We plan to stay 2 or 3 nights in Volterra in May. Could we stay there the night before flying out of Pisa if we rely on public transportation? Is there a bus or train from Volterra that would get us to airport fairly early? Otherwise we have to stay in Pisa a night or rent a car. Suggestions appreciated.
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
What time is your flight? Is it international?
Posted by
OP
Jericho, Vermont, USA
143 posts
Hi - We do not have our airline reservations yet, but I think we will be flying out on easy jet or rynair to England and connecting with an international flight home. I think the earliest flight will be 10 AM, meaning we have to be at airport by 8 or 8:30. Thanks for whatever help you can give. Julia in Vermont
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
IF you're flying out on easyjet or Ryanair, you should be there way before 8:30. Their checkin desks close 40 minutes before departure and, of course, the earlier you check in, the better chance you have of being seated together.
Posted by
OP
Jericho, Vermont, USA
143 posts
Thanks for your help! Julia
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
Julia - I took public transportation from Pisa to Volterra last September. To get to Pisa airport, you would need to take a bus from Volterra to Pontedera, where you can switch to the train to Pisa Centrale for another train to the airport. Bus takes 1:15 and each train ride takes 15-20 minutes. With changes, I'm guessing the trip would take about 2:30. Not sure how early the first bus leaves Volterra. Website for bus schedules is www.cpt.pisa.it, but don't think there's an english version. Many Florence to Pisa trains stop in Pontedera, so the train part of the trip is easy.
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
Julia - I checked the CPT bus schedule. Bus #500 leaves Volterra at 4:30am on Mon-Sat (not Sun or holidays) and arrives in Pontedera at 5:50. Short walk to train station takes only a few minutes. There's a 6:24 train to Pisa airport arriving 7:25, requiring a change in Pisa (half hour between trains). Second bus leaves Volterra at 6:30 and arrives in Pontedera at 7:45. There's an 8:30 train to airport arriving at 9:06 and requiring no change in Pisa. If you decide to use public transport day of flight, be sure to confirm bus schedules in advance with your Volterra hotel and be sure to buy your bus tickets a day in advance, as cafe near bus stop that sells tickets will not be open at 4:30. Note that buses require you to time stamp the ticket, just like the trains. An inspector did check tickets on my Pontedera to Volterra bus.
Posted by
OP
Jericho, Vermont, USA
143 posts
That's very helpful - lots of good details. I think we're all set now. Julia