Livorno Cruise Port Guide &The Best Things to Do
Does your cruise stop in Livorno Italy? Here’s everything you should know about the Livorno Cruise Port.
On the west coast of Italy sits Livrono, a lively port city that is the gateway for cruisers to two of Italy’s most iconic cities: Pisa and Florence.
Perched within Tuscany, this colorful city is the third-largest in the region. Being so conveniently located near many of Italy’s popular attractions, there really is an abundance for cruisers to see and do.
As a travel advisor who specializes in cruises, I have extensive knowledge of cruise ports and the best shore excursions for each.
In this article, I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about Livorno Cruise Port and how to best plan your visit.
Where is Livorno Cruise Port Located?
Livorno Cruise Port is located within the main Port of Livorno which sits right beside Livorno city, on the northwest coast of Italy.
Within the Tuscany region in Italy, Livorno is the closest cruise port to Pisa and Florence.
Pisa is a 40-minute taxi ride or a 20-minute train journey from Livorno Cruise Port and Florence is a 1.5-hour taxi ride or train journey from the cruise terminal.
The Livorno Cruise Port is vast with berths that can accommodate up to 8 cruise ships at any one time. The berths are dotted around the harbor, on different piers.
Beside each berth are a taxi rank, tourist information center, car rental stand, and opportunities to book day trips and tours.
How to Get to Livorno City Center from the Cruise Port
The cruise port is located within a working industrial port and to journey from the cruise port to Livorno city, you’d have to travel through the working part of the port which is in fact not permitted on foot for health and safety reasons.
The good news is that the port offers a shuttle service from the cruise terminal to Piazza Grande, in the city center.
From Piazza Grande, it’s a 30-minute walk to Livorno Centrale, the main train station in the city.
Alternatively, there is a taxi rank beside every cruise terminal so you can grab a taxi directly to your destination.
Are There Free Shuttles From Livorno Cruise Port?
There are shuttle buses to Livorno city center offered to every cruise ship passenger. However, the cost depends on your cruise liner. Some cruise lines offer shuttles for free to their cruise passengers, and others charge a fee that you can expect to be around €5.
Can You Walk into Livorno from Your Cruise Ship?
It isn’t possible to walk from the cruise terminal into Livorno city center.
Health and safety regulations don’t permit walking in the industrial port. Even if it was allowed, the distance between the cruise ship berths and the city is very great and it would take you over an hour to walk into Livorno which isn’t practical.
There are however shuttles available that will take you from Livorno Cruise Port straight into the city of Livorno dropping you at Piazza Grande, a key square in the middle of the city.
Are there Taxis Available from Livorno Cruise Port?
Yes, there is a taxi rank beside every cruise ship in Livorno Cruise Port which will have enough taxis in it to accommodate all passengers looking to get a taxi.
Best Shore Excursions from the Livorno Cruise Port
Livorno Cruise Port is one of the busiest cruise ports in Italy due to its fantastic central location near many of Italy’s most extraordinary attractions.
There’s a host of things to see and do nearby. I’ll delve into some of my favorites below.
1. Leaning Tower of Pisa
Only a 40-minute drive or 20-minute train ride from Livorno city center, the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa really is a must for anyone visiting Livorno! The 56-meter high 14th-century tower can be found in the heart of the city of Pisa.
The tower is located beside the impressive Cattedrale di Pisa (Cathedral), and Battistero di San Giovanni (Baptist Church), enabling you to marvel at a number of incredible landmarks on your visit.
Trains run between Livorno and Pisa a couple of times per hour making it a quick and convenient way to journey between the two cities. From Pisa station, it’s a 20-minute walk to the famous tower.
Guided Tour
- Small group walking tour for a more personalized experience
- Expert local guide with insider knowledge
- Pre-reserved tickets for the leaning tower of Pisa
Florence and Pisa
- Port pick up and drop-off
- Professional guide
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
- Guaranteed on-time return to the pier
Alternatively, buses run every 10 minutes between the station and Torre 1, a bus stop just outside the square where the tower is found.
You can book a guided tour of Pisa which includes admission tickets such as this one.
Another way to reach the Leaning Tower of Pisa is on a guided tour from Livorno. This full-day tour combines a visit to the tower with a trip to Florence, another incredible city in Italy.
2. Florence
Florence is the vibrant capital of the Tuscany region in Italy. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the city is famed for its stunning medieval architecture and monuments as well as museums.
