How to Get to Siena. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Florence Airport (FLR), Pisa International Airport (PSA), and Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) serve as main gateways.

Flight Info & Carriers

FLR: Around 1 hour from Siena; serves domestic & European flights (ITA Airways, Lufthansa).
PSA: Around 1.5-2 hours from Siena; wider European range (Ryanair, easyJet).
FCO: Around 3 hours from Siena; major international hub (Delta, United, British Airways).

Transfers to Siena

Options for reaching Siena from the main arrival airports.

Airport to City Connections

From FLR: "Volainbus" transfer to Florence SMN, then train (around 1.5 hrs) or direct bus.
From PSA: "PisaMover" shuttle to Pisa Centrale, then train to Siena (1.5-2 hrs, with change).
From FCO: Leonardo Express to Rome Termini, then high-speed train to Florence SMN, then regional train to Siena (3-4 hrs total).

Price Fluctuations

Flight prices reach highest in summer (June-August) and around major holidays. Book early via Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

Airport Facilities

All major airports offer full facilities: car rental, taxis, buses, shops, restaurants, lounges. Duty-free shopping at international terminals.

Booking Tip

Book airport transfers or initial train/bus segments in advance, especially for late arrivals or peak season.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Siena's train station sits outside city walls, connected by escalators.
Regional trains connect Siena to Florence (around 1.5 hours), often needing a change at Empoli.
Also connections to Pisa and other Tuscan towns.
High-speed connections to Rome/Milan/Venice are via Florence Santa Maria Novella (SMN).

Long-Distance Buses

Autolinee Toscane operates frequent services connecting Siena to Florence, Rome, and Tuscany.
Main bus station in Siena is near Piazza Antonio Gramsci.
Buses to Florence often turn out more direct and sometimes faster than the train.
DiscoverCars.com for vehicle rentals.

Self-Driving Considerations

Driving Requirements

Non-EU citizens require an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their home country driver's license. Obtain your IDP ahead of leaving. Minimum driving age is 18, but rental companies may need 21/25.

ZTL Limited Traffic Zone

Siena's historic core operates as a ZTL. Vehicle access restricts to authorized residents. Fines for unauthorized entry are substantial. Driving within the city walls carries strong discouragement.

Road Conditions & Parking

Roads in Tuscany are generally well-maintained, but countryside routes are narrow/winding. Public parking lots are available outside the ZTL (Parcheggio Fortezza, Il Campo, Santa Caterina).

Sea & River Arrivals

Ferry & Cruise Port

Siena is an inland city, so it holds no direct sea or river transportation access.

Closest Port & Connections

The most proximate major cruise port to Siena is Livorno (around 1 hour 15 minutes by car/bus).
Travelers from Livorno typically take a train or bus to Florence or Pisa, then connect to Siena.
No river transportation options directly serve Siena.

Immigration & Transfers

Procedures for sea arrivals and connections to land transport.

Port Entry & Onward Travel

Immigration procedures at Italian seaports are similar to airports: show your passport and documents.
From Livorno port, take an area bus to Livorno Centrale train station.
Then connect to Florence or Pisa, and finally to Siena. Taxis and private transfers are also available.

Departure Information

Details for a smooth departure from Siena and Italy.

Exit Procedures

No particular exit fees or taxes are levied for tourists departing Italy; departing from the airport taxes are typically included in your flight ticket.
For international flights (non-Schengen), arrive 2-3 hours before departure.
For domestic or Schengen flights, 1.5-2 hours before departure generally suffices.

Airport & Station Facilities

Amenities for departing travelers.

Terminal Amenities

Airports (FCO, FLR, PSA) offer duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, and lounges.
If you qualify for a VAT refund, process this at the airport before your EU departure (look for "Tax Free" signs).
Train stations (including Siena's) give waiting areas, cafes, newsstands, and basic amenities.

Departure Reminders

Consider an early morning bus directly to Florence or Rome airports for early flights.
This aids avoiding potential traffic.
Booking your transfers in advance.

Ensure a relaxed start to your travel day.
Be mindful of local traffic conditions, especially during peak hours.
Have all departure documents readily accessible for airport checks.

Important Travel Tips

Airport Transfer Strategy

Booking airport transfers or initial train/bus segments in advance holds merit, especially if arriving late or during peak season.

Pre-Book Your Ride

Book transfers ahead of time to secure your ride.
This saves time and stress upon arrival.
Especially useful during high season or after hours.

ZTL Awareness for Drivers

If you rent a car, confirm your GPS or mapping app holds updates with ZTL data to bypass fines.

Avoid Fines

Many rental cars come with built-in navigation.
Confirm its ZTL awareness marks a good practice.
Unintended entry into ZTL can result in significant fines.

Secure Valuables

Carry a small, secure cross-body bag or a Money belt to keep your passport, cash, plus bank cards protected against pickpockets.

Accommodation & Mobility

When booking accommodation, ask about its proximity to bus stops or the escalators to render your daily movements easier, especially with mobility concerns or heavy luggage.

Bus Ticket Rule

Always carry a validated bus ticket. Controllers regularly check tickets, and fines for riding without one can be significant.

Final Departure Advice

Preparing for Your Flight

Arrive at the airport with ample time before your scheduled departure.

Check-in Times

International Flights (non-Schengen): Arrive 2-3 hours before departure.
Domestic or Schengen Flights: Arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure.
When Trains leave: Be THERE two0-30 minutes before your train's departure.

VAT Refunds & Facilities

Utilize facilities at the airport and process any eligible refunds.

Airport & Station Services

Major airports offer duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, and lounges.
If you qualify for a VAT refund on purchases, process this at the airport before your EU departure.
Train stations provide waiting areas, cafes, newsstands, and basic amenities.

Seamless Departure Strategy

Early Morning Bus

Consider taking an early morning bus directly to Florence or Rome airports if your flight is early.

Avoid Traffic

This aids avoiding potential traffic and ensures a relaxed start to your travel day.

Document Readiness

Have all departure documents readily accessible for quick checks.

How to Get to Siena