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Pisa Airport, officially known as Pisa International Airport Galileo Galilei, is the main airport of Tuscany by passenger traffic. It is located in the San Giusto area of Pisa, a short distance south of the city center, and serves both the city and the wider region.

The airport is named after Galileo Galilei, the famous scientist born in Pisa in 1564. Its IATA code is PSA, while its ICAO code is LIRP. The airport is also known as Aeroporto di Pisa-San Giusto, because it stands in the San Giusto district.

Unlike many regional airports, Pisa Airport has a dual identity. It is a military airport open to civilian traffic, owned by the Italian Air Force and operated for civil aviation by Toscana Aeroporti S.p.A. This makes it important for both passenger flights and military aviation.

In 2025, Pisa Airport handled almost 6 million passengers, recording its best result ever. This confirmed its position as the main airport in Tuscany, ahead of Florence Airport, and as a major gateway for tourists traveling to Pisa, Florence, Lucca, the Tuscan coast, and central Italy.

Pisa Airport Infrastructure

Pisa Airport is located at a very low elevation, about 2 meters above sea level. The airport area includes the civil passenger terminal, aprons, parking facilities, cargo infrastructure, car rental areas, and military zones used by the Italian Air Force.

The airport has two asphalt runways. The longer runway measures about 2,992 meters in length and 45 meters in width, while the second runway measures about 2,736 meters in length and 45 meters in width. These dimensions allow the airport to handle a wide range of aircraft.

The runway system has historically been one of the strengths of Pisa Airport. Its long runways and favorable operating conditions helped the airport support both military transport aircraft and commercial passenger traffic. This infrastructure also contributed to the airport’s later growth as a low-cost and international hub.

The airport has 16 boarding gates, divided between different areas of the terminal. Schengen gates are generally located in the main departure areas, while non-Schengen operations use separate boarding facilities. Depending on the flight, passengers may board by walking, by bus, or through limited jetbridge facilities.

A major redevelopment of the airport is in progress. The expansion and renovation project is designed to increase terminal capacity to around 6-7 million passengers per year, improve arrivals and departures flows, enlarge passenger spaces, and modernize services without stopping airport operations.

Cargo is another important part of Pisa Airport’s activity. In 2025, the airport handled more than 12,000 tonnes of goods and mail, maintaining its relevance not only for tourism but also for logistics. This role is strengthened by its location near the coast and major Tuscan road connections.

Short History of Pisa Airport

The origins of Pisa Airport date back to 1911, when the brothers Ugo and Guido Antoni transformed land in the San Giusto area into a flight field. The site was used to test aircraft built by the Fratelli Antoni Aviation Company, one of the early aviation initiatives in Pisa.

In 1914, the aviation field was expanded with the creation of a military school for pilots. This marked the beginning of the airport’s long connection with military aviation, a connection that still exists today through the presence of the Italian Air Force.

After the First World War, the airfield became more important. The runway was enlarged, and in 1921 the military airport was named after Arturo Dell’Oro, an Italian aviator. During the 1920s and 1930s, several military units used the Pisa airfield.

During the 1930s, the site became associated with the 46th Wing, a unit that would play an important role in the later history of the airport. The airport suffered heavy bombing during the Second World War, but its recovery began in the late 1940s with the return of military aviation activity.

In the 1950s, Pisa Airport entered a decisive phase of development. Two runways and related logistical structures were built to support military transport aircraft, especially the Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar. This military transport role created the foundations for the modern airport infrastructure.

Commercial flights gradually returned in the same period, although the airport did not yet have a fully developed civilian terminal. Passenger operations initially used existing military buildings and aprons. The modern civil airport began to take shape later, especially during the 1960s and 1970s.

The civil terminal project from 1961 is associated with architect Lamberto Bartolucci. During this period, the airport was officially linked to the name of Galileo Galilei, reinforcing its connection with Pisa’s scientific and cultural identity.

In the late 1980s, passenger traffic was affected by the opening of international routes at Florence Airport. However, Pisa Airport recovered strongly from the 1990s, when it became increasingly important for low-cost airlines and international tourism.

This low-cost development changed the airport’s position in Tuscany. Pisa became the main airport for many visitors flying to the region, especially those heading to Pisa, Florence, Lucca, Livorno, the Tuscan coast, and other destinations that are easier to reach from Pisa than from Florence.

On 1 June 2015, Toscana Aeroporti S.p.A. began managing Pisa Airport after the merger of the companies operating the Pisa and Florence airports. Since then, the airport has been part of a coordinated Tuscan airport system, with Pisa focused strongly on tourism, low-cost traffic, cargo, and broader regional connectivity.

In 2025, Pisa Airport recorded its best traffic result ever, with nearly 6 million passengers and growth of 7.8% compared with the previous year. The main connections included London, Tirana, Palermo, Catania, and Brussels, showing the importance of both international and domestic routes.

Pisa Airport Services

Pisa Airport offers the essential services expected from a major regional airport. These include check-in desks, airline ticketing, baggage services, security control, passport control for non-Schengen flights, information points, toilets, parking, car rental, food areas, shops, and passenger assistance.

The airport has 33 check-in counters, which are divided between the main passenger terminal and Building A. Passengers should always check the airport screens after arrival, because the correct check-in area depends on the airline, destination, and type of flight.

Food and drink services are available inside the passenger terminal and in other airport areas. The airport includes cafés, bars, snack areas, and restaurants suitable for short waits before departure. The offer is practical rather than luxurious, reflecting the airport’s role as a busy low-cost and regional hub.

