Livorno to Florence on your own by train.

[MOLLICRUISIN]

Hello! My husband and I are interested in the idea of taking the train on our own from the cruise port in Livorno to Florence. Is this recommended, easy, reliable? Will this option give us a decent amount of time in Florence? The ship is here from 7 to 7. This way also seems much friendlier to our wallets.

 

Thank you!

[MrMojoRisin]

Yes, it is very easy. Hope this helps.

 

http://www.livornonow.com/travelling...n_from_livorno

 

Travelling from Livorno to Florence by Train

Travelling independently from Livorno to Florence is usually cheaper than taking an organised tour, and you get to spend a few hours in Florence. If you are on a cruise docked in the Port of Livorno, you can get to the railway station either by using local transport or by catching a taxi from the port. You may find that you end up having to get a taxi back to the ship from the station on your return, if you are running late. This obviously adds to the cost of any DIY tour.

Many cruise lines offer a "Florence on your own" excursion, which is usually just a transfer into the city and back. It may be worth considering this option which, although more expensive, may be worth it for the anxious traveller in terms of peace of mind.

 

But if you are an independent spirit, you will probably still want to go it alone, so here's how to 'master' using public transport from Livorno to Florence (it's really not that difficult!):

 

If your cruise ship docks in the industrial port of Livorno, as most of the big ships do, there will be a shuttle service which takes you into Via Cogorano (Piazza del Municipio) in the centre of Livorno. There is generally a charge for this service which in 2015 was 5 euros return.

(Please note that some ships are now offering a bus transfer directly from the ship to Livorno Centrale railway station - check with your cruise line.) It is also possible to get a taxi from the ship to the station - try sharing with other passengers to keep the cost down (about 25 euros from Livorno port to the train station). There are two local taxi companies: Consorzio Tassisti Labronici +39 0586 882020 and Consorzio Taxi Livorno +39 0586 883377 or +39 330 633474 (mobile)

 

To use the local bus service to get to the train station from Livorno city centre, first buy your tickets from one of the tobacconists in the vicinity ("tabacchi", displaying the big white T on a black or blue background). The nearest one is in Via Cogorano, the street where the shuttle bus will drop you. The tickets cost €1.20 and are valid for 70 minutes from the time you validate them on board the bus (by inserting into the validating machine at the front entrance of the bus). You may as well buy a couple of tickets per person in the morning so you are equipped for the journey back.

 

You can catch a no. 1 bus (the most direct - about 10-15 minute ride) to Livorno Centrale train station at the bus stop in Via Grande (outside the H&M store), which is the main shopping street leading off each end of Piazza Grande. If you are facing the cathedral, you need to head up Via Grande to the left. H&M and the bus stop are just a few metres along the street on the right hand side.

 

Don't forget to validate your ticket at the yellow machines when you get on board!

 

The trains to Florence (Firenze Santa Maria Novella is the name of the station) run every hour - 08.12, 09.12, 10.12 (not Sundays), 11.12 etc. and the journey from Livorno takes about 1 hour 20m. On Sundays there is no 10.12 train to Florence, so you should aim to get one of the earlier ones (there is a train at 10.00 but you have to change in Pisa, getting into Florence at 12.00). There is also a daily 'fast' regional service (no supplement) leaving Livorno at 0852, arriving Florence at 10am.

 

NB: Please check these train times before you travel as I cannot accept responsibility for unforeseen changes to the above timetable. Click here to go to the Trenitalia Italian railways site

 

The second class train fare from Livorno to Florence is 19.20 euros per person return (fare updated Jan 2016). This is the cost for the Regional trains, not the Intercity or Freccia Rossa services which have to be pre-booked and carry a supplement. In any case, the regular direct service between Livorno and Florence is operated by Regional trains only and all tickets are second class.

 

Again, make sure you validate your tickets BEFORE you get on the train, and before you make the return journey too. Small validating machines are located on the walls all over the stations.

 

The main station in Florence is called Firenze Santa Maria Novella. It's the last stop. Don't get off at the earlier suburban station of Firenze Rifredi, or you'll be faced with a long walk or bus ride into town!

 

RETURN: Trains from Florence to Livorno depart every hour at 28 minutes past the hour, but there is also a fast regional train at 15.00 that gets back to Livorno at 16.12. The train that leaves Florence at 15.28 (arriving Livorno 16.48) is probably the latest you can get if you have to reboard a cruise ship. There are also trains at 16.28 (arr Livorno 17.48), and at 17.28 (arr Livorno 18.48). There is a 'fast' regional train (no supplement) at 5pm, arriving in Livorno Centrale at 18.08.

