When considering how to get from Florence to Siena, there are several transportation options, each with its advantages and disadvantages: bus, train, rental car, private driver, or even an organized tour. In this guide, you’ll find detailed explanations about each of these methods, along with the prices of each alternative. Choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences, and enjoy your trip!
Table of Contents
Overview of Travel Methods to Siena
Whether you’re heading to Siena for a day trip or planning to stay for a few days, we’ve got you covered.
Looking for accommodation tips in Siena? We’ve selected the best hotels in Siena!
If you’ve been wondering how to get from Florence to Siena, you’ve come to the right place. We have options for different needs and budgets.
| Transport Method | Approximate Cost | Approximate Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Public Bus | €8.40 – €10 per trip | 1hr 15min – 1hr 30min |
| Private Bus Companies (Flixbus, Itabus) | From €7.90 per trip | Varies |
| Train | Just over €9 per trip | 1hr 30min |
| Rental Car | Varies (plus fuel costs) | Around 1hr 10min |
| Private Driver – Transfer | From €248 per trip | Around 1hr 10min |
| Private Driver – Full Day | From €677 per group up to 2 | Full day (varies) |
| Group Tour | From €55 per person | Full day (varies) |
Let’s explore:
1 – Public Bus
If you’re looking for an affordable and comfortable way to travel from Florence to Siena, the ideal choice is a public bus. This option is suitable for both day trips and for those traveling with luggage intending to stay in Siena.
The Florence bus station is located near the Santa Maria Novella railway station at Via Santa Caterina da Siena, 7. It can be tricky to find as it is on a side street within a building. I recommend exiting the station to the right, with the platform behind you, and asking for directions to the Autostazione.
Since November 1, 2021, all public bus tickets in Tuscany are sold by Autolinee Toscane, and there is an option to buy the ticket online through the official Tabnet app. However, the app requires registration using an Italian mobile number to receive a verification SMS. Therefore, it’s not particularly user-friendly for tourists, and it’s probably easier to buy a ticket at the station for €8.40 per ride (€10.00 if bought on the bus).
There are two intercity bus lines to Siena: a fast line (131R) which takes about 1 hour 15 minutes and a regular line (131O) that stops in two small towns en route to Siena, extending the travel time to about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
The bus will drop you off at Via Tozzi/Piazza Gramsci, closer to the historical center than the train station. Underneath the square, you’ll find a ticket office, public restrooms, and luggage storage.
2 – Other Private Bus Companies
In addition to the public bus company, Autolinee Toscane, there are also private bus companies that provide transportation from Florence to Siena such as Flixbus or Itabus.
However, these companies usually operate from Villa Costanza (in Florence Scandicci) to Siena (station area). Tickets start from €7.90.
3 – Train
A train ticket from Florence to Siena costs just over €9 and takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. You can check timetables and prices on the Trenitalia website.
Remember to type “Firenze” for Florence and “Siena” for Siena. The main train station in Florence is called ‘Firenze S.M.N.’, which stands for ‘Firenze Santa Maria Novella‘.
The Siena station is not exactly in the city center: you can take the escalator (risalita Stazione – Antiporto – Porta Camollia) that leads to the center of Siena or buy a bus ticket at a tabacchi. A walk from the station to Piazza del Sale takes approximately 15 minutes (or 30 minutes to Piazza del Campo).
4 – Rental Car
If you dream of driving through the scenic roads of Tuscany, renting a car is the perfect option. You have total freedom to choose your departure time, destinations, and how long you want to stay in each place.
Get a quote for a rental car in Tuscany here through our partner Discovercars. Rates vary according to the number of days and where you pick up and drop off the vehicle.
Add to the rental cost the price of fuel: gasoline in Florence is approximately €1.80 per liter. You spend less at self-service gas stations where you pump your own gas. If you’re not used to filling up the tank yourself, I recommend the “servito” option (where a station employee fills your tank) available during business hours (9:00-13:00 and 15:00-17:00) for a few cents more.
Siena is about 75 km (46,6 miles) from Florence and the direct journey without stops takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Be aware of speed cameras, called “autovelox” in Italian. Always have the Waze app on just in case!
Upon arriving in the city, forget about driving around Siena’s city center: there is a ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato) that restricts vehicle movement in certain areas of the historic center and at certain times. You can park your car in paid street parking (around €1.50 per hour from 08:00 to 20:00) or in one of Siena’s many car parks.
5 – Executive Car with Private Driver
If you’re looking for the most comfortable way to get from Florence to Siena and don’t mind spending a few hundred euros, the most comfortable option is undoubtedly a private driver. They will pick you up at your hotel in Florence or Rome and take you to Siena, either for a simple Florence-Siena transfer or for a day trip with a return to Florence at the end of the day.
You don’t need to worry about anything other than enjoying your trip: you can decide the departure time, and you’ll be chauffeured by a professional, experienced driver.
Book your private transfer from Florence to Siena with Get Your Guide from €248.00 in an executive vehicle for 2 people; €284.00 for up to 6 people, or €302.00 for up to 8 people.
Book your private driver for a day tour from Florence to Siena with Get Your Guide from €677.00
5 – Group Tour
Group tours are ideal for those looking for convenience and wanting to visit multiple cities. Besides not needing to worry about the various stages of the trip, the prices are very affordable. Doing it alone can end up being more expensive and stressful.
Tip: an economic tour for those who want to visit Siena, S. Gimignano, Monteriggioni, and Chianti in a group tour from Florence starting at €55.00 per person.
This option is naturally recommended for those who only want to spend a few hours in Siena. It’s not suitable for those intending to stay in Siena and travel with luggage. In group tours, the order of city visits may change without prior notice, and it’s not always possible to embark with large luggage and bags.
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