Rome to Siena, Direct bus

According to viamichelin.com, it's about 0.3km from the bus station to Auto Europe's pick-up point at 21 Viale Europa.

Just returned from Italy after 10 days. We did the reverse of your Rome-Siena trip. While in Siena, we booked two seats from Siena to Rome at the Siena Palio Viaggi travel agency listed in Rick's guidebook. Although the trip was through the train system (TrenItalia) it was actually a combination bus-train trip.

From the Siena train station, we first took a very nice tour-type bus operated by TrenItalia to Chiusi. The bus dropped us off at the Chiusi rail station where we waited about 20 minutes then connected to the train to Rome. The bus ride from Siena to Chiusi was very scenic. I'm sure it works the same way in your direction.

The only drawback was that we had to depart from the Siena train station instead of the more centrally located bus station. If you choose this alternative, don't forget to validate BOTH your bus and train tickets using the validation machines at the train station. Taxis departing the Siena bus station are scarce and the city bus ride was crowded.

Another option would be to take the train from Rome to Chiusi and then pick up your rental car. The rental agencies in Chiusi are close to the train station.

I rented an automatic last year from AutoEurope. I came to Siena on the direct bus from Florence. I took a taxi(too far to walk to)after I got off and within 5 minutes (driver was really fast on those curvy downhill roads)I was at Europcar on Viale Europa. Renting was very quick and easy. But remember to check for dents and have the Rep acknowledge them on the rental agreement. Sometimes cars are not thoroughly cleaned and dents hide under the dirt. Europcar also very close to freeway. Good Luck.

As Tom mentions, buses to/from cities south of Siena tend to depart/arrive at the Siena train station. If the Rome bus departure station is Tiburtina, it may be easier (although somewhat more expensive) to take the train, which will require a transfer in Chiusi. The train trip takes about 3 hours. You can check Trenitalia's website for exact schedules.

It is great to have this forum. We are making our first out of country trip. Thanks to all. We reserved the car in Siena and will try the direct bus. Our first week is ETBD Rome in 7 Days, or maybe call it Italy 101....
Thanks Travelers, Gary