 

On the way back you could save time by getting a taxi from Livorno Centrale station directly to the ship (make a note of the dock name). See above for local Livorno taxi company phone numbers.

 

If there are lots of passengers from your cruise ship doing Florence by train from Livorno, there might be a queue at the ticket office. It is also possible to buy tickets from automatic ticket machines located around the main station ticket hall, and online from the Trenitalia website. Online tickets do not need to be validated.

[dogs4fun]

If the link in the previous post does not work, try typing in this one:

 

http://www.livornonow.com/

and also add travelling(UNDERSCORE)to(UNDERSCORE)florence(UNDERSCORE)by(UNDERSCORE)train(UNDERSCORE)from (UNDERSCORE)livorno

Don't know why but the original link is truncated on this thread.

Edited April 7, 2016 by dogs4fun

[KirkNC]

Mr. Mojo has done a fantastic job giving you step by step instructions. I would add the following. We believe it is best to take a cab to the train station in lieu of the shuttle/public bus combo described above. In our case it allowed us to catch an earlier train then the bus crowd and gave us almost an extra hour in Florence. The tax was $25 which you can split with another couple. At $12 for an extra hour plus a little less crowd we felt it was a good value. Another thing I would point out. When you arrive BACK from Florence, it maybe difficult to get taxis back to the ship. There will be a few to meet the train but unless you are quick, they will be taken. This is where knowing how the public bus/shuttle combo can come in handy. If you can't get a taxi, you can take bus 1 back to the ship shuttle and then go back to the ship.

[John Bull]

Can't add much to Mr Mojo's excellent post, other than to stress that need to double-check train times, especially on the day checking the times of the trains back to Livorno. And write down all the train time options, especially if you want to stop off at Pisa on the way back.

 

We did the same as Kirk, a shared taxi to the station. So much quicker, easier & cheaper than the convoluted RCI shuttle to Livorno centre then local bus. The taxis hold up to 8, and we quickly got together with others on the pier, splitting the €25 eight ways. We caught a train somewhere around 8.15.

Not so lucky for the return, plenty of taxis but no sharers at the station (we'd come back from Pisa on a little local train) so we had to swallow the €25 by ourselves.

We did see a large crowd of cruisers waiting at a bus stop on the station forecourt. They were off an NCL ship, and NCL had a shuttle service between station & ship.

 

Florence station (s.m.Novella) is right in the heart, the city is compact, and walking the main sights is easy - though we did hike quite a way to the Statue of David, overlooking the city.

Don't bother with the Florence ho-hos - they can only circulate outside the narrow city centre streets.

We weren't interested in inside visits or museums in Florence. We'd noted the various return options & having seen what we wanted to see in Florence we headed back quite early & stopped off at Pisa - your Livorno/Florence train ticket is good for a break in the journey. The Field of Miracles is an easy & level 25 minute walk from the station, and late afternoon it wasn't crowded.

Our back-on-board was either 6pm(?) or 6.30 (?), & we were back in good time.

 

I've seen others post about a shortage of taxis at the pier & the station. I can only comment on our experience.

 

JB :)

Edited April 7, 2016 by John Bull

[samavarcruiser]

Plus you should find your way from port to the train station as the taxi drivers are looking to get a people going to spend a day with them!

[KirkNC]

Plus you should find your way from port to the train station as the taxi drivers are looking to get a people going to spend a day with them!

 

We have used taxis twice and not had a problem. We are in the first wave off and I think that may help. There always seems to be a guy running the show and we tell him what we want he he sends us to a taxi. You are right that the majority want a full day but given the premium they charge for the train, if a driver can make 4-5 of those runs I think he might be better off.

[hexdragon]

How about from La Spezia? Is it just as easy?

[les37b]

Funnily enough, I am currently sitting on the train on my way to Florence after arriving in Livorno this morning.

 

Our ship docked at the port exit, so even though Silversea provided a complementary shuttle, we walked to the square. (About 8 minutes from our ship, so close... But if you are on a larger ship, then a shuttle would be needed)

 

Once at the square, there is a tobacconist (you can't miss it) where you can buy your bus ticket. (€1.20). The bus stop is about 30 yards away in the same direction you would have arrived from the port. Bus no 1, 1a, 2, 2a and clearly marked. Arrival at the station is obvious too.

 

Once at the station, the kiosk was fine and we bought our return fare for €19.20 each. Platforms and destination boards clear and easy.

 

Go for it, it's easy.

Edited April 16, 2016 by les37b

[Bobal]

How about from La Spezia? Is it just as easy?

