Lucca Day Trip At-a-Glance: Your Quick 2025 Guide
Planning your trip and just need the highlights? Here’s everything you need to know in seconds about one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips in Tuscany.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from Florence | Approx. 80 km (50 miles) |
| Travel Time (Train) | 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Average Round-Trip Cost | €17 – €20 (Train) |
| Best Time to Visit | April-June & September-October |
| Known For | Intact Renaissance walls, Puccini, charming piazzas, and a relaxed atmosphere. |
How to Get from Florence to Lucca: 3 Easy Options
Getting to Lucca from Florence is refreshingly simple. While there are a few ways to make the journey, one option stands out as the clear winner for convenience, cost, and the overall day trip experience.
By Train: The Best & Easiest Way
For 99% of travelers, the train is the perfect choice for a day trip from Florence to Lucca. It’s direct, affordable, and drops you right at the city’s doorstep.
- Departure Station: Firenze Santa Maria Novella (S.M.N.), the main station in central Florence.
- Arrival Station: Lucca. The station is located just outside the southern city walls, making for a scenic 5-10 minute walk into the historic center.
- Train Type: You’ll be taking a direct Regionale train. There’s no need to book expensive high-speed Frecciarossa tickets for this route.
- Duration: The journey takes a comfortable 1 hour and 20-30 minutes.
- Cost: Expect to pay around €8.60 each way, making it a very budget-friendly trip.
- How to Book: You can easily buy tickets from the Trenitalia machines at the station (they have an English language option) or pre-book on the Trenitalia website or app.
- CRITICAL STEP: If you buy a physical paper ticket, you must validate it (convalidare) in one of the small green and white machines on the platform before boarding. Failure to do so can result in a hefty fine!
By Car: For Flexibility (with a Warning)
Renting a car offers the freedom to explore the Tuscan countryside at your own pace. However, it comes with a significant warning for Lucca.
- Route: The drive is straightforward, taking the A11 Firenze-Mare autostrada for about 80 km.
- Duration: Without traffic, the drive takes about 1 hour.
- Crucial Warning: The ZTL! Lucca’s historic center, within the famous walls, is a ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato), or Limited Traffic Zone. This means non-resident cars are strictly forbidden. Cameras will automatically photograph your license plate, and you will receive a large fine in the mail months later. Do not drive inside the city walls.
- Parking: You must park in one of the paid lots outside the walls. We recommend Parcheggio Carducci (on the south side, near the station) or Parcheggio Palatucci (north). Expect to pay €1.50-€2.00 per hour.
By Guided Tour: The Hassle-Free Option
If you prefer to leave the planning to someone else, a guided tour is an excellent, stress-free choice. This is also the best option if you’re trying to combine a day trip from Florence to Lucca and Pisa into one efficient day.
- What’s Included: Tours typically include round-trip transportation from Florence, a knowledgeable guide, and a structured itinerary. Some may include entry tickets to certain attractions.
- Pros: Ultimate convenience, no need to navigate train schedules or parking, and you often get to see multiple towns in one day.
- Cons: Less flexibility to explore at your own pace, a fixed schedule, and generally a higher cost than traveling independently.
Transportation Method Comparison
| Method | Time | Cost (Round Trip) | Convenience | Best For… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train | ~1 hr 20 min each way | ~€17 | High | Independent travelers, budget-conscious |
| Car | ~1 hr each way | €15 (tolls) + Gas + Parking | Medium (ZTL hassle) | Travelers wanting to explore the countryside |
| Tour | Full Day (8-9 hours) | €60 – €150+ | Very High | Maximum convenience, combining cities |
Top 5 Things to Do in Lucca on a Day Trip
Lucca is a city best enjoyed by wandering, but a few key sights should be at the top of your list. Here are the unmissable experiences for a perfect day.
-
Walk or Cycle the Renaissance Walls (Le Mura)
This is the defining feature of Lucca and an absolute must-do. A complete 4.2 km (2.6 mi) circuit of massive, perfectly preserved Renaissance-era walls encircles the city. Today, the top is a wide, tree-lined park, perfect for a stroll or bike ride. It offers incredible views of the city’s towers on one side and the Apuan Alps on the other.
Details: Free to access 24/7.
