What's the best way to travel between Florence and Siena?

Traveling between Florence and Siena is straightforward, with both bus and train options available. Here's what you need to know:

🚍 Bus: Fast and Central

• Route: Take the 131R (Rapida) bus from the bus station next to Santa Maria Novella train station in Florence.
• Duration: Approximately 75–90 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Cost: Around €9–€10 each way.
• Frequency: Buses run hourly during most of the day, with increased frequency during peak hours.
• Arrival: The bus drops you off at Piazza Gramsci, right in Siena's historic center, saving you an uphill walk from the train station.

The bus drops one off in a more central location within the walled city.

🚆 Train: Scenic but Less Direct

• Route: Regional trains depart from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station to Siena, often requiring a change at Empoli.
• Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.
• Cost: Around €10 each way.
• Arrival: The Siena train station is located at the bottom of the hill; you'll need to take escalators or walk uphill to reach the city center.

The train from Santa Maria Novella train station is easy. However, it is a huge people congested station.

✅ Which Should You Choose?

• Bus: Ideal if you prefer a direct route to Siena's center without transfers or uphill walks.
• Train: Suitable if you enjoy scenic routes and don't mind a short transfer at Empoli.

ℹ️ Tips for a Smooth Journey

• Tickets: Purchase bus tickets at the station kiosk or online; train tickets can be bought via the Trenitalia app or at the station.
• Validation: Remember to validate your train ticket before boarding to avoid fines.
• Apps: Use apps like MooneyGo for bus schedules and Trenitalia for train times.

The Trenitalia app is great, and regional trains give you lots of flexibility and never sell out.

---

Need personalized advice or assistance planning your trip between Florence and Siena? Ask me here, and I'll be happy to help!