I will be attending a football (soccer) game in Siena in a few weeks. They moved the game from Sunday 3p to Monday 8:45p! I've checked the train and bus schedules but the last ones out of Siena to Florence stop around 9pm. (We are staying in Florence and have already booked a hotel.) Do you know if they add extra, later times to their transportation schedules when they have an event going on? Can anyone recommend alternate transportation? I'm guessing the game should be over around midnight? A taxi will probably cost $$$$ since Florence is over an hour away. Please help!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32219 posts
Betty, I had a brief look at the rail and bus schedules, and neither seems to offer a solution. The last train appears to depart at 21:27 and the last Bus at 20:45. Under the circumstances, there would appear to be three choices: 1) Although you'll be staying in Florence, you could rent a room for one night in Siena. 2) Hire a Taxi for the trip back to Florence. The cost would likely be quite "steep" as the driver would be returning without a fare. At that time of night, it could be a challenge even finding a driver that wants to make the trip. 3) Rent a Car and drop it in Florence. You'd have to be very careful to avoid ZTL areas, and of course the rental office likely wouldn't be open when you arrive back in Florence in the "wee hours" of the morning. There are also the usual "caveats" that I often mention for driving in Italy. Especially as the game doesn't finish until about midnight, my choice would most definitely be Option (1). Although you'd be "double paying" for accommodations for one night, it would likely still be cheaper than either a Taxi or Car rental. Pack along a small Daypack with some toiletries and a change of clothing for the next day, and then take the Bus back to Florence after a nice relaxing breakfast in Siena. If you choose to stay in Siena, be sure to ask the Hotel if the front door will be open after midnight. Some provide a key for "late" guests. Good luck and happy travels!
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
I agree with Ken - I'd spend the night in Siena. No reason to double pay either - just cancel that one night at your Florence hotel. And I'll bet they'll hold your luggage for you if they know you're returning the following night. We've done similar "interrupted stays" several times in Europe with no problems.
Posted by
OP
Putnam Valley, NY, USA
2 posts
Thanks Tom & Ken! A taxi ride (if I could even find one) would probably cost as much if not more than a night's stay in Siena. So I just cancelled my last night in Florence and booked a night in Siena. I really can't believe there aren't any extra transportation options after a big event like Siena vs Roma. Thanks for the tip about returning to the hotel after midnight. I know when I stayed in Ireland my hotel locked up for the night. I didn't realize other countries might do it as well. I'll have to remember to let them know when we check in. THANKS!!!