I am headed to siena from Florence and will be renting a car in Tuscany. Is it better to rent a car in Florence or Siena? I understand the rental agency is outside of florence but understand there is not much as far as car rental agencies at the siena station. Also having trouble locating train service to Siena. Checked trenitalia and there are times but no way to select and buy. Thanks as always
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
The train is a regional one and online pre-purchase is not necessary (and may not be possible).
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8223 posts
You should start your car rental when you're going to start touring around the countryside. If that's from Siena, rent the car there. We're picking our rental car up @ Hertz in Florence, which is at 53 Via del Sansovino; 1 mile north of the train station. Many of AutoEurope's rentals also come out of the same location. Most people take the 1 hr. bus ride to Siena from Florence, as they drop you into the center city. The train station ends on the outskirts and takes longer than the bus.
Posted by
Lake Forest, CA, USA
1633 posts
You could also rent the car at the Florence airport. From there it's easy access to the autostrada. It may cost more. Check with AutoEurope online or call them for a quote.
Posted by
Olivebridge, NY, USA
34 posts
I picked up my car when leaving Florence. Not too difficult to get out of the city. It was a beautiful drive on the state road(22?) through Chianti. If you have the time it's a great way to see some of Tuscany. Lunch in Gaiole to stretch the legs & stroll the little piazza, and on to Castellina & Siena.
Posted by
St Louis
411 posts
The bus from Florence to Siena is fast and comfortable.
Posted by
OP
atlanta, GA, United States
29 posts
Thank you all for the good info. Looks like I will check rental car pricing in Florence vs Siena and make my decision based in that. Bus sounds like the way to go, but. Drive would be beautiful.
Posted by
Martinez, CA, USA
1527 posts
Agree with Maggie. Take the bus. We did the reverse trip, from Siena to Florence on the bus in 2009. The bus station in Florence is in walking distance to most things and the bus will leave you in the old town of Siena. Very convenient.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32253 posts
david, As the others have mentioned, travel by Corse Rapide or Corse Ordinarie Bus is the best method from Florence to Siena. As I recall, the Bus line is SITA. DON'T forget to validate your tickets prior to boarding the Bus. The trip is only about 1.5 hours, and passengers are dropped right in the main part of town (Piazza Gramsci) rather than the bottom of the hill where the rail station is located. As you're planning to rent a car, are you aware of the "usual issues" regarding driving in Italy, such as IDP's, ZTL areas, etc.? If not, post another note for further information. Given the "issues" I'd suggest renting the car in Siena rather than Florence. Good luck with your planning!