Insider Tip: The best way to experience the walls is by renting a bike. You’ll find rental shops just inside the main gates (like Porta Santa Maria). A leisurely lap takes about 30-40 minutes and lets you see the whole city from a unique perspective. -
Climb the Guinigi Tower (Torre Guinigi)
You can’t miss this tower—it’s the one with a grove of holm oak trees growing on its roof! Climbing the 230 steps is well worth the effort for the single best panoramic view over Lucca’s terracotta-tiled roofs, charming piazzas, and the surrounding Tuscan landscape. It’s the city’s most iconic landmark.
Details: Cost is ~€5. A combined ticket with the Clock Tower is ~€7.
Insider Tip: Buy the combined ticket at the first tower you visit to save a few euros if you plan on climbing both. The views are different and both are worthwhile! -
Relax in the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro
Built on the foundations of a 2nd-century Roman amphitheater, this breathtaking piazza retains the original’s elliptical shape. Lined with ochre-colored buildings housing cafes, restaurants, and shops, it’s the social heart of Lucca. It’s the perfect spot to grab a coffee or an afternoon Aperol Spritz and soak in the atmosphere.
Details: Free to enter.
Insider Tip: For the most dramatic reveal, don’t just follow the signs. Enter the piazza through one of the four small arched tunnels that cut through the buildings—you’ll emerge from the darkness into the spectacular, sun-drenched oval. -
Discover the Duomo di San Martino (Lucca Cathedral)
Lucca’s cathedral is a masterpiece of art and architecture. Its stunningly ornate facade is asymmetrical, designed to fit around a pre-existing bell tower. Inside, you’ll find incredible works of art, including Jacopo della Quercia’s masterful marble tomb of Ilaria del Carretto and the legendary Volto Santo (Holy Face), a revered wooden crucifix.
Details: Free to enter the main church; a small fee of ~€3 is required to see specific artworks like the tomb.
Insider Tip: On the right-hand portico pillar outside, look closely for a small, carved labyrinth. It symbolizes the pilgrim’s long and challenging path to faith. -
Wander Via Fillungo & Find Puccini’s Home
Via Fillungo is Lucca’s main artery, a narrow, winding medieval street filled with elegant shops, historic cafes, and artisan boutiques. It’s the perfect street for a classic Italian passeggiata (leisurely stroll). As you wander, you’ll pass by the Clock Tower (Torre delle Ore) and the stunning mosaics of the Church of San Frediano. Just off the main street, you’ll find the Puccini Museum, the birthplace of the great opera composer Giacomo Puccini.
Details: Museum entry is ~€9.
Insider Tip: While Via Fillungo is beautiful, don’t be afraid to duck into the tiny side alleys. They often open up into quiet, picturesque squares with hidden fountains and authentic local shops.
Sample 1-Day Lucca Itinerary from Florence
Want a ready-made plan? Here’s a relaxed yet comprehensive schedule to help you make the most of your day in Lucca.
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | Depart from Florence | Take a ~9:10 AM Regionale train from Firenze S.M.N. to Lucca. |
| 10:30 AM | Arrive & Rent Bikes | Walk from the station, through the walls, and find a bike rental shop nearby. |
| 11:00 AM | Cycle the City Walls | Enjoy a full, leisurely lap around the city on top of the Mura. |
| 12:00 PM | Climb Guinigi Tower | Park the bikes and climb the 230 steps for those unforgettable views. |
| 1:00 PM | Lunch in the Center | Find a classic trattoria like Trattoria da Leo for an authentic Tuscan meal. |
| 2:30 PM | Explore Piazza Anfiteatro & Via Fillungo | Digest your lunch with a stroll through the oval piazza and the main shopping street. |
| 4:00 PM | Visit the Duomo | Spend time admiring the art and architecture of the Cathedral of St. Martin. |
| 5:00 PM | Last Treat: Buccellato | Stop by a historic bakery like Forno Giusti for a slice of Lucca’s famous sweet bread. |
| 6:00 PM | Head back to the Station | Return your bikes and enjoy a final walk back to the train station. |
| 6:30 PM | Train back to Florence | You’ll arrive back in Florence around 8:00 PM, just in time for a late dinner. |
Where to Eat in Lucca (And What to Order)
Lucca’s cuisine is hearty, traditional, and delicious. Be sure to try some local specialties!
