Are you planning a cruise to Florence, Italy? If so, you might be wondering where exactly your ship will dock.
Florence is not actually a coastal city, but it is possible to reach it by boat thanks to the port of Livorno, located about an hour away by car. Here’s what you need to know about where cruise ships dock in Florence.
Port of Livorno
The vast majority of cruise ships that visit Florence dock at the port of Livorno. This port is located on the western coast of Tuscany and serves as a gateway to several nearby cities, including Florence. When your ship docks in Livorno, you’ll have a few different options for how to get to Florence.
Shuttle Bus
Some cruise lines offer shuttle buses from the port of Livorno directly to Florence. This can be a convenient option if you don’t want to worry about arranging transportation yourself. However, keep in mind that these shuttle buses can be quite expensive and may require advance booking.
Taxi
Another option for getting from Livorno to Florence is by taxi. There are usually plenty of taxis waiting at the port when cruise ships arrive. However, be aware that this can also be an expensive option, especially if you’re traveling with a group.
Train
By far the most popular way to get from Livorno to Florence is by train. The train station in Livorno is located right next to the port and trains run regularly throughout the day.
The journey takes around 1 hour and tickets are relatively inexpensive. Once you arrive at the train station in Florence (Santa Maria Novella), you can easily explore the city on foot or via public transportation.
Other Ports
While Livorno is by far the most common port for cruise ships visiting Florence, there are a few other options to be aware of. Some smaller ships may dock in the port of Pisa, which is located about 20 minutes from Livorno.
From there, you can take a train or taxi to Florence. Additionally, some luxury cruise lines offer private yacht tours that dock in the port of Marina di Carrara, located about 1.5 hours from Florence.
Conclusion
If you’re planning a cruise to Florence, chances are your ship will dock at the port of Livorno. From there, you’ll have several options for getting to Florence itself, including shuttle buses, taxis, and trains.
Keep in mind that train travel is by far the most popular and economical option. With a little bit of planning ahead of time, you can easily explore all that this beautiful city has to offer!