We are staying in an apartment in Montepulciano for a week. I had planned to take a daytrip into Florence, but now friends are discouraging me stating that it is too far to drive for just one day. We will have a rental car, but DON'T plan to drive into Florence. However, we could certainly drive closer and pick up a train or bus. My questions are: Is it really too far for a daytrip? If not, what would be the best mode of transportation from the Montepulciano area or should we drive in a bit closer?
Posted by
OP
Ely, MN, USA
274 posts
Our main purpose is to go to the Accademia and Uffizi. What train station should we go to?
Posted by
Los Angeles
425 posts
S. M. Novella (the main station in Florence)
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
"but now friends are discouraging me stating that it is too far to drive for just one day."
That advice (quoted above) is incorrect: it's only 70 miles via the autostrada and about 90 miles if you drove the scenic route.
So it's not a question of it being too far to drive, it's a question (maybe this is what your friends meant?) of how to do it and retain (most of) your sanity.
As you may already know, the problem driving into Florence is finding the small amount of day parking that's available (there actually is some) but avoiding accidentally driving past the automatic ticket cameras of the Florence ZTL and getting the big fines (they're up to over $150 per violation) in the mail months after your return home.
There are at least three options: Some people try to find day parking in Florence. Some drive to a town outside of Florence, park at the station, and take the train. Some take the train all the way but that depends on where you start from, getting from Montepulciano to Florence can be done but takes 2 hrs 40 mins station to station time (add for time to get to station, wait for train, etc) due to the # of stops and/or speed of the train.
Hopefully others here will add their answers and provide you with more detailed information.
Posted by
Los Angeles
425 posts
You could drive to Chiusi Scalo and take the train into Florence. If you take an Intercity train, make sure it takes you to Firenze S. M. Novella and not Rifredi. The slower "regionale" trains all go to S. M. Novella.
Posted by
OP
Ely, MN, USA
274 posts
What am I doing wrong? Why can't I see any prices on Trenitalia?
Posted by
Los Angeles
425 posts
Put in tomorrow's date or the day after tomorrow. If you don't plan on travelling on a Sunday, do not put in tomorrow's date, but any future date other than a Sunday. The schedules are current to mid-December.
Posted by
OP
Ely, MN, USA
274 posts
Thank so much for your help! I was starting to look for an additional place to stay right outside of Florence and now know I don't need to do that, which is a relief. It looks like my best and cheapest option is to jump on the train at Arezzo - only about 5 euros into Florence. Again, thanks!!
Posted by
Roseville, CA, US
10 posts
Great replies - the train is the way to go. We drove into Florence and it was horrible. We did find parking but it wasn't worth the struggle and tension.
You'll love the museums!! We just got back a couple of weeks ago and cherished each moment. Make sure to visit San Gimignano!
Posted by
Elko, Nv, United States
18 posts
After a frustrating trip to Sienna from our base in Lucca, we took the train to Florence. Even though it stopped in every town along the way, it was waaaaaaaaay better than driving in and finding parking. Parking will make your hair turn gray---or fall out.