Hi, staying with a group in a villa in Lucca for a week. Wondering what cities to explore as day trips from Lucca, preferably by public transport. I know Florence is an easy one and we will be moving onto Cinque Terre after Lucca so what other towns are must-sees?
We would be open to renting a car for day too in order to see something a little further. Also, any problem renting a car for the day in Lucca?
Thanks,
Karen
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
Pisa is easy from Lucca by train.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32202 posts
Karen,
You can also reach Pisa by Bus from Lucca. If you decide to take the train, one point to note is that Pisa San Rossore station is closer to the tower than Pisa Centrale. If you'd prefer to see a bit of the city as well, use Centrale as your destination and then either walk or take public transit to the tower.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
There are direct trains to Pistoia almost hourly, journey takes 40 minutes, one-way fare is under €6.
Posted by
Vignola, MO, IT
654 posts
Pisa! We took bus from Pisa to Lucca.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
You'd probably want a car for a day trip to Volterra and/or San Gimignano, each about 1.5 hours drive from Lucca. Some car rental companies won't take advance bookings for periods less than three days, or charge much more for them. If you only want a car for one day, you might stroll by the car rental office in person to see if they have a last-mintue daily special advertised (no guarantees). Rental offices are likely to be closed on Sundays and Saturday afternoons.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Pisa is even easier from Lucca by bus than by train. The bus takes you right to the Campo dei Miracoli where the tower and the duomo are. Be sure to go into the baptistry and stick around for a demonstration of the acoustics by the guard/docent. About every 10-15 minutes. Way cool.