Florence Airport wins on distance, Pisa often wins on airfare — here's a genuinely useful comparison for choosing your Tuscany gateway.
Tuscany has two realistic flight gateways, and which one makes sense depends less on the airport itself than on where you're flying from and what you're prioritising.
Whichever Tuscan airport you land at, book a fixed-price private transfer straight to your hotel.
Get a Free Quote →Distance: Florence Wins Clearly
Florence Peretola (FLR) is just 5km from the historic centre — one of the most convenient airport-to-city distances in Italy. Pisa International (PSA) is roughly 80km from Florence, about an hour's drive.
| Florence (FLR) | Pisa (PSA) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance to Florence centre | ~5 km | ~80 km |
| Private transfer time | 15–20 minutes | ~1 hour |
| Airlines | Fewer, often pricier | Wide low-cost network (Ryanair, easyJet) |
| Best for | Florence-focused trips | Wider Tuscany road trips |
When Florence Airport Makes More Sense
If you're mainly staying in or visiting Florence itself and want the shortest possible transfer, Florence Airport is the clear choice — a private transfer takes just 15 to 20 minutes into the historic centre.
When Pisa Airport Makes More Sense
Pisa is generally the better pick if you're chasing the widest flight availability and lowest fares, particularly with budget carriers, or if you're planning to explore Tuscany more broadly — Pisa itself, Lucca, and the wider region are all closer to Pisa Airport than to Florence.
Landing at either Tuscan airport? Fixed pricing, professional drivers, door-to-door service.
See Florence Transfer Service →The Real Trade-Off: Fare Savings vs Transfer Time
Many travellers land at Pisa specifically because the airfare is cheaper than flying directly into Florence, then accept the roughly hour-long transfer as the cost of that saving. Whether that trade makes sense depends on how much you're actually saving versus how much a longer transfer bothers you — for many, it's a straightforward win.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport is closer to Florence?
Florence Airport, by a wide margin — just 5km away versus Pisa's roughly 80km.
Why do so many people fly into Pisa instead of Florence?
Pisa is served by a much wider range of low-cost carriers, often at significantly lower fares than flying directly into Florence.
How long is the transfer from Pisa to Florence?
Around 1 hour via a scenic route through the Tuscan countryside.
Is Pisa Airport better for exploring wider Tuscany?
Often yes — Pisa, Lucca and several Tuscan towns are closer to Pisa Airport than to Florence, making it a practical base for a broader road trip.
Can I visit the Leaning Tower if I fly into Pisa?
Yes — it's just 10 minutes from Pisa Airport, an easy stop before continuing to Florence or elsewhere in Tuscany.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport is closer to Florence?+−
Why do so many people fly into Pisa instead of Florence?+−
How long is the transfer from Pisa to Florence?+−
Is Pisa Airport better for exploring wider Tuscany?+−
Can I visit the Leaning Tower if I fly into Pisa?+−
Ready to Travel Italy Stress-Free?
Book a professional private taxi or airport transfer anywhere in Italy. Fixed prices, NCC-licensed drivers, meet & greet service — 24/7.
Written by
Italy Taxi Service Team
Expert travel writers sharing firsthand knowledge about transportation, airport transfers, and city navigation across Italy.
