As the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region and the birthplace of the Renaissance, the beauty and rich history of Florence definitely requires more than a few days to soak in. However, if you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of tourists, a day trip from Florence to Siena is right up your alley. Siena is the perfect spot – not only is it just over an hour away, it is also a World Heritage Site that’s best known for its art, cuisine, medieval history and culture, and museums. This Tuscan town is definitely worth a visit if you’re in for the full Italian experience!
Day Trip Guide - Florence To Siena
- Day Trip From Florence to Siena - In A Nutshell
- Why Take a Day Trip from Florence to Siena?
- Going From Florence To Siena - All Your Options Listed
- Best Guided Tours From Florence To Siena
- Siena Day Trip Itinerary
- Best Places To Eat In Siena
- Consider Before Going On A Day Trip From Florence To Siena
- Quick Tips For You Siena Day Trip
- Frequently Asked Questions
Day Trip From Florence to Siena - In A Nutshell
Distance From Florence To Siena
78.3 KM
Travel Duration
1 hour, by car
Cheapest way to travel from Florence to Siena
By Bus
Fastest way to travel from Florence to Siena
By Train
Best Time To Visit Siena
Late September and October, April and May
Why Take a Day Trip from Florence to Siena?
Short Ride Away
Siena is just an hour from Florence, making for the perfect day trip destination. You won't have to spend much time (and money) on commute and you'll have a lot more time in hand to explore Siena.
Best of Tuscany
For a sumptuous taste of the Tuscan region, Siena is exactly where you should head. The sun shine, vineyards and renaissance architecture adorning the backdrop of this hilly region - Siena is Tuscan dream.
Wine & Dine
You may want to have more than 3 meals in Siena and that's okay! The fresh produce here is ought to have you wanting for more; pair that with wine and you've got yourself the best few meals of your Italian vacation in this countryside.
Close Proximity To Chianti & San Gimignano, or Pisa
Why visit just Siena when you can venture a little off-track and visit nearby cities like Chianti, San Gimignano or Pisa? For just €80 you can take true blue Tuscan adventure on a coach guided tour from Florence to Siena, San Gimignano and Pisa with an authentic lunch and sightsee the best of each city.
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Going From Florence To Siena - All Your Options Listed
Whether you're planning to travel via public transport, make a road trip of it or join an organized tour group, here are all your options for going from Florence to Siena.
By Bus
Typical Duration: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
There are two available options: Rapida (the fast bus), which travels non-stop from Florence to Siena for about 1 hour 15 minutes; and Ordinaria (the slower bus), which makes two stops on the way and takes 1 hour and 30 minutes. Usually, two buses leave every hour.
By Train
Typical Duration: 2 Hour 15 Minutes
There are up to 16 trains that traverse this 85 km distance, which leave once per hour. Weekends and holidays typically mean less frequent service, and sometimes longer travel times.
By Car
Typical Duration: 2 Hours
One can hire a car and drive to Siena, taking around 1-2 hours. However, this option may prove to be expensive.
Guided tours from Florence to Siena
Typical Duration: 11-12 Hours
With a pre-booked tour, transport is covered in the cost of the tour, and you also get to explore Siena and surrounding areas extensively, in a hassle-free manner. This definitely makes for an easier option if you are travelling with children, or simply want a relaxed holiday!
Best Guided Tours From Florence To Siena
If you're looking for an all-inclusive guided tour from Florence to Siena and a few other neighbouring towns, here are our top picks. They are economical and allows you to cover maximum ground over a day with a finely articulated itinerary! Check them out.
Siena, San Gimignano and Pisa - True Tuscan Adventure
Make your visit memorable by experiencing the best of Tuscany in a day! On a guided excursion from Florence, visit the World Heritage sites of San Gimignano, Pisa, and Siena. Top off the affair with a delicious Tuscan lunch and authentic wine tasting!
- Drive through the lush and beautiful landscape to your first town, Pisa, where you’ll get to admire the Cathedral, Camposanto Monumentale, and best of all, the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa!
- For lunch, stop by at a traditional Italian farmhouse nestled in a vineyard for an authentic Italian meal.
- Explore the cobbled streets of San Gimignano, a medieval Italian village.
Florence to San Gimignano, Siena, Monteriggioni, Chianti with Wine Tasting & Lunch
Journey into the heart of the culturally rich region of Tuscany in Italy. Get an opportunity to taste four excellent wines in a beautiful winery across the rolling Chianti Hills. Explore magnificent locations in Siena like the Palazzo Pubblico, the Cathedral of Siena, Monteriggioni.
- Visit the picturesque hilltop village of San Gimignano on the road to Siena. .
- Walkthrough the city of Siena with an experienced local guide who will tell you compelling facts about the city and its various attractions.
- Sample up to four different wines and balsamic vinegar in a winery.
