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How to Get to Lucca

How to Get to Lucca

Lucca Tuscany, Italy Travel Guide

Main Airports & Connectivity

Pisa International Airport PSA

Galileo Galilei Airport is approximately 20-30 kilometers (12-19 miles) southwest of Lucca. It is the closest and most convenient option for reaching Lucca, handling many flights largely from European destinations.

Transfer Options from PSA

  • Train: PisaMover shuttle to Pisa Centrale, then regional train to Lucca (25-30 mins).
  • Bus: Direct bus services (Autolinee Toscane) from Pisa Airport to Lucca.
  • Taxi: Ride to Lucca is roughly 25-30 minutes. Check the fare before starting.

Florence Airport FLR

Amerigo Vespucci Airport (Peretola) is roughly 70 kilometers (43 miles) east of Lucca. FLR is smaller than Pisa's airport but gives connections to large Cities in europe.

Transfer Options from FLR

  • Tram/Bus: Tram T2 to Florence SMN, then regional train to Lucca (1 hr 20 mins).
  • Taxi: Ride to Lucca is approximately 45-60 minutes, traffic dependent.
  • Rental Car: Agencies at the airport for those who prefer to drive.

Airline Options

Both Pisa and Florence airports host budget carriers (Ryanair, EasyJet) and traditional airlines (British Airways, Lufthansa, ITA Airways).

Seasonal Prices

Flight prices peak in high season (June-August) around main holidays. Shoulder seasons offer more reasonable prices. Booking several months in advance is recommended.

Airport Facilities

Pisa and Florence airports offer standard facilities: car rental agencies, ATMs, duty-free shops, and various dining options.

Flight Deals & Search Tools

Flight Deal Services

  • Dollar Flight Club for less expensive airfare alerts.
  • Compare flight prices across airlines and times for savings.
  • Direct flights from major global hubs typically arrive at Rome (FCO) or Milan.
  • From more substantial hubs, travelers often take a connecting flight or train to Tuscany.

Flight Search Platforms

  • Skyscanner for flexible date searches and best deals.
  • Flexibility with travel dates can contribute to savings.
  • Consider arrival at Rome Fiumicino for direct long-haul flights.
  • A journey from Rome to Lucca takes approximately 3.5-4 hours by train or car.

Departure Planning

Exit Fees

No specific exit fees or taxes apply when departing Italy by air or land, beyond what is accompanied by your ticket price.

Airport Departure

Arrive at Pisa or Florence at the airport A minimum of 2 hours before scheduled departure for Flights within the schengen area, 3 hours for non-Schengen.

Train Departure

Arrive at Lucca Centrale train station 15-20 minutes before scheduled departure. This allows time to find your platform and validate your ticket.

Getting to Lucca by Land

Train Connections

Lucca Centrale train station offers good connections. Regional trains, managed by Trenitalia, provide frequent services to nearby destinations.

Train Routes

  • Pisa: Approximately 25-30 minutes by direct regional train.
  • Florence: Approximately 1 hour 20 a short time to 1 hour 40 minutes, some direct trains.
  • Viareggio: Roughly 20 a few minutes to the Versilia coast.

Bus Travel & Booking

Autolinee Toscane (formerly CTT Nord) operates regional bus services, connecting Lucca to Pisa, Florence, and various coastal towns.

Bus Information

  • Bus travel can be slower in contrast with trains for inter-city routes.
  • Buses give direct connections to smaller towns not served by railway.
  • Check schedules at the bus station (Piazzale Verdi) or online.

Self-Driving & Car Rental

Lucca is accessible via the A11 motorway (Florence-Pisa). Exits for Lucca are clearly marked. Vehicle rental firms are outside the city walls.

Driving Requirements

  • International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for non-EU citizens.
  • Credit card in the driver's name is needed for rental.
  • Major companies like Hertz, Avis, Europcar are available. DiscoverCars.com offers options.

Road Conditions & ZTL

Italian roads are generally well-maintained. Drive defensively. Pay attention to speed limits, which are strictly enforced.

Limited Traffic Zones ZTL

  • Historic center of Lucca is a ZTL. Non-resident vehicles are prohibited.
  • Parking for visitors is available in paid lots right outside the city gates.
  • Entering a ZTL without authorization leads to important fines.

Sea & River Travel

  • Lucca's inland placement signifies no direct access by sea or river.
  • Nearest major port: Livorno, 30-40 kilometers (19-25 miles) southwest.
  • Livorno serves ferry connections to Sardinia and Corsica.
  • No commercial river transportation directly to Lucca via the Serchio River.
  • Immigration at Livorno if arriving from non-Schengen country.
  • From Livorno, Lucca can be reached by train (change at Pisa Centrale) or bus.

Booking Train Tickets

Online Booking Options

Reserve train tickets via the Trenitalia website for convenience. This allows you to organize your travels in advance.

Advantages of Online Booking

  • Saves time at the station, especially for popular routes.
  • Allows you to reserve your preferred travel times.
  • Regional train tickets do not typically sell out, but advance purchase is good.

Station & Validation

Tickets are also available for buy at the train station. Remember to validate regional train tickets before boarding.

Important Steps

  • Buy tickets at tabaccherie, newsstands, or ticket machines.
  • Get your ticket stamped immediately upon boarding the bus using the machines.
  • Not doing so validate your ticket could cause a fine.

Smooth Boarding

Arrive at the platform with enough time to discover your train and get your ticket stamped if needed.

Regional Tickets

Regional train tickets are valid for a specific period after validation, not just a specific train.

Connections

Connect to various other towns across Tuscany, usually with a change at Pisa or Florence.

Airport Facilities & Services

Standard Amenities

Both Pisa and Florence airports offer basic amenities for travelers. These encompass various services for convenience.

Available Services

  • Car rental agencies are available for immediate pickup.
  • ATMs are present for currency withdrawals.
  • Duty-free shops are available for last-minute purchases.

Dining & Lounges

Airports feature various dining options and lounges for comfort before takeoff. Lucca Centrale train station offers basic facilities.

Comfort & Convenience

  • Various dining options are available, from quick bites to sit-down meals.
  • Eateries and bars are available for refreshments and snacks.
  • Lucca Centrale station has a newsstand and a bar/café.

Airport & Train Station Services

Check-in

Allocate adequate time for check-in procedures, especially during peak travel periods.

Security

Proceed through security checkpoints with ample time to spare for potential queues.

Gate Finding

Locate your departure gate or train platform well before scheduled departure time.