What is the best way to get to Siena from Cinque Terre?

We did this via train thru Florence. Then take a bus to Siena. La Spezia to Florence is maybe 4 hrs and I believe there were lots of options for departure. Then if you have time when you arrive in Florence, you can check your bags at the train station and tour Florence (if only to run and see David). Then hop on the express bus to Siena (the number of the bus is referenced in RS book). I think it took about an hour from Florence to Siena.

Hope that helps.

We were staying in Monterosso and took the train from there to Pisa, Pisa to Empoli and then Siena. It took 3hrs and 11 minutes. We bought sandwiches in town and had lunch in the car along the way. As I remember we didn't have to even change tracks in Pisa, just stood there and waited for our train to show up. It was about the only time we didn't have to go down the one set of stairs and up another.

Hey Scott - Bobbi nailed it - the best and quickest way to Siena IF you don't want to rent a car. While you're enjoying the unbelievable sights of La Cinque Terre please consider walking the trail from Riomaggiore to Manarola - It is amazing!! and only takes about 25 minutes. Cafe along the way if you want to stop for a beverage.
The only reason I mentioned the car rental is that it would allow you to see, not only Siena but either San Gimignano or Volterra in the same day. Either way have a fabulous trip!!

Ciao, Greg

We did the reverse in May (Siena to La Spezia). We took the train to La Spezia from which you take the trains that run to CT. There were a couple of routes, lots of times. have you checked the trenitalia website? It has all of the times, prices, connections. Very helpful. I think you can also take the bus to La Spezia. It is very easy to get around although the trains are often late so you just take the next.

Scott,

That's a very easy trip! As the others have suggested, you'll take the "local" train to La Spezia and then transfer to another that will take you to Siena. Check the bahn.de website for listings of the various trains on that route.

I can't recall if the stations in all of the villages are "full service" but Monterosso definitely is. You should be able to buy your tickets from there to Siena. Otherwise, take a few minutes and buy your return tickets at the station in La Spezia (DON'T forget to validate!).

I'd have to check on the Bus options from La Spezia, but the Bus trip from Florence to Siena is VERY easy and has the advantage of dropping passengers in the main part of town rather than at the bottom of the hill where the train station is located. There's also Bus from Pisa Airport to Siena, which drops passengers at Piazza Gramsci (trip is 1H:50M - see www.trainspa.it for details).

The train I'd probably use departs La Spezia Centrale at 10:06, arriving Siena at 13:14 (time 3H:08M, 2 changes in Pisa and Empoli, reservations required for the first leg). I like to have a leisurely breakfast before heading to my next location so that's why I chose that departure time. Arriving at about 14:00 is perfect for check-in and a bit of a "walk about" before dinner (those who arrive too early sometimes find the room has not been "serviced" yet).

If you have any questions about the rail shedules, post another note.

Cheers!