Want more insight into planning a day trip from Florence to Tuscany? Find out more with this one-stop comprehensive guide!
Siena Day Trip Itinerary
If you're planning a self-guided day trip to Siena, here's all that you must cover in your itinerary.
Piazza del Campo
This is the city square of Siena and is known for its beautiful architecture. Built on the site of a Roman marketplace, the square is lined with trendy cafes and restaurants that are among the best places to eat in town. The famous Palio di Siena or traditional horse race is held twice a year around this square.
Siena Cathedral
The Siena Cathedral, constructed between 1215 and 1263, contains works by Donatello, Pisano and Michelangelo. This stunning Gothic piece of architecture also houses the Piccolomini Library and the Chapel of St. John the Baptist. Don’t miss the intricate mosaic floor and beautifully designed pulpit!
Torre del Mangia
Torre del Mangia is a 102m tall tower, located in the Piazza del Campo, and was supposed to be around the same height as the Siena Cathedral to signify the equivalence of power between the church and the state. The name of the tower means ‘Tower of the Eater’, referring to its first bellringer, Giovanni di Balduccio, nicknamed Mangiaguadagni for his gluttony and idleness.
Museo Civico
Museo Civico is located on the first floor of the city hall, the Palazzo Publico. It features frescoes and paintings that depict the history of Siena, and also of its culture and traditions. Admire the famous Maestà in the Sala del Mappamondo or ‘World Map Room’, depicting the Madonna with the child surrounded by angels and saints and protecting the city.
Best Places To Eat In Siena
What's a day trip without sampling some of the city's best cuisine? Here are our top picks for the best restaurants in Siena. Make sure to grab a bite from either of these - it's a true Italian treat!
Enjoy the city’s most authentic recipes - pici, a home-made pasta and bistecca alla fiorentina, a thick, succulent steak prepared from locally grown beef. The restaurant also boasts a wonderful wine list with local and national wines.
Located in a 15th-century building, the interior is a mix of 1920s furnishings and boiseries with medieval-inspired paintings on the walls. The kitchen prepares exquisite Mediterranean food, and is particularly renowned for its fish dishes.
Make your way to this small eatery for irresistible paninis prepared with Tuscan bread and a large selection of traditional, mouth-watering cold cuts and cheeses. They also offers a selection of local wines to pair with the panini, as panfortes and cantucci.
A homelyinn, with tuff-stone vaults crisscrossing the ceiling, Osteria is an intimate spaces for customers to enjoy their meal in unrivaled privacy. Expect typical dishes from Tuscany’s gastronomy, prepared with quality local produce and changed seasonally to make use of the freshest ingredients.
Consider Before Going On A Day Trip From Florence To Siena
It is best to consider these factors before booking a trip from Florence to Siena:
Time In Hand
The first thing you've got to think about is how long have you got to explore Siena? If you can spare a day, it's best to take a day trip, as a day trip will show you a side of Siena that is impossible to see in a half-day trip. Additionally, it is better to take a day trip to Siena rather than spend more than a day there, as a day trip will show you all the main sights without wasting any time.
Guided Vs Self-Guided
The tour to San Gimignano, Siena and Pisa has an option to include a tour guide. While this option may be more expensive, it is also more convenient, especially in the small towns of Italy where not everyone may speak English. You will also get tips and suggestions form your guide as to where to eat and what to see, and you may also learn more about the history of the places you visit, hence saving you a lot of hassle on your trip!
Best Time To Visit Siena
The best months to visit Siena are April, May, June, September, and October. Springtime in Tuscany can be very pleasant with beautiful and lush landscapes and charming showers of rain. Autumn has similar weather, though perhaps a little sunnier, and is a great time to go exploring.
Quick Tips For You Siena Day Trip
- Be sure to try out the local bakeries – not only are they reasonably priced, but they are great places to try out some fresh bread, pastries and sweets!
- Siena is a great place to walk around and explore, but the hills are a bit steep – be sure to carry your walking shoes!
- The city has a pretty efficient public transportation system - Pollicino buses - that cruising the streets from early morning until late at night. Pick up tickets at the kiosk prior to travel to save money.
- If you are visiting Siena in the summer, don’t miss the Palio, a bareback horse race held every July 2 and August 16 on Siena’s Piazza del Campo.
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Frequently Asked Questions
You can travel from Florence to Siena via bus, train , car or on a guided tour. While trains are the fastest mode of transport, buses are the cheapest.
Siena is larger, the food, the Cathedral and its way of life (Palio etc.) is less devoted to mass tourism than San Gimignano, especially if you wander apart from the most touristy spots (the Campo and the Duomo). However, on a day trip from Florence, you can visit Siena and San Gimignano.
Yes. You can cover most of Siena within a few hours.
Here are the best recommended day tours from Florence to Siena
