Welcome to Pisa International Airport (PSA)—Gateway to Italy’s Iconic Leaning Tower

Set just a few kilometers from the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa International Airport (PSA)—also known as Galileo Galilei Airport—serves as a major gateway to Tuscany’s rich cultural and culinary heritage. Whether you’re exploring Renaissance art, savoring regional gastronomy, or heading to nearby gems like Florence or Lucca, PSA provides a convenient and modern travel experience. In this airport guide, you’ll find everything you need to navigate Pisa International Airport, from terminals and transport connections to parking, dining, and travel tips. Let’s begin!

1. Quick Facts & Overview

1. Airport Code: PSA
2. Location: Approximately 1.5 km (1 mile) south of Pisa city center
3. Alternate Name: Galileo Galilei Airport, honoring the famed Italian astronomer
4. Passenger Volume: Over 5 million travelers annually (pre-pandemic figures)
5. Primary Airlines: Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, and more
6. Distance to Florence: Roughly 80 km (50 miles), making PSA a common low-cost alternative for traveling in Tuscany

With straightforward rail links, quick bus transfers, and a prime position near Pisa’s historic center, Pisa International Airport is often the first choice for visitors seeking the best of northern Tuscany.

2. Terminal Layout & Facilities

2.1 Main Terminal

• Check-In Counters: Located on the ground floor, grouped by airline. Self-service kiosks may be available for select carriers.
• Security & Passport Control: Schengen and non-Schengen queues—ensure you follow the correct lane for your flight destination.
• Arrivals Area: Baggage claim belts, customs, and the arrivals hall with easy access to ground transportation just outside.

2.2 Departures

• Boarding Gates: After clearing security, passengers enter a single concourse with gates numbered for ease of navigation.
• Amenities: Duty-free shops, cafés, and waiting lounges. Flight information screens are strategically placed throughout.
• Accessible Services: Wheelchair ramps, disabled restrooms, and reserved seating are available. Contact your airline or PSA’s assistance desk in advance for special needs.

(Note: Pisa’s airport is compact; traveling between check-in, security, and gates is typically quick.)

3. Ground Transportation

3.1 Pisa Mover (Train)

• Direct Rail Link: The Pisa Mover train runs between Pisa International Airport and Pisa Centrale (the city’s main station) in about 5–6 minutes.
• Frequency: Every 5–8 minutes (peak hours), daily from early morning until late evening.
• Tickets & Fares: Purchase from automated machines or ticket offices—about €5 per passenger, check the official website for updates.

3.2 Buses

• Local Bus Services: Multiple routes operated by Compagnia Pisana Trasporti (CPT) connect the airport to Pisa city center, neighboring towns, and the surrounding region.
• Regional Buses: Some lines extend to Florence, Lucca, and coastal destinations, though train travel is often faster for intercity journeys.

3.3 Taxis & Ride-Hailing

• Official Taxis: Located in a queue directly outside arrivals. Expect a €10–€15 fare to central Pisa, varying by time and luggage surcharges.
• Ride-Sharing: Services like Uber are less common in Tuscany but may operate on a limited basis; confirm availability via your smartphone app.

3.4 Car Rentals

• Rental Desks: Major brands—Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt—operate from an on-site car rental facility a short shuttle ride from the arrivals terminal.
• Driving Tips: Tuscany’s roads are generally well-maintained; watch out for ZTL (limited traffic zones) in historic towns, especially in Pisa and Florence.

4. Parking at Pisa International Airport

1. Short-Term Parking (P2)

   • Ideal for quick pick-ups or drop-offs; located adjacent to the main terminal.
   • Higher hourly rates; pay at self-service machines or cashier desks before exiting.

2. Long-Term Parking (P1, P4)

   • Cost-effective for multi-day stays or extended trips.
   • A 5–10 minute walk to the terminal (some lots may offer a shuttle if located further away).

3. Premium Parking (P3)

   • Closer proximity to the terminal building.
   • Offers reserved spots and possibly valet (subject to availability).

(Check the airport’s official website or on-site signage for live parking availability, updated rates, and promotional offers.)

5. Airport Lounges & VIP Services

5.1 Galilei VIP Lounge

• Location: Airside, near gates in the main departures hall.
• Access: Business Class/First Class travelers on select airlines, frequent flyer elites, or via day-pass purchase if capacity allows.
• Amenities: Complimentary beverages, snacks, free Wi-Fi, power outlets, reading materials. Some premium lounges may also offer shower facilities—confirm in advance.

5.2 Fast Track Security

• Eligibility: First/Business Class tickets, frequent flyer status, or pass purchase from certain airlines.
• Benefits: Priority lane through security checks, saving time during peak hours.

