We are planning to go from Florence to Siena in July. We will have luggage with us. Is it difficult to take the bus from Florence to Siena when traveling with airline size luggage? Also, does anyone know how often the Rapida buses travel from Florence to Siena? Are there private coaches that will transport you between cities?
Thanks for any help you can give us.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Adria, Regarding your questions.... No, it's not difficult to take the Bus from Florence to Siena. It's actually a better method in that you'll get off in the city centre, rather than the bottom of the hill. The Corse Rapide Buses travel that route several times a day. Even if you use a Corse Ordinarie Bus, the travel time is not that much longer. Check This Website for schedules (click the Linea Firenze-Siena for the PDF file). The Bus station in Florence is close to Firenze SMN rail station. If you have larger luggage items, the driver will place those in the hold. Carry-on size items can be kept with you. I don't know of any private Coaches, although there may be some? Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
Los Angeles, california, usa
15 posts
Thanks Ken...
My main concern on the bus was bringing the luggage. Thanks for letting me know the buses have holds for luggage. It is such a short distance from Florence to Siena that I think the bus is the best bet. We will then rent a car after our overnight in Siena and take a long leisurely drive into Rome the next day, stopping in some small towns along the way. I appreciate your quick response.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
The SITA buses from Florence to Siena are large modern inter-city buses. Similar to Greyhound (but better), they do have nice luggage holds underneath the passenger seating. The actual SITA bus station is about 800'-1,000' feet to the southwest of the main Florence train station. If you have the RS book on Italy, he does show the location on his map. If you standing in front of the Florence SMN train station with your back to the station, the city bus station is to your left and not the one you want. Look 90 degress to your right. That's where the SITA bus station is located. You will have to to cross one busy street but there are traffic lights.. Here's a link to the Corse Rapide bus schedule. http://www.sitabus.it/sita-toscana/Firenze-Siena2010.pdf
Posted by
OP
Los Angeles, california, usa
15 posts
Thanks Larry...I guess these buses in Italy are quite different from our city buses in Los Angeles. I appreciate your response to my question. Our hotel in Florence is a 5 minute walk from the train station so the location of the bus station for us is perfect. Thanks also for your tip about the Sita station being to the right. I am sure we will find it.