I'll be taking a regionale train from Firenze to La Spezia and it looks like one of the stops is in Pisa. I was thinking of getting off for maybe an hour or so to see the tower/cathedral and get back on the train. Is something like that possible?
The ticket is part of Roma Termini to La Spezia ticket I purchased, if that makes a difference.
Regional train tickets have a time limit for using them, which depends upon the distance to cover, and should be stated on the ticket. If you bought it online, it's probably valid for 4 hours from the departure of the selected train, which is more strict that tickets bought in the station (valid 6 hours from the time of validation for distances between 40-200 km, as I understand it). That would give you a tight window to stop and see Pisa. But if the validity runs out, a new ticket to La Spezia only costs €7-8.
Good point about the cheap cost of getting a new ticket. Thanks!
Looking at the Pisa San Rossore station, I'm a bit confused about how to actually get to the tower/cathedral. Google maps says you have to walk way over to the west side of the tracks and then back under them.
Stephen, the San Rossore station is only a few blocks and a few minutes walk from the Field of Miracles with the Tower and other sites, as opposed to a major hike through the city and 20 to 30 minutes to Pisa Centrale. However, as I remember, when I got off the train at San Rossore (on an afternoon trip from Lucca) there was no staff, no signage toward the Tower etc., no businesses nearby. I was the only one getting off the train there, and there was almost no one around. Fortunately, there was a couple pushing a baby stroller, locals I figured, I asked them, and it took them a couple of minutes discussing between themselves to decide which street I should take toward the Tower. Bottom line, it's not exactly obvious, or very user-friendly. Also, I'm not sure if all the trains stop there in both directions, or if it easy or even possible to buy a ticket there. So, if you are going to be very short on time, you better do good research on this.
If you really want to get off, then just two tickets. The two tickets will not be much different from the one ticket. That way you are under no time constraint. But to answer your question, Yes, you can get off and on a Regionale train because there are no reserved seats. Just complete your journey within the time limit.
Pisa San Rossore is close to the Campo dei Miracoli. There is no luggage storage at that station, however, so you may want to go to Pisa Centrale, leave your luggage, take a bus or taxi.
Two tickets for the train, no worry about time.
Not that I wouldn't buy a new ticket but I have yet to have anyone check a train ticket on any regional train that I've been on in Italy. I almost forgot to validate one, sprinted the the machine with luggage and then back to the train and nobody checked. But you surely don't want to be caught without a valid ticket. It just doesn't seem like they check much.
I have had my ticket checked on regional trains in Italy -- it is sporadic but it happens and then you have an enormous on the spot fine. Not worth cheating.
They only check when you don't have a proper ticket. That way can collect more money.
Drop your luggage at the Pisa Centrale station, then take a taxi to the Field of Miracles. I wasted a lot of time trying to find the bus. It's easy to take the bus back, you'll see the stop across the street as you leave the site. Do not skip the Baptistry! If you want to climb the tower, book in advance, and allow another hour.
Ok I'll look into Pisa Centrale, thanks guys.
Thanks, Chani! We plan on stopping in Pisa for a few hours when we leave the CT on our way to Florence (we have been there before but our traveling companions have not). I knew there was a baggage check at Pisa Centrale and planned on taking the bus to the Field of Miracles but your suggestion of taking a taxi there and the bus back is a good one.
