Planning a trip from Florence to San Gimignano and then on to Siena? While there’s conflicting information out there, we’ve done the research and checked with locals to bring you the most convenient and cost-effective way to make this journey. The secret? The bus!
Why the Bus is Best
While you could take a train from Florence to Poggibonsi and then hop on a bus to San Gimignano (since there’s no train station there), it’s much simpler to stick with the bus for the entire trip. This way, you only need to buy one ticket and deal with one set of schedules. Plus, in Italy, timetables can be more like suggestions, and ticketing machines don’t always cooperate. Trust us, the bus is the way to go.
From Florence to San Gimignano
- Make your way to the SITA bus station, located right next to the Firenze SMN train station. View larger map.
- Head to the ticket office and purchase your ticket to San Gimignano (it’ll run you about €7 per person). Be sure to ask the agent which corsia (platform) your bus will depart from.
- Find your designated corsia and look for the yellow validation machines on the columns nearby (they’re usually right under the information board). Stamp your ticket here.
- If you have luggage, you may need to ask the driver to open the storage compartment under the bus for you.
- Board the bus, grab a seat, and enjoy the ~50-minute ride to Poggibonsi.
- Once you arrive in Poggibonsi, the bus will stop at the train station. Disembark and retrieve your luggage from the storage compartment.
- Check the arrivals/departures board for your next bus, which should be #130 to San Gimignano. Make sure it’s not the #130 to Siena – that’s a different bus! When #130 arrives, confirm with the driver that it’s headed to San Gimignano. You’ll have about a 15-minute layover in Poggibonsi.
Note: There might be other buses, like #133, that also go to San Gimignano. It’s a good idea to double-check at the ticket counter, verify on the information board, and confirm with the driver, just to be sure.
- Store your bags in the luggage compartment (you might need to open it yourself) and hop on the bus.
- Settle in for the ~25-minute journey to San Gimignano. You’ll be dropped off right outside the main city gate, Porta San Giovanni.
All in all, the trip from Florence to San Gimignano takes around 90 minutes.
From San Gimignano to Siena
- Purchase your bus ticket to Siena (€6 per person) at the Tourist Information office*** or one of the designated ticketing spots in San Gimignano. It’s a good idea to buy your ticket at least a day ahead of time, as they can sell out.
- On the day of your departure, aim to be at the bus stop at least 10 minutes before your bus is scheduled to leave. The official stop is just across the street from Porta San Giovanni.
- Look for bus #130 to Siena. Often, this will be the same bus that arrived from Siena. It might wait at the “drop-off” point near the city gate until about 5 minutes after the scheduled departure time, then pull up to the bus stop to pick up additional passengers.
Insider Tip: If you see the bus near the main gate, go ahead and ask the driver if it’s going to Siena. If it is, you can board early and grab a seat in the shade while you wait.
- Place your luggage in the storage compartment (you may need to open it yourself).
- Get on the bus, validate your ticket, find a seat, and relax for the ~65-minute ride.
- When you arrive in Siena, stay on the bus until it reaches the final stop at Piazza Gramsci, the main bus station.
Keep in mind: This is not the same as the Siena train station, which is located north of the city at Piazza Fretelli Rosselli.
Helpful Hints
- Want more details on tickets, fares, and schedules (in Italian)? Check out the Siena Mobilita regional bus website.
- You’ll find the San Gimignano Tourist Information office in Piazza della Duoma, right next door to the Palazzo Comunale & Torre Grossa.
- Other places to buy tickets in San Gimignano include:
- Bar il Piccino – Via San Matteo 91
- Idea Libro – Via Baccanella
- Società Bar Combattenti (Bar 900) – Via San Giovanni 124
- Tabaccheria Poli – Via San Giovanni 59
Be sure to check the Siena Mobilita website for updated locations and opening hours.
- While you’re in San Gimignano, don’t miss the chance to try the town’s famous white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano. It’s the perfect refreshment after a day of exploring the town’s medieval towers and stunning views.
- If you have time, consider hiking a portion of the Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrimage route that passes through San Gimignano. The trail offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Tuscan countryside.
With this step-by-step guide, you’re well-equipped to navigate your way from Florence to San Gimignano to Siena with ease. Enjoy the journey and savor every moment in these enchanting Tuscan gems!
