Pisa traffic: ZTL, where to park, and useful info
Planning a leisure or business trip to beautiful Pisa and traveling by car? The information in this article will help you plan your journey and avoid fines or other unpleasant surprises along the city's scenic riverside, home to the famous leaning tower!
Pisa ZTL: boundaries and hours
Pisa’s limited traffic zone (ZTL) covers the entire historic center on both sides of the Arno River and is bordered to the north by Via Brennero and to the south by Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. Excluded from the ZTL is the Trammino bike path, which you can use to get around the city after parking your car, as well as Pisa's two main train stations: Pisa Centrale and San Rossore to the northwest.
Access restrictions in Pisa's ZTL apply to all vehicles except mopeds and motorcycles, which can enter without a permit. However, electric rental vehicles can enter freely after requesting authorization from the ZTL Control Center, and craft and professional services that need access to Pisa’s center for work can apply for a paid permit. Always check the Pisa City Council’s website for the most up-to-date information.
Where to find free and paid parking in Pisa
Pisa is a small but highly touristic city; the historic center is particularly crowded with tourists eager to visit the monuments in the splendid Piazza del Duomo, also known as Piazza dei Miracoli, where the Baptistery, the Camposanto Monumentale, the Cathedral, and the Leaning Tower are located. For this reason, finding parking in Pisa might require some effort, especially if you're looking for free spaces near the center.
It may be worth booking a hotel in the center, as most places offer private parking or have agreements with the city for ZTL access. If you're just passing through or prefer to stay outside the center, you can use central parking areas, which are paid from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with rates ranging from €2.50 to €3.50 per hour. Alternatively, private parking lots are available on the outskirts of the ZTL, including one near Piazza dei Miracoli and others at Piazza Andrea del Sarto and near Pisa Centrale Station. Don't worry, though—the city is easily walkable.
Getting to and from Pisa
Pisa is well-connected to other Tuscan provinces, particularly Florence, located 90 km away and reachable in about an hour and twenty minutes via the Fi-Pi-Li highway. Closer by is Lucca, a true gem of art and architecture, just 20 km inland. You can reach Lucca via the A11 highway or take the SS12 for a more relaxed, scenic drive.
Looking to rent a car to explore the city of the leaning tower or start your journey to other Tuscan art cities? Check our dedicated page for the Pisa rental office or other Locauto car rentals in Tuscany.
