Train from Florence to Siena

Siena is the kind of place that makes people gush with affection. It’s easily visited as a day trip from Florence, but spending a couple of days in Siena can give you the opportunity to really explore inside the historic city walls. However long you stay, getting from Florence to Siena by train is a great option.

You can travel by bus or train, and while the bus trip is faster it may suit your travel needs to take the train instead. The direct train from Florence to Siena only takes 15 minutes more than the bus, and passengers will experience a more comfortable ride, with more space and legroom.

Frequent Trains from Florence to Siena

Siena is one of the most popular day trips from Florence, and there are up to 16 trains per day traveling the 53.25 miles (85.7 km). It’s not the high-speed trains that cover this route, but the regional trains make the trip from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Siena in about 1.5 hours.

Trains leave Florence roughly once per hour bound for Siena, and tickets cost $11 for this trip. These trains do not require reservations, but you must remember to validate your ticket before boarding the train.

Note that weekends and holidays typically mean less frequent service and sometimes longer travel times.

Direct Trains from Florence to Siena

Most of the trains from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Siena are direct trains, though there are some route options that would require a train change in Empoli. These trips don’t take much longer than the direct trains, so look carefully at your options before booking so you know whether or not you’ll need to change trains on your trip.

Amenities on Trains from Florence to Siena

There are sometimes 1st-class and 2nd-class cars on regionale trains, but not always. Because reservations are not required on these trains, you simply find an available seat on a car in the appropriate class for your ticket. There is no food service or cafe car on these trains, and although they are supposed to be air-conditioned it isn’t always functional.

Florence and Siena Train Stations

Florence's Santa Maria Novella station is the city's main station. It is close to the historic center, and is a major hub for the city and regional buses, making it easy to get to and from the station if you're traveling light.

Siena’s train station is located outside the city walls, and although it’s not necessarily far from the historic center, it is still an uphill walk. There are local buses connecting the train station with Piazza Gramsci or Piazza del Sale in the historic center.