- Must-Try Local Dishes: Don’t leave without trying Tordelli Lucchesi, a local meat-filled ravioli-style pasta, often served with a rich meat ragù. For a sweet treat, grab a slice of Buccellato, a sweet bread ring with raisins and aniseed.
- For a Sweet Treat (€): Forno a Vapore Amedeo Giusti. This historic bakery is the best place to try Buccellato.
- For a Quick & Delicious Lunch (€€): Trattoria da Leo. A bustling, beloved Lucca institution serving no-frills, classic local dishes. The Tordelli here is fantastic.
- For a Relaxing Aperitivo (€€): Grab an outdoor table at any cafe in the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro for prime people-watching.
- For a Special Dinner (€€€): Buca di Sant’Antonio. For a more refined experience, this historic restaurant offers an elegant take on traditional Lucchese cuisine.
Insider Tips for Your Lucca Day Trip
A few local tips to make your trip even smoother and more enjoyable:
- Rent a Bike: We can’t say it enough. It’s not just a tourist activity; it’s the quintessential Lucca experience and the best way to see the city and walls like a local.
- Look for Combo Tickets: Always ask at the ticket office for combined tickets (biglietto cumulativo) for attractions like the Guinigi Tower and Clock Tower to save a few euros.
- Check the Calendar: Before you go, do a quick search for major events. The Lucca Summer Festival (July) and Lucca Comics & Games (late Oct/early Nov) are incredible but can make the city extremely crowded.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: While Lucca is delightfully flat (a rarity in Tuscany!), you will still be doing a lot of walking on cobblestone streets.
- Combine with Pisa: If you’re efficient, you can easily visit Pisa in the morning (to see the Leaning Tower) and Lucca in the afternoon. The train between them is only 30 minutes.
Lucca Day Trip Budget Breakdown (Per Person)
Here’s a realistic estimate of what you can expect to spend for a fantastic day trip to Lucca from Florence.
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Return Train Ticket | ~€17.20 |
| Lunch with a Drink | €20 – €30 |
| Attractions (2 Towers Combo) | €7 |
| Bike Rental (2 hours) | €8 – €10 |
| Coffee/Gelato/Snack | €5 |
| TOTAL | €57 – €69 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you do a day trip to Lucca from Florence?
Absolutely! Lucca is one of the easiest, most accessible, and most popular day trips from Florence. A direct train takes only 1 hour and 20 minutes, making it incredibly simple to travel there and back in a single day with plenty of time for exploring, eating, and relaxing.
Is a day trip to Lucca worth it?
Yes, a day trip to Lucca is 100% worth it. It offers a wonderful change of pace from the magnificent but often overwhelming crowds of Florence. Lucca is more relaxed, less crowded, and its unique, bike-friendly city walls provide an experience you simply can’t find anywhere else in Italy. It’s the perfect Tuscan escape.
Where to stop between Florence and Lucca?
The best and easiest place to stop between Florence and Lucca is the city of Pistoia. It’s located directly on the same train line, so you can hop off and explore for a few hours. Pistoia is often called “Little Florence” for its beautiful piazza and art, but it sees a fraction of the tourists, offering a more authentic Tuscan city experience.
What is the best day trip from Florence?
While the “best” day trip is subjective and depends on your interests, Lucca is a top contender for the title. If you’re seeking rolling hills and famous wines, Siena or the Chianti region might be your choice. But if you want a charming, flat, and unique walled city that’s incredibly easy to reach and explore by foot or bike, then Lucca is arguably the best all-around day trip from Florence.
Too Long; Didn’t Read? The Short Version
No time for the details? Here’s all you need to know:
- Getting There: Take the direct Regionale train from Florence S.M.N. station. It’s cheap (~€8.60 each way) and takes 1 hour 20 minutes. Don’t drive because of the ZTL (no-drive zone).
- Must-Do: Rent a bike (€4/hour) and cycle the 4.2 km loop on top of the massive city walls. It’s the quintessential Lucca experience.
- Best View: Climb the 230 steps of the Guinigi Tower (the one with trees on top) for a stunning panorama of the city.
- Must-Eat: Try the local pasta, Tordelli Lucchesi, at Trattoria da Leo, and grab a slice of Buccellato (sweet bread) from Forno Giusti.
- Bottom Line: Lucca is a relaxed, charming, and easy day trip, offering a perfect contrast to the hustle of Florence. Go for it!
