Train Travel in Italy

Hi,

The train connections to/from Sienna were not great when we visited in 2012. We took the train from Rome to Florence, then walked across the street to the bus station, took the bus to Sienna. We were there before 11AM.

We found the bus easier than the train. I don't remember the cost. We did not book the bus until we arrived in Florence.

Mary

1. You can travel from Rome to Siena in 3 hours via regional trains changing in Chiusi. The train from Rome to Chiusi is a Regionale Veloce with 1st class available, the train to Siena from there is all 2nd class. No need to book in advance, but do remember to validate your tickets.
2. Bus is best for a day trip to Florence.
3. Train to Monterosso is also all Regionale tickets.
4. This will involve IC and Freccia trains with reserved seats. You will save money by buying in advance on-line and printing tickets at home. They should be on sale now at www.trenitalia.com.

Trenitalia sells the train tickets, but to just see schedule choices in advance, try the DB link at How to Look Up Train Schedules and Routes Online.

You can't buy any tickets more than 3 months ahead, and you would only do that for your longest rides if you want to commit to a date and time in return for an advance discount. Regional trains, which will also be part of your trip, such as from either Siena or Florence to Monterosso, should be purchased in the station and validated right there before boarding.

On either the Rome-Siena or the Siena-Florence leg, you can consider whether the central bus drop off is more convenient for you than the train station in Siena.

Trenitalia allows advance purchase tickets 120 days out. So October 9 is on sale now.

Thank you all for your responses. Any additional comments will be appreciated. Grazie.