Livorno Cruise Port Guide: What to Do in Port & Best Day Trips
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Livorno sits on the northwest coast of Italy and serves as the main gateway to Tuscany, especially for cruisers heading to Pisa and Florence.
The cruise terminal is located in the industrial port area, and a shuttle takes you closer to the city or train station.
I visited Livorno during a cruise stop and spent the day wandering through the town, which turned out to be a lot more interesting than I expected.
In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know about the Livorno cruise port, how to get around, what to do in town, and the best day trips if you’re heading inland, including Pisa and Florence.
Livorno Cruise Port Overview
Livorno is one of the largest seaports in the Mediterranean and the third-largest port in Italy.
It has two main cruise docking areas: Porto Industriale in the north and Porto Mediceo in the south, closer to the city center.
⚓ Porto Industriale and How to Reach the City
This is where most cruise ships dock — a large industrial terminal located in the northern part of the harbor, just 3 km from Piazza Grande in Livorno’s city center, about a 10-minute ride away.
It features three main berths that can accommodate large vessels, plus several other piers, allowing up to eight cruise ships at the same time.
The newer Alto Fondale terminal at Calata Punto Franco is also part of this area. It’s mostly used for ferries and cruise ships that start or end their journey in Livorno.
Porto Industriale is busy and noisy, as it also serves ferries to Sardinia and Corsica.
Walking around the port is not allowed, so cruise passengers are required to take a complimentary shuttle to the port entrance.
The free shuttle bus will drop you off at the terminal building near the main port gate. Here, you’ll find an ATM, tourist information office, taxis, car rental desks, tour operators, and free Wi-Fi.
Right in front of the ship, you’ll usually see taxis and a small tourist information kiosk.
From here, you can take a paid shuttle to the city center, with tickets available for cash before boarding. The ride takes less than 10 minutes and drops you off at Piazza Grande.
If you’ve booked a cruise line shore excursion, your tour buses will be waiting outside the terminal.
For independently booked tours, your transport will meet you at the port entrance — you’ll need to take the free shuttle to reach them.
⚓ Porto Mediceo (Old Port)
Porto Mediceo (a historic Medici port) is located in the southern part of the Livorno harbour and is used by smaller cruise ships and yachts.
It has two berths, located within 10–15 minutes walking distance from the city center. In the cruise terminal, you’ll find a tourist information kiosk, taxis, and a car rental service.
Getting Around Livorno from the Cruise Port
🚌 Getting to Livorno City Center
The easiest way to reach the city center is by a paid shuttle bus (around €7 round-trip) that picks you up at the terminal building and drops you off at Piazza Grande, the main square. From there, you can easily explore Livorno on foot.
If your ship docks at Porto Mediceo, the city is just a 10–15-minute walk, or you can catch a local bus nearby.
🚆 Getting to Livorno Centrale Train Station
If you’re planning to take a train to Pisa, Florence, Lucca, or other cities, here are your options:
- Shuttle + bus: Take the port shuttle to Piazza Grande, then catch bus #1 (LAM BLU) in front of the Cathedral (Duomo). Tickets are sold at Tabacchi shops and newsstands along Via Grande and Via Claudio Cogorano. The ride to Livorno Centrale takes only 5 minutes.
- Walking: The station is about 30 minutes on foot from the city center if you’re not in a rush.
- Taxi: Taxis are available outside the terminal. A ride to the station takes about 10–15 minutes and can fit up to 6 passengers.
If you’re planning to take the train for a day trip, make sure to check the schedules in advance on Trenitalia.com. Train strikes in Italy do happen from time to time, so it’s always smart to have a backup plan just in case your train is delayed or canceled.
🚌 Local Public Transportation
Livorno has a solid public transport network. The main bus lines for cruisers are:
- LAM BLU (Bus #1) — connects Piazza Grande with Livorno Centrale
- LAM ROSSA (Bus #2) — covers other key areas in town
If you’re docked at Porto Mediceo, there’s a bus stop within walking distance where you can catch the LAM BLU bus to the center.
🚍 Livorno Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
A Hop-On Hop-Off bus runs from the cruise shuttle stop and operates hourly. The full loop lasts about 60 minutes, with audio guides available in multiple languages — a great option if you want to explore Livorno at your own pace.
