Getting to Siena
Siena is easily accessible from several major Italian cities. You can reach it by plane, train, or car, depending on your travel plans. Once in Siena, the best way to explore its charming historic center is on foot, as many streets are closed to traffic (more information can be found here).
By Plane
You can fly into one of the nearby airports and then continue to Siena by bus or train.
- Florence Airport (FLR): The closest airport to Siena, about 55 km away. From the airport you can catch a bus direct in around 55–60 minutes
- Pisa Airport (PSA): Approximately 110–115 km from Siena. There is no reliable direct bus; typical connections involve changing at Florence or Pisa city and take around 2h to 2h 30m by bus or combined bus/train.
- Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO): Around 230–250 km from Siena. By bus direct expect about 3 h – 3 h 30m under good conditions. By train the trip will take longer—approximately 4–5 hours including transfers.
By train
Siena’s railway station is located about a 20-minute walk from the city center and is served by Trenitalia and Italo trains.
There are two trains per hour from Florence:
- One direct train takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- The other requires a transfer in Empoli, with a total journey time of about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Because the station is at the bottom of a hill, it’s easiest to take a local bus to reach the historic center. Buses to Piazza del Sale/Viale Garibaldi or Viale Tozzi/Piazza Gramsci will bring you close to Via Banchi di Sopra, from which you can easily walk to Piazza del Campo.
By car
Driving to Siena is a great option if you’re exploring Tuscany or traveling with a group.
- From Rome: About 233 km on the A1 motorway towards Florence (approx. 3 hours).
- From Pisa: Take the A12 motorway towards Livorno, then the A11 towards Florence, and follow signs for Siena.
- From Milan: Drive south on the A1 motorway towards Bologna. Take the “Firenze Impruneta” exit, then follow the Siena signs (about 60 km remaining).
Keep in mind that Siena’s historic center has restricted traffic zones (ZTL), so parking outside the old town and walking in is usually the best option.
Getting around Siena
The best way to move around Siena is simply by walking. The historic city center is compact, allowing you to reach most landmarks, restaurants, hotels, and conference venues on foot. Walking also lets you enjoy Siena’s charming narrow streets, medieval architecture, and vibrant atmosphere at your own pace.
Bus Travel
Siena’s bus network is convenient and affordable for getting around the city and nearby areas.
Tickets:
- Tickets can be purchased in advance at “tabaccherie” (shops with the “T” sign) or at authorised sales points.
- Single urban tickets (for rides within the city) (~€1.5) and there are 24-hour unlimited passes (~€6), and a 3-day pass (~€12.50).
- Tickets for nearby towns: a one-way ticket costs €7.80 if purchased in advance at the station, or €10 if bought directly on the bus.
Ticket Validation:
Always remember to validate your ticket by stamping it in the machine as you board. This prints the date and time, making the ticket valid for your journey.
⚠️ Failure to validate can result in a fine, and the same rule applies to regional train tickets across Italy.
For timetables and routes, visit: Tiemme Bus Siena
Bike sharing service: “Si Pedala”
If you prefer an eco-friendly way to move around Siena, try Si Pedala, the city’s bike-sharing service offering pedal-assisted bicycles.
- Availability: Bikes are located at various stations across the city.
- How it works: Manage rentals, returns, and payments directly through the Weelo app.
- Service hours: 24/7 and the first 30 minutes are free.
- Download the app to get started: Scarica Weelo Android, Scarica Weelo Apple