We arrive at Pisa airport Sept 10 at 6:30 pm and need to get to Riomaggiore. Does it take long to get to the train? Does the train we take leave from the airport? I also see that there's a central station in Pisa. Also, for this time of year and time of the day, do we need to purchase tickets in advance?
Thanks much! I so much appreciate this forum!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32216 posts
kelly,
That trip is very easy! Take the Bus from the airport to Pisa Centrale and buy tickets to Riomaggiore on the next train, using either a Kiosk or at the staffed ticket window. Depending on which trains you connect with, you'll be using a combination of Intercity / Freccia / Regionale trains, and there will likely be one change at La Spezia Centrale. The first two have compulsory reservations which are specific to train, date and departure time. With the Regionale trains, you MUST validate your ticket prior to boarding the train on the day of travel, or risk hefty fines.
The most likely connection is a departure at 19:48, arriving 21:09 (1H:21M, 1 change). There's an earlier departure at 19:03, but I'm not sure if you would be able to connect with that one.
One point to mention regarding the Pisa Mover. As you'll be arriving on 10 September, you'll probably still be using the Bus. By the end of Sept., the new automated Pisa Mover train is supposed to begin operation. In any case, the airport is only about 1 km from the city, so I'd even consider a Taxi.
It's not advisable to buy tickets in advance to connect with an incoming flight. As mentioned above, some of the trains you'll be using have compulsory seat reservations, and if you miss the train for any reason (late flights?), the tickets are worthless and you'll have to buy more. On that particular route, the distance in short so you wouldn't save a lot anyway.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
15828 posts
Just backing up Ken here! We did Pisa airport > Pisa Centrale (Peoplemover bus) > Monterosso a couple of years ago and it wasn't difficult at all. But as he advised, do not pre-purchase your train tickets in case of a flight or other delay.
In case you have a wait to catch your train, there's a little bar across from the station with tables outside for cooling your heels over a beverage. It came in VERY useful for us on an interesting day working around some regional rail strikes (and in dire need of a couple of adult beverages.) HA! Just don't relax so much that you miss the train.
Posted by
OP
18 posts
Thanks for the help, Ken and Kathy!
Posted by
bedford, indiana
459 posts
hey kelly a litte additional tip regarding the pisa mover bus, if you have cash you can get on the bus and pay the driver, they even make change if you have small bills or coins. there is a ticket window for trains/busses in the airport but when we arrived the line was looong! I didnt know you can buy from the bus driver but after 20 minutes in the line someone said get your ticket from the driver so we did it that way. Go directly to the pisa mover bus pick up (clearly marked) and pay the driver, dont waste time in the ticket window line. Many folks in the line were getting tickets for week long trips throughout Italy so it was a long wait. Also when you get your train tickets be sure to note which platform your train departs from, you will need it when leaving the station and walking to your departure platform. Also as you are riding the train be sure to notice the two stops (name of the village/station) BEFORE your destination as they will help clue you when to get off. Most stops have a sign designating the village name on the station as the train stops. This website is very helfpul for train travel education!
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32825 posts
also at the station, in the station at Pisa Centrale, you can get a halfway decent slice of pizza al taglio.
Posted by
OP
18 posts
Thanks for the great feedback! Just what I needed.