Siena Tuscany, Italy Travel Guide
Autolinee Toscane operates Siena's bus services. These buses connect various parts of the city, including residential areas, the train station, and points just outside the historic core. While you will walk most of the historic core, buses aid in reaching it from the train station or parking areas.
Piazza Gramsci serves as the central bus station, located just outside Siena's city walls. Many urban and intercity buses depart from and arrive here. Bus routes fan out from Piazza Gramsci, serving residential zones, university areas, and destinations beyond the immediate historic core.
Buses connect the train station to the city center. Piazza del Sale stop for escalators, Piazza Indipendenza for Piazza del Campo.
Use Google Maps for real-time bus information and route planning. Identify convenient bus stops for your itinerary.
For train arrivals or parking outside walls, public escalators (risalite) significantly reduce uphill walks into the historic center.
Siena's historic core is largely pedestrianized, ideal for walking and exploration of narrow alleyways.
Numerous guided walking tours focus on history, art, or the Palio. Self-guided tours also occur.
Dedicated bike lanes within Siena limit. The surrounding countryside offers many scenic routes.
Avoid cycling within the historic center during busy hours due to narrow, crowded streets.
Renting a car, scooter, or bicycle offers flexibility, especially for exploring the Tuscan countryside.
Traditional large tour buses do not typically operate within Siena's historic core due to the ZTL and narrow streets.
Regional tour buses often drop passengers off at designated points outside the city walls, like Piazza Gramsci or near the train station.
From there, you walk or take a local bus into the core.
Siena's unique layout means some specialized transportation options limit or differ from larger cities.
Newer buses are typically low-floor and offer better accessibility for strollers and wheelchairs.
Limited within city center.
Hiring private accessible transport offers door-to-door service and greater flexibility.
Book in advance.
Consider tours designed for travelers with mobility needs for a curated experience.
Often pre-planned routes.
When booking accommodation, ask about its proximity to bus stops or the escalators to make your daily movements easier, especially if you have mobility concerns or heavy luggage.
Siena's compact nature makes walking the main method, but its hills make knowing transit aids worthwhile.