👉 Browse Hop-On Hop-Off tours and other top-rated Livorno excursions on Viator or GetYourGuide.
Practical Tips for Cruise Visitors
💶 Currency & Payments
The official currency in Italy is the euro (€). Major credit cards are widely accepted, but small shops and cafés may only take cash, so carry some euros with you.
✈️ Airports Near Livorno
- Pisa International Airport (PSA) is the closest airport to the port, located about 25 km away, roughly a 30-minute drive.
- Florence Airport (FLR) is further inland, around 90 km from Livorno, and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes by car.
👉 You can book a private transfer to or from Livorno cruise port for a more comfortable and stress-free journey
📶 Wi-Fi & Connectivity
Wi-Fi is available at the cruise terminal and in many cafés and public areas in Livorno, but it’s not always reliable.
I personally use an Airalo eSIM for mobile data while traveling — it’s fast, easy to set up, and works across Italy without any roaming hassle.
🔗 Tours, Where to Stay & Car Rental
If you’re planning ahead for your stop in Livorno, here are some useful options to consider:
🚐 Shore Excursions & Tours – You can browse top-rated tours and shore excursions on Viator or GetYourGuide, whether you’re heading to Florence, Pisa, or just want to explore Livorno at your own pace.
🏨 Where to Stay in Livorno – If you’re arriving before your cruise, Livorno’s city center has plenty of accommodation options, from small B&Bs to hotels within walking distance of restaurants and shops. Check availability and deals on Booking.com
🚗 Car Rental – If you’re planning to explore Tuscany on your own, renting a car can give you more flexibility, especially for visiting smaller towns like Volterra or San Gimignano. Just keep in mind that parking in historic centers is often limited and may require a bit of walking. Compare rental car options in Livorno here
Planning More Cruise Stops?
If you’re visiting Livorno as part of a longer Mediterranean cruise, you’ll love my Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide.
It’s packed with insider tips, port overviews, and the best things to do in over 40 ports — including Livorno, Rome, Naples, and more.
Top Things to Do in Livorno Near the Cruise Port
If you decide to stay close to the ship, don’t miss the chance to explore Livorno’s city center — it’s walkable, authentic, and full of interesting sights.
Once the shuttle drops you off at Piazza Grande, you can easily explore most city highlights on foot.
🏰 Fortezza Vecchia
Located right by the port entrance, Fortezza Vecchia is a 16th-century fortress with three massive bastions.
It once served as a defensive stronghold for the Medici family and offers great views of the harbor. It’s one of the first things you’ll see when entering the city from the cruise terminal.
⛪ Cathedral of San Francesco (Duomo)
This 17th-century cathedral dominates Piazza Grande and Via Grande, Livorno’s main thoroughfare. It was heavily damaged in WWII and rebuilt in the 1950s, preserving its Renaissance design and beautiful interior.
Just a short walk away is the Jewish Synagogue, a modern replacement for the one destroyed during the war.
🛶 Venezia Nuova (Venice Quarter)
Less than a 10-minute walk north of the cathedral lies Livorno’s most unique district — Venezia Nuova.
With its quiet canals, bridges, and pastel facades, this area feels like a mini Venice.
It largely survived WWII bombings and retains its historic character. Nearby, visit the Church of St. Catherine and Fortezza Nuova, a 17th-century fort turned public park.
👣 If you’d rather explore Livorno with a local, you can join a guided walking tour and get to know the city’s history, canals, and hidden spots along the way.
🧺 Central Market (Mercato Centrale)
A local favorite, Mercato delle Vettovaglie is housed in a beautiful 19th-century building filled with over 200 stalls selling everything from fresh seafood and meats to coffee, cheese, and pastries.
It’s the perfect place to sample local flavors and feel the pulse of Livorno.
🖼️ Civic Museum “Giovanni Fattori”
About a 30-minute walk or 10-minute drive south of the city center, this museum is dedicated to Giovanni Fattori, one of Italy’s great 19th-century painters and a leader of the Macchiaioli movement.
You’ll also find works by other artists from the same period.
🗿 Monument of the Four Moors
Standing at the start of Via Grande, near Porto Mediceo, the Monumento dei Quattro Mori commemorates Grand Duke Ferdinando I’s victories over the Ottomans. It’s one of Livorno’s most photographed landmarks.