6. Dining & Shopping

6.1 Food & Beverage

• Local Tuscan Flavors: Panini, pizza al taglio, fresh pastries, and espresso bars for a quintessentially Italian airport experience.
• Fast Food & International Chains: Options like Burger King or cafés offering sandwiches, salads, and quick bites.
• Wine & Specialty Shops: Sample regional wines, olive oils, and artisanal goods—perfect for last-minute souvenirs.

6.2 Duty-Free & Retail

• Duty-Free: Perfumes, cosmetics, spirits, and tobacco products at tax-reduced prices for non-EU travelers.
• Souvenir Shops: Miniature Leaning Tower replicas, postcards, Tuscan ceramics, and leather accessories.
• Convenience Stores: Newspapers, magazines, snacks, and essential travel items (neck pillows, chargers, toiletries).

7. Nearby Accommodations

1. Hotel Galilei

   • Located about 1 km from the terminal.
   • Offers shuttle services (check schedules), on-site restaurant, and business facilities.

2. NH Pisa

   • Across from Pisa Centrale station—easily connected to the airport by Pisa Mover.
   • Mid-range rooms and convenient access to city attractions.

3. Grand Hotel Duomo

   • Closer to the Leaning Tower in central Pisa, about a 10–15 minute taxi ride from Pisa International Airport.
   • Rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Pisa’s skyline.

8. Top Attractions Near Pisa International Airport

1. Leaning Tower of Pisa

   • Iconic architectural wonder, part of the stunning Piazza dei Miracoli complex. Book timed-entry tickets in advance, especially in peak season.

2. Piazza dei Miracoli

   • Includes the Cathedral (Duomo), Baptistery, and the Camposanto Monumentale. UNESCO World Heritage Site brimming with medieval art and history.

3. River Arno & Lungarno

   • Take a leisurely stroll along Pisa’s Arno River, passing by charming pastel-colored houses and bustling cafés.

4. Lucca

   • A 30-minute drive from Pisa, known for its intact Renaissance-era city walls, cobblestone streets, and Romanesque churches.

5. Florence (Firenze)

   • Easily reachable by train or car—approx. 1–1.5 hours away. Explore the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and the Duomo.

9. Travel Tips for Pisa International Airport

1. Arrive Early: Aim for at least 1.5–2 hours prior to departure for short-haul European flights, especially during busy tourist seasons.
2. Check Airline Requirements: Low-cost carriers like Ryanair often have strict carry-on luggage policies—avoid last-minute fees by confirming dimensions and weight limits.
3. Pre-Book Tickets: Pisa Mover train, local buses, and some tours can sell out in high season; consider buying online in advance.
4. Secure Documents: Keep passports, boarding passes, and EU Digital COVID Certificates (if applicable) readily accessible for checks.
5. Explore the City: If you have a longer layover, store your luggage at Pisa Centrale station (if you can’t find lockers at the airport) and enjoy a quick trip to the Leaning Tower.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How far is Pisa International Airport from the Leaning Tower?
A: Approximately 4 km (2.5 miles). A 10–15 minute drive or a short train/bus ride to central Pisa, followed by a pleasant walk through the historical center.

Q2: Is there free Wi-Fi at PSA?
A: Yes. Connect to “PSA Free WiFi” within the terminal. Check usage guidelines or time limits on the airport’s official website.

Q3: Are taxis metered or fixed fare?
A: Generally metered; surcharges may apply for luggage, late-night travel, or Sundays. Always confirm approximate fare before starting your journey.

Q4: Does Pisa Airport have a luggage storage facility?
A: Currently, the airport may not offer an official left-luggage office. Inquire with the information desk or consider storing bags at Pisa Centrale station if needed.

Q5: What’s the best way to reach Florence from Pisa Airport?
A: Take the Pisa Mover to Pisa Centrale, then board a direct Trenitalia service to Florence Santa Maria Novella station (approx. 60–80 minutes travel time).

Conclusion

From its convenient rail links to the heart of Pisa’s historic center to its strategic position for exploring Florence and the broader Tuscany region, Pisa International Airport (PSA) truly stands as a traveler’s hub. Whether you’re here for a quick visit to the Leaning Tower, embarking on a grand Italian tour, or connecting flights to Europe’s major capitals, PSA’s compact layout and user-friendly services ensure a pleasant start or end to your journey. Bookmark this airport guide on airport.co for all the latest on transport, parking, dining, and top local attractions—and prepare to enjoy the timeless charm of Tuscany as soon as you land.