 

No. The train takes almost another hour and involves a change at Pisa. You would also have to walk to the station in La Spezia if mobility is an issue.

 

If you dock in La Spezia I would recommend visiting Cinque Terre

[hexdragon]

I've been to Cinque Terra. I really want to go into Florence... :(

[tracy b]

Is that 19 euros one way or round trip?

[sailawaybellaluna]

This thread is full of wonderful information! Some of the best I've found on CruiseCritic!

 

We've done Florence a couple of times and were considering heading out to Volterra for the day with our two kids (ages 10 months and 6 at the time of sailing)...But it is looking a bit complicated to DIY it and too expensive to do a private tour.

 

After reading how easy it is to go to Florence, we may just go there again! We haven't been in 8 years, so I'm almost convinced!

 

Thanks for the details

[les37b]

Is that 19 euros one way or round trip?

 

Return.

[Midwest_Traveler]

I have a question about the cabs in Livorno. Do they pick you up/drop you off directly in front of the ship or do you need to catch the shuttle out of the port area first? Does anyone know roughly how long the trip to the train station is?

 

There will be 5 of us traveling so I think a cab will be the most efficient way for us to go. Thanks!

[Cassicruiser]

Hi there - not sure if anyone will still answer this thread, but just wanted to ask, is it necessary to pre-purchase our train tickets online? Or is there plenty of availability on the day when we get to Livorno station? I checked the trenitalia website and the ticket prices seem to be the same for tomorrow as they are for May when we'll be there...

Editing to say that it looks like we are the only ship in port that day. Maybe it would be a good idea to at least buy our ticket back to Livorno as the 3pm is the best option, but wait to buy our ticket into Florence on the day as we don't know exactly what time we'll be off the ship and at the station?

[les37b]

You will be able to buy on the day... plenty of kiosks and ticket machines (with translations)

 

If you pre book and don't catch the train you've booked to travel on you would end up paying again!

[Cassicruiser]

You will be able to buy on the day... plenty of kiosks and ticket machines (with translations)

 

If you pre book and don't catch the train you've booked to travel on you would end up paying again!

 

Thanks!

[Beanb41]

Hello! My husband and I are interested in the idea of taking the train on our own from the cruise port in Livorno to Florence. Is this recommended, easy, reliable? Will this option give us a decent amount of time in Florence? The ship is here from 7 to 7. This way also seems much friendlier to our wallets.

 

Thank you!

 

This is the way we intend to see Florence and Pisa. We are also in port 7.00am to 7.00pm on the Celebrity Constellation 30th May. We purchased our train tickets online earlier today. It should be noted that a ticket is valid for up to 4 hours after the scheduled departure of a train and doesn't require vaildation

Our plan is as follows:

0812 train to Florence arrives 09.32 ( Cost 9.6 euros each)

Visit Ufizi museum - entry between 10.30 am and 10.45

Walk to Accademia -entry between 12.30 and 12.45

Catch bus back to central station or walk depending upon time constraints

1428 train from Florence to Pisa arrive 1528 (Cost 8.4 Euros each)

Visit Leaning Tower for photographs only (1 euro bus trip each way)

1632 train to Livorno arrive 1648 (2.6 euros each)

 

We accept that this is a whistle stop tour but we think we are seeing as much of the must sees as one can in a day and still have time to get back to the ship prior to sailaway

[Beanb41]

Hi there - not sure if anyone will still answer this thread, but just wanted to ask, is it necessary to pre-purchase our train tickets online? Or is there plenty of availability on the day when we get to Livorno station? I checked the trenitalia website and the ticket prices seem to be the same for tomorrow as they are for May when we'll be there...

Editing to say that it looks like we are the only ship in port that day. Maybe it would be a good idea to at least buy our ticket back to Livorno as the 3pm is the best option, but wait to buy our ticket into Florence on the day as we don't know exactly what time we'll be off the ship and at the station?

 

We have pre purchased our tickets principally to save time buying tickets on the day getting them validated all of which can create stress. Also it gives us timetable to work to. Prepaying also allows us to use our cash for other things as we paid by credit card.

We also have pre paid our entry tickets into the museums for similar reasons and to avoid having to queue up to purchase tickets. This queue could in reality be very long and it costs no more to pre pay.

[Vegasys]

Yes, it is very easy. Hope this helps.

 

http://www.livornonow.com/travelling...n_from_livorno

 

Travelling from Livorno to Florence by Train

Travelling independently from Livorno to Florence is usually cheaper than taking an organised tour, and you get to spend a few hours in Florence. If you are on a cruise docked in the Port of Livorno, you can get to the railway station either by using local transport or by catching a taxi from the port. You may find that you end up having to get a taxi back to the ship from the station on your return, if you are running late. This obviously adds to the cost of any DIY tour.