🌅 Terrazza Mascagni
A 30-minute walk south of the city center, this elegant seaside promenade offers sweeping sea views from its iconic black-and-white checkerboard floor.
You’ll find cafés, benches, and even the Livorno Aquarium, which showcases Mediterranean marine life. Book your Aquarium ticket here
🍝 Food & Shopping
Whether you’re after a relaxed lunch or some quick souvenir shopping, Livorno has plenty of restaurants, cafés, and shops right in the city center.
It’s a great place to sample authentic Tuscan dishes or just enjoy a glass of wine before heading back to the ship.
🍷 If you’re into local flavors, consider booking a food or market tour in Livorno — it’s a great way to taste regional specialties and explore the city with a local guide.
🚌 Livorno Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
If you’d rather not walk, the Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing bus is a great option.
Buses depart from Piazza Grande (Via Cogorano) and stop at all the major sights, including Teatro Goldoni and the Old English Cemetery. They also pick up directly at the cruise terminal.
👉 Check out Hop-On Hop-Off tours on Viator or GetYourGuide
Best Day Trips from Livorno Cruise Port
🏛️ Pisa and the Iconic Leaning Tower
Known worldwide for its legendary Leaning Tower, Pisa is one of Italy’s most iconic cities and an easy day trip from Livorno — located just 26 km away, or about 45–50 minutes by car.
The tower stands in the stunning Field of Miracles (Campo dei Miracoli), a UNESCO World Heritage Site also home to the Cathedral, Baptistery, and Camposanto — some of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in Italy.
This area is full of cafés, souvenir stalls, and photo ops, including the classic “holding up the tower” shot.
Climbing the tower is a bucket-list experience, but be prepared for 300 spiral steps. Children under 8 aren’t allowed, and tickets must be booked for a timed entry in advance.
There’s no elevator, so the climb isn’t accessible, but you can still admire it from the ground.
How to Get to Pisa from Livorno Cruise Port
- By Train: Take a train from Livorno Centrale to Pisa Centrale (runs every 10–15 minutes, takes about 15 minutes). From Pisa Centrale, it’s a 20-minute walk to the tower.
- By Bus: Bus #10 departs from Piazza della Repubblica in Livorno (5 mins from Piazza Grande). It runs every 30 minutes and takes about 1 hour to reach Pisa, stopping near the train station.
- By Taxi or Private Transfer: A taxi ride from the port takes about 35-40 minutes (25 km), but taxis in Italy can be pricey. A private transfer is often a better value for groups. Compare private Pisa transfers here
- By Shore Excursion: Cruise lines and independent operators offer various Pisa tours — some include tower entry, others just transfers and free time. You can also browse Pisa tours on Viator or GetYourGuide
🖼️ Florence – The Heart of the Renaissance
If it’s your first time in Tuscany, Florence is a must. Known as the cradle of the Renaissance, this stunning city is packed with world-famous art, architecture, and cultural treasures. It’s about 90 km from Livorno, and getting there takes around 1 hour 30 minutes by car.
While you’d ideally want a couple of days to explore it all, a day trip still gives you time to see the highlights, especially if you join a guided walking tour. A local guide will help you make the most of your visit and uncover Florence’s hidden corners.
🎟️ If you’re visiting Florence on your own, make sure to book skip-the-line tickets in advance, especially during peak season — top attractions sell out fast!
Some of the top places to visit include:
- Porcellino Fountain – rub the boar’s nose for good luck and a return to Florence
- Uffizi Gallery – a must for art lovers
- Galleria dell’Accademia – home to Michelangelo’s original David
- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo) – iconic red dome, panoramic views if you climb it
- Piazza della Signoria – statues, fountains, and Palazzo Vecchio
- Basilica of Santa Maria Novella – Gothic and Renaissance frescoes
- Ponte Vecchio – the famous medieval bridge lined with jewelry shops
How to Get to Florence from Livorno Cruise Port
- By Shore Excursion: Florence is about 90 km (56 miles) from the port, so due to distance and time limits, I highly recommend booking an organized tour, either through your cruise line or a trusted operator.
