Siena and Tuscany Guide

Welcome to your self-guided tour of Siena and Tuscany! Prepare to experience the charm of Siena’s medieval streets, the unique Piazza del Campo, and the striking architecture of its cathedral. As you explore, you’ll encounter centuries-old traditions and sweeping views over the Tuscan hills. Beyond Siena, the Tuscan countryside awaits with its rolling vineyards, olive groves, and hilltop towns such as Pienza, Montepulciano, and Montalcino.

HOW TO REACH

You can reach Siena by several convenient options:

By Train:
Siena is well connected by regional trains. From Florence, take a direct regional train from Santa Maria Novella station; the journey takes about 1.5 hours. From Pisa or Rome, you will usually change trains at Empoli or Chiusi. Siena’s train station is about 2 km from the historic center. You can walk (about 20–25 minutes), take the escalators up the hill, or use a local bus or taxi for a short ride to the center.

By Bus:
Frequent buses run from Florence, with the fastest being the 131R “Rapida” line, taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes and arriving at Piazza Gramsci, which is right in the city center. Buses from Pisa, Rome, and other cities are also available, with FlixBus and Itabus offering direct routes. Bus stations are conveniently located for easy access to the main sights.

By Car:
If you’re driving, Siena is accessible from Florence via the RA3 or SS715, from Pisa via the A12 and A11, and from Rome via the A1 motorway. Parking is available in lots outside the city walls, since the historic center is mostly pedestrianized.

By Plane:
The nearest airports are in Florence (about 55 km away) and Pisa (about 160 km away). From either airport, you can reach Siena by train or bus via Florence or Pisa’s central stations.

Once you arrive, Siena’s compact center is easily explored on foot, with local buses and escalators available to help you get up the hill from the train station.