Siena lies in the heart of Tuscany, surrounded by the rolling hills of central Italy. It is about 47 miles (75 km) from Florence, 78 miles (125 km) from Pisa, and 43 miles (70 km) from Arezzo. The historic center sits on a series of hills, which is worth keeping in mind both when planning your trip and when exploring the city.
How to Get to Siena
By Plane
Siena does not have its own airport with regular passenger service. The nearest major airports are Florence Airport – Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola and Pisa International Airport – Aeroporto Galileo Galilei. From either city, you can continue to Siena by train or bus.
In practice, Florence is usually the more convenient starting point for the journey to Siena, especially since the two cities are easy to combine on the same trip through Tuscany.
By Train
From Florence, trains leave from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station. From the south, Siena can also be reached by rail via places such as Grosseto and Chiusi.
Siena’s train station is about 1.2 miles (2 km) from the historic center, but that does not mean you have to face a long uphill walk. Across from the station is the Porta Siena shopping center, where a system of escalators takes passengers up toward the higher part of the city. From there, you can comfortably begin your walk toward Porta Camollia and the historic center.
By Bus
Traveling by bus is a convenient option from both Pisa and Florence. Local and regional services are mainly operated by Autolinee Toscane, while private companies such as FlixBus also serve Siena.
By Car
Traveling by car gives you the most freedom, especially if Siena is part of a longer road trip through Tuscany. From Florence, the easiest route is the Firenze–Siena expressway. From the south, you can take the A1 highway, exit near Valdichiana, and continue along the Siena–Bettolle road. From the direction of Grosseto, follow the Siena–Grosseto road.
However, there is one very important thing to remember: cars cannot freely enter much of Siena’s historic center. The old town is covered by a restricted traffic zone known as the ZTL – Zona a Traffico Limitato, and you need special authorization to enter.
Access is monitored electronically, so the safest option is to leave your car at one of the parking areas around the edge of the historic center and continue on foot.
Where to Park in Siena
Siena has more than 4,000 parking spaces located around the historic center. Several parking areas are particularly convenient for visitors.
- Parcheggio Santa Caterina is a good option if you want to enter the center near Fontebranda and the home of Saint Catherine. The parking area is connected to the upper part of the city by a system of escalators.
- Parcheggio San Francesco also has a convenient escalator connection to the historic center and works well for a full day of sightseeing.
- Parcheggio Stadio–Fortezza is located next to Fortezza Medicea and is a convenient choice if you are starting or ending your walk in the northwestern part of the city.
- Parcheggio Il Campo is close to Piazza del Campo, while Parcheggio Duomo is convenient if you want to begin your visit near the cathedral and Santa Maria della Scala.
Parking rates may change, so it is a good idea to check current prices before your visit. Siena also has apps that allow you to check parking availability and pay for your stay.
Getting Around Siena
Walking is by far the best way to explore Siena. The historic center is relatively compact, and having a car in the center is more of a problem than a benefit. Most of the major attractions are within walking distance of one another, as you can see in our video: Siena Stroll.
Keep in mind, however, that Siena is built on hills. Streets often climb steeply up and down, and many are paved with historic stone or brick.
Comfortable walking shoes are definitely more useful here than stylish ones.
Weather – When Is the Best Time to Visit Siena?
Siena sits at an elevation of about 1,150 feet (350 meters) above sea level and has a relatively mild climate. The city can be visited year-round, but spring and early fall are especially good for exploring on foot.
April, May, and the first half of June usually bring pleasant temperatures, plenty of greenery, and good conditions for long walks.
September and October are also excellent choices. Temperatures become milder, and the Tuscan hills and vineyards begin to take on their autumn colors.
July and August are hotter and much busier. However, this is a special time to visit if you want to experience the atmosphere of the Palio di Siena. The races traditionally take place on July 2 and August 16, and in the days leading up to them, the entire city comes alive with the rivalry between Siena’s contrade.
During this period, expect larger crowds, higher accommodation prices, and some restrictions around Piazza del Campo.
In winter, Siena is much quieter. Temperatures are lower, the days are shorter, and rain or fog is more common, but in return you can explore the city without the biggest crowds.