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Florence on your own from the port of Livorno. Shuttle to City Bus to Train.
If you are still reading, you are not intimidated by the notion of navigating a new place, buying different sets of tickets using euros, and managing in a nation with a language different from your own. Also, you must not be intimidated by ambiguity or uncertainty.
The benefits are:You will feel I huge sense of accomplishment, you will be free to make all of your own choices, and you will save around $80 off the price of the Cruise Lines bus transfer in and out.
This was written based on my experience October 15 of 2019. Importantly the last time I made this do it yourself Florence trip was only two years ago and some of the steps have ALREADY changed.
Here is the step-by-step guide to visiting Florence, from a cruise ship, from Livorno, by yourself. Alert—at October 15, 2019, at some cruise ships no longer allow taxis to transport passengers to the train station from the port.
There is a mandatory shuttle bus that transports passengers from the port area to a central location in town. Not only is it mandatory, in October 2019, passengers are required to pay five-euros round-trip for the service. You can pay ticket takers just outside the shuttle bus.
Once the shuttle bus is full, it will take passengers to a centrally located drop off point. From there, there is a two block walk to the city bus station. Look for the H&M store; the bus stop is just in front of it. Look for the "blue line LAM" heading toward the Stazione. If possible, purchase round-trip city bus tickets from a local tobacco/sundry store. If you purchase tickets prior to boarding, the price is €1.50 each way. If you purchase on board, you must have exact change of €2.50.
The name of the bus stop is Grande 4. It is especially important to make a note of this so you will know when to descend the city bus on your return trip.
There will be approximately seven stops to the train station. The ride takes approximately 15 minutes.
After arriving at the train station, either use the automated machines or stand in line to order from a live human being. In October 2019, the round-trip cost for tickets to Florence were €20.20.
Important important warning: be sure to stamp your ticket in the machine prior to boarding the train!! You are subject to fines if you have not taken this important step.
Trains leave 12 minutes after the hour every hour. There is one faster and direct train that leaves at 8:52 AM arriving at 10:02 AM. All other trains take approximately one hour and 30 minutes.
You will likely arrive on dock number one in the Florence train station. The train station is located approximately 10 minutes north east of Il Duomo— in walking distance.
Commentary, this is a good option if you are willing to deal with all the logistics of taking two crowded city buses, and two trains. I only recommend this for those who have already taken a tour of Florence with a well-informed enthusiastic guide. Florence is one of the great cities of the world and should be toured at least once through the eyes of an expert and local.
Be sure you are comfortable navigating uncertainty, a country with a language on familiar to you, and the mechanics of purchasing tickets using the local currency. Although it is possible you will run into fellow cruise travelers on your route, it is just as likely that you will navigate this completely on your own.
Florence touring tips:
Be sure to have a detailed local map. Order this online or go directly to the nearest Tourist information Office. There is one across from the Florence train station.
Study maps online in advance.
Choose two or three sites to visit.
If you want to visit a site requiring tickets, purchase all tickets online in advance. Examples are The Uffizzi gallery and the Academia to see the original David.
Consider taking some form of guided tour or walking tour. Google “free” walking tours in Florence and choose a company. (Pay them at least €10-€15)
I wish you a splendid day and this magnificent world-class city!
