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How to get from Florence to Siena
Express buses run from Florence to central Siena in about 1 h 15 for around €8–9, and regional trains take about 1 h 30 for a similar fare but stop below the hill town. Driving takes about 1 h 15 on the toll-free Florence–Siena dual carriageway.
Best option: Bus. The express bus drops you close to Siena’s centre, while the train station is at the bottom of the hill.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bus Autolinee Toscane express (rapida) buses from central Florence to Siena | about 1 h 15 | roughly every 30–60 minutes on weekdays, fewer on Sundays | about €8–9 | Choose the rapida (express) service; the ordinaria stops in many villages. |
| train Trenitalia regional trains from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Siena, some changing at Empoli | about 1 h 30 | roughly hourly | about €9–10 | Siena station is below the old town; escalators and buses go up. |
| car Raccordo Autostradale Firenze–Siena | about 1 h 15 | fuel only, no tolls | Siena’s centre is a limited-traffic zone (ZTL); park outside the walls. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Check the bus departure point in Florence; it has changed in recent years.
- Sit on the right side of the train for countryside views.
- Do not drive into Siena’s ZTL; cameras issue fines automatically.
- Combine with San Gimignano by car or bus via Poggibonsi.
Common questions
Is the bus or train better from Florence to Siena?
For most travellers the express bus is better: it takes about 1 hour 15 minutes and stops near the old town. The train takes about 1 hour 30 minutes and arrives at Siena station, below the hill, so you need escalators or a bus to reach the centre. Prices are similar, around €8–10.
Can I visit Siena as a day trip from Florence?
Yes. With frequent buses and trains and a journey of about 1 hour 15 minutes, Siena is one of the easiest day trips from Florence. You can see Piazza del Campo, the Duomo and the old streets in a day. Check the last bus back, especially on Sundays and holidays.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
No. Regional train tickets and bus tickets have fixed prices and can be bought on the day at stations, ticket machines or in the operators’ apps. Validate paper train tickets before boarding. On busy summer weekends, arrive a little early for the express bus to get a seat.
Is it worth driving to Siena?
A car helps if you want to continue into Chianti or the Val d’Orcia. The drive from Florence takes about 1 hour 15 minutes with no tolls. Park outside the walls, for example near the Stadio or Il Campo car parks, as the centre is a ZTL with camera-enforced fines.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.