Train/Bus from Siena to Venice, what's a ES Link?

Siena is a bit out of the way from Florence. The best way to get there is by bus. However, Siena does have a train station about 1km down the hill from the city.

On the train runs that you see, most show an R train from Siena to Florence and then a Eurostar to Venice. On the run you mention, it looks like they will bus you from the train station to the Florence train station and then put you on the Eurostar. AMTRAK does that here in the U.S. and the Swiss do this a bit on some of their train runs.

I, too, would recommend taking the bus to Florence, then the train to Venice.

In addition to being cheaper, the Siena bus station is right in town (walking distance), where it is my impression you would have to take a cab/bus to the train station in Siena.

Once in Florence, the bus station is just like, across the street from the train station.

The buses that you'd want to take are called SITA buses. They run every day and cost something like 7.50 euro for a one way trip from Siena to Florence. The buses leave from Piazza Gramsci. Where everyone is waiting around for the buses you'll see a little stairway to underground, head down there to buy your tickets. Have a good trip!

Jenny

Jenny is correct. However, the bus being provided by Trenitalia on their website may or may not be the SITA bus and the one provide by Trenitalia will most likely depart from the train station which is different from the city wall.

All of that being said, I would suggest forgetting Trentialia from Siena and take the SITA Rapido bus. Again, as Jenny says, the SITA bus station is a long block away from the Florence train station. Just jump over there and get your Eurostar to Venice.

Sue,

The ES*Link is a Trenitalia bus that leaves from in front of the Siena station. As you're looking at the front door from the curb, the stop is to the left. Most buses stop and pick up passengers to the right. The bus is comfortable and takes you directly to the Florence station to meet your Eurostar (or other) train to Venice. You do not have to take a cab from the "upper" (touristy) part of Siena to the station. Buses run regularly from Piazza Gramschi to the station (about 10-15 minutes, depending on the day and time). Ask anyone standing around which bus to the station and they'll tell you where to stand. If I remember correctly, they're the orange city buses numbered 10 and 13--not the big blue buses.

Unlike the other posters, I recommend taking the ES*Link or train to Florence.

Thanks so much for all the information!