italy's membership in the Schengen Area means no routine internal border checks when arriving by land from other Schengen countries.

Non-Schengen Borders

For borders with non-Schengen countries, standard passport control procedures apply for entry and exit.

Seaport Controls

International arrivals at Livorno's port from outside the Schengen Area undergo standard passport and customs control upon disembarkation.

Departure Readiness

For international flights, plan to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before departure. For trains, 15-30 minutes typically suffice. Confirm specific timing with your transport operator.

How to Get to Livorno