Hi !
We want to do a day trip to Siena monday. We know we must take the 131r bus.
Thanks !
We went to Siena from Florence this past May, by bus. We did only one museum plus the cathedral, otherwise just walking the town, lunch, ice cream, lots of photos. We took a 9:30 am bus and returned at 5 for dinner in Florence, more than enough time for what we wanted to see, but dinner and some evening atmosphere would be nice to try, too. You can buy bus tickets the day of your trip, I would think, our bus was not full (though summer is probably busier). You could also buy one way bus ticket, stay as long as you want, if you miss the last bus back take the train and buy one way train ticket from machine. We had lunch at Antica Bottega di Siena, a Rick Steves recommendation, just a few steps off of Il Campo. It was good but not outstanding. Enjoy your visit.
I often buy tickets a day or so before travel. Don't forget to validate them prior to boarding the Bus on the day of travel, or you'll risk fines.
From what I remember, there's not a huge difference in travel time between using a Corse Rapide (fast bus) and a regular Bus. You've probably already seen this schedule - https://www.mega.it/ita/not/sita.htm .
You might consider having an early dinner, so that you can spend more time at the restaurant. If you decide to take the train, you'll have to take a Taxi from the town to the bottom of the hill, where the rail station is located.
Traveling to Siena by bus (131R) is easier than the train, from what I understand. I took the bus which drops you closer to town. I bought the tickets the same day as travel, whatever makes you more comfortable. Siena is a small compact, hilly town. With no museums you can walk the town in a couple of hours, if you are going to browse each and every shop, days. I ate here Prètto Prosciutteria. If you go to google maps & type in the name you will see pictures & reviews. I really wanted to eat here Antica Osteria da Divo but ran out of time. Enjoy!!
Antica Osteria al Divo is THE BEST!!!
We bought tickets the same day we went.
My suggestion would be to buy your return ticket at Florence so you are guaranteed a seat back,
