We were going to rent a car when we leave Sienna but after reading the train schedule am now wondering if we should rent a car when we leave Pisa and take it to Siena, keep it there and continue on to Montalcino with it to drive around Tuscany. The train seems convaluded and long plus it seems that you have to take a taxi to the old city when you get off the train in Siena. Help. Anyone.
Posted by
Washington, DC, Washington, USA
110 posts
It does take awhile to get from Sienna to Pisa. However, it still may be easier and much, much cheaper than renting a car.
We took the train from Sienna to Lucca and in retrospect I would not have gone to Lucca on our short trip, it took about 3 hours from hotel to hotel by train and cab (changed trains in Empoli and Pisa).
nyway, the train station is a good distance from main square in Sienna. You will need to change trains in Empoli (which if the trains are running on time will be a pretty short wait). It will probably take around 2 hours to get from Sienna to Pisa.
Posted by
OP
Tsawwassen, B.C., Canada
14 posts
Hi, thank you very much for the heads up. I just checked the car rental and it ended up being the same for 4 days as 7 days so we booked a car. I guess their weekly rate is the same as a few days. And when you add up the car and taxi we are probably saving money plus more convenience. Hope parking is easy and not expensive.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
Be sure to either take a good GPS with you or get one with your car. Italy has little to no helpful street signage. A GPS will get you where you need to go, including public parking in Sienna, without the hassles of trying to find your way.
Posted by
boulder, colorado
192 posts
Having a car to visit the hilltowns is really a necessity. When going to Siena follow the signs to the soccer stadium and park there. It is a short walk to the old town. The hilltowns all have parking areas outside of the towns walls. With a car you are able to stop at any town you happen to pass and there are many that are off the tourist trail that are as interesting as the famous ones.
Posted by
Santa Clara, CA
252 posts
Sounds like you've got it covered, but for anyone else who has the same question, I just did this leg a couple weeks ago. From Pisa to Siena was pretty easy by train (and I'm the type who ALWAYS gets a rental car). The bus pickup at the Siena train station is different from Rick's 2008 guidebook. You cross the street, go through the mini-mall and pick up your city bus underground. We took a looooong walk looking for the bus using Rick's book, apparently it's a bit out of date.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Otter: You can give your feedback to Rick's book editor here, apparently they do read these: reader feedback Florence & Tuscany book
Posted by
dallas, tx, usa
1358 posts
I agree with those who suggest renting a car. I find it far more convenient driving in small towns. Not in large cities where parking is impossible.
That part of Italy is easy to drive. I have always found a car well worth the extra money when I travel.
Be aware of your speed when passing though small towns.
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
5 posts
What we did was take a train from Pisa to Florence - had lunch - and then took the super convenient bus direct to Sienna (which drops you off right in the center of town as opposed to the train which drops you in the suburbs).
Rick details this option quite clearly in his 2008 guidebook, but pm me if you want more detailed info.
I always prefer trains, but in this unique case, the bus truly is the best bet.