- By Train: From Livorno Centrale, take a train to Firenze Santa Maria Novella (runs 2–3 times/hour, takes about 1h 20–40 minutes). From the station, major sights like the Duomo are a 10-minute walk.
- By Private Transfer: A private car offers comfort and flexibility, especially if you’re traveling as a small group.
🏰 Lucca – A Walled City Full of History and Views
If you’ve already been to Pisa and Florence, Lucca is a quieter but equally impressive alternative.
This beautiful Tuscan town has preserved its medieval center and is still completely surrounded by intact Renaissance-era walls, perfect for walking or cycling.
Known as the city of 100 towers and 100 churches, Lucca is also the birthplace of famous composers Giacomo Puccini and Luigi Boccherini.
Don’t miss Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, a unique oval-shaped square built over a 2nd-century Roman amphitheater.
Other must-sees include the striking Church of San Michele in Foro, topped with a statue of Archangel Michael, and the Guinigi Tower, known for its rooftop garden and panoramic views after a 230-step climb.
Just a short walk away, the Torre delle Ore (Clock Tower) is Lucca’s tallest, with a manual clock mechanism you can observe as you climb. Both towers offer fantastic views over the city and nearby hills.
🗺️ Signs throughout the old town mark a self-guided walking route — a great way to explore Lucca at your own pace. But if you prefer, a guided walking tour is a great option to dive deeper into the city’s history and hidden spots.
How to Get to Lucca from Livorno Cruise Port
- Lucca is about 50 km (30 miles) from the port. The easiest and most affordable way to get there is by train — take a train from Livorno Centrale to Pisa Centrale, then transfer to a train for Lucca. Trains run frequently, and the full trip takes around 1 hour.
- A taxi or private transfer takes about 45 minutes and is a more convenient option if you’re short on time or traveling in a group.
- You can also book a shore excursion through your cruise line or a local tour company. Browse Lucca tours and activities from Livorno
🌿 Cinque Terre – Italy’s Cliffside Villages
Cinque Terre (“five towns”) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and national park made up of five colorful villages perched along the cliffs of the Italian Riviera, about 110 km (68 miles) north of Livorno.
The villages — Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare — date back to the Middle Ages and are linked by hiking trails, trains, and boat routes.
While you can explore them on foot or by train (which runs every few minutes between the towns), seeing them by boat offers the most stunning views of the coast and cliffs.
🌄 This trip is best done on a guided tour from Livorno cruise port, as the logistics can be tricky on your own.
👉 I wrote more about this incredible destination in these posts:
How to Visit Cinque Terre from La Spezia Cruise Port | La Spezia Cruise Port Guide | Cruise Excursion: Jewels of Cinque Terre
🏯 San Gimignano – Tuscany’s Town of Towers
Located about 83 km (52 miles) from Livorno, San Gimignano is a small hilltop town in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, known for its medieval towers, cobbled streets, and views over the Chianti wine region. The drive takes around 1 hour 30 minutes each way.
Often called the “Town of Fine Towers,” San Gimignano has preserved a dozen original tower houses that give the skyline its distinctive look.
The town is full of Gothic and Romanesque architecture, churches, piazzas, and family-run shops selling local wine and olive oil.
Top sights include the Collegiate Church (Collegiata), Church of Sant’Agostino, Palazzo Comunale (with its art gallery), Piazza della Cisterna, Torre Grossa (the tallest tower at 54 meters), and Torri dei Salvucci.
How to Visit San Gimignano from Livorno Cruise Port
You can visit San Gimignano on a guided day tour from Livorno, which is a great option if you want to avoid the hassle of driving or taking the train. Some tours include wine tasting or short stops in nearby towns, so make sure to check the itinerary if you want more time in San Gimignano.
You can also rent a car and drive yourself — there are several paid parking lots just outside the city walls.
🚆 If you’re traveling independently by public transport, take a train from Livorno Centrale to Poggibonsi-S. Gimignano, with one change in Empoli. The trip takes about 1 hour 40 minutes.
🏛️ Siena – Medieval Majesty in the Heart of Tuscany
Located about 130 km (81 miles) southeast of Livorno, Siena is one of Italy’s most visited cities, known for its UNESCO-listed historic center, medieval architecture, and rich banking history.
