Siena → Florence by train
Regionale via Empoli, fixed ~€10.60, no reservation. The bus (Autolinee Toscane 131R) is faster door-to-door from the old town — we compare both below.
Who runs this route
| Operator | Type | Where to book |
|---|---|---|
| RegionaleTrenitalia | Regional, no seat reservation | Trenitalia app or station machine |
Check live times & fares
Compare Trenitalia and Italo in one search — prices rise as seats sell.
Timetable at a glance
Services run hourly, first departure around 05:50 and last around 21:10. Exact times shift with the seasonal timetable — treat these as planning anchors and confirm the day before you travel.
Buying tickets: when and where
Regional and Intercity fares are mostly fixed — there is no advantage in booking months ahead. Buy the day before or on the day in the Trenitalia app, or at a station machine.
Tickets are digital — show the QR code from the app or a printout. On Regionale services with paper tickets, validate in the green machines before boarding. High-speed and Intercity tickets are train-specific; Regionale tickets are flexible within their validity window.
The stations
Siena
The station sits below the hill town — take the escalator mall or bus to Piazza del Campo.
Firenze Santa Maria Novella
The station is a 10-minute walk from the Duomo — you rarely need a taxi.
Alternatives, honestly compared
Bus: FlixBus and Itabus connect Siena and Florence for less money but roughly double the time — the budget backstop. Driving: around 93 km on autostrade; add tolls, fuel and city ZTL zones (limited-traffic areas with cameras), which make cars a liability in historic centres. Flying only makes sense with checked bags and airport-side hotels — city-centre to city-centre, the train wins on this route.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Siena to Florence?
The typical journey time is 1 h 30 min. Frequency: hourly.
How much does the Siena to Florence train cost?
Tickets cost from €10.60; prices on this route are largely fixed.
Which stations does the Siena–Florence train use?
Departures use Siena and arrive at Firenze Santa Maria Novella.
Do I need to book in advance?
Regional and Intercity fares are mostly fixed — there is no advantage in booking months ahead. Buy the day before or on the day in the Trenitalia app, or at a station machine.
What is the first and last departure?
First departure around 05:50, last around 21:10 — exact times vary by day, check before travel.
Is the train the best way to get from Siena to Florence?
Regionale via Empoli, fixed ~€10.60, no reservation. The bus (Autolinee Toscane 131R) is faster door-to-door from the old town — we compare both below.