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Florence to Lucca day trip; How To Do It Best

As I travel to every country in Europe overland Florence remains my base, and an awesome one at that, while I continue to day trip from there. Next up is Lucca, the sort of small Italian town that you conjured in your imagination when you thought about what a small Italian town should look like, picture perfect.

Florence might steal the spotlight with its Renaissance masterpieces, but if you’re looking to experience a more laid-back side of Tuscany, then a Florence to Lucca day trip should definitely be on your itinerary. Known for its well-preserved medieval walls, charming streets, and lesser-known history, Lucca offers a quiet escape from the tourist-filled Florence, while still giving you that classic Tuscan vibe.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about your day trip from Florence to Lucca. From how to get there to what to do once you arrive, it’s all covered so you can make the most of your visit.

TLDR? I recommend day-tripping from Florence to both Pisa AND Lucca in one day. Long, but fun day.

Where is Lucca?

Lucca is only an hour from Florence, and getting there is the same situation as getting from Florence to Pisa. Head over to Florence bus station grab yourself a ticket (7 euro/$9) and you’re there in just over 60 minutes. Trains run every hour.

How to Get from Florence to Lucca

By Train: The Easiest and Most Convenient Option

If you’re planning a Florence to Lucca day trip, taking the Florence to Lucca train is by far the most convenient way to travel. The journey is straightforward and the views are classic Tuscany—rolling hills, vineyards, and cypress trees all along the way.

• Travel Time: The Florence to Lucca train takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Trains are frequent, running roughly every 30-60 minutes depending on the time of day.

• Cost: A one-way ticket costs around €7-9, making it an affordable option.

• Where to Catch the Train: Head to Santa Maria Novella train station in Florence. From there, hop on a regional train bound for Viareggio, and Lucca will be one of the stops along the way.

You can purchase your tickets at the station, online, or even use the Trenitalia app, which makes things easy if you’re on the go. I’ve done the Florence to Lucca train journey a couple of times, and it’s always been smooth. Just make sure to validate your ticket before you board—those ticket inspectors are sticklers for the rules!

By Car: A Scenic but Slower Option

Driving from Florence to Lucca is another option, especially if you prefer flexibility and want to stop in small Tuscan towns along the way. The distance is about 80 km (50 miles), and the drive takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

If you’re into scenic routes and plan to explore more of Tuscany, this could be the way to go. But if you’re just doing a Lucca day trip, the train is much more hassle-free, as parking in Lucca can be a bit tricky.

Things to Do in Lucca

Lucca is a gem. Once you arrive, you’ll notice the pace of life is a bit slower than in Florence, which is a relief after battling the crowds at the Uffizi or Duomo. This charming town is a perfect spot to wander aimlessly, enjoy good food, and take in the sights. Let’s dive into some of the highlights.

Walk or Cycle Around Lucca’s City Walls

One of the most unique things about Lucca is its medieval walls. Unlike other towns where the walls have crumbled or disappeared, Lucca’s walls are perfectly preserved, and you can walk or cycle the entire 4 km circuit. Lined with trees and offering views of both the city and the surrounding countryside, this is one of the best ways to soak in the vibe of Lucca.

If you’re feeling a bit more active, you can rent a bicycle at one of the many shops near the walls and pedal your way around.

Climb Guinigi Tower

For some of the best views of Lucca, make your way to the top of the Guinigi Tower. This medieval tower is unique for the oak trees growing on its roof, making it stand out in the Lucca skyline. It’s a bit of a climb—230 steps to be exact—but the view from the top is well worth the effort.

From up there, you’ll have a bird’s-eye view of the red-tiled roofs, the city’s walls, and the rolling Tuscan hills in the distance. It’s one of those spots where time just slows down, and you’ll want to savor every moment.

Visit Piazza dell’Anfiteatro

Lucca’s Piazza dell’Anfiteatro is one of the most picturesque spots in the city. This oval-shaped piazza was once a Roman amphitheater, and the buildings surrounding the square have been built following the original shape of the ancient structure.