It takes around 2 hours by car each way, so if you’re planning a visit, a guided shore excursion is your best bet.
If you decide to explore Siena in a day on your own, the top sights include the stunning Piazza del Campo, home to the famous Palio horse race, the towering Torre del Mangia, the impressive Siena Cathedral (Duomo), and Palazzo Salimbeni, a 14th-century Gothic palace in the heart of town.
Due to the distance, I recommend booking a shore excursion or private transfer to make the most of your time.
🚆 Trains from Livorno Centrale run about once per hour, with a change in Empoli, but the journey takes at least 2 hours each way and isn’t ideal on a short port stop.
👉 Browse Siena day tours and activities from Livorno
⛰️ Volterra – Etruscan History on a Hilltop
Located about 72 km (45 miles) from Livorno, Volterra is a mountaintop town known for its Etruscan, Roman, and medieval ruins. The drive takes just over an hour, which is a great option for a day trip from the port.
Highlights include the Roman Theater from the 1st century BC, Piazza dei Priori with its 13th-century town hall, the Volterra Cathedral, the Etruscan Museum (Mario Guarnacci), and the remains of the Etruscan Acropolis.
Due to its location, the easiest way to visit is by shore excursion or private transfer. If you’re going independently, you can also rent a car.
🚆 Trains from Livorno to Volterra-Saline-Pomarance (with a change in Cecina) take about 1h 30m, followed by a 25-minute local bus ride. However, train and bus schedules are limited, so careful planning is essential.
👉 To skip the hassle, I recommend booking a tour: Check out Volterra tours from Livorno
Frequently Asked Questions About Livorno Cruise Port
❓ Can I walk to the city center from the cruise port?
It depends where your ship docks. Some berths are closer to town, but most cruisers will need to take the port shuttle to get to Piazza Grande. Walking from Porto Industriale isn’t allowed.
❓ Is there a shuttle from Livorno port to the city?
Yes, most cruise lines offer a shuttle bus that drops you near the city center. Sometimes it’s free, and sometimes there’s a small fee (around €5–€7 round-trip), payable before boarding.
❓ How far is Florence from Livorno cruise port?
Florence is about 90 km (56 miles) away, and it takes roughly 2 hours each way by train and shuttle combined. It’s doable on your own, but a shore excursion is often the more relaxed option.
❓ How far is the port from Livorno’s main attractions?
The cruise port is about 3 km from the city center, and the shuttle ride to Piazza Grande takes around 10 minutes.
❓ Should I book a shore excursion to Tuscany?
If you’re planning to visit Florence, Pisa, Lucca, or other inland towns, I highly recommend booking a shore excursion or private tour. It saves you time and avoids the stress of coordinating transport on your own.
❓ How much time do cruise ships stay in Livorno?
Most ships stay in port for 8 to 12 hours, which gives you enough time for a full-day trip or to explore Livorno itself if you want to stay nearby.
Helpful Resources for Your Cruise Stop
🌐 Useful Websites for Livorno Cruise Port
- Find Livorno port on Google Maps
- Livorno Cruise Ship Schedule
- Port of Livorno Official Website
- Livorno Tourism Office
- Trenitalia (official train schedules)
- Local Weather Forecast
🚢 Other Cruise Ports Often Included in the Same Itinerary
Many Mediterranean cruise itineraries that stop in Livorno also include some of these popular ports. Check out my detailed guides to plan your time ashore:
- Barcelona – Iconic sights, food, and lively neighborhoods
- Palma de Mallorca – Beaches, culture, and medieval history
- Ibiza – From quiet villages to famous beach clubs
- Villefranche – Easy access to Nice and Monaco
- Marseille – Gateway to Provence
- Civitavecchia (Rome) – Visit the Eternal City
- Naples – Pompeii, Capri, and Amalfi Coast
- Taormina – Views of Mount Etna and charming streets
- Catania – Sicilian life at the base of a volcano
- Kotor – Stunning fjord-like scenery
- Dubrovnik – Walk the medieval walls
- Madeira – Nature trails and island beauty
You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, USA & Canada, Middle East, Australia & New Zealand
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Great Blog, lots of detailed information on how to get to the many possible excursions, either on your own, shore excursions etc.
Thank you, Roy! I am happy to help!