HAL in Livorno - question

[knippsel]

Does HAL offer a shuttle to the train station or to town in Livorno? Per the Italy Ports Board, some cruise lines do. When we're there on Nov 2, both Oosterdam and Eurodam are in port, so there will be plenty of us. Does anyone have recent experience?

 

Kathy

[Hlitner]

Does HAL offer a shuttle to the train station or to town in Livorno? Per the Italy Ports Board, some cruise lines do. When we're there on Nov 2, both Oosterdam and Eurodam are in port, so there will be plenty of us. Does anyone have recent experience?

 

Kathy

 

There is usually a shuttle (not free unless you are on a Grand Cruise) that will take you into town and drop you about 1 mile from the train station. On most of our visits to this port the first shuttle did not even leave the port until well after 8:30am. Keep in mind that not much in Italy is open until after 9am. While the bus is fine for those planning to spend their day in Livorno (we have never understood why anyone does that) it is not a great option for those trying to get to Florence as quickly as possible. With a taxi we generally can be at the station and catch an early train (before 8am).

 

Hank

Edited September 20, 2016 by Hlitner

[OlsSalt]

If you want to coordinate the Livorno trains with hiking the Cinque Terre, you may need to get to the train station on your own rather than wait for a shuttle.

 

We got off as early as we could and dashed to the train station to do only the hike from Cornegila to Vernazza and then able get back to the ship in time. (Villages #3-#4 starting from the south. - Probably the most scenic route, but a long and often tough route.)

Edited September 20, 2016 by OlsSalt

[SilvertoGold]

If interested in Pisa, you will find the shuttle and bus works well to get to the train station. It is a short ride to Pisa.

Lots of time to see a lot of Pisa in a leisurely fashion.

[take us away]

Was there early spring and shared a taxi with another couple. We had been warned about also booking the return and not paying until we were back at the port, and the driver was ok with that. It was a very convenient, fast and comfortable way to get to Florence and the entertaining driver was exactly where he said he would be at the appointed time. You can also get a small group together and hire a mini-bus taxi which is cheaper. Was on a grand cruise so took the shuttle to town to catch the cab but the 1st (and totally packed) shuttle did not leave the port until about 9 am. Pre-booked cabs were at the dock and there are several agencies who will pre-book if you are interested - an example is below. The speed and convenience was worth the added cost and no hassles - at least for us.

 

This may help for more information: tomsportguides.com/port-guides.html#italy and an example to pre-book transport (there are several): tourshuttle.com/EN/ITALY/transfer_Livorno-Port_Florence-City-Centre.html (prices are 1-way)

[draftxhorselover]

Very helpful. thanks

[Sequim88]

We took cab to the train station on way to Pisa. We wanted to do Florence but it is much farther and we figured it would be too much to tackle. Happy we did Pisa and had more time there. But the cab was expensive for the relatively short distance. Finding people to share with would have cut the per person cost down. Roll Call threads are great for that sort of thing. Works better if going to the same place and arranging a return time at the train station to re-share a cab.

[MobyandDick]

Hi! We always use the cruise shuttle bus into town. All cruise shuttle busses always stop at a same stop (regardless the cruise line). From this stop, accross the road is a tobacco shop, where you can purchase bus tickets. Around the corner is a bus stop and bus #1 will go straight to the train station. If you e the H&M store the bus stop is there. (Shops are not open on Sundays.) The staff at tobacco shop speak English & are extremely friendly. We have been there twice in past 2 years and amazed how nice they are to explain the system and point out bus stop.

We bought train tickets online as you 'win' time at the train station, while other people will line up for a ticket, you have a little more time. The website is http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en and we have visited Pisa one time and Florence (Firenze) the other time. It is inexpensive and very convenient :).

Have fun!

[OlsSalt]

Don't overlook the very charming walled city of Lucca as a possible destination from Livorno, if you want to have a less intense tourist experience. Great food, cafes and dessert specialities, charming pedestrian streets, wealthy past h as the premiere Italian silk traders and if you love Puccini, this was his hometown where you can walk in his footsteps.