Pisa Airport is one of the easiest airports to navigate with children. The terminal is small, distances are short, and the city is minutes away. The challenge only increases if you are heading to Florence or further into Tuscany.
Getting through the airport
The terminal is compact. Walks from the gate to baggage claim are brief. Schengen arrivals skip passport control entirely. Baby-changing facilities are available. The arrivals area has a small cafe, but bring snacks if your children will be hungry since options are limited.
Trolleys are available near the carousels. The exit to transport is a short walk from the arrivals hall.
Heading to Pisa with kids
Pisa centre is only 2 km from the airport. A taxi takes 5-10 minutes. Even with a stroller, bags, and tired children, this journey is barely noticeable. The bus is also fine for Pisa, though managing luggage on a city bus with small children adds minor friction.
Heading to Florence with kids
This is where families need to plan. The PisaMover plus train route is efficient but involves: walking from arrivals to the PisaMover, riding to Pisa Centrale, navigating the station, boarding a train, riding for 50-80 minutes, arriving at Florence SMN, and then finding onward transport to your hotel. With two adults and older children, this is manageable. With toddlers, a stroller, car seats, and heavy luggage, it becomes exhausting.
A direct transfer from Pisa Airport to your Florence hotel takes about 60-90 minutes by car. Everyone stays in one vehicle, luggage goes in the boot, and the driver delivers you to your accommodation. For families, the price (EUR 100-160 for a sedan) is often worth the reduction in stress.
Child car seats
Italian law requires appropriate child restraints for children under 150 cm. Taxis at the airport rank do not carry them. The short ride to Pisa centre is low-speed and brief, but for the 80 km autostrada journey to Florence, a child seat is important.
Pre-booked transfer services can provide child seats and booster seats if you specify your children's ages when booking. This is the most reliable way to ensure they are available.
If renting a car, child seats can be added to the reservation. Book early, as they sometimes sell out during peak periods.
Practical tips for families
- If heading to Florence by train, the PisaMover has space for strollers and bags but can be crowded. The trains have some luggage racks but limited space for bulky items.
- Florence's historic centre is largely pedestrianized, which is good for families but means vehicles (taxis and transfers) may need to drop you near your hotel rather than at the door.
- Tuscany in summer is hot. If arriving midday, have water and sun protection ready for your children during any outdoor walking.
- If your accommodation is in rural Tuscany (a villa or agriturismo), a rental car or transfer is the only practical option. Public transport to the countryside is minimal.
- The Leaning Tower is about 3 km from the airport. If you have a layover or early check-in, it is a feasible detour for families, either by bus or a very short taxi ride.