Lucca to Pisa: 33km Bike Tour Along Serchio River

Thirty-three kilometers on flat ground, from one Tuscan city to another, mostly on your own schedule

You rent a bike in Lucca, follow a mapped route along the Serchio River and country roads for 33 flat kilometers, and arrive at Pisa's Leaning Tower on your own schedule. The rental includes the bike, repair kit, lock, app map and a starting briefing. You return either by riding back (26km, about two hours) or by train (22 minutes), with your bike loaded in the bike car.

Step-by-step itinerary

Bike tour from Lucca to Pisa

• Rent bike in Lucca
• Explore Lucca's historic center
• Cycle along river park path
• Stop at San Giuliano Terme village
• Visit Pisa Leaning Tower
• Return to Lucca by train or bike

The experience

The Leaning Tower sits at the end of a 33-kilometer bike ride that starts from the Walls of Lucca. You rent a bike at the shop, get a map and a phone holder, and then you're on your own: no guide talking at your shoulder, no group waiting for stragglers. The route follows the Serchio River for much of the way, then cuts through country roads and cycle paths, and only the last stretch into San Giuliano Terme and toward Pisa uses regular roads for about 2 kilometers. It's completely flat, which means you're not fighting a hill every ten minutes. It also means the pace is yours to set.

The first part takes you through Lucca's historical center if you want to linger, then onto the river path where the landscape opens up: fields, trees, the occasional village. Around the 20-kilometer mark you'll reach San Giuliano Terme, which has bars and shops if you need water or a sandwich. After that, the route narrows toward Pisa, and then you're standing in Piazza dei Miracoli with the tower in front of you and your bike still underneath you. Most people stop for photos and a walk around the square. Then comes the choice: ride back the way you came (about 26 kilometers, more direct, takes roughly two hours if you're steady) or load the bike onto a train and sit down for 22 minutes back to Lucca.

What you get with the rental is the bike itself, a repair kit, a lock, the app with the route downloaded, and a briefing at the start so you know which way to go. E-bikes are available if you want the pedaling to feel lighter, and they work for anyone over 155 centimeters tall. Regular trekking bikes work for people over 150 centimeters. The whole thing is self-guided, which means no one is timing you or herding you along. You stop when you want, eat when you want, and move at whatever speed feels right for the day.

What’s included

Your bike rental includes the bike itself, a cell-phone holder for navigation, a repair kit and lock, an app with the detailed route downloaded, and a briefing at the shop before you start. You also have the choice to return by train (bike loaded in the prepared wagon) or by bike on the more direct 26-kilometer return route.

Options for this experience

2 options

Tour using a trekking bike09:30 and 11:00Trekking bike

Tour with E-bike09:30 and 11:00Electric bike (e-bike)

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Thursday and SundayDepartures at 09:30 and 11:00

Book up to20h before

AgesAdult (10 to 90 years) · Child (under 1)

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on site€ 3

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by TOURIST CENTER LUCCA SRL

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to cycle between two Tuscan cities without a guide or a group schedule: the flat 33-kilometer route and self-guided format mean you control the pace, stops and timing, which is what makes a long ride feel manageable instead of rushed.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 1).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the ride from Lucca to Pisa take?

It depends on your pace and stops. Most riders take between three and five hours for the 33-kilometer route.

Is the route suitable for e-bikes?

Yes. E-bikes are available for riders over 155cm tall. The completely flat terrain works well for both e-bikes and regular trekking bikes.

What's included in the bike rental?

The rental includes the bike, a cell-phone holder, a repair kit, a lock, an app with the route, and a briefing at the start.

Can I return to Lucca by train instead of riding back?

Yes. After visiting Pisa, you can load your bike onto a train and return to Lucca in about 22 minutes. Bikes are carried in prepared wagons.

Are there places to stop for food and water along the route?

San Giuliano Terme, at around the 20-kilometer mark, has bars, delis and shops. It's the main village with services on the route.

What's the difficulty level?

It's an intermediate ride. The 33-kilometer distance and flat terrain suit most fitness levels, but it's not a short casual ride.

Do I need to be an experienced cyclist?

No. The route is completely flat and suitable for all physical fitness levels. You set your own pace and can stop whenever you need to rest.