Shopping services include travel retail, convenience stores, and commercial areas inside the terminal. The airport also has the Galilei Shopping Gallery, which serves departing passengers and visitors. Shopping is concentrated around the terminal, where passenger flows are highest.

The car rental terminal is located about 500 meters from the passenger terminal. It can be reached on foot in about 5 minutes or by shuttle service. This is especially useful for travelers planning to explore Tuscany by car after landing in Pisa.

Parking is available in several areas around the airport. The official car parks include short-stay and long-stay options, with some spaces located very close to the passenger terminal. The P1 outdoor car park, for example, is about 200 meters from the terminal.

Passengers with reduced mobility can request assistance through the appropriate channels. As in other European airports, assistance should be requested in advance through the airline or travel agency, ideally when booking the flight or at least 48 hours before departure.

How to Get to Pisa Airport

Pisa Airport is exceptionally close to the city. It stands near Pisa Centrale railway station, the main rail hub of the city, and only a few kilometers from the Leaning Tower of Pisa. This makes the airport practical for both arrivals and departures.

The main access options are walking, Pisa Mover, bus, taxi, car, and car rental. For most passengers traveling between Pisa Centrale and the airport, the Pisa Mover is the most direct public transport option, while taxis are useful for hotels, luggage, late arrivals, or short transfers.

Getting to Pisa Airport on foot

Pisa Airport can be reached on foot from parts of the city, especially from areas around Pisa Centrale and San Giusto. The distance from Pisa Centrale to the airport is roughly 1.6 kilometers by road, so the walk usually takes around 20 minutes, depending on luggage and pace.

Walking is practical for light travelers, backpackers, or visitors staying near the station. It is not ideal for heavy luggage, very early departures, late-night arrivals, summer heat, or rainy weather. The route is urban and simple, but it is still a city walk, not an airport walkway.

From Piazza dei Miracoli and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the distance is about 3.3 kilometers by road. Walking from the Tower to the airport is possible, but it can take 40-50 minutes. For most travelers, Pisa Mover or taxi is more practical from that area.

Getting to Pisa Airport by Pisa Mover

The Pisa Mover is the fastest and most direct connection between Pisa Centrale railway station and the airport. It is a fully automated people mover linking the airport, San Giusto/Aurelia, and Pisa Centrale.

The Pisa Mover station at the airport is located very close to the passenger terminal, less than 40 meters away. At Pisa Centrale, the stop is near the former platform 14 area and can be accessed through the station’s pedestrian passages.

The journey between the airport and Pisa Centrale takes about 5 minutes, including the intermediate stop at San Giusto/Aurelia. Services normally operate every day from 6:00 am to midnight, with extended service until 1:00 am between 1 June and 30 September.

The standard Pisa Mover fare is €6.50 for a single ticket and €13.00 for a return ticket. Tickets can be bought from automatic machines at the Pisa Mover stations, from authorized offices, and through combined rail options when available.

Getting to Pisa Airport by bus

Bus connections from Pisa Airport depend on the destination. For Florence, airport coach services operate from the airport bus areas and connect Pisa Airport with the Florence area in about 1 hour, depending on traffic and the specific operator.

For central Pisa, local urban buses serve nearby areas, but the most straightforward airport-to-station connection is now Pisa Mover. Some local stops, such as those in the San Giusto and Sant’Agostino area, are within walking distance of the terminal, but routes and stop names can change.

Travelers using local buses should check the current Autolinee Toscane timetable before departure.

Getting to Pisa Airport by car/ by taxi

The airport is also connected to the regional road network. Drivers can reach it from the Firenze-Pisa-Livorno road, from the A12 motorway, from the A11 Firenze-Mare motorway, and from the Aurelia road. This makes it accessible from Florence, Livorno, Lucca, and the Tuscan coast.

Taxis are available at Pisa Airport and offer the most convenient door-to-door option. They are especially useful for passengers with heavy luggage, families, late arrivals, early departures, or accommodation located away from Pisa Centrale.

The official Radio Taxi service can be contacted by phone, and taxi drivers are required to use the taximeter. Fares vary depending on distance, traffic, time, luggage, and any applicable supplements, so passengers should not assume a fixed price unless it is officially displayed or agreed according to regulations.

Because the airport is so close to central Pisa, taxi rides are usually short. A transfer to Pisa Centrale or the city center normally takes only a few minutes in normal traffic. A taxi to Piazza dei Miracoli and the Leaning Tower is longer, but still relatively quick because the road distance is only about 3.3 kilometers.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pisa Airport

What is the official name of Pisa Airport?

The official name is Pisa International Airport Galileo Galilei. It is also known as Aeroporto di Pisa-San Giusto, because it is located in the San Giusto district of Pisa.

Is Pisa Airport the main airport in Tuscany?

Yes. Pisa Airport is the main airport in Tuscany by passenger traffic. It handles more passengers than Florence Airport and serves many international, domestic, and low-cost routes.

How far is Pisa Airport from the city center?

Pisa Airport is very close to the city center. It is about 1.6 kilometers from Pisa Centrale railway station and around 3.3 kilometers from Piazza dei Miracoli.

How do I get from Pisa Airport to Pisa Centrale?

The fastest option is the Pisa Mover, an automated people mover connecting the airport with Pisa Centrale. The journey takes about 5 minutes, with one intermediate stop.

Can I walk from Pisa Centrale to Pisa Airport?

Yes. The distance between Pisa Centrale and Pisa Airport is about 1.6 kilometers, and the walk usually takes around 20 minutes, depending on luggage and walking speed.

Why is Pisa Airport named after Galileo Galilei?

The airport is named after Galileo Galilei, the famous scientist born in Pisa in 1564. The name reflects the city’s strong historical connection with science and culture.

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