It’s no surprise that a day trip to Florence is a must for many cruisers who arrive at Livorno Cruise Port.
Florence can be reached via train. Trains run from Livorno to Florence several times per day, roughly once per hour. The journey is direct (you don’t need to change trains) and takes 1 and a half hours each way.
Livorno Shore Excursion to Florence
- Hassle-free round-trip transfers from Livorno to Florence
- Convenient pick-up and dropoff points at the cruise port and city center
- A complimentary map of Florence’s historic center to explore on your own
- About 4.5 hours of free time to take in the Renaissance highlights
A taxi between Livorno Cruise Port and Florence also takes 1 and a half hours each way but is considerably more expensive than the train.
Perhaps the easiest way to visit Florence is via an arranged shore excursion with a guide, such as this one. The tour takes you directly from Livorno Cruise Port to Florence and allows you over 4 hours to see the highlights of the city.
3. Cinque Terre
Just north of Livorno is a beautiful stretch of coastline known as Cinque Terre, characterized by colorful settlements which are stacked upon cliffs in bays that arc around turquoise waters.
The area encompasses 5 fishing villages, which make up part of the Cinque Terre National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty.
You can journey to Cinque Terre from Livorno Cruise Port via taxi. Alternatively, you can book a tour. This private tour spans over 8 hours and visits different villages along the coastline.
Private Tour
- Private luxury vehicle with driver for 8 hours
- Private official tour guide for 4 hours in Cinque Terre
- Private pick up and drop off in Livorno Cruise Port
- Local Taxes
- Private Tour
Cinque Terre and Pisa
- All Fees and Taxes
- Private transportation
- WiFi on board
- Bottled water
- Pisa driving tour plus a stop at the Leaning Tower, Duomo, and Baptistery
There are tours available that combine a visit to Cinque Terre with Pisa, such as this one. This is perfect if you wish to visit both beautiful locations during your day in Livorno.
4. San Gimignano
Nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany is this charming town, oozing with history and encircled by 13th-century walls. The UNESCO World Heritage Site town is famous for its incredible medieval architecture and striking 11 towers.
Not only is the town itself gorgeous to admire, but it’s surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards.
One of the best things to do in San Gimignano is to try some of the delicious locally-produced wine and produce. This food and wine-tasting tour has exceptional online reviews and allows you to sample local cuisine from a traditional organic farm.
Food and Wine Tasting
- Visit a family-run organic farm and winery
- Taste three wines
- End with wine and “cantucci” biscuits
Cooking Class
- Learn how to make traditional Tuscan dishes in a local farmhouse kitchen
- Prepare up to six course
Volterra & San Gimignano
- Sample five different Chianti wines
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Bottled water
- Lunch
San Gimignano is also the perfect location to try a traditional Tuscan cooking class.
The best way to reach San Gimignano from Livorno port is to take a taxi. The journey should take around 1 and a half hours.
Another great way to visit the town is on a shore excursion tour, such as this one, which visits both San Gimignano and Volterra, another gorgeous town.
5. Fortezza Vecchia
One of the main attractions in Livorno itself is this 11th-century fort which is right in the middle of Livorno port. It’s a spectacular fortress that is well worth admiring either before or after your main shore excursion.
This fortress, also known as the Old Fort, is the symbol of Livorno. It’s open from Tuesdays to Sundays, 9am to 8pm and is free to visit. There is a cafe right next to the fort called Fortezza.
6. Wine Tasting
Tuscany is an area that’s renowned for its wine production. Therefore, if you’re into your wines, embarking on a wine tasting tour really is one of the best ways to get to know the region.
This full-day wine tour starts in Livorno and takes you to some charming spots where you can sample the local wine. You’ll also have the opportunity to wander round Livorno city and even explore the bustling local market.
Full Day Wine Tour
- Survey the city’s two impressive fortresses
- Sanctuary of Montenero
- Stop at one of Bolgheri’s prestigious wineries to tour the cellars
- Village of Castagneto Carducci
Chianti and Tuscany
- Explore the Tuscan countryside
- Learn about Chianti wines from your private driver-guide
- Sample local wine and olive oil in Chianti
This private wine tour takes you to the Chianti wine region where you will visit vineyards and learn all about the wine-making process before getting to sample some. The tour will pick you up and drop you off right by your cruise ship.
