Pisa, famous for its leaning tower, boasts medieval palaces, colossal churches, and exquisite architecture. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it features four historical masterpieces. Art and history enthusiasts shouldn't miss a Pisa day trip from Rome.

Here’s everything you need to know about Pisa, one of the most captivating day trips from Rome.

Getting there

Pisa is a city in Tuscany, situated in the center of Italy and located just under 350 kilometers from the more southerly capital city Rome.

By car: The drive to Pisa from Rome takes around five hours on the E80 and follows the coastline up the country.
By train: Two trains connect Rome to Pisa, catering to different budgets. The high-speed train from Roma Termini takes just over two hours, while regular trains take around three hours, with tickets starting at €9.90.
Guided tours: Guided day trips to Pisa, with a stop in Florence, last about 13 hours. Pickup from your hotel or a central location in Rome is around 7 AM.

Itinerary

Day trips to Pisa start around 7 AM due to the distance involved. The first stop is Florence, about four hours from Rome, where you can explore the city's main sites or opt for a guided tour. Enjoy free time for lunch at local eateries.

Continuing to Pisa, famous for its leaning tower, you'll have time to explore the tower and admire numerous churches before returning to Rome by coach or minivan.

Our selection of the best tours

Small Group Day Tour from Rome to Florence and Pisa

Florence: Guided walking tour + Admission ticket to the Accademia Gallery
Pisa: Baptistery + Cathedral tickets included
Price: From €268
Duration: 12 - 14 hours

Pisa and Florence Day Tour with Accademia Museum

Admire the famous Leaning Tower in Pisa
Hotel pickup and drop-off + Accademia museum entrance tickets in Florence
Price: From €418
Duration: 14 hours

Semi-Private Day Trip to Florence and Pisa + Lunch

Guided tour of Florence
Hotel pickup/drop off + Lunch
Price: From €250
Duration: 12 hours

Kinds of tours

There are different tour options for your day trip to Pisa from Rome. Most incorporate a visit to the nearby city of Florence as well.

Day tour to Pisa + Florence

Day tours start with pickup from your hotel or a central meeting point in Rome. Transportation to both cities is included, and you'll have free time to explore. Some tours to Pisa also include a guided tour of key monuments.

Small group tour to Pisa + Florence

Small group tours, with up to 48 tourists, include hotel pickup in Rome via air-conditioned minivan. Some tours offer added benefits like a tour assistant or a professional guide to show you around Florence.

Private tour to Pisa + Florence

With a private day tour to Pisa, everything is taken care of. You'll be picked up from your hotel and have a knowledgeable guide to show you Pisa's highlights. You'll also gain admission to the Academia Gallery to see the Statue of David.

Prices

Day tours to Pisa and Florence from Rome cost €130 per person, including a guide and central pickup. Small group tours range from €170 to €260 per person, with hotel pickup and minivan transport. Private tours cost about €400 per person for two, featuring luxury transport and sometimes entry to major sites.

Highlights

There is plenty to see and do in the historic maritime city of Pisa — with a medieval influence dating back to the 11th century.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is famous for its unique tilt, but it's also beautifully designed with six rows of arches around its marble structure. Built in the 12th century, it began leaning soon after. Climb to the top for a remarkable view of the city.

The Baptistery of San Giovanni

The ornate baptistery, standing as Italy's largest, captivates with its intricate carvings adorning every side. Its historical significance, coupled with a subtle 0.6-degree lean akin to the iconic tower, speaks to the unique charm of Pisa's architectural marvels, influenced by the city's sandy and clay-rich soil.

Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta

The cathedral, originating in 1063, reflects Greek and Moorish architectural influences across three centuries of construction. While admission is free, tickets are required to manage visitor flow effectively.

Best time to visit

Between May and October, Pisa experiences very little rain, and visitors can enjoy the Mediterranean climate. Temperatures are the highest in July, averaging around 29 degrees Celsius, and July and August are when the city is packed with tourists. If you can visit outside of the tourist season, you won’t need to queue for attractions.

Other tours to Pisa

Pisa day trips and tours from Florence
Day trips to Pisa from Livorno

More day trips from Rome

Pompeii day trips from Rome
Amalfi Coast day trips from Rome
Positano day tours from Rome
Day trips to Naples from Rome
Day trips to Tivoli from Rome
Hadrian's Villa day tours from Rome

Travel tips

While Pisa is easy to walk around, consider using the hop-on hop-off bus to see the sites if touring the city on foot doesn't interest you. The bus operates between April and October.
Book tickets for the Field of Miracles, which includes the Leaning Tower of Pisa and three other monuments up to 20 days in advance. This will ensure your day tour to Pisa from Rome is more enjoyable.

Pisa: Day Trips and Tours from Rome