Direct trains from Florence to Siena

Most people take the 131R bus versus the train. 1 hour and 15 minutes basically 1 or 2 stops depending on if it stops on the outer edge of Siena (if people on the bus want to get off there. Not many do) Just did this a few weeks ago.

There must be engineering works, or something, in July.
In June there is a least one direct train an hour of the duration you expect.

People on this forum have said that the bus arrives near the central part of Siena, but the train station is less convenient.

We took the train from Florence to Siena and it takes 1.5 hours. It stops in several small towns enroute.

It was inexpensive, since it is a regional train.

The train station is at the bottom of the hill and the 131R stops are nearer the center of Sienna at the top of the hill. The location of where you are staying in Siena should probably dictate your choice of bus or train; they both get to the same place.

There is no need to book a regional train in advance. And regional train schedules more than a few weeks out are often not complete.
There is no need to book the bus in advance either (I don't think it is even possible).

I would prefer the train, over the bus, as it is fare more comfortable. But to each his own. Nevertheless, this is not something I would worry about until one is on the ground in Florence...

The bus is more convenient (takes you to the city center on top of the hill) and a bit faster.

The bus number is 131-R (R stands for Rapido, which is faster than the 131 with no R, which stops in other towns). The bus station is on Via Santa Caterina da Siena, practically across the Florence main station (Santa Maria Novella).

If you still prefer the train for sentimental or other reasons, there is no need to purchase tickets in advance. They are Regional (commuter trains) and reservations are not necessary, they work like the subway in NYC, you get on board and take any seat, if there are no seats, you stand up (however they usually have available seats). Just buy the tickets at the station when you depart (via App, at the automatic kiosks, or the ticket window manned by humans).

Be aware that the Siena station is a bit farther from the city center on top of the hill. There is an escalator that takes you up part of the way (then walk), but otherwise you can take a city bus or a taxicab.

Thank you all for your insights! It is good to know that I do not have to worry about booking either bus or train in advance.

We took the train a few years ago and would do the bus next time. As is said, the train station is not the most convenient to the center of town. We were planning to catch a cab to our hotel and none were there. Waited 10-15 minutes and still none so worked our way up the escalator and some kind soul helped us call a cab from there. Next time we'd take the bus.

I would never take a bus where there is a train. And in Sienna you take the escalator up, and then walk 500m and you are at the start of the old town. So the station is not that badly situated.

I'm experiencing the same issue. I called Trentitalia and found out that there are no direct trains during this time due to track work through July and August 25. it looks like the options are to take a direct bus, train with 2 changes, or a train and bus.

Thank you so much for the information about the train delays and track work Suzanne, that is extremely helpful. Bus it is!

Last month, we intended to take the bus but it doesn't run on Sundays so took the train. From there, it was a 15 euro cab ride to our hotel. If you take the train, it's a regional line and there is no need to purchase advance tickets....just get them at the train station. That way, you aren't committed to a particular time if you want to spend more or less time in Florence. There are 1-2 per hour.