The piazza is now a lively spot with cafés, restaurants, and small shops. Grab a coffee or some gelato, sit outside, and people-watch as you soak up the laid-back Tuscan atmosphere.

Can you do Florence to Pisa AND Lucca in one day?

Yes! I did exactly that. And what’s more? I reckon that’s the best way to do it. A better tip though, especially if you’re a fan of speed tourism, is to combine both Pisa and Lucca into one day trip from Florence, which is eminently doable as long as you set off from Florence before 9am.

How I Did it

I hit up Pisa first, and then jumped on the train from Pisa to Lucca (every hour, $3, 30 mins). I was in Lucca by 3pm which gave me 3 hours or so to wander around the beautiful town. Easily enough time because it’s quite small.

From the train station you walk to the old town, it takes about 10 minutes. You’re greated by the huge 12m city walls that stretch 4km around the old city. It’s a nice walk around to grab your bearings if you have an hour or so to spare.

As I ventured deeper into the old city I was struck by how traditional it was. Very little branding, advertising etc, more fruit and veg vendors bartering with old ladies. The 1000 year old Cathedral draws the tourists in, it’s an impressive sight from the outside. From there you can walk to the ‘centre circle’, the central square in Lucca which suddenly opens up in a perfect spherical clearing, dotted with cafes and restaurants to grab some (cheap) dinner and a glass of wine. This really is Italy.

On your way back to the station you’ll come across a viewing tower, it costs 4 euro ($5) to climb and gives you great views of Lucca and the surrounding mountains. There’s no elevator though so get those calf muscles working.

From there it’s an easy walk back to the train station and you’ll be back in Florence before it’s dark. A great day for sure.

One Day in Lucca Itinerary

Wondering how to structure your Lucca day trip? Here’s a simple itinerary to make the most of your day in this beautiful town.

Morning

• Arrive in Lucca: If you take an early Florence to Lucca train, you’ll arrive in Lucca around 9:30 or 10:00 AM.

• Start with a Walk on the City Walls: Begin your day with a walk or cycle around Lucca’s city walls. This should take around 45 minutes to an hour if you’re walking, or less if you’re cycling.

• Climb Guinigi Tower: After your walk, head to Guinigi Tower and climb to the top. Spend some time taking in the panoramic views before heading back down.

Afternoon

• Lunch in Piazza dell’Anfiteatro: Grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants or cafés in the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro. Try some Tuscan classics like ribollita or pasta al ragu.

• Explore Lucca’s Churches: After lunch, visit a couple of Lucca’s historic churches, such as San Michele in Foro or Lucca Cathedral (Duomo di San Martino). Both are stunning examples of Romanesque architecture.

Late Afternoon

• Wander Lucca’s Streets: Lucca is the kind of place where you can just stroll aimlessly and discover hidden gems, whether that’s a quiet square, an art gallery, or a small shop selling local goods.

• Head Back to Florence: Catch a late Florence to Lucca train back, arriving in Florence around 7:00 or 8:00 PM, just in time for dinner.

FAQs

1. How long does the Florence to Lucca train take?

The Florence to Lucca train takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Trains are frequent, and it’s a comfortable and scenic way to travel between the two cities.

2. Can I do a Florence to Lucca day trip by car?

Yes, you can drive from Florence to Lucca in about 1 hour and 30 minutes. However, parking in Lucca can be a bit of a hassle, and the train is often the easier option for a day trip.

3. What’s the best time to visit Lucca?

The best time for a Lucca day trip is in the spring (April to June) or early autumn (September to October). The weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller compared to peak summer months.

4. How much time do I need to explore Lucca?

You can comfortably explore Lucca in a day. A Lucca day trip allows you to see the city’s main attractions, walk the city walls, and enjoy a leisurely lunch in one of its picturesque piazzas.

If you’re planning a trip to Tuscany, make sure you don’t miss my guide to getting from Florence for more tips on what to see in the region. For those planning longer trips around Europe, have a look at my tips on how to travel Europe by train as an Italian Honeymoon option.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or visiting Italy for the first time, a Florence to Lucca day trip is a perfect way to experience the quieter side of Tuscany.