Would you experienced folks recommend the bus or train? We will be spending a couple of nights in Lucca during the last week in September, and then moving on to Siena and other parts of Tuscany for another week. Can anyone suggest the most direct/ scenic way to travel? It would be wonderful to be able to leave Lucca mid-morning.
Thanks to everyone on this forum...We have been helped beyond measure in planning our Italy trip by reading your comments...
life,
Travel by train will be faster and easier (IMO). I'd suggest using a mid-morning departure at either 09:39 or 10:31, as those only have one change in Florence (some of the other trains on that route have two changes). You'll likely be using Regionale trains on that route so DON'T forget to validate your tickets prior to boarding the train on the day of travel.
Another option you could use is a "combination" approach. Travel by train from Lucca to Firenze SMN station and then use the Bus from there to Siena (Note - you'll also have to validate your Bus ticket). The bus station is just a short walk from Firenze SMN rail station. The advantage of that method is that you'll be dropped in the centre of Siena in Piazza Gramsci, rather than the bottom of the hill where the rail station is located. If you arrive by train, you'll have to take a Taxi or Bus up to the city.
Ken has you on the right track. We are not aware of any direct bus option.