Many cruise lines offer a "Florence on your own" excursion, which is usually just a transfer into the city and back. It may be worth considering this option which, although more expensive, may be worth it for the anxious traveller in terms of peace of mind.

 

But if you are an independent spirit, you will probably still want to go it alone, so here's how to 'master' using public transport from Livorno to Florence (it's really not that difficult!):

 

If your cruise ship docks in the industrial port of Livorno, as most of the big ships do, there will be a shuttle service which takes you into Via Cogorano (Piazza del Municipio) in the centre of Livorno. There is generally a charge for this service which in 2015 was 5 euros return.

(Please note that some ships are now offering a bus transfer directly from the ship to Livorno Centrale railway station - check with your cruise line.) It is also possible to get a taxi from the ship to the station - try sharing with other passengers to keep the cost down (about 25 euros from Livorno port to the train station). There are two local taxi companies: Consorzio Tassisti Labronici +39 0586 882020 and Consorzio Taxi Livorno +39 0586 883377 or +39 330 633474 (mobile)

 

To use the local bus service to get to the train station from Livorno city centre, first buy your tickets from one of the tobacconists in the vicinity ("tabacchi", displaying the big white T on a black or blue background). The nearest one is in Via Cogorano, the street where the shuttle bus will drop you. The tickets cost €1.20 and are valid for 70 minutes from the time you validate them on board the bus (by inserting into the validating machine at the front entrance of the bus). You may as well buy a couple of tickets per person in the morning so you are equipped for the journey back.

 

You can catch a no. 1 bus (the most direct - about 10-15 minute ride) to Livorno Centrale train station at the bus stop in Via Grande (outside the H&M store), which is the main shopping street leading off each end of Piazza Grande. If you are facing the cathedral, you need to head up Via Grande to the left. H&M and the bus stop are just a few metres along the street on the right hand side.

 

Don't forget to validate your ticket at the yellow machines when you get on board!

 

The trains to Florence (Firenze Santa Maria Novella is the name of the station) run every hour - 08.12, 09.12, 10.12 (not Sundays), 11.12 etc. and the journey from Livorno takes about 1 hour 20m. On Sundays there is no 10.12 train to Florence, so you should aim to get one of the earlier ones (there is a train at 10.00 but you have to change in Pisa, getting into Florence at 12.00). There is also a daily 'fast' regional service (no supplement) leaving Livorno at 0852, arriving Florence at 10am.

 

NB: Please check these train times before you travel as I cannot accept responsibility for unforeseen changes to the above timetable. Click here to go to the Trenitalia Italian railways site

 

The second class train fare from Livorno to Florence is 19.20 euros per person return (fare updated Jan 2016). This is the cost for the Regional trains, not the Intercity or Freccia Rossa services which have to be pre-booked and carry a supplement. In any case, the regular direct service between Livorno and Florence is operated by Regional trains only and all tickets are second class.

 

Again, make sure you validate your tickets BEFORE you get on the train, and before you make the return journey too. Small validating machines are located on the walls all over the stations.

 

The main station in Florence is called Firenze Santa Maria Novella. It's the last stop. Don't get off at the earlier suburban station of Firenze Rifredi, or you'll be faced with a long walk or bus ride into town!

 

RETURN: Trains from Florence to Livorno depart every hour at 28 minutes past the hour, but there is also a fast regional train at 15.00 that gets back to Livorno at 16.12. The train that leaves Florence at 15.28 (arriving Livorno 16.48) is probably the latest you can get if you have to reboard a cruise ship. There are also trains at 16.28 (arr Livorno 17.48), and at 17.28 (arr Livorno 18.48). There is a 'fast' regional train (no supplement) at 5pm, arriving in Livorno Centrale at 18.08.

 

On the way back you could save time by getting a taxi from Livorno Centrale station directly to the ship (make a note of the dock name). See above for local Livorno taxi company phone numbers.

 

If there are lots of passengers from your cruise ship doing Florence by train from Livorno, there might be a queue at the ticket office. It is also possible to buy tickets from automatic ticket machines located around the main station ticket hall, and online from the Trenitalia website. Online tickets do not need to be validated.

 

How thorough, THANK you sir, we will follow this on Oct. 2!

[Marykatesmom]

Thank you! This was exactly what I was looking for! Unfortunately our cruise is in Florence on a Sunday and Monday but I'm going to be positive about this and hope for lower crowds.