I would base the decision on the schedule of the train and bus. I went from Pistoia to Lucca and missed the train. But it turned out that the bus schedule was such that it was better to spend a couple of worthwhile hours visiting Pistoia rather than taking the bus. It's just a day trip, so make the decision once there.

It's only a half an hour drive. The time you would spend waiting for a bus or train is likely to exceed the time you spend in Pisa looking for a place to park the car.

Train will be cheapest and perhaps quickest if you are going to the Leaning Tower area as the train from Lucca stops right at a small station just steps literally from the Leaning Tower - no parking fees - no petro fees - trains run hourly so know the schedule and you will have no waiting time. These are regional trains you just hop on - buy a return ticket and hop on any train going back. If you also want to see Pisa itself, do about a 1.5 stroll from the Tower area thru the heart of the city to the Pisa Centrale train station and hop trains back to Lucca from there.

Thanks, Jeff... good point.

Michael: Actually, now that you mention it, I'm already on the fence about visiting Pistoia later in the trip. I hear the old center of town is wonderful, even if the rest is lackluster. I'm making that a game-day decision too... but if you (or someone else) thinks it's a must-see, please let me know!

Pal: Simul-post! Thanks.

I preferred Pistoia to Lucca, and not because we stayed there since we were in the modern part of town.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/sets/72157627066754871/show/with/5936373712

And if you are driving to Pistoia, consider this place for a meal:

http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/a-restaurant-off-the-beaten-track.cfm

I would train, but get off at the San Rosssore[sp] station which is near the Torre. Not all trains stop there---run the schedule--what day are you thinking?

Hmmm !
If a weekday, there are trains at :12 and :42 past each hour that all stop at SR station---very easy.

Bob: Actually, Saturday. I'll make a judgment once I'm there.

Michael: Thanks for the tip. Spazzavento sounds great. Awesome pix, btw!

I'd use the train, but I would go to Pisa Centrale and walk back to the Piazza del Duomo (20-30 minutes) as it is a pleasant walk.

You are almost certainly going to have to pay for parking should you drive to Pisa, and the train fare is minimal.

Pisa, like other cities in Italy, has ZTL. I would get off at Pisa S. Rossore as it's just a couple of minutes walk to the tower. I haven't been in that station in several years, but you used to just walk across the tracks after getting off. The station did not have any services so buy your return ticket at at one of the shops by the tower with the Trenitalia logo (sometimes the machines don't work in the stations).

To the OP, ZTL describes an area where only locals can drive. There are cameras photographing cars in this area. They trace the license plate, the car rental company charges your credit card for providing your contact info, AND you get a ticket in the mail -- months later.

Since you'll have to park outside the center and find transport into the Centro Storico, why not just take the train from Lucca?

I haven't been in that station in several years, but you used to just walk across the tracks after getting off>

yes cross the tracks - with underground passageway I think and go out an opening thru the walls on the east (?) side of the station and there is a big supermarket - keep going and the Tower is soon in view. Perhaps a half mile at most from station.

Thanks again to all. I think we're going to train it.