7. Lucca
Just 1 hour north from Livorno via road is Lucca, a city perched on the Serchio river. Nestled at the base of the Apuan Alps, this striking city is steeped in history, housing beautiful ancient churches, a clock tower and even traces of a Roman amphitheater, which are hidden behind the city walls.
It’s a 45 taxi ride to reach Lucca. Alternatively, Lucca can be reached via train. In order to visit the city, you’ll have to change trains in Pisa. The train to Pisa from Livorno takes 20 minutes and the second train from Pisa to Lucca takes 30 minutes.
Tours of Lucca from Livorno are also available. Sitting just north of Pisa, many tours combine a visit to both cities, such as this one.
Livorno to Lucc
- Free WiFi on-board On-board
- Walking tour in Lucca with escort
- Free map of Lucca and Pisa
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Access to the Leaning Tower
8. Livorno City
For your day docked at Livorno Cruise Port, you may simply wish to explore the surrounding city, which although not as well known as Pisa or Florence, houses its own unique gems.
One of the best ways to explore the city is via a food and market tour. This walking tour takes you to Livrono’s central market, known as Mercato Centrale.
This is in fact one of the largest markets in Europe. At this lively market, you’ll be able to sample local dishes, snacks, and drinks.
If you are interested in seeing the key sights of the city then a hop-on hop-off bus tour of Livorno may be what you’re looking for.
Getting From Livorno Airport to the Cruise Port
The closest airport to the Livorno cruise terminal is Pisa Airport which is 20 km (12.4 miles) north of Livorno.
The easiest way to travel between Pisa Airport and Livorno Cruise Port is by taxi or private transfer which typically takes between 20 and 30 minutes.
🚘 Book a private transfer to the cruise port here
Taking the train is also an option, although it takes considerably longer and may be challenging if you have lots of luggage.
It’s roughly a 20-minute walk between Pisa Airport and Pisa Centrale, the train station. It’s then a 20-minute train journey to Livorno station, followed by a 30-minute walk to Piazza Grande, where the shuttle buses to the cruise port stop.
Places to Stay Near Livorno Cruise Port
If you are looking for a convenient place to stay near Livorno Cruise Port then Agave in Città, a highly rated apartment with fantastic views over the canal is a fantastic option.
Boasting exceptional online reviews, this accommodation is conveniently located very close to the cruise port, just 600 meters away. A concierge, bar, and indoor pool are stationed at the property.
A little further away from the cruise port is 900 B&B, a charming B&B in a beautifully restored building that serves a selection of fresh pastries for breakfast.
Hotel Universal is another great option, although it sits just outside the city. Perched right on the seafront, the views from this hotel are exceptional.
Best Time to Visit Livorno
The best time to visit Tuscany is between April and October when the weather is more favorable. The height of summer (June, July, and August) will provide the best weather. The summer months are also the busiest time to visit Livorno and key sights can be very crowded.
➡️ To strike the best balance between good weather and fewer crowds, I’d recommend visiting Tuscany outside of the holiday season. April, May, September, and October are all great months.
Cruise Lines that Visit Livorno Cruise Port
A large number of cruise liners stop at Livorno Cruise Port. These include:
- MSC Cruises
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Fred Olsen
- Viking Ocean
- Royal Caribbean
- Disney Cruise Line
- Marella Cruises
- P&O Cruises
- Saga Ocean Cruises
- Princess Cruises
Livorno Cruise Port FAQS
How far is Livorno Center from the cruise port?
How to get to Livorno train station from the cruise port
The easiest way is via taxi. A taxi rank beside each cruise ship allows you to journey directly from your cruise ship to the train station, which will take around 15 minutes.
Alternatively, you can take the shuttle bus from the cruise port to Piazza Grande in the city center, and from there, it’s a 30-minute walk to Linorvo Train Station.
How far is Pisa from the cruise port?
How far is Florence from Livorno cruise port?
Can you see Florence and Pisa on the same day?
I’d recommend journeying between the two cities via either taxi or as part of a tour. Taking public transport such as the train will certainly be more challenging.
There are a number of guided tours available which will take you to both cities, such as this one.
Final Thoughts on the Livorno Cruise Port
Livorno Cruise Port is a great destination to stop at on your cruise as it allows you the opportunity to visit some of the most iconic cities in Italy, such as Pisa and Florence.
The shuttle bus service offered by the port means it’s very easy to journey into the city and the number of shore excursions on offer here means that there really is no shortage of things to do.
