Getting to Florence.....
 

Ok, please help out this geographically challenged girl. Would I be looking for flights that fly into Pisa if I am trying to go to Florence? Is that also a possibility if I am having a hard time finding flights that go straight to florence?

And if I am supposed to fly into Pisa, how far is Pisa from Florence? What is the transportation like?

I think most people fly into Pisa. Where are you flying from and how do you feel about the number of times you have to change planes? I decided to fly into Milan and take the train to Florence. It's a two and a half hour train ride BUT I got a direct flight from the US to Milan which I really wanted, the transportation from the Milan airport to the train statin is very straight-forward and cheap, and then the train arrives in the middle of Florence. After checking numerous schedules I found I would actually arrive at my hotel in Florence about the same time as if I changed planes twice and then had to transport into the city center. So just something to think about. It also turned out to be a little cheaper.

H!-- I would be flying into Pisa from London since I will be in London for about a week before my trip as well.

Is it a long journey to get from Pisa to Florence?

Also, my italian is non-existent....how bad is that?

I believe the train from Pisa to Florence is about an hour. Maybe someone else can help as to whether the train leaves right from the airport or, if not, how to get to the train.

The Florence airport is currently closed for renovations/expansions. That may be why you have problems finding flights there.

As for flying directly from the US, it's faster to go to Rome than Milan. Train from Rome to Florence takes about 96 minutes, while Milan to Florence is about an hour more. Cost is a few euros cheaper via Milan, because the bus from MXP to Centrale is only 5 euro , vs 9.5 for the train from FCO to Termini. Train prices from Rome and Milan are within one euro of each other.

Hi B,

Florence has a relatively small airport, FLR, so most flights to Florence go into/out of Pisa (PSA).

FLR is also undergoing renovation at this time.

There is regular train transportation between Pisa Airport and Florence.

See www.trenitalia.com.

Maps are at www.viamichelin.com

((I))

thank you sooo much for helping me figure that out!!

the train station at Pisa airport is right next to the terminal - no more than 100 metres from the exit door. Some trains go to Florence direct, most go to Pisa Central (every half hour). Alternatively there is a regular bus from outside the station to the central railway station.

There are frequent trains to Florence
from Pisa - look at www.trenitalia.com

I believe Ryanair may also have a bus direct from Pisa to Florence. These would probably coincide with the Ryanair flights which tend to arrive early morning.

You can often get better and cheaper connections going into Rome. Then you'd have the 30-minute train to Termini, and the 90-minute ride to Florence. Not saying you shouldn't choose Pisa, but consider keeping your options open.