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Air Travel

Air Travel

Tuscany, Italy

Major Airports & Airlines

Florence Airport FLR – Amerigo Vespucci Airport

Located approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) north of San Gimignano. A smaller airport, closer, with good connections to major European hubs. Its proximity to Florence offers convenient onward travel.

Airlines & Routes

  • Mainly European airlines: Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Alitalia/ITA Airways, Vueling, British Airways.
  • Direct flights from North America are rare; connections occur through major European cities.
  • Airport facilities include car rentals, ATMs, duty-free shops, and dining.

Pisa International Airport PSA – Galileo Galilei Airport

Situated approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) west of San Gimignano. This airport is larger than Florence, serving a broader range of international, budget, and charter airlines. It provides more direct flight options from various European cities.

Airlines & Routes

  • Wide array of airlines: Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air, alongside traditional carriers like Volotea.
  • Direct flights from North America are uncommon, requiring connections through other European cities.
  • Standard airport facilities are available.

High Season June-August

Highest prices, flights fill quickly. Book several months in advance.

Shoulder Season Apr-May, Sep-Oct

Better value, good flight availability, moderate prices. Book 2-3 months ahead.

Low Season Nov-March

Fewest crowds, lowest prices. More flexibility for last-minute bookings. Reduced frequency on some routes.

Transfer Options from Airports to San Gimignano

From Florence Airport FLR

  • Bus/Tram T2 to Florence Santa Maria Novella (SMN) Train Station (~20 mins, €1.50).
  • Train from Florence SMN to Poggibonsi-San Gimignano (~45-60 mins).
  • Local bus line 130 from Poggibonsi to San Gimignano (~20 mins).
  • Taxi/Private Transfer: Direct cost ~€100-€150 (most direct, AirHelp for flight issues).

From Pisa International Airport PSA

  • PisaMover to Pisa Centrale Train Station (~5 mins, ~€5).
  • Train from Pisa Centrale to Empoli, then change for Poggibonsi-San Gimignano (~1.5-2 hours total train).
  • Local bus line 130 from Poggibonsi to San Gimignano (~20 mins).
  • Rental Car: Pick up at airport for Tuscan exploration (DiscoverCars.com).

Direct Flight Options from Global Hubs

North America

Direct flights to Tuscany from North America are limited. Most itineraries include at least one stop in a major European gateway city.

European Gateways

From major European hubs (e.g., Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, London), numerous direct flights depart for Florence or Pisa.

Finding Flights

Use Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for flight deals.

Land Transportation

Train Connections & Services

San Gimignano lacks its own train station. The closest and most convenient train station is Poggibonsi-San Gimignano.

Train Information

  • Connections from Poggibonsi to Florence Santa Maria Novella (SMN) (~45-60 mins).
  • Connections to Siena (less frequent, ~20-30 mins).
  • Local bus line 130 from Poggibonsi-San Gimignano station to San Gimignano town center (~20 mins).

Long-Distance Bus Options & Companies

Buses provide a practical, often direct way to reach San Gimignano, specifically from nearby Tuscan cities. Tiemme Toscana Mobilità is the main bus company.

Bus Routes & Ticketing

  • Buses connect San Gimignano directly to Poggibonsi, Siena (~1 hour), and Florence (~1.5-2 hours).
  • Bus stops at Piazzale dei Martiri di Montemaggio, just outside Porta San Giovanni.
  • Purchase tickets from tabaccherie, newsstands, or bus driver (higher price). Validate immediately on board.

Self-Driving Considerations & Requirements

Renting a car offers flexibility for exploring Tuscany. Specific rules apply in San Gimignano.

Driving Permits & Zones

  • International Driving Permit (IDP) needed for non-EU license holders (DiscoverCars.com for rentals).
  • ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato): Historic center is restricted. Unauthorized entry incurs substantial fines.
  • Ample paid parking outside city walls (P1 Montemaggio, P2 Bagnaia, P3 San Giovanni).

Road Conditions & Safety

Roads in Tuscany are generally well-maintained. Major highways (autostrade) are tolled. Smaller regional roads can be narrow and winding, especially in hilly areas.

Driving Safety Measures

  • Italian drivers can be assertive.
  • Awareness of speed limits is important (enforced by cameras, "Autovelox").
  • Pay close attention to road signs, notably ZTLs.

Border Crossings & Sea/River Arrivals

  • Land Borders: No formal border checks if arriving from another Schengen country.
  • Sea/River: San Gimignano is landlocked; no ferry or river transportation.
  • Closest major port: Livorno (~80 km/50 miles west).
  • Immigration at Seaports: Standard procedures apply if arriving from non-Schengen country.
  • Connections from Ports: Use trains, buses, or rental cars to travel inland.
  • Cruise arrivals would need land transport from Livorno to San Gimignano.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures & Timing

No specific exit fees or taxes apply for tourists departing Italy; airport departure taxes include the airline ticket price.

Airport Departure Timing

  • International Flights (Non-Schengen): Arrive 2-3 hours before departure.
  • Schengen Flights: 1.5-2 hours is usually sufficient (no passport control).
  • Time for check-in, baggage drop, security screening, and passport control.

Train/Bus Departure & Facilities

Train and bus stations have basic facilities, including ticket offices, waiting areas, and often small cafes or newsstands.

Station Departure Timing

  • Train from Poggibonsi: Arrive 15-20 minutes before departure.
  • Bus from San Gimignano (Piazzale dei Martiri di Montemaggio): Arrive 10-15 minutes before departure.
  • Airports (Florence, Pisa) offer full facilities for departing travelers.

Airport Facilities: Ticketing

Check-in desks and kiosks for your airline.

Airport Facilities: Security

Security screening before entering departures area.

Airport Facilities: Retail

Duty-free shops for last-minute shopping, restaurants, cafes, and lounges.

Departure Checklist

Before Heading to the Airport

Confirm your flight status and check-in online if possible. Verify baggage allowances and restrictions with your airline.

Pre-Departure Tasks

  • Ensure your passport and any necessary visa are easily accessible.
  • Organize any remaining Euros or exchange leftover currency.
  • Consider transportation from San Gimignano to the airport well in advance.

During Airport Procedures

Allow ample time for security and passport control, especially during peak travel periods.

Navigating the Airport

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking through terminals.
  • Keep electronics charged for boarding pass display or entertainment.
  • Be aware of liquid restrictions for carry-on luggage.

Considerations for a Smooth Departure

Duty-Free Shopping

Plan enough time for last-minute duty-free purchases if desired. Remember any customs limits for your home country.

Lounge Access

If eligible, use airline or credit card lounges for a more relaxing wait before your flight.

Final Checks

Double-check that you have all your personal belongings and travel documents before leaving the airport.

Departure Tip

A smooth departure often follows careful planning. Arrive at the airport with ample time, especially for international flights, to accommodate all procedures.